Jacksonville Jaguars Hoping To Turn Corner, Upset Betting Odds in '10

NFL News - February 17th, 2010 - Written by John

As far as performance goes, there was nothing particularly weaker about the 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars than the year before. In fact, David Garrard making his first-career Pro Bowl may even signal the offense is poised to turn the corner.

But as far as results go, it was the same bitter taste at the end of the year as the Jaguars led the wild card race late in the year only to lose their last four games. And after missing the playoffs in such a remarkable way, the team finds itself at a crossroads as it enters a new decade. Relocation rumors have been swirling for years as Los Angeles lobbies for a new franchise, but Jacksonville has been doing everything it can to keep it's team. It's already way ahead of last year's pace in terms of ticket sales, and is hoping to inject interest in the community. Hopefully that will help the Jaguars contend for the AFC, but for the moment, sportsbooks find it unlikely.

According to NFL Betting Lines listed at Bodog Sportsbook , Jacksonville is a 55/1 longshot to win the Super Bowl in 2011. Heck, it may even be a dogfight to get out of the division. Indianapolis is the reigning conference champ, and the stock is soaring on the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans. Finishing 8-8 in 2010 could put the Jaguars last in the AFC South.

Garrard made the All-Star game, but it was rather deceiving considering he was the league's seventh choice for the AFC team. Quarterback after quarterback pulled out of the exhibition for various reasons, leaving him as the best available option with just a week before the game. But he did manage to throw for nearly 3,600 yards and 15 touchdowns and get the team to 7-9 despite limited expectations.

Maurice Jones-Drew was, well, Maurice Jones-Drew once again, but the real revelation was wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker. The sophomore led the team in receiving with 869 yards and seven touchdowns, and was Garrard's favorite target late in games.

He will be back, and without Torry Holt to steal some catches away, in what will be his first full season.