![Buccaneers-at-Jaguars-bm Buccaneers-at-Jaguars-bm](https://sas.suplitodomedia.com/articles_images/BookMaker/Buccaneers-at-Jaguars-bm.jpg)
The Bucs have a similar core returning from last season and a quarterback in Jameis Winston who has proven himself in the NFL. Tampa Bay could be taking a more laissez faire approach to these exhibition games, interested in getting some work in for its starters but not too concerned about that result. That separation in motivation could play a critical role in the outcome of this matchup.
Watch this preseason Week 2 matchup live on Friday, August 17, 2017, at 8 p.m. ET at EverBank Field.
Odds Analysis
The line on this game has yet to be released, but since it is a preseason contest, the spread figures to be small. The Jaguars could be favored because they have the home field advantage. Keep a close eye on playing time for the quarterbacks and the starters as that could have a big role in the outcome.
Injury Report
Leonard Fournette -- The former LSU star running back was the Jaguars’ first-round pick and he is expected to be a big part of the offense in 2017. Fournette suffered a foot injury recently and it’s unknown how long it will affect him. If Fournette misses this preseason contest against the Buccaneers, it would hurt Jacksonville’s chances of grabbing the victory.
Marqise Lee – The Jaguars wideout was carted off from practice, which usually denotes a serious injury. He isn’t one of Jacksonville’s top two receivers, but preseason is often a time when the backup pass-catchers shine. Don’t discount how much this injury could hurt the Jaguars against the Buccaneers.
Ryan Griffin -- Tampa Bay’s backup quarterback injured his shoulder in the preseason opener, which could actually be the most significant injury heading into this game. Winston is only going to get his set time, which would mean more work for veteran third-stringer Ryan Fitzpatrick and undrafted free agent Sefo Liufau. The more Liufau plays, the better Jacksonville’s odds will be to win this game.
Player to Watch
Zach Hocker -- It’s not often a kicker will be a player to watch, but that’s the case in this one for the Buccaneers. They recently released Roberto Aguayo, who was the team’s second-round pick just a year ago. It was a bold move and backfired spectacularly. Hocker was signed as the new second kicker to go along with Nick Folk.
The Bucs may want to get a decent look at Hocker in this one to see if this could be a competition heading into the regular season. Hocker hasn’t been in the league for a couple of years and could be rusty. If he misses a field goal or an extra point attempt, it could have a big effect on both the scoring total and the spread in this contest.
Free ATS Pick
The Buccaneers are the better team, and if this was the regular season they would be favored. However, the Jaguars are coming off a 31-24 win over the New England Patriots in their first preseason game, proving that the exhibition slates can lead to different results.
Blake Bortles is trying to show he deserves to be the Jaguars’ quarterback after this season, and wants to get into a groove heading into the regular season. Jacksonville may opt to let him go longer than Winston in this game, which could end up being a big deal.
Tampa Bay signed big-play wideout DeSean Jackson this offseason, and it’s possible he hauls in a long touchdown pass from Winston early on. However, the Jaguars seem more likely to take this game seriously. The Bucs didn’t look very good in their preseason opener, scoring only 12 points in a loss to the Bengals, and if Liufau plays most of the second half, they may not score a lot in this one either.
NFL Odds: Jaguars 20, Buccaneers 16
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!