NFL picks and predictions 2015, Panthers vs. Jaguars: No consensus on matchup in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Jaguars open at home against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, looking to get the 2015 season started right after finishing last season with a 3-13 record.

Jacksonville has Blake Bortles at quarterback in his second season, and things are already looking up. Bortles and the other Jags quarterbacks threw exactly zero interceptions in the preseason, and the offensive line, which allowed 71 sacks a season ago, allowed two in exhibition play.

There’s excitement about rookie running back T.J. Yeldon and tight end Julius Thomas, when he gets healthy. Defensively, Jacksonville is weaker, however, and this is where Carolina, even without mammoth receiver Kelvin Benjamin, could exploit its advantage.

For the Panthers, Cam Newton still has tight end Greg Olsen to throw to and a decent ground game with Newton and Jonathan Stewart running the ball. Carolina’s defense could be the X-factor, however, with its penchant for shutting down opponents led by star linebacker Luke Kuechly and teammates Thomas Davis and Charles Johnson.

Carolina also has an exciting rookie in Shaq Thompson, who could be a factor with his speed at linebacker. Carolina is a slight favorite at 3-3.5 points in numerous sports books.