Falcons
Falcons' quarterback Matt Ryan led a second-half comeback over the Panthers on Sunday. Reuters

NFL careers are on the line as the Atlanta Falcons face the Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday night at EverBank Field.

The preseason match-up starts at 6:30pm eastern time, and you can watch streaming online here.

Players hoping to make the final roster will have their final shot, as both teams plan to rest their starters before the regular season begins next week.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is expected to sit, while veteran Luke McCown and Dominique Davis could split time under center. Atlanta signed McCown earlier this week after releasing Chris Redman, who has been the Falcons' back-up the last four seasons.

Running back Jacquizz Rodgers, who is in his second year out of Oregon State, will play ahead of starter Michael Turner. In three preseason games the 5-foot-6 Rodgers garnered 61 yards on 17 carries to lead the team.

Third-year running back Antone Smith, along with nine-year veteran Lousaka Polite and 24-year-old Dimitri Nance are still competing for the final spots.

Jacksonville on the other hand will play most of their starters during the first couple of series Wednesday night.

Running back Rashad Jennings was named the Week 1 starter, as Maurice Jones-Drew continues his contract holdout. Jennings continues to shine as he tallied 57 yards on 13 carries in the Jaguars 48-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens last week.

Quarterback Blaine Gabbert struggled with his accuracy going 11-for-21 for 117 yards. Rookie receiver Justin Blackmon made four receptions for 72 yards.

After the starters come out Thursday, the Jaguars will eye several rookies hoping to make the final cut. Undrafted free agent linebackers Joshua Jones and Julian Stanford will use this last game to prove they belong in the NFL, and so will safety Antwan Blake, who actually switched from cornerback during training camp.

Prediction: Jacksonville's defense won't have to contain Ryan, who was on a tear in the preseason completing 75 percent of his passes. Gabbert will have an easier time picking apart the Falcons defense than he did against Baltimore even if he only plays two series.

Predicted Score: Atlanta 35, Jacksonville 20

National Football League