Two Young Teams, Two Bright Futures – Preseason Battle Set in Motion
Football is finally back, and as NFL Preseason Week 1 kicks off on Sunday, September 7, 2025, fans will be treated to an intriguing clash between two rising teams—🏈 Jacksonville Jaguars vs Carolina Panthers. While the preseason may not have the weight of regular-season matchups, this contest promises meaningful reps, player evaluations, and glimpses into what both franchises hope will be breakout seasons.
With kickoff slated for 1:00 PM ET, this early Sunday afternoon game will take place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC, as the Panthers host the Jaguars in what could be a key developmental game for both coaching staffs.
Let’s break down everything fans need to know—from key matchups and rookies to watch, to updated odds and expert predictions—all centered around the exciting preseason meeting: 🏈 Jacksonville Jaguars vs Carolina Panthers.
📅 Game Info
- Matchup: 🏈 Jacksonville Jaguars vs Carolina Panthers
- Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
- Time: 1:00 PM ET
- Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
- TV Broadcast: NFL Network (National), FOX (Regional)
- Streaming: NFL+, Hulu Live, YouTube TV, fuboTV
- Radio: WJXL 1010 AM (Jaguars), WBT 1110 AM (Panthers)
- Tickets: as low as $65
- Line: JAX -3
- O/U: 46.5
🐆 Jacksonville Jaguars: Continuing the Climb in 2025
The Jaguars took another step forward in 2024, finishing with a solid 10–7 record but falling short in the playoffs. Entering 2025, the pressure is on Trevor Lawrence and head coach Doug Pederson to move beyond mere contention and into championship conversation.
Key Jaguars Storylines
- Trevor Lawrence’s Fourth Year: Lawrence has developed into a top-tier QB, and 2025 could be his breakout MVP-level season.
- Offensive Growth: With Christian Kirk, Calvin Ridley, and rookie TE Blake Sanders, Jacksonville is stacked with weapons.
- Defensive Reinforcements: The Jags added depth in the secondary with Darnell Wright and rookie safety KJ Douglas.
- Backup QB Watch: Carson Strong will see extensive preseason action as he battles for QB2.
Coach Doug Pederson is known for smart preseason planning. Expect situational tests and creative play-calling even in limited reps.
🐾 Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young’s Time to Shine
Key Panthers Storylines
- Bryce Young’s Development: A make-or-break year for the former No. 1 pick. His accuracy and decision-making must improve.
- Offensive Weapons: Jonathan Mingo, DJ Chark, and rookie WR Zion Gaines are expected to elevate the aerial game.
- Run Game Reset: Veteran RB Miles Sanders shares duties with explosive rookie Tyshawn Morris.
- Defensive Youth Movement: Brian Burns, Jaycee Horn, and rookie LB Tyree Holmes headline a fast, aggressive defense.
New offensive coordinator Thomas Brown will likely emphasize play-action, misdirection, and deep shots to test Jacksonville’s secondary.
🔍 Matchup Breakdown – 🏈 Jacksonville Jaguars vs Carolina Panthers
Quarterback Play
- Trevor Lawrence (JAX) is expected to play 1–2 series before giving way to Carson Strong and rookie Ben Griffiths.
- Bryce Young (CAR) may see more reps as the team wants to build rhythm early. Matt Corral and rookie Chris Hope will get time as well.
Running Backs
- Travis Etienne Jr. remains the Jaguars’ RB1 but expect heavy preseason touches for Tank Bigsby and Rashaad White.
- Carolina’s Tyshawn Morris has drawn rave reviews and could shine in extended action.
Wide Receivers
- Jacksonville’s Christian Kirk and Zay Jones may not play long, but rookie WR Drexton Poole could explode against second-team defenders.
- Carolina will test the Jags’ secondary with Zion Gaines and DJ Chark on go routes.
Offensive Lines
- Jaguars: The left side is anchored by Cam Robinson and Ben Bartch, but depth is still a concern.
- Panthers: Rookie LT Kevin Wayne will get his first test against Jacksonville’s blitz-heavy packages.
🔥 Players to Watch – 🏈 Jacksonville Jaguars vs Carolina Panthers
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Carson Strong (QB) – A preseason star candidate if he shows command of the offense.
- Drexton Poole (WR) – Fifth-round pick with elite YAC potential.
