The Patriots finished one step short of a Super Bowl dream in 2025. And one reason is their lack of firepower at the receiver position. A guy like Thomas could change that overnight.

But what would it cost the Patriots?

While several people have suggested the Jaguars won’t entertain a trade, Thomas is the No. 1-ranked game-changer in terms of trade, according to ESPN.

Receivers haven’t drawn high pick value in recent years. But the George Pickens deal, where the Steelers got embarrassed by the Cowboys, will likely push trade demands higher. Therefore, the Patriots might have to give up a second-round pick. Maybe they could get a sixth-round pick in return. Or perhaps the Patriots could offer one of their sixth-round picks along with the second-rounder and get back a fifth.

But the benefit is getting Thomas.

“A first-round pick two years ago by the previous Jaguars administration, Thomas struggled enough throughout his second season that the team needed to trade for Jakobi Meyers at the deadline, then signed him to a long-term deal,” Dan Graziano wrote. “The Jaguars also got an impressive season out of Parker Washington. And while the new plan for Travis Hunter might be to focus on the cornerback position, Jacksonville still expects him to contribute something as a wide receiver.

“There has been no indication that trading Thomas is something the Jaguars are planning, but there are teams monitoring the situation in case the hyper-talented LSU product has fallen far enough down the Jacksonville depth chart that the front office would consider a move.”

And the Patriots are one of those teams.

Patriots could leap forward with WR Brian Thomas Jr.

The Patriots have a quarterback who could take advantage of Thomas’ downfield ability. Not only did Drake Maye turn into a legitimate MVP threat, but he also showed off some of the best deep-ball touch in the entire NFL.

And, truth be told, he didn’t have a player on the outside who could take advantage of that skill.

Thomas had a tremendous rookie season, but things didn’t fall into place in year two. However, Thomas expects that to change, according to ESPN.

“It was just adversity, [which] gives you a lot to grow from,” Thomas said. “I wouldn’t call it frustrating. I mean, it just gives you something to build off. You know what you’ve got to do and you know what you got to do to sustain [success].

“Just growing, getting better with the offense,” Thomas said. “It took a little time, but yeah, for sure, I definitely think [I hit a stride]. Just got more comfortable and just was able to go out there and play a little bit more.”

Thomas had to change his style of play a little when Jakobi Meyers arrived in the middle of the season. And his numbers didn’t reflect any kind of uptick in production. Thomas finished the season with just 48 catches for 707 yards a paltry two touchdowns.

Compared to a 1,282-yard rookie season with 10 touchdowns, Thomas fell off a cliff. And that’s a reason the Jaguars might deal him. And the Patriots would hope for the 2024 version, or at least a player getting close to those numbers. With Maye it might be possible.

Currently, the Patriots have Stefon Diggs. He’s still capable of good games, but he no longer fits the mold of a true WR1 at his age. Behind Diggs, there isn’t much. Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and DeMario Douglas don’t strike fear into defensive coordinators.

The Patriots must do something to upgrade their wide receiver position. And because they are picking so late in the first round, it’s hard to see them landing a game-changer in the draft. Therefore, a trade seems to be the best path.

The post Patriots’ perfect Brian Thomas Jr. trade offer if Jaguars move on from former 1st-round pick appeared first on ClutchPoints.

When asked by Barstool Sports’ Jon Gruden if he believes Hunter can play both ways, Woodson said he wants to see the 22-year-old become a full-time receiver and part-time cornerback. Woodson said Hunter will “age in dog years” if he continues to try to play both ways in the NFL.

“I think that it’s possible in terms of if you want to put him out there a play here, a play there, but not like he did in college,” Woodson told Gruden. “Your body’s not going to hold up. If he was to try to do that in the NFL, he’ll age in dog years and it’ll be over before you know it. He’s such a phenomenal athlete; he’s a guy that I feel like you do want the ball in his hands. Put him out there on offense and let him play wide receiver and if you have a play or two you want to throw him in on defense, fine. But let him go out there and be an athlete on the offensive side of the ball and I think you’ll get the most out of him.”

What does Charles Woodson think about Travis Hunter playing both ways? pic.twitter.com/1ahNQYyelX

— Jon Gruden (@BarstoolGruden) February 25, 2026

The Jaguars agree with Woodson and are lowering Hunter’s snap count in 2026. Jacksonville allowed Hunter to play the majority of snaps on offense and defense in 2025, only to watch him suffer a season-ending torn LCL in Week 9.

However, the Jaguars are doing the opposite of what Woodson suggested. The team intends to have Hunter become a full-time cornerback and part-time receiver in 2026. Woodson, whom Hunter is often compared to, had a similar split during his career with the Green Bay Packers.

The post Why Charles Woodson doesn’t think Jaguars’ Travis Hunter can be a full-time 2-way player appeared first on ClutchPoints.

But the Jaguars still have their fair share of problems. Jacksonville still has a vulnerable defense, particularly in their secondary. That could put a cap on their ability to succeed in the playoffs when going up against the best teams in the league.

Naturally, upgrading in the secondary should be a major priority for the Jaguars this offseason.

But that could be difficult if the team is on a tight budget.

The Jaguars are still $13.48 million over the 2026 salary cap with free agency just a few weeks away. That means Jacksonville will need to cut a few players, and perhaps restructure a few contracts, to free up enough cap space to add new players.

Can the Jaguars make one big addition during free agency? And if so, which player should they go after?

Below we will explore one free agent who would fix Jacksonville’s biggest flaw headed into the 2026 NFL offseason.

Riq Woolen would be a big upgrade for the Jaguars at cornerback

Woolen showed his upside when he burst onto the scene in 2022. He logged 16 passes defensed, two fumble recoveries, and six interceptions (including one pick-six) as a rookie in Seattle.

The fourth-year veteran has not reached those heights again since, but he’s still been a reliable starter for the Seahawks. He even made his fair share of plays during Seattle’s Super Bowl run in 2025.

Woolen is a huge cornerback, standing tall at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds. He is a solid player in zone coverage and has the physicality needed to man up against the NFL’s best receivers.

Spotrac gives Woolen a market value of $8.2 million per season. Based on Spotrac’s projections, I see Woolen as the cheapest starting cornerback on the market this offseason. Go any cheaper, and you’re investing in a spot starter or rotational player. Or someone like Trevon Diggs who has legitimate injury concerns.

There are also players with an even higher market value, but I don’t think the Jaguars can afford any of them.

Woolen looks like the perfect cornerback who can raise the floor in Jacksonville’s secondary.

The only real question for me is whether or not the Jaguars have the budget to add Woolen or a comparable player.

The Jaguars cannot afford to be choosy in 2026 NFL Draft

One reason why the Jaguars should find a starter in free agency is because that could be difficult in the draft.

Jacksonville has a whopping nine selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, they do not boast a first-round pick. In case you forgot, the Jaguars traded their 2026 first-round pick to acquire Travis Hunter in last year’s draft.

On one hand, it is good that Jacksonville still has plenty of picks to use to round out their roster. However, it can be difficult to find reliable starters beyond the first round.

What the Jaguars really need is a reliable, young cornerback who can hold up on the outside. It is certainly possible to find those guys past the first round, but it is a risky method of team building.

But that’s why the addition of Woolen changes everything for Jacksonville.

The combination of Woolen, Jourdan Lewis, Jarrian Jones, and occasional help from Hunter would give the Jaguars a solid foundation at cornerback.

Once they have that solid foundation in place, Jacksonville should feel comfortable taking a chance or two on cornerbacks in the later rounds of the draft. They could target high-upside players who fall down the draft board for one reason or another.

Essentially, a Woolen addition should enable Jacksonville to take some chances in the draft. That is a much more defensible strategy with reliable starters already on the roster.

It will be fascinating to see if the Jaguars do pursue Woolen, or a similar cornerback, during NFL free agency.

The post 1 free agent who would fix Jaguars’ biggest flaw heading into 2026 season appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The NFL announced on Wednesday that Jacksonville will play back-to-back games in London during the 2026 season.

Playing in London is nothing new for Jacksonville. The Jaguars have played a total of 14 games in London since 2013, by far the most of any NFL team. Jacksonville has a .500 record at 7-7 during those London games.

Jacksonville played two consecutive weeks in London during both the 2023 and 2024 seasons. They only played one game, a Week 7 blowout against the Rams, in London in 2025.

However, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted that both of these games will be considered home games for the Jaguars. Jacksonville’s schedule has nine away games and eight home games in 2026. That means that the Jaguars will only play a total of six regular-season games in front of their home fans in Duval County.

Understandably, Jaguars fans are furious having so few true home games in 2026. They took to social media to protest the decision.

“NOT HOME. We need to change this,” one fan wrote. “This is unfair to a lot of teams who have to travel like this.”

“I feel sad for the fans in Jacksonville who actually want to go to a home game…now two less opportunities,” another fan wrote. “All about the money and not the fans/players”

“If I’m a Jaguars fan I’d be so pissed, feels like they play overseas every year, and now it’s moved to twice a season, that sucks,” one fan complained.

One possible reason for this decision is ongoing stadium renovations at EverBank Stadium.

Jaguars reporter Demetrius Harvey noted that Jacksonville’s stadium will have a seating capacity of up to 45,000 seats because of major renovations.

The Jaguars previously announced that they will play the 2027 in Orlando while renovations continue.

Ultimately, fewer home games means less Jaguars football for their fans in Jacksonville. It is no surprise that this decision is unpopular among the fanbase.

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The Jaguars enter the offseason with the third-worst cap situation in the league, according to Over The Cap. Given their current position, general manager James Gladstone needs to create more room to improve the roster in the offseason.

Without making any roster cuts, the Jaguars are in no position to make any substantial changes in the 2026 NFL offseason. Doing nothing would waste their current position in the wide-open AFC title picture.

Jacksonville already has a long list of veterans on the chopping block, but most cannot be released until June 1. The team’s entire focus to that point will be on the upcoming NFL Draft, which will be a key indicator of Gladstone’s summer plans.

Release RG Patrick Mekari

Patrick Mekari’s base salary is set to increase from $2 million in 2025 to $10 million in 2026, making him one of the top cut candidates on the Jaguars’ roster. Mekari, who will be 29 by the time the 2026 season begins, would be the second-highest-paid offensive lineman on the team if he remains on the roster by August.

Given his base salary increase, the Jaguars would save $3.5 million in cap space if they cut Mekari after June 1, according to Over The Cap. They would have to eat $14.6 million in dead money if they released him before then.

In his first year with the team, Mekari started 14 games at right guard in 2025. He only allowed two sacks, but he gave up 29 pressures, the third-most on the team. Mekari also struggled in run-blocking sets, leading to his 51.8 player grade on Pro Football Focus, the second-lowest among the Jaguars’ starters.

Mekari’s potential release depends on how confident the coaching staff is in 2025 third-round pick Wyatt Milum. The West Virginia alum appeared in 10 games as a rookie on offense and special teams.

While releasing Mekari does not clear a ton of space, it is a move the Jaguars must make late in the 2026 offseason, given their current cap situation.

Release DT Arik Armstead

With the Jaguars needing to create cap space in the 2026 offseason, Arik Armstead’s name will be at the top of the chopping block. Releasing Armstead after June 1 would create $14.5 million in space, the most flexibility Jacksonville can gain by releasing a single player.

The 32-year-old is a liability in the accounting books solely due to his age and contract. He is otherwise coming off an impressive 2025 season, in which he recorded 5.5 sacks, his most since 2021. Armstead clearly grew under first-year defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, even in year 12.

Campanile shifted the Jaguars’ defense to a 3-4 scheme to get the most out of their edge rushers, leaving them with a plethora of interior defensive linemen, led by Armstead. DaVon Hamilton, Dawuane Smoot, Emmanuel Ogbah and Maason Smith each played over 25 percent of the defensive snaps.

