Jacksonville Jaguars’ Week 1 Opener Set Against Carolina Panthers

The NFL’s regular season kickoff is always a moment of anticipation, but for the Jacksonville Jaguars, their 2025 Week 1 opener against the Carolina Panthers carries extra weight—it’s a chance to start fresh after a 2024 campaign that ended just short of the playoffs, and a test of whether their offseason upgrades can translate to immediate success. The league’s schedule release confirmed the Jaguars will host the Panthers at EverBank Stadium on Sunday, September 7, marking the first time the two teams have faced off since 2022 (a 24-17 Jaguars victory). For head coach Doug Pederson, the opener is more than a single game; it’s an opportunity to set the tone for the season, especially in a division as competitive as the AFC South. With a revamped offensive line, a newly minted returner in Parker Washington, and a secondary experimenting with Travis Hunter at cornerback, the Jaguars will look to showcase their growth against a Panthers team that’s also rebuilding with young talent. For fans and analysts alike, Jacksonville Jaguars’ Week 1 Opener Set Against Carolina Panthers is a window into what the Jaguars can become this season—whether they’re a true playoff contender or still a team finding its footing.

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Week 1 Opener Set Against Carolina Panthers revives a relatively new but competitive NFL rivalry, one that has historically favored the Jaguars in recent years. Since 2018, the Jaguars have won three of their four matchups against the Panthers, including that 2022 victory where quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw for 235 yards and two touchdowns, and running back Travis Etienne Jr. rushed for 96 yards. But this year’s Panthers team is a different challenge: they’ve added veteran quarterback Andy Dalton to mentor rookie first-round pick Bryce Young (who struggled in his 2024 debut season) and signed defensive end Brian Burns to a long-term extension to anchor their pass rush. The Panthers’ defense ranked 11th in sacks last season (40), a stat that will test the Jaguars’ upgraded offensive line—specifically new left tackle Chuma Udoga, who will make his Jaguars debut protecting Lawrence’s blind side. What makes this opener even more intriguing is the contrast in styles: the Jaguars lean on a high-powered passing game led by Lawrence and wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Christian Kirk, while the Panthers prioritize a run-heavy offense with running back Miles Sanders (who rushed for 899 yards in 2024). This clash of philosophies will force both teams to adapt early, making the Week 1 matchup a strategic chess match from the first snap.

A closer look at the key matchups in Jacksonville Jaguars’ Week 1 Opener Set Against Carolina Panthers reveals where the game could be decided—starting with the battle between the Jaguars’ offensive line and the Panthers’ defensive front. The Panthers’ Brian Burns is one of the league’s most disruptive pass rushers, recording 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in 2024, and he’ll likely line up against Jaguars right tackle Walker Little for much of the game. Little, entering his fourth season, has shown improvement in pass protection but has never faced a player of Burns’ caliber in a Week 1 opener—this matchup will be a critical test of his growth. On the other side of the ball, the Jaguars’ defensive line (bolstered by first-round pick Byron Murphy II) will aim to pressure Bryce Young, who was sacked 45 times in 2024 (the third-most among NFL quarterbacks). Murphy II, a quick and powerful defensive tackle, could exploit the Panthers’ interior offensive line, which allowed 28 sacks last season. Another key matchup is in the secondary: Jaguars cornerback Patrick Peterson will likely cover Panthers wide receiver DJ Moore, who caught 80 passes for 1,023 yards in 2024. Peterson’s experience (12 NFL seasons) against Moore’s speed (4.42-second 40-yard dash) will be a battle of veteran savvy vs. youthful athleticism—one that could determine how many big plays the Panthers’ passing game can generate.

A critical factor in Jacksonville Jaguars’ Week 1 Opener Set Against Carolina Panthers is the role of the Jaguars’ special teams unit, which will look to make an immediate impact with new returner Parker Washington. The Jacksonville Jaguars ranked 24th in punt return average last season, but Washington’s preseason success (12 yards per punt return in scrimmages) gives them a chance to win the field position battle early. The Panthers’ special teams unit, meanwhile, ranked 18th in punt coverage last season (allowing 8.1 yards per return), which could create opportunities for Washington to break off a long gain or even a touchdown. Field position will be especially important if the game stays close, as both teams have reliable kickers: the Jaguars’ Brandon McManus made 86% of his field goals in 2024, while the Panthers’ Eddy Pineiro converted 84%. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, a strong special teams performance could be the difference between a win and a loss—especially if their offense or defense struggles to find rhythm early in the season. Washington’s debut as the full-time returner will thus be just as closely watched as Lawrence’s first start of the year.

Another key angle of Jacksonville Jaguars’ Week 1 Opener Set Against Carolina Panthers is the emotional impact of playing at home in front of a sold-out EverBank Stadium. The Jacksonville Jaguars have one of the most passionate fan bases in the NFL, and their home games have become known for their loud, energetic atmosphere—something that can rattle opposing quarterbacks like Bryce Young, who struggled on the road in 2024 (throwing 11 interceptions vs. 7 touchdowns away from home). The Jaguars’ home record over the past two seasons is 9-7, but they’ve won their last three Week 1 openers at home, including a 2023 victory over the Indianapolis Colts where the crowd noise forced three false-start penalties on the Colts’ offensive line. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, leveraging this home-field advantage will be crucial: they’ll look to start fast, feed off the crowd’s energy, and put the Panthers on their heels early. Pederson has already emphasized the importance of the opener in team meetings, telling players, “Week 1 sets the tone for everything—how we practice, how we prepare, how we compete. We need to give our fans something to cheer about right out of the gate.”

As September 7 approaches, Jacksonville Jaguars’ Week 1 Opener Set Against Carolina Panthers remains the focal point of the Jaguars’ preseason preparations. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this game is more than a chance to start 1-0—it’s a opportunity to prove they’ve addressed the weaknesses that cost them a playoff spot in 2024. Lawrence, entering his fifth season, is poised to take the next step as a franchise quarterback, and the Jaguars’ offense has the talent to be one of the league’s best. But the Panthers’ defense will provide a tough first test, and the Jaguars’ young players (like Murphy II and Hunter) will need to step up in their first regular-season action. For fans, the opener is a chance to see the fruits of the team’s offseason work—from Udoga’s protection of Lawrence to Washington’s returns. While there are no guarantees in the NFL, the Jaguars’ preparation, talent, and home-field advantage give them a clear path to victory. In the end, Jacksonville Jaguars’ Week 1 Opener Set Against Carolina Panthers is a celebration of the new NFL season—and a reminder that for the Jaguars, this year’s goal is simple: win now, and compete for a Super Bowl.