- Chad Muma (LB) – Fighting for a starting role alongside Foye Oluokun.
- KJ Douglas (S) – The rangy safety will get reps in multiple sub-packages.
Carolina Panthers
- Bryce Young (QB) – Every snap will be scrutinized for progress and poise.
- Zion Gaines (WR) – Could leapfrog into the WR3 spot with a big showing.
- Tyshawn Morris (RB) – Explosive runner with shiftiness and quick acceleration.
- Tyree Holmes (LB) – Rookie linebacker already flashing leadership qualities.
📊 Position Battles Worth Watching
Jaguars
- Backup QB: Carson Strong vs. Ben Griffiths
- WR5/6: Jamal Agnew vs. Drexton Poole
- Nickel Corner: Tre Herndon vs. Gregory Junior
Panthers
- WR3/4: Gaines vs. Mingo vs. Terrace Marshall
- RG: Austin Corbett vs. rookie Blake Leary
- Safety: Xavier Woods vs. Jammie Robinson
🎲 Preseason Odds – 🏈 Jacksonville Jaguars vs Carolina Panthers
Point Spread: Panthers -1.5
Over/Under: 35.0
Moneyline: Jaguars +105, Panthers -125
Preseason betting can be unpredictable, but oddsmakers give a slight edge to the home team. With depth chart uncertainty, it’s best to watch early line movement based on injury updates and QB availability.
📺 How to Watch the Game Live
TV Broadcast
- FOX (Regional coverage)
- NFL Network (National)
Live Stream Platforms
- NFL+ (mobile/tablet)
- fuboTV
- YouTube TV
- Hulu + Live TV
Radio Coverage
- Jaguars: WJXL 1010 AM
- Panthers: WBT 1110 AM
On-Demand Replay
- NFL Game Pass International
🏟️ Game Day Atmosphere – Bank of America Stadium
Expect a lively crowd as Panthers fans fill the stadium to get their first glimpse of Bryce Young’s progression and the team’s new identity under coach Canales.
- Weather: 81°F, partly sunny
- Gates Open: 11:00 AM
- Fan Zones: Open two hours before kickoff
- Merch & Concessions: 2025 gear launch, BBQ food trucks, and interactive experiences
🤝 Historical Matchup – Jaguars vs Panthers
- All-Time Series: Panthers lead 5–3
- Last Meeting: Panthers won 31–21 (2023 Regular Season)
- Preseason Record: Tied 1–1
- Notable Game: The 2019 shootout where Christian McCaffrey ran wild for 237 total yards.
Though they don’t meet often, recent matchups have been highly competitive.
🧠 Coaching Battle – Pederson vs Canales
Doug Pederson is a Super Bowl-winning coach known for smart situational football and player development. Dave Canales, in his first season as an NFL head coach, brings an energetic West Coast philosophy and creativity.
This game will allow both to test concepts and rotate personnel freely without regular-season pressure.
🗣️ Expert Prediction
Final Score: Jaguars 20, Panthers 17
With deeper quarterback play and a more established offensive identity, Jacksonville may have the edge. Expect a close game defined by second- and third-team reps.
- MVP: Carson Strong – 12/16, 145 yards, 1 TD
- Breakout Player: Tyshawn Morris (CAR) – 10 carries, 58 yards, 1 TD
- Highlight Moment: A 40-yard TD bomb from Strong to Poole in the second quarter
🔑 Five Keys to the Game
- Quarterback Efficiency – Which backups can run the offense without mistakes?
- Rookie Poise – Can high-draft picks like Gaines and Poole handle game speed?
- Defensive Communication – Early-season cohesion will be tested.
- Special Teams Discipline – Field position battles could tilt momentum.
- Red Zone Execution – Efficiency in scoring areas separates winners, even in the preseason.
📌 Why 🏈 Jacksonville Jaguars vs Carolina Panthers Is Must-Watch
Don’t dismiss the 🏈 Jacksonville Jaguars vs Carolina Panthers preseason matchup as just another exhibition game. This Week 1 contest is loaded with youth, talent, storylines, and the kind of hunger that makes preseason football uniquely thrilling.
Both teams have big goals in 2025. This game is where those goals begin to materialize—on the field, in the locker room, and on tape for every coach, scout, and fan to evaluate.