3 bold predictions for Jaguars vs. Dolphins in Week 1 of the 2024 season

Following a disappointing end to 2023, the Jacksonville Jaguars will want to start off on the right foot in the regular season. In Week 1, they'll be facing the Miami Dolphins, and Trevor Lawrence talked about the importance of winning the game.

"Very important," Lawrence told the local media when asked about the importance of the first step. "Every week's crucial. We just never know down the line, it's early, it's Week 1, and you think you got 17 games. But at the end of the season, you never want to be in a position."

Lawrence continued, "Think of last year, for example, where you look back and yeah, of course, we finished the season bad. But you also look back to the beginning and you like, man, we let some games slip early that would have gave us even more room at the end of the season, so it's really important."

"Obviously, this is an AFC team too. But every game is crucial, and you put everything into it and you just try to go want to know each week and you got to keep that tunnel vision for 17 weeks straight. That's what it is, so we got to start with just one, though, this week."

Lawrence is right. This game could end up being a tiebreaker in playoff seeding, so the Jaguars must do what they can to win it. Moreover, starting strong would help the team spurn momentum. With that in mind, here are three bold predictions for the game.

Brian Thomas Jr. will register 100+ yards vs. the Dolphins

Rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was the talk of the town in the preseason, and it's easy to see why. The former LSU Tiger routinely showed his big-play capability, hauling in several jaw-dropping passes. Now, he'll get to play his first regular-season game ever.

Thomas will face a Dolphins secondary that could be without Jalen Ramsey. The All-Pro cornerback is currently dealing with a hamstring injury and is questionable for the game. Even if he does suit up, he might not be at full strength. Whether he plays or not, the Jags will try to exploit that matchup.

Trevor Lawrence will surely test the Miami backfield by trying to connect with Thomas deep. This will allow the Louisiana native to gain yards in chunks and end with over 100.

Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby will combine for 150+ yards in Week 1

Even though the offensive line had trouble opening lanes for Travis Etienne in 2023, he still managed to cross the 1,000-yard line for the second straight year. The front office beefed up the line of scrimmage in the offseason, so the 2021 first-round pick should be once again as productive as he was in 2021. That year, he averaged 5.1 yards per carry.

Another thing that will help Etienne stay fresh and productive is the presence of sophomore Tank Bigsby. The former Auburn Tiger had an underwhelming 2023 season but looked much better in training camp and later in the preseason.

The Jaguars shouldn't hesitate to lean on Etienne and Bigsby to wear the Miami defense down. Moreover, having to defend the run will prevent them from dropping extra defenders in coverage. Behind an improved offensive line, the duo should have no trouble tallying over 150 yards if the coaching staff commits to running the ball.

Trevor Lawrence will throw 3 TDs, no INTs for the Jaguars, start early MVP talks

Trevor Lawrence was seen as an ascending quarterback ahead of the 2023 season but ultimately failed to live up to expectations. Some of it was due to his propensity to turn the ball over but the team also deserves blame for his regression because they didn't put him in a position to succeed. That was then, though. No. 16 is healthy after dealing with several injuries last year and is ready to prove that he's the player who earned the generational talent label coming out of college.

Even if the stats don't show it, Lawrence made good decisions more often than not in 2023. Behind an improved offensive line, he should have no trouble moving the football and racking up yards with ease. The former Clemson Tiger will make the most out of his wide receiver corps and will throw three touchdowns, with no fumbles or interceptions, against the Dolphins.

That will be the start of what should be a banner season for Trevor Lawrence.

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