NFL Odds opening weekend: Jaguars 3 point underdogs

The Jacksonville Jaguars opened up as 2.5 point underdogs in their home opener against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. It's not a big surprise, as I honestly can't remember the last time the Jaguars were favored in a game. I was expecting the line to be a little higher than just 2.5, though, and the biggest line I've seen at other players is just 3.5.

Clearly, those in Vegas think this game is going to be a close one and I would expect that as well.

The Jaguars will be hoping that their offensive showings in the preseason will carry over to the regular season, specifically the play of second-year quarterback Blake Bortles. If it does, the Jaguars have a very good shot of not only covering the spread, but out-right winning the football game.

Here's what OddsShark had to say about the game:

The Jaguars actually covered their last three games to finish 2014 and had three wins overall under then-second-year head coach Gus Bradley. Jacksonville won four games the previous season, and Bradley hopes to take the next step in 2015 with second-year quarterback Blake Bortles leading the offense.

The Jaguars were underdogs in 42 straight games before they were favored versus the Tennessee Titans in Week 16 last year, making the season opener the 44th time in 45 games they will be dogs.

OddsShark score prediction: Carolina 22.8, Jacksonville 18.8

Over/Under: 43.5