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The sweat may be pooling up in all the wrong places, but, before you know it, changing leaves, cool temperatures and football will be in the air. To help fantasy managers and devoted bettors get through summer’s soaring heat, The Gaming Juice’s resident gridiron gambler, Brad Evans, is here to preview each NFL franchise — fantasy values, prop picks and team win totals. Channeling Richard Dent, Reggie White and J.J. Watt, the Three-Point Stance has eyes on sacking the sportsbooks and fantasy rivals.
Today’s featured squad: Jacksonville Jaguars.
Fantasy value — Tank Bigsby, RB (ADP: 123.1, RB40)
A ground-combat vehicle featuring hard-to-penetrate armor, thick Caterpillar tracks and a high-caliber cannon, Jacksonville’s Tank possesses the power and thump to mow down would-be tacklers.
Last season on 168 carries, Bigsby was the epitome of efficiency. Among qualifying running backs according to Pro Football Focus, he ranked RB3 in yards after contact per attempt (3.74) and RB12 in missed tackles forced (46).
Travis Etienne is widely believed to be the team’s RB1, but questions about his actual usage continue to loom. Reportedly, the perceived incumbent could take a “backseat” on early downs. It’s a warranted move. In 2024, Etienne was dwarfed by Bigsby in almost every advanced metric.
[ NFL Gamer's Guide: Fantasy forecasts and futures bets for 2025 season ]
Rookie Bhayshul Tuten presents stiff competition, but given Bigsby’s recent performance and general experience, he should get first crack at earning short-yardage and goal-line work. If the Auburn product shows well in training camp, he could carve out a 10-12 touch role in Week 1 against Carolina.
Considering his 11th-easiest fantasy RB schedule, Bigsby could profit handsomely. However, the Jaguars offensive line — projected bottom-10 by multiple outlets — is a concern. Still, the attached risk is minimal at his RB5 price. It shouldn’t shock a soul if he leads the team in rushing. Jump on the Jag.
Prop pick — Travis Hunter 800 or more receiving yards (+135, DraftKings)
As discussed in-depth previously, the much-hyped rookie is, like his college coach Deion Sanders, a two-way stud with the swagger to instantly deliver on either end. Reading the tea leaves, Hunter’s snaps distribution should be approximately 80% offense and 20% defense.
Hunter the pass catcher is capable of beating defenders out of the slot or working outside. He possesses the juice and jukes to generate consistent separation. Witnessed often last season in Boulder, he displayed supreme playmaking ability. In his 13 games with Colorado, he tallied a 100-plus passer rating on seven different routes. His tree is wider than most believe.
The connection of Trevor Lawrence to Hunter should be a frequent occurrence in DUVAL. The passer’s excellent downfield touch (No. 6 in deep-ball completion percentage in ‘24) and the attention WR1 Brian Thomas is sure to draw are likely to lead to a sizable target share for the No. 2 overall pick. The Jags’ mediocre defense and 13th-easiest fantasy WR strength of schedule only enhances the chances.
Fire off a ticket with confidence, #TeamHuevos.
Team lean — Jaguars OVER 7.5 regular-season wins (-120, Caesars)
There’s a palpable buzz around Shad Khan’s crew. With the AFC South wide open, the Jags arguably have the best odds to unseat Houston in the division race.
Given their 40% or greater win probability in nine games (according to ESPN’s Mike Clay) and the fifth-easiest projected strength of schedule, optimism is warranted.
Jacksonville's defense, which finished a laughable No. 31 in EPA per play D last season, continues to be a work in progress. However, if the unit can play even at an average level, it could overproduce. As new head coach Liam Coen proved last year overseeing Tampa Bay’s offense, he has the scheme to maximize scoring.
TeamRankings gives the Jaguars a 35.3% chance of making the playoffs, but this bettor believes they will be entrenched in that conversation come late December. I'm riding the OVER.