The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars close out their 2026 NFL preseason slate with a Sunshine State showdown on Friday night.
Both teams have indicated their starters will be nothing more than spectators, and the depth of the Bucs' offense has them favored (-2.5) to see out the preseason unblemished.
My Buccaneers vs. Jaguars predictions and NFL picks explain why you shouldn’t hesitate to lay the points on Friday, Aug. 28.
Buccaneers vs Jaguars prediction
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TOP PICK
Who will win Buccaneers vs Jaguars: Buccaneers -2.5
Friday’s preseason game gives Todd Bowles and Liam Coen the final chance to gain information for key roster decisions ahead of Sunday’s deadline. Given the performances of many of those backups, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold a clear advantage.
It starts with the Jacksonville Jaguars defensive performance. If their second-half collapse against the Saints raised alarms, then their showing against the Carolina Panthers set off every alarm.
The Panthers did play their starters for a bit, but the second unit also put up strong numbers. And for a run defense that was one of the NFL’s best last season, the Jaguars coughed up 5.3 yards a carry as they allowed multiple chunk plays.
The Buccaneers got solid QB performances from both Jake Browning and Jalon Daniels against the Chiefs, and their scrambling ability will negate the Jaguars' strong pass rush. They’ll both perform well against this leaky Jacksonville secondary as they cover the spread.
Play to 58%.
Buccaneers vs Jaguars Over/Under pick: Over 34.5
Jalon Daniels led three scoring drives after halftime last week against the Chiefs, as they scored all 16 points after the intermission. I expect Bowles to explore what the undrafted rookie from Kansas can do in this game, as the backup QB battle has become interesting.
The fact Daniels operated in Wednesday’s joint practice as the second-string signal-caller has me expecting him to get plenty of reps. He gives the Bucs a better chance to put up points, especially against a secondary depth chart that has struggled.
On the flip side, the Jaguars are running the ball fairly well this preseason, and Coen has decisions to make.
Add in the wide receiver injury issues and the tight end battle, and I expect him to utilize multiple TE sets against a Buccaneers defense that has looked vulnerable against the run through two games.
Jacksonville cooked Tampa’s run defense in this week’s joint practices, and Coen should be able to lean on that to generate enough offense to push this north of the total.
Take this to 55%.
Buccaneers vs Jaguars live odds
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Buccaneers vs Jaguars weather
Rain showers are likely throughout the game, with temps hovering in the mid-80s. If it gets wet, the offenses could struggle.
How to watch Buccaneers vs Jaguars
| Location | EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, FL |
| Date | Friday, Aug.28, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | WFLA, WFOX |
Buccaneers vs Jaguars latest injuries
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