The Jaguars have already extended Matt Dickerson and expect more from Smith, a former second-round pick, in 2026, suggesting more moves may come up front. Jacksonville is also expected to target a defensive lineman with one of its three Day Two selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Trade LT Walker Little

The Jaguars committed to Cole Van Lanen as their franchise left tackle by giving him a three-year, $51 million extension in January. By doing so, Walker Little and his $40 million deal became one of the team’s biggest liabilities.

Little just signed an extension in 2024, but he does not appear to be part of Liam Coen’s future vision. Jacksonville is committed to Van Lanen and Antonon Harrison as its tackles, leaving Little the odd man out. Little entered the league as a tackle but started 14 games at guard in 2025, resulting in a rough transition. His 60.7 player grade on Pro Football Focus was the lowest among the team’s starting offensive linemen.

The Jaguars can release Little after June 1, which would save just over $900,000 in cap space. However, it would make more sense for Gladstone to shop the 26-year-old, who still has significant trade value.

Although Little is coming off a down year, he remains a young, starting-caliber tackle. Little would be an upgrade at tackle for teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans or Arizona Cardinals.

Few teams have a surplus of offensive tackles as the Jaguars do, giving them a unique opportunity to capitalize on Little to create more cap space. A fresh start for Little would be best for both sides.

Release DT DaVon Hamilton

It is unlikely that the Jaguars release DaVon Hamilton if they cut Arik Armstead, but the 29-year-old former third-round pick is equally likely to receive the axe in the 2026 offseason. Armstead remains the team’s biggest liability, but Hamilton is not far behind.

Like his veteran teammate, Hamilton is entering a contract year with the Jaguars. Hamilton signed a three-year, $34.5 million deal in 2023 that gives him a $7.4 million base salary and a $12.4 million cap hit in 2026. Jacksonville would save $8.4 million in cap space by releasing him after June 1.

Releasing both Armstead and Hamilton would leave the Jaguars without their two starting defensive tackles, but it would save a combined $22.9 million in cap space, per Over The Cap. If Gladstone and Coen are looking to overhaul the position in the offseason anyway, they could already be planning to send both veterans packing.

The Jaguars’ plans for Armstead and Hamilton will become clear after April’s draft. If they leave Pittsburgh with at least one quality interior defensive lineman, neither veteran can feel safe on the roster.

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General Manager James Gladstone and head coach Liam Coen now face the delicate task of sustaining momentum while navigating constraints and extensions. The Jaguars are no longer building. They’e trying to maintain. In today’s NFL,though, that often requires subtraction before addition.

Letting productive players walk is never easy, particularly after a division-winning season. At the same time, strategic restraint is often what separates flash contenders from sustainable powers. For Jacksonville, three pending free agents stand out as difficult departures.

Setting a new standard

Under the leadership of Coen and Gladstone, the Jaguars enjoyed a historic resurgence in 2025. They finished with a 13-4 record, which was their best mark since 1999. The season was defined by an explosive eight-game winning streak to close the regular season. That was, of course, fueled by a career-best campaign from Trevor Lawrence.

While the offense hummed with breakout stars like receiver Parker Washington, the defense carved out its own identity as a turnover-generating force. They led the NFL in rushing defense behind a dominant DaVon Hamilton. Special teams added to the magic, highlighted by Cam Little’s record-setting 68-yard field goal.

Yet the dream season ended in a narrow 27-24 Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills. It was the kind of defeat that exposed the razor-thin margins of championship contention.

Roster turnover

Looking ahead, Jacksonville faces a balancing act defined by a projected $13.5 million salary cap deficit. Nearly 40% of the defense’s snaps are set to hit free agency. That includes cornerstone linebacker Devin Lloyd and ascending cornerback Montaric Brown.

Beyond retaining defensive pillars, the Jaguars must address a pass rush that struggled to convert pressure into sacks. Offensively, Travis Etienne Jr’s expiring contract creates a philosophical crossroads at running back, Meanwhile, the offensive line and vertical receiving threats require reinforcement.

Complicating matters further, Jacksonville lacks a first-round pick. That just limits their ability to plug holes cheaply through the draft. Every dollar matters. And that financial reality makes sentiment a luxury the front office cannot afford.

S Andrew Wingard

Few players embody Jaguars culture like Andrew “Dewey” Wingard. Since arriving in 2019, he’s been a special teams catalyst, locker room leader, and fan favorite whose energy often transcended snap counts. But roster evolution is unforgiving.

Jacksonville’s secondary is undergoing a youth infusion. Antonio Johnson and Caleb Ransaw are stepping into expanded roles alongside Andre Cisco. They form a younger, faster safety rotation. In that context, Wingard’s role becomes increasingly redundant.

Financially, retaining a veteran backup safety entering his eighth season doesn’t align with a team operating in the red. Leadership matters, but so does allocation efficiency. Jacksonville must prioritize retaining defensive playmakers over depth veterans.

CB Greg Newsome II

When Jacksonville acquired Greg Newsome II midseason from Cleveland, the move represented a classic contender rental. He added coverage stability for a playoff push. He delivered on that mandate, providing versatility and starting-caliber snaps down the stretch. That said, short-term solutions don’t always translate to long-term fits.

The Jaguars’ defensive future has already begun reshaping itself. The aggressive selection of Travis Hunter is central to that vision. Internal plans point toward a full-time transition to cornerback in 2026. Pairing Hunter with Tyson Campbell gives Jacksonville a high-ceiling boundary duo.

Retaining Newsome would require CB1/CB2-level financial commitment. Jacksonville simply doesn’t possess those resources. His market value will likely attract cornerback-needy teams willing to outbid Jacksonville’s financial comfort zone.

RB Travis Etienne Jr

Every contender eventually faces a decision that tests both logic and loyalty. For Jacksonville, that moment arrives with Etienne.

Etienne remains one of the league’s most explosive dual-threat backs. Still, running back economics rarely favor second contracts, especially for teams navigating cap deficits.

The projected franchise tag for running backs sits around $14.2 million. Committing that figure or a comparable long term deal to a 27-year-old back while operating over the cap introduces significant risk. Jacksonville must weigh positional value against broader roster sustainability.

Internal developments suggest the organization is already preparing for life beyond Etienne. Bhayshul Tuten’s emergence and DeeJay Dallas’ re-signing point toward a committee backfield model. Letting Etienne walk would be controversial but financially responsible.

The modern NFL blueprint consistently prioritizes linebacker impact, pass rush disruption, and coverage versatility over premium running back spending. If forced to choose between retaining a defensive cornerstone like Lloyd or extending Etienne, the calculus becomes clear.

Sustainable contenders

Jacksonville’s 2025 resurgence proved the franchise has arrived. The challenge now is staying there. Sustained contention demands ruthless roster management, particularly when quarterback extensions and defensive anchors loom on the financial horizon.

Allowing Andrew Wingard, Greg Newsome II, and Travis Etienne Jr to depart would free critical cap flexibility. It would also align the roster with its evolving youth movement. It’s a forward-looking approach rooted in long-term viability rather than short-term sentiment.

Championship windows don’t close solely because stars leave. They close when teams refuse to make difficult decisions.

For the Jaguars, the 2026 offseason isn’t about celebrating how far they’ve come but about ensuring they don’t fall back.

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The 2025 season turned out very positively for the Jaguars. They finished 13-4 and made the playoffs before getting clipped by the Bills.

If they make the right offseason moves, the 2026 season could be special. So what will head coach Liam Coen and the Jaguars do with their first pick, which is No. 56 overall?

Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

Chad Reuter, NFL.com

This makes sense because the Jaguars obviously have defensive needs. But is Rodriguez a second-round talent? Bleacher Report says no, putting him as a fourth-rounder with a role player/part-time contributor description.

Rodriguez lacks the ideal height and appears to have shorter arms for an NFL linebacker.

“Combination of arm length and below-average strength limits his extension and leads to him getting stuck on blocks from offensive linemen,” Matt Holder wrote. “Also, doesn’t have much knockback power when coming downhill, either when taking on blocks or making tackles against bigger running backs. The latter can lead to extra yards after contact.”

Caleb Tiernan, OL, Northwestern

Gordon McGuinness, Pro Football Focus

He’s 6-foot-7 and 325 pounds, so the size is there. And there is promise in his game, according to NFL Draft Buzz.

“The tape shows a fascinating dichotomy,” NFL Draft Buzz wrote. “Tiernan dances through pass sets like he’s been doing it for a decade. Yet sometimes looks like he’s learning the run game on the fly. Watch him mirror elite edge rushers, and you’ll see a tackle who understands angles, timing, and hand placement at a veteran level. His ability to absorb power rushes without giving ground makes you forget he’s still developing physically.

“But then the next series starts, and he’ll get walked back by a 270-pound defensive end on a power run, leaving you scratching your head about his functional strength.”

So maybe. But maybe not. Tough call here.

Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati

Curt Popejoy, Draftwire

Size, strength, and movement skills. Corleone has the right pieces to make a solid defensive tackle, according to NFL Draft Buzz.

“Corleone tested in college as a legitimate freak with a 485-pound bench, 615-pound squat, 1.71-second ten-yard split, and 7.44-second three-cone at 335 pounds,” NFL Draft Buzz wrote. “That combination of power and short-area quickness shows up constantly on film. He commands double teams, swallows running lanes, and keeps linebackers clean to flow to the football. His skill set translates well as a 0-technique in an odd front where he can anchor the middle of the defense, and he also profiles as a 1-technique in even fronts.”

This seems like a better pick than Rodriguez.

Will Lee, CB, Texas A&M

Ryan Guthrie, Pro Football Network

This would be interesting because the Jaguars seem to be leaning toward playing Travis Hunter more on defense. But it could help the position become even stronger. And free agency losses could push this to a position of need.

“From JUCO to SEC standout, Lee brings size (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) and ascending upside,” Guthrie wrote. “Jacksonville continues building a competitive secondary.”

Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State

Troy Pauline, Essentially Sports

Another cornerback lands in the picture. It seems like the experts think the Jaguars will go that direction. Abney shows some tools, according to NFL Draft Buzz.

“His combination of processing speed and technical polish puts him in that Day Two conversation, but the athletic limitations and inconsistent coverage grades keep him from climbing higher,” NFL Draft Buzz wrote. “The hip stiffness that forces those speed turns will get exposed by NFL route runners who understand stem manipulation, and at the next level, that split-second delay matters.

“He’s going to give up catches over the middle early in his career. Those quick-hitting RPOs and shallow crossers that already give him trouble will be a problem. But the foundation is there for a reliable NFL contributor.”

The overall roundup analysis

The waiting game is the biggest problem for the Jaguars. They will have to watch 55 players come off the board before they get a shot. And because of that, they really can’t lock into a position. Or at least they shouldn’t.

So that means all of the above players are in play. Except for maybe Rodriguez. Time will tell.

The post Jaguars’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft roundup post-Super Bowl as draft season ramps up appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The franchise tag is a tool that allows NFL teams the chance to prevent their best impending free agents from hitting the open market. So, who are the top candidates to be tagged, and should their respective teams actually put the franchise tag on them?

What is the franchise tag?

There are three types of free agents in the NFL. Unrestricted free agents are players whose contracts have expired who have four or more accrued seasons under their belt. They are free to sign with any team around the league.

Restricted free agents have three accrued seasons and an expired contract. The original team of a restricted free agent has the option to tender a contract to these players. If a tendered player agrees to a contract elsewhere, the original team can either match that salary and retain the RFA, or they will be compensated with the draft capital associated with the tender. There is a first-round tender, a second-round tender, and an original-round tender, so not matching an offer sheet would net a team one of these picks in the NFL Draft. Of course, the greater the tender, the higher the contract value. There is also a right-of-first-refusal tender that doesn’t have draft capital tied to it.

