The preseason action heats up Saturday as Liam Coen makes his NFL head coaching debut with the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Pittsburgh Steelers. All eyes — and betting slips — will be on two-way sensation Travis Hunter, who’s expected to make an impact on both sides of the ball.
Pittsburgh enters this matchup notably shorthanded, with most of their starters expected to sit.
We explain how that opens up a betting opportunity in our Steelers vs. Jaguars predictions and NFL picks for Saturday, August 9.
Steelers vs Jaguars prediction
Steelers vs Jaguars Best bet: Jaguars -0.5 1Q (+100 at bet365)
I love spots where one team is planning to run out their starters from the opening kickoff, while the other rests them.
That’s exactly what we have on Saturday, with Liam Coen confirming the bulk of the starters for the Jacksonville Jaguars getting reps for at least a couple of series. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers are holding out at least 15 of their 22 starters.
This not only includes quarterback Aaron Rodgers on offense, but also DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III. Only the bulk of the offensive line is expected to remain intact for Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson to operate behind.
But it’s the defensive side of the ball where Pittsburgh will be truly limited. Nearly every important starter will be absent from the game, meaning Trevor Lawrence should be able to orchestrate at least one scoring drive early.
Travis Hunter is going to play on both sides of the ball for the Jaguars, according to Coen, and I anticipate they’ll look to get him involved early in the passing game. The Jaguar defense has looked solid in camp, and should play well early against a lacking group of Pittsburgh receivers.
Coen likes to put up points, as we saw last season with a Tampa Bay offense that ranked fourth in the NFL in scoring. I’ll take the Jaguars to post at least one scoring drive early with the starters and carry a lead into the second quarter.
Steelers vs Jaguars odds
Steelers vs Jaguars live odds
Steelers vs Jaguars opening odds
- Spread: Steelers +1 | Jaguars -1
- Moneyline: Steelers +100 | Jaguars -120
- Over/Under: Over 35.5 | Under 35.5
How to watch Steelers vs Jaguars
| Location: | EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, FL |
| Date: | Saturday, August 9, 2025 |
| Kickoff: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | KDKA, WFOX |
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