Jacksonville Jaguars vs New Orleans Saints Picks and Prediction for Saturday, August 15, 2026

The Jacksonville Jaguars visit the New Orleans Saints on Saturday at 4:00 PM ET at Caesars Superdome for the preseason opener for both teams. New Orleans is a 2.5-point favorite after Jacksonville opened at -1.5, while the total has dropped from 38.5 to 37.5. Jacksonville finished last season with four wins in its final five games before losing 27-24 to Buffalo in the playoffs. New Orleans also won four of its final five, closing with a 19-17 loss at Atlanta. Cash in a big winner with our free NFL picks.

Jacksonville Jaguars Evaluating Offensive Roles

Jacksonville enters its second season under Liam Coen with several roles to examine during the preseason. Travis Hunter is expected to start at cornerback, but his offensive workload remains a major question after he played 67% of the offensive snaps in seven games before suffering a season-ending knee injury last year. Jacksonville drafted two tight ends, including second-round pick Nate Boerkircher, and Coen wants to use more multiple-tight-end formations. That leaves decisions involving Hunter, Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington and Brian Thomas Jr. when Jacksonville uses fewer wide receivers.

Running back is another important competition after Travis Etienne Jr. left during the offseason. Chris Rodriguez Jr. signed a two-year deal and is familiar with Coen’s offense, while Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. received additional work during the spring. Tuten brings 4.32 speed, and Allen has established value in pass protection. Jacksonville also needs to examine Caleb Ransaw at safety after his move from cornerback was delayed by a foot injury last season. Antonio Johnson and Eric Murray currently provide competition at the position.

Injuries: Garrett DiGiorgio (PUP, Undisclosed), Jack Kiser (Questionable, Knee), Cole Van Lanen (PUP, Knee), Caleb Ransaw (Questionable, Lower Body).

New Orleans Saints Assessing Quarterback Depth

New Orleans enters Year 2 under Kellen Moore with Tyler Shough preparing for his first full season as the starting quarterback. Shough took over for Spencer Rattler during 2025 and helped the Saints finish with four wins in their final five games. The preseason also allows New Orleans to examine the backup competition between Rattler and Zach Wilson. Rattler enters camp with experience in Moore’s system, while Wilson brings three seasons of previous starting experience. The supplied information does not provide Saturday’s quarterback rotation or expected playing time.

The Saints have several other roster decisions to examine. Rookie first-round receiver Jordyn Tyson joins Chris Olave at the top of the receiving group, while Devaughn Vele, Barion Brown, Ja’Lynn Polk and Bryce Lance compete for roles. New Orleans also added former Jacksonville running back Etienne to work alongside Alvin Kamara. Kicker features another direct competition between Charlie Smyth and Tanner Brown. Brown made all three of his field-goal attempts from at least 60 yards in the UFL this year, while Smyth finished 2025 as New Orleans’ primary kicker.

Injuries: Keeshawn Silver (PUP, Undisclosed), Bryan Bresee (Out, Knee/ACL), Christen Miller (Questionable, Hamstring), Mason Tipton (PUP, Leg), Nick Saldiveri (PUP, Knee).

Jacksonville Jaguars vs New Orleans Saints Game Pick

• New Orleans Saints -2.5

New Orleans is the pick because its backup quarterback competition provides two experienced options who should have meaningful value in a preseason setting. Rattler has already played in Moore’s offense, while Wilson brings several years of NFL starting experience. Jacksonville has Nick Mullens behind Trevor Lawrence, but much of the Jaguars’ preseason attention surrounds running back, safety, and how Hunter will eventually be used. The market has made a major move from Jacksonville -1.5 to New Orleans -2.5. With home field and experienced quarterback depth, the Saints are the play.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs New Orleans Saints Over/Under Pick

• Under 37.5

The under 37.5 is the pick after the total moved down from 38.5. Both teams have plenty to evaluate, but neither report confirms how long the primary quarterbacks or established offensive players will appear. Jacksonville is examining several running backs and different personnel combinations, while New Orleans has a backup quarterback battle and a crowded receiver group. Preseason substitutions can interrupt offensive rhythm as the game progresses, especially with new combinations on the field. With the market already lowering the number, under 37.5 is the play Saturday.