Lastly, there are exclusive rights free agents, players with fewer than three accrued seasons, and an expired contract. These players are not allowed to negotiate with other teams if their original team offers a one-year deal.

Teams can prevent their players from hitting free agency altogether by putting the franchise tag on them. The franchise tag is a one-year contract, but it comes at a pretty penny. Usually, teams that use the franchise tag on a player will look to lock that player up on a long-term contract. There are three tag types, and teams can only tag one player per offseason.

The first option for tagging a player is the exclusive franchise tag. The one-year contract is worth no less than the average of the top five salaries at a player’s respective position or 120 percent of the player’s previous salary, whichever is greater. Using this tag ensures exclusive negotiating rights with the tagged player, so said player must agree to sign the tag or sit out the season. This is a rarely used tag because it can make stars disgruntled, but it is also the easiest way to ensure losing an elite player doesn’t happen.

There is also the non-exclusive franchise tag. This is also a one-year deal worth no less than the average of the top five cap hits at the player’s respective position or 120 percent of the player’s previous deal. The difference is that players slapped with this tag are allowed to negotiate long-term contracts with other teams. If a player agrees to a deal elsewhere, the tagging team is given a choice. They can either match the contract or let him leave for his new team, in exchange for two first-round picks. This is the most commonly used franchise tag.

The third tag at a team’s disposal is the transition tag. It is a cheaper alternative to the franchise tag, but it comes with the risk of losing a player for nothing. The bargain comes in the form of the transition tag being worth the average of the top-10 contracts at a player’s position. However, if a player signs a long-term offer sheet with another team and the tagging team doesn’t match the contract, they won’t be compensated with any draft capital.

Last year, only two players were franchise tagged: Tee Higgins and Trey Smith. It was the fewest amount of tags used since 2006. That will surely change in 2026.

Franchise tag positional values

Note: Projections provided by overthecap.com

Quarterback: $47,321,000 (franchise tag) – $40,799,000 (transition tag)

Wide receiver: $28,824,000 (franchise tag) – $25,029,000 (transition tag)

Offensive line: $27,924,000 (franchise tag) – $25,305,000 (transition tag)

Linebacker: $28,197,000 (franchise tag) – $23,613,000 (transition tag)

Defensive tackle: $26,311,000 (franchise tag) – $21,608,000 (transition tag)

Defensive end: $27,322,000 (franchise tag) – $22,908,000 (transition tag)

Cornerback: $21,414,000 (franchise tag) – $17,951,000 (transition tag)

Safety: $20,876,000 (franchise tag) – $16,485,000 (transition tag)

Tight end: $16,319,000 (franchise tag) – $13,869,000 (transition tag)

Running back: $14,536,000 (franchise tag) – $11,728,000 (transition tag)

Kicker/Punter: $6,900,000 (franchise tag) – $6,240,000 (transition tag)

Candidates for the tag

Kenneth Walker, Seattle Seahawks, RB: 

To tag or not to tag?: Non-exclusive franchise tag

The idea of letting Kenneth Walker walk in free agency was a lot more feasible just a few weeks ago. At the start of the postseason, the Seahawks had one of the best running back tandems in football, with Walker splitting carries with Zach Charbonnet. Then, Charbonnet tore his ACL, which could end up holding him out for all of next season. Walker would go on to rush 27 times for 135 yards in Super Bowl 60 en route to being named the Super Bowl MVP, too.

The prospect of losing a player who has become such an important part of Seattle history seems too much for the Seahawks to bear, so expect Walker to be franchise tagged.

Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons, TE: 

To tag or not to tag?: Non-exclusive franchise tag

Kyle Pitts was the highest-drafted tight end in NFL history. While he had an impressive rookie season, he hadn’t lived up to his potential for most of his Atlanta Falcons tenure. That led to trade rumors and a near inevitability that Pitts wasn’t a franchise tag option coming into the 2025 season. Then, the tight end lived up to his potential to put up the second-best numbers among all players at his position group this past season.

Pitts hasn’t been consistent throughout his career, which could make the Falcons hesitant to commit to him long-term. The potential he showed this season makes losing him in free agency too risky, though, so letting Pitts prove himself on a one-year franchise tag seems smart for Atlanta.

Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals, DE: 

To tag or not to tag?: Don’t tag

The Cincinnati Bengals have been hesitant to give their players long-term contract extensions. Trey Hendrickson has been a prime example of this. The defensive end has two seasons with 17.5 sacks to his name, including the league-lead in that regard in 2024. However, he and the Bengals have butted heads ever since, leading to a lengthy holdout. Their relationship may be too far gone, so Hendrickson seems destined to walk in free agency.

George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys, WR: 

To tag or not to tag?: Non-exclusive franchise tag

The Dallas Cowboys are another team that hasn’t given their superstars the money they deserve when they deserve it. Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb weren’t given contract extensions until the eleventh hour to do so, and Dallas opted to trade Micah Parsons instead of paying him.

Dallas can’t make the same mistake with George Pickens. After trading for the receiver, Pickens developed into one of the top statistical producers in the league. He and Lamb form arguably the best receiver duo in the NFL, so bringing him back should be paramount.

Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts, QB: 

To tag or not to tag?: Don’t tag

Daniel Jones was a draft bust with the New York Giants. He then won a quarterback competition with the Indianapolis Colts and immediately turned them into one of the best offenses in the league. Unfortunately, the Colts started to falter, and things fell off a cliff when Jones tore his Achilles tendon. While Jones seemed like a great fit for the Colts, his future is in doubt. He is rehabbing from one of the worst injuries in sports and may miss all of next season.

The silver lining is the Colts might be able to bring Jones back for cheaper than they would have had he not gotten hurt. Plus, most teams either already have their franchise signal caller or will prefer to get one in the draft rather than taking a gamble on an injured veteran with up-and-down career production. The Colts shouldn’t tag Jones, but they should try to re-sign him on the open market under the premise that he will be the starter once he is back from injury.

Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars, RB: 

To tag or not to tag?: Non-exclusive franchise tag

A handful of teams made the leap from bottom dwellers to postseason powerhouses this past season. The Jacksonville Jaguars were one of them. The team will want to add talent in free agency, not lose it, in order to take the next step forward. However, they shouldn’t franchise tag Travis Etienne and should instead allocate the money saved by not bringing him back elsewhere to improve the roster.

The Jaguars have enough running back depth. Also, after Trevor Lawrence’s breakout season and with the hope that Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr. will have better seasons next year, the Jaguars may lean on their passing game going forward. Paying running backs is always risky due to their short career lifespans and the high chance for injury at the position. Jacksonville should let Etienne walk in free agency.

Jaelan Phillips, Philadelphia Eagles, DE

To tag or not to tag?: Don’t tag

The Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl 59 in large part because of great defensive depth. They then lost Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, Isaiah Rodgers, Darius Slay, and others in free agency, which played a big part in their demise during the 2025 season. Philadelphia actually did a good job of bringing in reinforcements, but losing any more defensive talent would hurt.

The team traded for former first-rounder Jaelan Phillips at the NFL trade deadline, and the edge rusher broke out with his new team. The Eagles would certainly love to have him back, but he isn’t worth the lofty price tag that comes with a franchise tag. The Eagles should try to re-sign him, but without tying him to the huge one-year deal.

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One clear area of need for the Bills heading into next year is at the wide receiver position, where Buffalo ranked among the least productive units in the league in 2025.

Recently, Bill Barnwell of ESPN proposed an interesting trade that would see the Bills add to this positional group while getting rid of a young talent in the process.

In the trade, Barnwell had the Bills sending out Keon Coleman and a 2026 first-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and a 2026 fifth-round pick.

“Thomas would immediately step in as Josh Allen’s No. 1 receiver. For a team that’s $10 million over the projected cap before making adjustments this offseason, Thomas’ contract is a bargain for the next few years,” wrote Barnell, who also noted that “Coleman might have become that player for them, but after ownership bad-mouthed the 2024 second-round pick in a news conference, it’s tough to believe that he has a long-term future in Buffalo.”

Coleman indeed has had a strained relationship with the coaching staff in Buffalo since being drafted their two years ago, and has not lived up to his expectations coming out of Florida State.

Interestingly enough, the Bills beat the Jaguars in the playoffs this past season, and now, the two teams might be in a position to help each other out before next year gets underway.

With Josh Allen firmly in the prime years of his career, it seems that the Bills are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to surround him with some production from the wide receiver room.

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Yes, Etienne has been a part of the high and low moments of the franchise. He’s always teamed nicely with Trevor Lawrence but soared to new heights under Liam Coen last season.

Re-signing Etienne is among the highest priorities for general manager James Gladstone. Yet he can also raid some rivals in free agency.

One highly-coveted AFC South talent rises among the three sneaky good free agents the Jags must pursue and sign.

Jaguars can boost offense with Colts free agent

Alec Pierce heads to March as one of the more intriguing free agent wide receivers.

He’s fresh off averaging an astonishing 21.3 yards per catch and delivered his first 1,000-yard season. Coen and the Jaguars know him well — as Pierce caught five passes for 80 yards in the Dec. 7 contest. Pierce even navigated in an unsettled quarterback room that cycled through Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson and later Phillip Rivers.

But just imagine how damaging he’d be in Coen’s offense.

The offensive minded coach can motion him out more to create mismatches. Plus can hand Lawrence a newly needed red zone target off Pierce’s 6-foot-3 frame. Pierce can even take immense pressure off the returning Travis Hunter.

Another AFC South rival can improve Jaguars

This also points to retaliation from the Jags.

The team watched star wide receiver Calvin Ridley accept money from the hated Tennessee Titans. Now Jacksonville can return the favor by swooping up Arden Key.

The edge rusher is envisioning coming back to Nashville. However, this pass rush presents an enticing scenario for Key.

He’d re-team with past San Francisco 49ers teammate Arik Armstead. Key delivered his first 6.5-sack season with Armstead next to him. He also knows the franchise well after delivering four sacks in 2022.

Except this time he can form a stout trio with Armstead and Josh Hines-Allen. The presence of Armstead, though, surfaces as the sales pitch here.

Jaguars can add to Rams representation

Gladstone and Coen are ex-Los Angeles Rams building up the Jags.

They can add to the representation by going after a coveted 2026 free agent in L.A.

Kam Curl became an established turnover machine for Sean McVay and the Rams. Curl revealed immediately after the season he wants to return to Los Angeles.

But he’s going to be in high demand for teams seeking secondary help. Curl delivered his best tackle season to date (122 total) and matched his pass breakup total (14) in just two season with the Rams (delivered 14 across four seasons in Washington).

The AFC South champs ranked 21st against the pass. Veterans like Curl are greatly needed here.

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The Jaguars believe the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner can develop into an “elite” NFL cornerback while still being an “impact player” on offense, per Wolfe. In the 2025 season, he played more than twice as many snaps on offense as on defense, but that balance is set to flip entering Year 2. Jacksonville may also allow one of its free-agent cornerbacks, Montaric Brown or Greg Newsome, to depart, a sign that the team trusts Hunter’s move to the defensive side.

Hunter is expected to be fully cleared for Week 1 after undergoing surgery to repair a torn lateral collateral ligament suffered during practice ahead of Week 9 this past season.

Selected second overall in the 2025 NFL Draft after the Jaguars traded up, Hunter’s rookie season was cut short after seven games. Offensively, he caught 28 passes on 45 targets for 298 yards and one touchdown. His best outing came in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams, when he caught eight passes for 101 yards, including a 34-yard touchdown from Trevor Lawrence. Defensively, he recorded 15 tackles and three pass breakups, allowing a 60 percent completion rate on 15 targets before landing on injured reserve.

