Chiefs vs Jaguars Prediction, Picks & Odds for This Week’s NFL Preseason Game

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson is unshy about playing starters right out of the preseason gate, highlighting his belief that "You want to get them out there, knock the rust off, get that game feel". 

While that may not translate to a significant amount of playing time for the starters, it at least means they will play a drive or two — and he basically hinted at exactly that.

"I think it's important for guys to play, especially early. It doesn't have to be a lot or a long time. It's not long, but it's good for those guys to go out there and do that," said Pederson on Thursday.

Andy Reid will do the same for the Kansas City Chiefs, which means this game will be a battle primarily between second and third-stringers. And to that extent, the Jaguars have an undeniable edge over the defending Super Bowl champs.

Their depth chart includes the likes of two-time Pro Bowler and former All-Pro Devin Duvernay, camp star Parker Washington, and former Auburn stud Seth Williams.

In the backfield, Jacksonville possesses last year's third-round pick Tank Bigsby, who the coaching staff has made a point to highlight and encourage during camp following a quiet rookie campaign. The Jags also boast D'Ernest Johnson, who has had flashes in the past as a spot starter.

And most importantly, they have Mac Jones and C.J. Beathard at quarterback, both of whom have real NFL experience as starters. While former Pro Bowler Carson Wentz is now the backup for the Chiefs, Chris Oladokun and Ian Book will likely play the majority of snaps for Kansas City. 

Former Clemson star Justyn Ross highlights their positional players, but he has failed to make any noise in the league in his two seasons thus far. Deneric Prince has also gotten his fair share of camp hype as the Chiefs' potential RB2, but may not see much playing time due to his ascending status on the depth chart.

All in all, the Jaguars have more meaningful depth that should help them ultimately prevail.