Miami Dolphins-Jacksonville Jaguars predictions for NFL season opener
The Miami Dolphins open the 2024 season Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and both teams have great expectations. The Dolphins are coming off a playoff season fueled by the NFL's No. 1 offense. The Jaguars gave quarterback Trevor Lawrence a huge new contract in the hope that he's ready to lead them to the postseason.
Of course, you wonder what the league was thinking about having two Florida teams play in Miami Gardens at 1 p.m. on the second Sunday in September. Weather forecast: hot and humid with temperatures in the low 90s at kickoff. At least there are no thunderstorms in the afternoon forecast. Yet.
Before we start sweating, here are The Palm Beach Post Sports Staff game predictions, which we are bringing back after a year's hiatus. Hopefully, we're a lot smarter this time around ...
Inside Florida Sports Live: What does 2024 hold for the Miami Dolphins?
Joe Schad - Dolphins 26, Jaguars 21
How to get to 26? How about a safety from rookie edge rusher Chop Robinson in his first NFL game? Tua Tagovailoa outshines overrated Trevor Lawrence in this one. Rookie receiver Jaylen Wright gets his first NFL touchdown.
Hal Habib - Dolphins 24, Jaguars 20
My calendar says it's September. My schedule says the Dolphins game starts at 1 p.m. That's a combination I would be reluctant to go against no matter who the opponent is. The Jaguars have their share of good players, but it'd take a lot more than who they have to go against Miami in a home opener.
Tom D'Angelo - Jaguars 28, Dolphins 27
Both teams ended the 2023 season flat with Miami's collapse costing it a home playoff game and Jacksonville's fade costing it a chance at the playoffs. Both are in a similar spot, paying big money to quarterbacks and bringing in new defensive coordinators. But Trevor Lawrence comes out on top in the battle of the $250 million-plus quarterbacks.
Nick Pugliese - Dolphins 21, Jaguars 20
It should be an entertaining afternoon at Hard Rock Stadium even if the players and fans will be melting by the third quarter. But the home faithful will be happy after Storm Duck returns an interception for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter and Miami pulls out the win. The headline: Dolphins just ducky in season opener.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach Post writers pick winner of Dolphins-Jaguars game