The 22-year-old’s got a heavy-duty two-way resume. At Colorado in 2024, he played nearly 1,400 scrimmage snaps, 382 more than any other player nationally, en route to becoming the only player in college football history to win both the Chuck Bednarik and Fred Biletnikoff Awards.

Head coach Liam Coen has made clear that the team will remain flexible with Hunter’s role, stressing that his usage will be determined after evaluating the roster’s strengths. Jacksonville’s receiver group includes Jakobi Meyers, who had 42 receptions for 483 yards and three touchdowns in nine games with the team in 2025, and Parker Washington, who finished with 58 catches for 847 yards and five scores. Brian Thomas Jr., one year removed from a 1,200-yard rookie campaign, also factors into the rotation. With that depth, Hunter is likely to rotate into select offensive packages rather than handle a full-time receiving role.

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But Jacksonville will face some tough decisions this spring, including whether or not to retain a few key free agents. Perhaps the best player on that list is running back Travis Etienne Jr.

Etienne had a career year during the 2025 season. He logged 260 carries for 1,107 rushing yards with seven touchdowns. That is good for 4.3 yards per carry, his best average since his rookie season. Etienne also added 36 receptions for 292 receiving yards and six touchdowns through the air.

The 27-year-old running back is on the older side, but he could still have a few years of elite production left in him.

If other NFL teams believe that too, then Etienne could be in for the biggest payday of his professional career.

According to Spotrac, Etienne could command as much as $6.8 million per season on a new contract. They estimated his market value at a two-year contract worth $13.63 million.

Will Etienne be on the move this offseason? And if so, what are the best potential landing spots for the dual-threat running back?

Below we will explore three of the best free agency destinations for Etienne after his career 2025 season with the Jaguars.

The Cardinals need an infusion of youth at running back

Arizona is an easy landing spot for practically any free agent running back this offseason.

The Cardinals could be open to shaking things up a bit, especially with Mike LaFleur joining the organization at head coach.

Veteran James Conner, who will turn 31 before the 2026 season, is an obvious cut candidate. Trey Benson has been disappointing, and the depth behind those two is nothing to write home about.

The Cardinals could be smart to add a bridge running back who can offer some consistency during the early stages of Arizona’s upcoming rebuild.

I’m not the only one who thinks so, either.

PFF’s Mason Cameron paired the Cardinals with Etienne in a recent article about the best landing spots for top free agent running backs.

“New head coach Mike LaFleur brings with him the experience of working under Sean McVay, and the diverse offensive philosophy that comes with it,” Cameron wrote. “Last season, the Rams ran the eighth-most outside runs in the NFL during the regular season, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Etienne would flourish in a scheme that systematically attacks the outside, evidenced by his 90.5 PFF rushing grade on outside runs since entering the league.”

Arizona enters the offseason with $42.19 million in cap space. They should have enough budget to throw some money at Etienne to give their offense some much-needed speed.

Etienne could stay in the AFC South by joining the Texans

This one might be the nightmare scenario for Jaguars fans.

Houston has an obvious need at the running back position. Joe Mixon missed the entire 2025 season, which puts the veteran running back’s availability for 2026 into question.

The Texans likely won’t re-sign Nick Chubb either. That leaves them with just Woody Marks and Jawhar Jordan at running back.

If Houston could land Etienne, they would gain a dual-threat running back who could stay on the field for all three downs. He would immediately become C.J. Stroud’s best friend, giving him a friendly target who could turn checkdowns into big plays.

Houston is just over the 2026 salary cap by roughly $1.5 million. But their salary cap significantly opens up in 2027 and beyond, so they could easily find some budget for Etienne.

The biggest drawback to this landing spot could be the weak offensive line.

If Houston is confident about solving that problem this offseason, then splurging on Etienne could make some sense.

Could Etienne return to Jacksonville after testing the market?

Why not just run it back?

Etienne is obviously a good fit in Jacksonville after what he showed during the 2025 season. However, I’m not sure the Jaguars can actually afford a reunion with Etienne.

The Jaguars enter the offseason $11.43 million over the salary cap. There are a few ways they can create additional cap space, but it may require some drastic measures.

Unfortunately, the presence of Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. could make it easy for the Jaguars to move on from Etienne. Especially with both players on cheap rookie contracts.

Perhaps this could work if Etienne takes a hometown discount. But even then, it may not be a smart move for Jacksonville.

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Jacksonville is projected to be roughly $13.9 million over the salary cap entering the 2026 offseason. With that, trimming veteran contracts becomes less about preference and more about necessity. Here are three Jaguars cut candidates who could be on the chopping block as the franchise recalibrates financially without compromising its Super Bowl trajectory.

Historic turnaround

The Jaguars’ 2025 season was a historic turnaround. The team rocketed from a 4-13 record the previous year to a dominant 13-4 finish. Under first-year head coach Liam Coen and Gladstone, Jacksonville captured its third AFC South title. They also posted their most wins since 1999.

Trevor Lawrence’s offensive surge was the engine behind the leap. Lawrence eclipsed 4,000 passing yards while orchestrating one of the AFC’s most efficient passing attacks. Travis Etienne Jr complemented that aerial firepower with over 1,100 rushing yards. This gave Jacksonville the balance required to sustain long winning stretches.

Special teams delivered its own slice of history, highlighted by Cam Little’s record-breaking 68-yard field goal. That was an iconic moment in a season filled with statement performances.

Momentum halted, identity solidified

Despite riding an eight-game winning streak into the postseason, Jacksonville’s playoff run ended in heartbreak.

Hosting the Buffalo Bills at EverBank Stadium in the Wild Card round, the Jaguars fell 27-24 in a razor-thin contest. The loss stung. However, it did not erase the foundation built across the season.

Defensively, Jacksonville forged a new identity under coordinator Anthony Campanile. Pro Bowler Devin Lloyd emerged as the centerpiece of a fast, opportunistic unit that thrived on takeaways and sideline-to-sideline speed.

The early exit served less as a collapse and more as a checkpoint. It signaled that the Jaguars had arrived but still needed roster refinement to finish the job.

Free agency priorities

The Jaguars enter 2026 balancing ambition with arithmetic. They currently sit about $13.9 million over the cap. As such, Gladstone must create flexibility while preserving core talent. The most pressing dilemma centers on linebacker Devin Lloyd. His All-Pro caliber season positions him for a massive payday.

Beyond linebacker, the interior defensive line requires reinforcement. Veterans like Arik Armstead showed signs of decline. Meanwhile, the team still seeks a true game-wrecking tackle to complement Josh Hines-Allen.

Offensively, the interior line remains a vulnerability. Protecting an MVP-finalist quarterback like Lawrence is non-negotiable. That means upgrades at guard and center are inevitable.

DT Arik Armstead

This is the production vs. price debate. Armstead remains a respected veteran presence. He contributed 5.5 sacks during Jacksonville’s 13-win campaign. However, at 33 years old, his impact waned late in the season as snap counts and durability concerns surfaced.

Armstead’s contract structure makes him the most consequential decision on this list. A pre-June 1 release yields minimal relief. That would roughly be $2.2 million due to heavy dead money. However, a post-June 1 designation would clear a massive $14.4 million for 2026. That figure alone could fund multiple extensions or free agent additions.

If Jacksonville prioritizes long-term deals for stars like Lloyd or Etienne, reallocating resources from an aging interior lineman becomes logical, even if painful.

LB Foyesade Oluokun

Few players embody Jacksonville’s defensive culture like Oluokun. A tackling machine and locker-room leader, “Foye” has been the emotional backbone of the unit since arriving. Cutting him would resonate far beyond the stat sheet.

The age and contract realities are paramount, though. Oluokun turns 31 before the 2026 season. At that age, off-ball linebackers historically begin declining athletically. A pre-June 1 release saves about $2.5 million. While not massive, the savings matter for a team operating in deficit territory.

Younger options like Ventrell Miller and Jack Kiser flashed developmental upside in 2025. If Lloyd is extended as the long-term centerpiece, Jacksonville may opt to get younger-and cheaper-alongside him.

OL Patrick Mekari

Mekari was signed to provide multi-positional insurance across the offensive line. Sure, he filled gaps during injuries. However, his performance graded closer to serviceable than impactful.

For a team protecting an MVP-level quarterback, “adequate” may not justify his salary. Releasing Mekari post-June 1 would free approximately $3.5 million. That’s valuable mid-tier savings that could be redirected toward interior upgrades.

Wyatt Milum emerged as a credible rotational option, while Ezra Cleveland remains entrenched at left guard. Jacksonville may prefer to invest in a more dominant starter via the draft or free agency rather than maintain Mekari’s cap number.

Cap discipline and the next leap

Championship windows don’t close because teams lack talent. They close because teams mismanage timing and money.

For Jacksonville, releasing Arik Armstead, Foyesade Oluokun, and Patrick Mekari would generate the financial oxygen required to retain cornerstone players and reinforce roster weak points.

None of the decisions would be easy. All, however, would be consequential. Now, if the Jaguars want their 13-win breakthrough to become the norm rather than the peak, cap discipline, not sentiment, must guide the 2026 offseason blueprint.

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Season recap and draft priorities

The Jaguars’ 2025 season was a stunning “worst-to-first” turnaround under first-year head coach Liam Coen. The team vaulted from a four-win basement to a dominant 13-4 record and their first AFC South title since 2022. Franchise QB Trevor Lawrence silenced doubters with an MVP-finalist campaign. He threw for a career-high 38 touchdowns, while the defense was anchored by the breakout play of Devin Lloyd and the potential of dual-threat rookie Travis Hunter. Despite entering the postseason on an eight-game winning streak, the Jaguars suffered a flame out in the Wild Card round. They fell 27-24 to the Buffalo Bills at EverBank Stadium after a late-game surge fell just short.

Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, General Manager James Gladstone must use his 11 selections to address critical needs along the interior. At the same time, he must also target a rangy safety to stabilize the back end of Anthony Campanile’s defense.

Round 2, pick 56: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

Jacksonville opens its draft by swinging for traits, and McNeil-Warren delivers them in abundance. His rare size and length allow him to play bigger than most safeties, especially at the catch point. That’s he can disrupt vertical routes with physicality. His forced-fumble production underscores his playmaking instincts near the ball. The concern, however, lies in his anticipation and consistency in deep coverage. For Jacksonville, that gamble is acceptable.

Round 3, pick 81: Jake Slaughter, C, Florida

This is one of the most important picks in the class. Slaughter brings intelligence, mobility, and command. Jacksonville desperately needs those traits in the middle of the offensive line. His ability to execute zone concepts and reach the second level fits perfectly with Coen’s offensive vision. Sure, he can struggle against power. However, his quickness and awareness mitigate those issues. More than anything, Slaughter projects as a tone-setter who helps Lawrence control protections and tempo.

Round 3, pick 88: Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M

Bisontis is a patience pick, and Jacksonville can afford patience. His strength and run-blocking ability make him valuable in heavy packages early. Meanwhile, his development continues in pass protection. In a roster already boasting high-end offensive skill talent, Jacksonville can afford to wait for Bisontis to mature.

Round 3, pick 100: Skyler Gill-Howard, DL, Texas Tech

Gill-Howard fits the Jaguars’ rotational philosophy up front. He is not a foundational interior presence, but he offers situational value as a pass-rushing disruptor. His best work comes when he is allowed to attack rather than anchor. Jacksonville’s defensive depth allows him to play to his strengths without forcing him into mismatched roles.

Round 4, pick 124: Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State

Singleton adds juice to an already diverse offense. His speed-to-power conversion and receiving ability make him a weapon in Coen’s creatively schemed run concepts. Yes, his vision can be rigid at times. Still, Jacksonville’s offensive structure minimizes freelancing and emphasizes execution. That setup plays to Singleton’s strengths.

Round 5, pick 162: Bishop Fitzgerald, safety, USC

Fitzgerald brings range and awareness, complementing McNeil-Warren’s physical profile. He thrives in deep-half responsibilities and has the instincts to read quarterbacks effectively. Jacksonville doubling down at safety is no accident; this defense is being built from the back forward.

Round 5, pick 164: Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston

Koziol offers a red-zone dimension the Jaguars can refine. His catch radius and ability to win above the rim give Lawrence a mismatch option, particularly against linebackers. With added strength and improved separation, Koziol could grow into a reliable chain mover.

Round 6, pick 196: Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech

Wisniewski quietly strengthens Jacksonville’s defensive spine. His run support stands out, but his coverage range is better than advertised. As depth with starting potential, he reinforces Jacksonville’s emphasis on safety versatility.

Round 7, pick 233: Micah Morris, G, Georgia

Morris is a classic late-round developmental guard. He is powerful, raw, and aggressive. His mauler mentality fits Jacksonville’s desire to impose physicality up front. With refinement, he could outplay his draft slot.

Round 7, pick 245: VJ Payne, DB, Kansas State

Payne is a projection pick with intriguing flexibility. His size and movement skills offer the Jaguars options, whether at safety, slot, or even a future cornerback conversion. For a seventh-rounder, that versatility is valuable.

Built for sustainability

This PFF mock draft does not chase headlines — it chases durability. Jacksonville fortifies the interior, layers its secondary with range and size, and adds complementary offensive weapons without overextending. For a team already knocking on the AFC’s door, this is how contenders stay relevant: by building quietly, thoroughly, and with purpose.

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That’s what makes their abrupt playoff exit sting. Jacksonville is no longer a feel-good story but a contender. Of course, contenders can’t afford to let core pieces walk out the door. That is especially true when those players define the identity of the team on both sides of the ball.

Season recap

Under Coen and general manager James Gladstone, the Jaguars rebuilt their offense around rhythm, spacing, and efficiency. Franchise QB Trevor Lawrence looked fully re-energized in a West Coast-based system. He spread the ball with confidence and control. The emergence of rookie Travis Hunter as a two-way difference-maker gave Jacksonville a matchup problem few teams could solve. Meanwhile, the defense quietly became one of the league’s most opportunistic units.

That defense peaked during an eight-game winning streak to close the regular season. Devin Lloyd anchored the middle and the pass rush consistently forced mistakes. A Week 18 demolition of Tennessee sealed the AFC’s No. 3 seed and reignited the “Duuuval” swagger that once defined the franchise’s rise.

Then came the crash. In the Wild Card round against Buffalo, Jacksonville played well enough to win, until it didn’t. Josh Allen engineered a late comeback, the secondary cracked under pressure, and a tipped interception ended the Jaguars’ season. That 27-24 loss felt less like a failure and more like an unfinished sentence.

Offseason priorities

The Jaguars enter the 2026 offseason with a clear mandate: don’t regress. Interior defensive line help remains a pressing need, particularly with uncertainty around Arik Armstead’s future. The offensive line must be upgraded to keep Lawrence upright after bouts of uneven pass protection. And the secondary, despite its upside, lacks proven depth if veterans walk.

That said, before Jacksonville chases external fixes, it must lock down the internal pillars that made 2025 possible. Letting the wrong veterans leave would force the front office to spend valuable draft capital plugging holes instead of building on strength.

These three players sit squarely at the center of that decision-making.

LB Devin Lloyd

Key stats: 81 total tackles, 5 interceptions, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 99-yard pick-six

After the Jaguars declined his fifth-year option, Devin Lloyd responded with the kind of season that changes contract talks overnight. Lloyd evolved from a rangy run defender into one of the NFL’s most dangerous coverage linebackers. He led all linebackers in interceptions and earned AP Second-Team All-Pro honors.

More importantly, Lloyd became the defense’s nerve center. He diagnosed plays before they unfolded and flipped games with takeaways. At 27, he’s not projecting but delivering.

Lloyd is the rare linebacker who can stay on the field in every situation. Losing him would force Jacksonville to overhaul its defensive structure. They would likely spend premium resources chasing a replacement who won’t offer the same instincts or versatility. That would be an unnecessary self-inflicted wound.

RB Travis Etienne Jr

Key stats: 1,107 rushing yards, 292 receiving yards, 13 total touchdowns

Travis Etienne Jr once again proved he is far more than a traditional running back. He posted his third career 1,000-yard rushing season while remaining one of Lawrence’s most trusted outlets in the passing game. When games tightened late in the year, Etienne’s burst turned small creases into momentum-shifting plays. His Wild Card performance against Buffalo had 6.7 yards per carry in a high-pressure environment. That just underscored his value.

Etienne’s chemistry with Lawrence is baked into the offense. He’s a safety valve, a mismatch creator, and a red-zone weapon all at once. Letting him walk would force the Jaguars to redesign their offense around uncertainty, not efficiency. That is a risk they don’t need to take.

CB Greg Newsome II

Key stats (across Cleveland and Jacksonville): 52 total tackles, 1 interception, 9 passes defensed

Acquired midseason from Cleveland, Greg Newsome II brought immediate stability to a young secondary. He played every meaningful snap down the stretch. Newsome often shadowed top receivers while battling through a shoulder injury. Newsome didn’t rack up gaudy stats, but he eliminated mistakes.

Cornerback depth evaporates quickly in January. With Hunter expected to return and take on an expanded offensive role, Jacksonville needs a proven, reliable cover man who can handle WR1 assignments. Newsome is 25, battle-tested, and fits the timeline of this roster. Re-signing him keeps the draft focused on upgrading the trenches instead of scrambling for secondary help.

Cost of standing still

The Jaguars are in calibration mode. Re-signing Devin Lloyd, Travis Etienne Jr, and Greg Newsome II is about protecting the infrastructure that turned a 13-win season into the new standard.

Jacksonville didn’t flame out because it lacked talent. It fell short because margins are brutal in January. Keeping these three ensures those margins don’t get thinner in 2026.

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This interest was well-earned, as Campanile oversaw a unit that finished first in rushing yards allowed and eighth in defensive scoring. His rise from a linebackers coach to a highly sought-after head coaching prospect highlighted the significant impact he made during his debut season with the Jaguars.

Despite the external buzz, the Jacksonville Jaguars officially announced on X that “Offensive Coordinator Grant Udinski & Defensive Coordinator Anthony Campanile have agreed to terms to remain in Jacksonville for the 2026 season!”

Staying in #DUUUVAL

Offensive Coordinator Grant Udinski & Defensive Coordinator Anthony Campanile have agreed to terms to remain in Jacksonville for the 2026 season! pic.twitter.com/aRs6uzIBrv

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) January 27, 2026

Mike Garafolo provided further context on X, noting that Udinski’s return was finalized after the Buffalo Bills chose Joe Brady for their head coaching vacancy. While the Cardinals are still evaluating options like Mike LaFleur, Garafolo confirmed that Campanile is now fully committed to staying in Jacksonville.

This dual retention provides the organization with much-needed stability as they look to build upon a successful season where they won nine of their last ten games.

With the staff secured, the organization is now focusing on the development of Travis Hunter, whose role is expected to shift more heavily toward the secondary. General manager James Gladstone told ESPN that the current contract situation with the team may necessitate Hunter playing more on the defensive side of the ball.

With several cornerbacks on expiring contracts, Gladstone stated that “by default, you can expect there to be a higher emphasis on his placement” at corner.

Michael DiRocco added that while Hunter will remain a unique weapon, he will primarily function as a cornerback while maintaining a specific package of plays on offense.

This strategic change aims to maximize the impact of the former top recruit while stabilizing a defense that remains the team’s greatest asset heading into 2026.

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General manager James Gladstone said the contract situation with the team may necessitate Hunter playing more on the defensive side of the ball, according to ESPN.

“Corner is a position that we have a few guys who are on expiring contracts,” Gladstone said. “By default, you can expect there to be a higher emphasis on his placement [at corner].”

Corners Greg Newsome II, Montaric Brown, and Christian Braswell are all on expiring contracts.

What does 2026 look like for Jaguars’ Travis Hunter?

Certainly, there won’t be quite as much fanfare heading into the season. Before 2025 began, Hunter was hailed as a game-changing threat on both sides of the football.

He got picked No. 2 overall in the draft, and NFL “experts” seem to fall all over themselves. They talked about him being both a potential star at cornerback and receiver.

But the results on the field didn’t match those expectations. He turned out to be largely invisible on offense, catching 28 passes for 298 yards and one touchdown in seven games.nOn defense, he gave up a 50% completion percentage, had zero interceptions, and defended just three passes with 15 tackles.

Perhaps the team put too much on his plate from a two-position standpoint. And the Jaguars could remedy that situation.

“Hunter is primarily going to be a cornerback and have a package of plays on offense,” Michael DiRocco wrote. “What Gladstone does when free agency arrives will help clarify what the Jaguars will do with their two-way threat.”

Oddly enough, the Jaguars took off after Hunter’s injury. They were 4-3 at the time, but won nine of their last 10 games. If Hunter makes the kind of impact in Year 2 that the Jaguars hope for, this team could become one of the top three AFC threats to reach the Super Bowl.

But he will need to be a weapon on at least one side of the ball.

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The Cardinals may continue to search for a defensive-minded head coach. Their latest head coaching search has seen them interview Raheem Morris and the Jaguars’ defensive coordinator, Anthony Campanile. Jeremy Fowler confirmed on X that Campanile is a serious candidate to be the new head coach.

“I’m told Anthony Campanile is firmly in the mix coming out of his in-person interview with the team this week.”

Campanile coached a very good defense in Jacksonville this past season. The Jags’ defense was 11th in total yards allowed per game at 303.6, first in rush yards allowed at only 85.6 per game, and was 8th in defensive scoring. Safe to say, Campanile was one of the best DC’s of the 2025 season.

Campanile has been a defensive coach since 2006. After years in college, he came to the NFL in 2020 to coach the Miami Dolphins’ linebackers. He became the Green Bay Packers’ linebacker coach and run game coordinator, and officially became the DC for the Jags last season.

Campanile has never been a head coach, but he impressed in one season under Liam Coen, who is one of the rising head coaches in the NFL. The Cardinals would follow a similar direction with Campanile as they did with Gannon.

Latest rumors suggest that Cardinals fans should not imagine the head coaching search to be “splashy,” according to Jordan Schultz.

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The Jaguars’ season ended earlier last week, and general manager James Gladstone shared an update on the team’s plans for Hunter during a press conference on Wednesday.

Gladstone said Hunter’s rehab is going just as planned and that the first-round pick is “hitting it hard” before turning to how the team plans to use him going forward.

“Beyond that, in the role that he’ll play, we still expect him to play on both sides of the ball,” Gladstone said. “Obviously, you can take a peek at expiring contracts on our roster and which side of the ball has more. Obviously at this point, walking into the offseason, corner is a position where we have a few guys who are on expiring contracts. So, by default, you can expect there to be a higher emphasis on his placement.”

Before the injury, Hunter showed why the Jaguars were so high on him. In seven games, he caught 28 passes for 298 yards and a touchdown on offense, while also making 11 tackles and defending three passes. The injury came just as Jacksonville planned to increase his role on offense.

Hunter had his best game in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams, catching eight passes for 104 yards and catching his first touchdown pass. Hunter’s injury forced him to miss the rest of the season and playoffs. Back in November, head coach Liam Coen said, “the whole thing’s been a learning experiment.”

Looking ahead, the Jaguars still plan to use Hunter on both sides of the ball in 2026, seeing him as a wide receiver and a cornerback. Coen said it’s too early to lock in his exact role, especially with roster changes coming this offseason.

Hunter logged 324 offensive snaps and 162 defensive snaps across seven appearances before suffering his injury. Meanwhile, the Jaguars ended the season with a 13-5 record.

The post Will Jaguars’ Travis Hunter play both ways in 2026 after season-ending injury as rookie? appeared first on ClutchPoints.

According to The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia, head coach Sean McDermott confirmed the torn ACL after the game. Even more shocking, Shavers played 22 of the Bills’ 34 snaps in the second half. That is 65 percent of the offense. On one leg. Under playoff pressure. With every cut sending pain through his knee. The crowd did not know it then, but something unreal was unfolding under the stadium lights.

The Bills needed every ounce of fight it could find. Jacksonville kept pushing. Trevor Lawrence kept firing. Yet the Bills kept answering. Shavers kept lining up. He kept running routes. He kept blocking. Nobody could tell he was playing hurt. That is how deep the grit ran.

A moment that defines the Bills

ESPN later reported that Tyrell Shavers is out for the rest of the playoffs. As a result, the torn ACL ends his season. Still, his impact will linger. In fact, teammates saw what sacrifice truly looks like. Fans felt it too. In a game decided by three points, every snap mattered, and because of that, Shavers gave Buffalo 22 of them when he had no reason to.

This was not a stat line story. Instead, it was a heartbeat story. The Bills did not just win a Wild Card game. Rather, they learned how far one of their own would go to keep the season alive. That kind of moment, in turn, bonds a team in ways no speech ever could.

Now the Bills moves deeper into the NFL Playoffs with belief. Meanwhile, the Jaguars go home. Shavers goes to rehab. Yet his legend stays on the field. So how far can this team go when one player showed that much heart?

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While their season came to an end after losing to the Buffalo Bills, 27-24, in their wild-card meeting on Sunday, the Jaguars, under first-year coach Liam Coen, have nothing to be ashamed of. Right, Lynn Jones-Turpin?

It was Jacksonville’s best record since 1999, while also clinching its third AFC South title.

While the conclusion wasn’t ideal, Lawrence expressed his gratitude to the fans.

“It was a fun year, and we were able to win a lot of games, and unfortunately didn’t win as many in the playoffs as we wanted to, but to have your guys’ support, that home field advantage, to win the division against Tennessee, the game against Buffalo, it really makes a difference,” said the 26-year-old signal-caller in a video shared by Jacksonville Florida Times-Union’s Demetrius Harvey.

#Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence’s message to fans. 13-4 season with stellar fan support:

“It was a fun year, and we were able to win a lot of games, and unfortunately didn’t win as many in the playoffs as we wanted to, but to have your guys support… it really makes a difference.” pic.twitter.com/fBDelXpqfL

— Demetrius Harvey (@Demetrius82) January 13, 2026

Lawrence went 18-of-30 for 207 yards and three touchdowns in a valiant effort against the Bills. But perhaps most importantly, he showed throughout the season that he can lead the Jaguars.

Many were ready to label him as a bust after a string of pedestrian campaigns. But the Jaguars stayed patient with the former No. 1 overall pick. Now, Lawrence has repaid them with a memorable run.

Fans will be happy to know that Lawrence is already looking forward to fine-tuning his game in the offseason.

“Some of the footwork in the pocket, continue to improve accuracy, different arm angles, just continuing to give guys a chance to get the ball as soon as possible in space so that they can make plays,” said Lawrence in a separate report from Harvey.

Those would make a difference as well.

The post Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence hails major difference-maker in 13-4 season appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Accelerating expectations

Jacksonville’s 2025 season will be remembered as the year the rebuild officially ended. Under first-year head coach Liam Coen, the Jaguars flipped a 4–13 disaster into a 13–4 division-winning powerhouse. They claimed their third AFC South title and closed the regular season on an eight-game winning streak. The offense set a franchise record for points scored, and Trevor Lawrence delivered MVP-caliber football. He blended precision, aggressiveness, and control at a level that finally silenced lingering doubts.

There were moments that felt destined. This included Cam Little’s unforgettable 68-yard field goal. There was also a sense that Jacksonville was arriving ahead of schedule. That made the Wild Card loss to Buffalo sting all the more. The Jaguars traded blows with one of the AFC’s heavyweights. However, when the game tightened late, the interior of the defense couldn’t close gaps consistently enough to force the one play that swings playoff games.

That showed the difference between ‘good’ and ‘ready.’

Narrow offseason focus

Jacksonville enters the 2026 offseason with the unique challenge of improving a contender without being reckless.

Cornerback remains a priority, especially with Greg Newsome potentially hitting free agency. Offensive line depth also matters. Ezra Cleveland and Cole Van Lanen may depart. That puts pressure on the interior to protect Lawrence long-term. Running back depth is a secondary concern, particularly if personnel changes force a reshuffle.

The most urgent issue, though, is the one that showed up clearly against Buffalo. It sits in the middle of the defensive line.

Austin Johnson’s free agency leaves uncertainty. With that, Jacksonville’s current interior rotation lacks the kind of disruptive presence that collapses pockets and erases run lanes in January football. With a tight salary cap and no first-round pick in the 2026 draft, Jacksonville cannot afford to shop at the top of the free agent market.

That reality makes the trade market the most logical and powerful path forward. Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the perfect offseason trade the Jaguars must make after early playoff exit.

The perfect trade:

Jaguars receive: DT Christian Barmore (New England Patriots)

Patriots receive: Jaguars’ 2027 third-round draft pick

At first glance, it feels almost too clean. That’s because it solves multiple problems at once.

The ideal target

Christian Barmore addresses Jacksonville’s most pressing need. He gives Jacksonville exactly what it lacked against Buffalo, which is interior disruption. He’s not just a space-eater but a difference-maker. When healthy and deployed properly, Barmore collapses pockets, forces hurried throws, and prevents quarterbacks from stepping up when edge rushers win outside.

Pairing Barmore with Jacksonville’s current defensive front would instantly change how opponents game-plan. Suddenly, quarterbacks can’t simply slide up and buy time. That single shift has ripple effects across the entire defense.

Fitting cap reality

Jacksonville’s salary cap situation makes big-name free agents unrealistic. Barmore, still on his rookie contract, offers top-tier upside at a controlled cost. That’s gold for a team that must prioritize Lawrence’s long-term extensions while keeping the roster balanced.

A mid-round pick for a cost-controlled defensive tackle is exactly how contenders stay contenders.

Young and scalable

This isn’t a rental. Barmore fits Jacksonville’s competitive timeline. He’s young enough to grow with the core and experienced enough to deliver immediately. He is also versatile enough to thrive in multiple alignments. That matters for a defense that values flexibility and matchups.

Unlike drafting a developmental tackle, Barmore steps in Day 1 and raises the unit’s ceiling.

Why New England listens

The Patriots are in a different phase. With a roster retool underway and draft capital always at a premium, moving Barmore for a future third-round pick aligns with long-term asset management. New England has consistently shown a willingness to trade players before contract inflection points rather than overextend financially.

For them, it’s value preservation. For Jacksonville, it’s opportunity.

Beating free agency and the draft

Free agency at defensive tackle is expensive and risky. Drafting one without a first-round pick limits upside. Trading for Barmore sidesteps both issues.

This is a rare move that improves the present without sacrificing the future. That is exactly what Jacksonville needs right now.

Jacksonville’s mindset

Making this trade sends a clear message that the Jaguars aren’t satisfied with division titles. They’re building for January dominance.

Trevor Lawrence is ready. The offense is established. The coaching staff has clarity. What’s left is the infrastructure that holds up when everything tightens. Interior defense is the last missing piece.

Championship windows don’t announce themselves. They whisper. Jacksonville heard that whisper against Buffalo. Trading for Christian Barmore would be the Jaguars answering back. They must do it decisively and intelligently, before that window ever starts to close.

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Improving their weaknesses will be harder without a top-32 pick, but there are still players in the later rounds who seem destined for Jacksonville. So, who are the prospects that would perfectly fit in Jacksonville that the Jaguars should target?

Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

The 2026 NFL Draft class has a lot of strong points. The class is stacked at receiver and edge, but also at cornerback and linebacker. That is good news for a Jaguars team that doesn’t own a first-round pick this year. The team’s biggest needs are cornerback and linebacker, and some good ones are bound to fall to the second or third round because of the depth at those positions.

Anthony Hill is one such linebacker who isn’t getting much first-round buzz, but in other classes, he could have enough talent to land inside the top 32. This year, he may fall all the way to the Jaguars in round two. Hill is a fluid linebacker with great movement skills. He can work sideline to sideline, using his speed to get to ball carriers.

Hill still needs to develop in coverage, but his athletic profile would convince one that he will eventually be a positive in the passing game. Hill could come in and start at linebacker in Jacksonville’s 4-3 scheme right away.

Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Perhaps a bigger need than linebacker for the Jaguars is cornerback. The team was smart to trade for Greg Newsome, but he is an impending free agent, and reinforcements are needed even if he returns to the team. Colton Hood is a cornerback from Tennessee who would thrive in the Jaguars’ system.

Hood can play in both man and zone coverage, the latter of which would be important in Jacksonville because the Jaguars were among the league leaders in running zone schemes. Hood is an instinctual player in coverage who has sound footwork. In this deep class, he should be available when the Jaguars’ first pick is on the board.

Keionte Scott, CB/S, Miami

Keionte Scott is another cornerback who would fit Jacksonville’s scheme. He has a chance to further boost his draft stock, too, as Miami will take on Indiana in the College Football Playoff national championship game. Miami’s defense has tons of NFL-caliber players, but Scott is certainly one of the best.

The projected second-rounder is best off in the slot. There, he overwhelms smaller receivers, and he can even thrive as a blitzer. The Jaguars could move him all over the field, though, as Scott is also capable of playing safety.

Whether the Jaguars were to take Scott with their first pick of the draft or if they were able to secure him in the third round, the team shouldn’t be afraid to double-dip when it comes to taking defensive backs. If the Jaguars somehow managed to walk away from the draft with both Scott and Hood, that would be seen as a huge win. While the Jaguars are without a first-round selection, they do have three picks in round three because the Detroit Lions owe them two selections.

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Lynn Jones-Turpin praised and encouraged Coen after the tough playoff loss to Buffalo. Except Jones-Turpin was in a room where hardball questions are expected to get asked — leading to the backlash.

Jones-Turpin had many across social media believing she was a longtime Jags fan who somehow snuck into the postgame conference. She even drew critics out of credentialed NFL reporters plus Scott Van Pelt on ESPN.

Except she’s a 25-year associate editor credentialed for Jags games via the Jacksonville Free Press who was credentialed for this NFL Playoffs contest.

And she ripped the “fake media” label plastered onto here after the moment during a local television appearance.

What Jaguars reporter said at critics amid Liam Coen exchange

Jones-Turpin showed up to the NBC Jacksonville affiliate to share her credentials and defend her actions in the presser. She also responded to a “fake news” narrative from Mark Long of the Associated Press.

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Resetting the timeline

There were moments that defined belief like Lawrence’s late-game poise and a defense that tightened up when it mattered, They even made some history thanks to Cam Little’s jaw-dropping 68-yard field goal that symbolized a team playing without fear.

And yet, they were reminded of how unforgiving the postseason can be. Against Buffalo, Jacksonville moved the ball, traded blows, and stayed competitive until the final whistle. However, they couldn’t get the decisive stop or play when it mattered most.

Offseason needs

Unlike many playoff exits, Jacksonville’s doesn’t trigger panic. This is more about contention not desperation because this roster works. The quarterback is elite. The coaching staff has clarity. Of course, contenders don’t stand still. The Jaguars enter the 2026 offseason with targeted needs rather than sweeping ones.

Cornerback sits at the top of the list. Greg Newsome’s potential free agency leaves a hole on the perimeter, and depth behind him remains thin. Against quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Drake Maye, and Aaron Rodgers, coverage lapses are fatal.

The offensive line is next. Lawrence stayed upright more often than not in 2025. That said, the looming free agency for Ezra Cleveland and Cole Van Lanen threatens continuity. Interior depth and versatility will be critical to sustaining high-level quarterback play.

Running back is less urgent, but still relevant. If Travis Etienne Jr departs, Jacksonville will need a reliable option who fits its evolving offensive identity. That’s ideally without spending premium draft capital, especially after trading away their 2026 first-round pick.

That context shapes Jacksonville’s free agency priorities. Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the Jacksonville Jaguars’ top 4 free agent targets after crushing playoff loss to Bills.

Jaylen Watson, CB, Kansas City Chiefs

If Jacksonville is serious about surviving January football in the AFC, it must upgrade the cornerback room. Jaylen Watson isn’t a headline-grabber, but he’s exactly the kind of player playoff teams need. He is long, physical, and comfortable in both zone and man concepts. Watson has also proven he can hold up in high-stakes environments. Playing in Kansas City’s pressure-heavy system forced him to grow quickly. That experience translates well to Jacksonville’s needs.

If Newsome departs, Watson offers a cost-effective, reliable solution who raises the secondary’s floor. He also gives the Jags flexibility against elite quarterbacks.

Austin Johnson, DT, Jacksonville Jaguars

Sometimes the smartest move is the simplest one. The Jags must resign Austin Johnson. He may not rack up sacks, but his value to Jacksonville’s defensive interior is undeniable. He anchors against the run, absorbs blocks, and allows the Jaguars’ faster defenders to flow freely. Letting him walk would create an immediate hole. It’s one that’s difficult to fill given the team’s draft constraints.

Re-signing Johnson isn’t flashy, but it’s foundational. Championship defenses are built from the inside out. Jacksonville learned against Buffalo how important interior stability becomes late in games.

Andrew Wingard, S, Jacksonville Jaguars

Andrew Wingard’s story mirrors the Jaguars’ evolution. Once viewed primarily as a depth piece, Wingard re-established himself as a full-time starter in 2025. He thrived within the new defensive scheme. His communication, physicality, and football IQ provided stability in a secondary that often relied on cohesion more than star power.

Letting Wingard walk would introduce unnecessary volatility at a time when Jacksonville needs continuity. Bringing him back ensures leadership, familiarity, and depth. Those are three things that playoff teams can never have too much of.

The running back question

If Etienne Jr departs, Jacksonville won’t be scrambling but shopping. The 2026 free-agent class is unusually deep at running back. This offers Jacksonville options across every stylistic profile. They can look at the downhill reliability of Rico Dowdle or the bounce-back upside of Javonte Williams. They can also consider the all-around explosiveness of Breece Hall or the consistency of Kenneth Walker III. Whatever their preference, the Jaguars can find a fit without overcommitting financially.

This flexibility matters. Jacksonville doesn’t need a superstar here, just efficiency, durability, and fit alongside Lawrence. Free agency provides that opportunity without sacrificing draft capital.

Why this offseason matters

Jacksonville’s playoff loss wasn’t a failure but a checkpoint. The Jaguars have arrived earlier than expected. That changes how they must operate. The AFC isn’t forgiving, and standing pat after a Wild Card exit is how windows quietly close.

The Jaguars must be carful not to chase headlines. They just need to close gaps. Smart, targeted free agent moves can turn a painful playoff loss into a launching point. Jacksonville is already playoff-relevant. Now, they have to build toward being playoff-dominant.

The post Jaguars’ top 4 free agent targets after crushing playoff loss to Bills appeared first on ClutchPoints.

In the dying moments of the game, the Bills needed to convert a short-yardage situation to ice the victory. Naturally, they turned to their cheat code: the 6-foot-5, 237-pound Josh Allen. The Bills executed a quarterback sneak, effectively the controversial “tush push” to move the chains and kneel out the clock.

Yet, minutes later, McDermott was calling for the play’s extinction. When asked about his stance on the play, McDermott didn’t mince words, doubling down on his belief that the league should intervene.

“My position hasn’t really changed at all, even though there’s not significant data out there at this point, my biggest concern is the health and safety of the players,” McDermott said. “There’s other data out there that suggests that when you’re in a posture like we’re talking about that that could lead to serious injury and I think being responsible and proactive in that regard is the right way to go.”

Bills HC Sean McDermott was asked about his stance on wanting to ban the tush push after Buffalo ran that play today to ice the game vs the Jags.

via @EliotShorrParks pic.twitter.com/BoWKaXdD2H

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 11, 2026

It’s a fascinating dichotomy. McDermott is actively campaigning against a play that his team uses with lethal efficiency. Allen was a wrecking ball all afternoon, finishing with 273 passing yards and two rushing touchdowns on 11 carries. His ability to bulldoze through piles is a massive reason Buffalo is moving on to the Divisional Round.

Until the NFL Competition Committee actually drops the ban hammer, however, don’t expect McDermott to stop calling it. He might worry about the safety risks, but in the playoffs, the only thing that matters is the scoreboard.

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Season recap

The Jaguars authored one of the NFL’s most dramatic turnarounds in 2025 under first-year head coach Liam Coen. They finished 13-4 after stumbling to a 4-13 record the year before. Jacksonville captured its third AFC South title behind an explosive offense and MVP-caliber play from Trevor Lawrence. The latter thrived in Coen’s system during an eight-game winning streak to close the regular season.

That run included statement wins and even a record-breaking 68-yard field goal from Cam Little that became a defining snapshot of the season’s confidence. Jacksonville entered the playoffs with momentum and belief. Sadly, they saw it cut short by a 27-24 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round.

It was a sobering reminder that the margin between contender and champion remains razor-thin. Jacksonville didn’t lose because it lacked star power. It lost because depth, matchups, and late-game execution critically matter in January.

Draft needs

Jacksonville’s draft priorities in 2026 reflect the realities of roster construction for a winning team.

The Jaguars traded their first-round pick in 2025 to acquire two-way weapon Travis Hunter. That means this draft begins on Day 2. That trade made sense for a team chasing a title. However, it also shifts the pressure onto middle-round selections to contribute sooner rather than later.

The secondary sits atop the needs list. With Andrew Wingard and Greg Newsome potentially entering free agency, Jacksonville requires depth at both safety and cornerback. On offense, the line must be stabilized. Decisions loom regarding Ezra Cleveland and Cole Van Lanen. The defensive line also needs attention, particularly inside. Austin Johnson and Dawuane Smoot are set to hit the open market. This is really about ensuring that the Jaguars don’t regress when contracts expire.

Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the Jaguars’ 3-round mock draft based on the PFF 2026 NFL mock draft simulator.

The missing first-round pick

The absence of a first-round selection is the cost of doing business as a contender.

Jacksonville chose immediate impact over long-term draft positioning when it landed Hunter. That decision already paid dividends in 2025, despite his injury. The trade places added importance on precision rather than volume. Every pick must fit the system, the cap structure, and the locker room.

Round 2, pick 60: Keionte Scott, cornerback, Miami

Keionte Scott feels tailor-made for today’s NFL. His defining trait is controlled aggression. He can thrive in the slot, where offenses increasingly attack with speed, misdirection, and power concepts. Scott is comfortable operating in tight spaces. He brings a physical edge that immediately raises the floor of Jacksonville’s nickel packages.

What separates him from typical slot defenders is his blitzing ability. Scott’s five-sack season at Miami wasn’t schematic luck. It was timing, burst, and commitment to finishing plays. Defensive coordinators will love his versatility in sub-packages. That’s he can disguise pressure without sacrificing run integrity.

He’s already NFL-ready as a run defender. That is often the missing piece for young corners. In Jacksonville, Scott wouldn’t need to be a CB1. He would just need to be reliable, disruptive, and fearless. He checks all three boxes.

Round 3, pick 92: Zakee Wheatley, safety, Penn State

Zakee Wheatley offers something the Jaguars may soon lack, which is true range on the back end. The former high school receiver brings natural ball skills and long-striding speed that allow him to function as a legitimate single-high safety. His ability to cover ground quickly changes how defensive coordinators can structure coverage shells.

He triggers downhill decisively and shows real willingness in run support. That said, his slender frame limits how consistently he can finish against bigger bodies. That’s an area where strength development will determine whether he becomes a full-time starter or a specialized coverage defender.

Even in his current form, Wheatley’s range is valuable. For a Jaguars defense that thrives on forcing quarterbacks to hesitate, adding a true center fielder helps protect corners and amplifies pressure up front.

Fitting Jacksonville’s timeline

The Jaguars do not choose to be flashy. They choose to be smart. Jacksonville isn’t trying to reinvent itself. It’s trying to stay dangerous while contracts turn over and expectations rise. Scott and Wheatley both project as players who can contribute early while growing into larger roles. That’s exactly what a playoff-caliber roster requires.

The Jaguars didn’t fall short in 2025 because they weren’t talented enough. They fell short because the margins tighten in January. This draft is about shrinking those margins. Jacksonville isn’t chasing hope anymore. It’s chasing finishing power.

The post Jaguars’ 3-round 2026 NFL Draft according to PFF mock draft simulator after crushing playoff loss appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Lawrence, who is 26 years old, pointed to the turnovers being a crucial issue for the Jaguars on Sunday, according to Zach Fox of WTOC. He also admits that he and his teammates did everything possible to try to win the game, but the mistakes were something that crushed Jacksonville.

“Whether it’s turnovers or turnover on downs, we had three of those, I guess today, total; those add up and take points off the board,” said Lawrence. “I talked about the [turnover] I had in the first half, and you know, gotta be better and cleaner there. And some things just happen. You gotta be able to overcome them. But the reality is, you take points off the board, these games are going to be one-score games, and you’re gonna need them at the end.

“I wish we played cleaner in certain areas,” continued Trevor Lawrence. “I wish I made one or two decisions a little bit differently. Threw a better ball here or there, and you gotta live with it. It’s life. You don’t get do-overs. It’s a bummer, but I know we left everything out there.”

Two turnovers and a turnover on downs, can't happen in the playoffs. Here's Trevor Lawrence after@WTOC11 pic.twitter.com/6iUvAKrgfF

— Zach Fox (@ZachFoxSports1) January 11, 2026

Although the Jaguars were eliminated from playoff contention, it appears the future is bright in Jacksonville. First-year head coach Liam Coen seemed to have turned this franchise around, leading the club to an AFC South title.

Sunday’s loss to the Bills may be a hard pill to swallow, but Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars seem primed to remain competitive moving forward. Look for Jacksonville to be one of the busier teams throughout the offseason in an attempt to continue building a legitimate contender.

The post Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence details harsh reality of missed chances in loss to Bills appeared first on ClutchPoints.

This is an awesome post-game exchange between a reporter and Jaguars HC Liam Coen: pic.twitter.com/FwE8aRFaaR

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 11, 2026

The game went back and forth in the fourth quarter and the Bills scored the winning points when quarterback Josh Allen pounded the ball into the end zone with 1:04 remaining from a yard out. The Jaguars had a chance to tie or take the lead after that, but Trevor Lawrence’s pass on first down was intercepted by Bills safety Cole Bishop. The Jaguars had no timeouts at that point and the Bills ran out the clock.

Jaguars coach Liam Coen dutifully took questions from the media after the game and was clearly downcast as he provided his answers. In an unusual move, one media member tried to lift Coen’s spirits by telling him he had done a great job this season and that good things were ahead in the future for the team and himself.

Coen smiled awkwardly and accepted the words of encouragement. He went on to answer more standard questions following the exchange.

Jaguars took late lead before Bills prevailed

Lawrence had given the Jaguars a late lead in the game when he connected with running back Travis Etienne on a 14-yard TD pass with slightly more than 4 minutes remaining in the game.

The Bills responded with the winning 9-play, 66-yard drive that culminated with Allen’s touchdown. The Bills quarterback completed 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards with 1 TD. He also ran for 33 yards and 2 TDs.

Lawrence completed 18 0f 30 passes for 207 yards with 3 TDs and 2 crucial interceptions

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The Jags were perhaps already getting a little bit of taste of the next round when they took a three-point lead, 27-24, after scoring a touchdown with just a little under five minutes left in regulation, but they couldn’t hold on to that lead, as the Bills responded with a touchdown and Trevor Lawrence followed that up with a game-ending interception in Jacksonville’s final drive of the contest.

Long before the wild fourth quarter, there was a decision made by the Jaguars in the first half that sparked some buzz.

With Jacksonville ahead by four points late in the second quarter, the Jaguars orchestrated a six-play drive that ended on a turnover on downs. The Jaguars could have elected to go for a field goal attempt as they faced a 4th-and-2 on the Bills’ nine-yard line. Instead, the Jaguars decided to go for it and fell just a yard short of getting a fresh set of downs.

Even with the benefit of hindsight, Jacksonville head coach Liam Coen doesn’t regret going for it on that fourth down.

“Not even a close decision, Coen said after the game, per Michael DiRocco of ESPN. It was all-go for it on all the metrics and with where you’re at down there that low, you’ve got to go for it.”

Despite early elimination from the playoffs, the Jaguars still had a season to be absolutely proud of, all things considered — and the same goes with Coen.

In just his first season as the team’s head coach, Coen led Jacksonville to winning 13 games and the AFC South title after the Jaguars went 4-13 in 2024.

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While his interception sealed the game for Buffalo, Trevor Lawrence cannot be blamed for the loss. He went punch-for-punch with Josh Allen in the second half, nearly pulling it out in the final quarter. Travis Etienne was also spectacular, with over 100 total yards and a touchdown. The offense did enough in the second half and should have had more points if not for the coaching decisions.

Liam Coen ends his first Jaguars year with a dud

The first questionable decision from Coen came in the second quarter after a Ray Davis fumble. A Brian Thomas Jr touchdown gave the Jaguars the lead, and then Davis fumbled the ensuing kickoff. After picking up a first down, the Jags were stopped on third down with two yards to go. Coen decided to go for it instead of banking three easy points. It backfired and gave Buffalo a ton of momentum.

But the sequence that will live in Jaguars infamy came at the end of the game. Coen burned all three timeouts in an effort to stop the Bills from scoring a touchdown on the final drive. Had the Jaguars allowed Allen to score one play earlier, they would have had more time on the final drive and a timeout to spare. Instead, they had no timeouts, had to force a pass, and it was intercepted.

There is no reason for Jaguars fans to panic about Coen. Did they lose by three points after he passed up a 25-yard field goal? Yes, but a rookie head coach could not smash expectations any more than Coen did this year. Without Travis Hunter for much of the season, Jacksonville won its division. But there is room to grow for the coach after this season.

No turnovers for the Jacksonville defense

All season long, the Jaguars were great at forcing turnovers on defense. The one turnover they forced on Sunday was a special teams fumble, and it resulted in zero points. They were second in the league with 31 takeaways in the regular season. But one of Josh Allen’s many superpowers is a lack of turnovers. Jacksonville did not get enough big plays on defense on Sunday, costing them the game.

The Jaguars were hoping to have Travis Hunter on the field for a playoff game when they traded up to take him last year. With no pick in the upcoming draft because of the trade, Hunter has to step up to help this defense next season. He won the Heisman Trophy for playing on both sides, something Jacksonville may need next season.

The Jaguars have a great edge-rushing duo in Josh Hines-Allen and Trevon Walker, both former top-ten picks. Walker was held without a sack, while Hines-Allen had just one. The defense as a whole had just three quarterback hits, which is not enough to rattle Allen and get a win. They’ll have plenty to build for next year, even with Hunter coming back.

Cam Little misses a kick

There is no reason to blame Cam Little for anything involved with the Jaguars this year. He hit a 67-yard field goal and a 68-yarder in the regular season, setting the NFL record. Little is a key piece of the puzzle moving forward and could easily hit the first 70-yarder in NFL history. But on Sunday, he missed a kick in a game his team lost by three points.

Little lined up for a 54-yard try with one second left on the clock in the second quarter. For the first time since Week 7, he missed a three-point try. There was some controversy as to whether or not there should have been time left for the kick. So it could have been a Ball Don’t Lie situation. But regardless, that kick will ring in his head all summer long.

The Bills are headed to the Divisional Round again, while the Jaguars will wait for Trevor Lawrence’s second playoff win.

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The Jaguars scored a touchdown with around four minutes to go in the game to take a 24-20 lead over Josh Allen and the Bills. However, it was Allen who had a chance to put the game away. Allen scored a rushing touchdown from the 1-yard line that was set up by a 10-yard tush push. After an interception from Trevor Lawrence, the Bills secured the win.

The Jags had a chance to win and move on, but instead, they are done. The Jags played very well this season and proved to be the best team in the AFC South with serious wins against good teams. After the game, CBS broadcaster Tony Romo said postgame that he loves the future of this team, but feels that missed opportunities cost them a playoff run.

“The future looks bright … but it’s a little bit of a missed opportunity.” @tonyromo on the Jags loss to the Bills in Wild Card round. pic.twitter.com/Bh9wWbgshC

— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) January 11, 2026

“It reminded me a little of Carolina yesterday, but in a different way, where it’s like: You probably think the Bills are going to win because they have Josh Allen. It’s like ‘well, Michael Jordan is on that team, so they should probably win.’ But when I went and watched the tape all week, I’m like, ‘Jacksonville is probably the better team if you look at the structure in all three phases. They could do this, they are at home.’ And Carolina made that a game yesterday, and all of a sudden, that can happen. They didn’t quite get it done.

That is where I am at with Jacksonville, but the future looks bright. But, it is a little bit of a missed opportunity because you could go to the AFC Championship or the Super Bowl, and I thought Jacksonville actually had that opportunity this year.”

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Jacksonville’s 13 wins are their most since 1999. Furthermore, their AFC North title was their first since 2022. This was just the first year of head coach Liam Coen’s tenure. As he continues to grow as a coach, and his players further adapt to the playbook, the Jaguars will only get scarier on offense.

Jacksonville went into the playoffs ranked 11th in total offense, averaging 337.4 yards per game. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s interception against the Bills will leave a sour taste in fan’s mouths throughout the offseason. But Coen found a way to truly unlock him. Lawrence went into the playoffs having thrown for 4,007 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. As he continues to work with the head coach, the quarterback will only be more comfortable in his scheme.

The Jaguars have invested heavily in the pieces around him. Brian Thomas Jr. dealt with injuries all season but has shown potential for greatness. Jakobi Meyers made an immediate impact after his trade from the Las Vegas Raiders. Even Parker Washington had a breakout campaign. Jacksonville will have some decisions to make over the offseason, but overall, their offense has the potential to be one of the most potent in the league.

While all eyes have been on Coen’s new-look offense, Jacksonville’s defense showed plenty of potential as well in 2025. They ranked 11th overall, allowing 303.6 yards per game. Led by growing pass rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, alongside linebacker Devin Lloyd, Jacksonville has plenty of intriguing defensive pieces in place.

The Jaguars did struggle when it comes to pass defense though. They ranked 21st overall, allowing 218.1 yards per game. However, Jacksonville didn’t have No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter for most of the season. It’s hard to truly quantify what his two-way skillset brings to the field. While more a receiver as a rookie, Hunter will only make the Jags better when on the field no matter the position.

Jacksonville does need to improve their offensive line play. Their 40 sacks allowed were 13th-most in the NFL. But they have proven that Coen’s offensive plan works. The Jaguars now have a clear area they’ll focus on improving in the offseason.

Seeing the Jaguars go from taking Hunter at No. 2 to taking the Bills to the wire may be a bit shocking. But it was just the beginning of Jacksonville’s reign. With a new brand of offense and a growing defense, the Jaguars will be a legit playoff contender moving forward.

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Van Lanen headlines the Jaguars’ six-player inactive list, which also includes receiver Dyami Brown and defensive tackle Emmanuel Ogbah. The fifth-year blocker had been questionable all week and “tried to go,” per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, before ultimately landing on the final injury report.

#BUFvsJAX Inactives pic.twitter.com/Lf2ZBYF8Pc

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) January 11, 2026

Van Lanen will miss the game with a knee injury he suffered against the Tennessee Titans in Week 18. He will miss his second game of the season.

The 27-year-old has started 10 of his 16 regular-season games, including the final five at left tackle. Head coach Liam Coen inserted him as Lawrence’s blind-side protector after shifting his initial left tackle, Walker Little, to guard due to other injuries.

Little, who started the first 12 games at left tackle, will likely return to the starting lineup. Ezra Cleveland, Robert Hainsey, Patrick Mekari and Anton Harrison will join him as the Jaguars’ starting offensive line for their first playoff game since 2022.

If the Jaguars take care of the Bills, Van Lanen should have a good chance of returning in the Divisional Round, considering how close he was to playing on Sunday. Jacksonville committed to him as its franchise left tackle after giving him a three-year, $51 million extension before its regular season finale.

Despite losing Van Lanen, the Jaguars are closing as 1.5-point favorites to beat the Bills and advance to the second round. Buffalo initially opened as the favorite before the line flipped midweek.

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The backup running back for Buffalo played for three teams in college, as his last was with the University of Kentucky in 2023, as the offensive coordinator of the Wildcats at the time, being Coen. With even more connections, his last game with Kentucky was at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville at the 2023 Gator Bowl, as he returns to hopefully help the Bills propel to the next round.

Davis would talk about how “love” for Coen, how “emotional” it will be for him to see the coach, also crediting him for his NFL journey.

“I love Coen, man,” Davis said, according to The Buffalo News. “I’ve said it to him, and I’ve said it publicly, I would have never gotten drafted if it wasn’t for him. The belief he had in me, his offensive scheme, and knowing I was going to be a better player and better man. Being around him, I couldn’t thank him more. It will definitely be emotional seeing him because I thank him a lot.”

Jaguars’ Liam Coen on Bills’ Ray Davis

With the Bills taking on the Jaguars, there is no denying how the offense, including Davis, needs to keep Jacksonville on its toes. During that year in Kentucky with Davis, coached by Coen, he rushed for 1,129 yards to go along with 14 touchdowns, which led the SEC.

“It was no surprise, but it’s an incredible story,” Coen said about Davis. “Very mentally tough, very talented football player…You can tell how trusted he is there, how dynamic he’s been in the return game, and then when last week, he’s the No. 1 back, what that can look like…Very proud of Ray to be where he’s at today.”

At any rate, Davis hopes to get one over his former coach.

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Now that the 272-game grind is over, we come to the playoffs with the 16 best teams competing for the Lombardi Trophy. No more pretenders, no more middling football teams (well, we still have the Panthers, but I digress), and no more New York Jets.

While the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks get to sit at home, rest up, and fight off rust for a week, this NFL Wild Card Weekend gives us six must-see matchups that should provide some incredible football games. And one of the ways we can be sure of this is that we’ve seen several of these matchups already this season.

The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers split their season series, while the Carolina Panthers upset the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13.

However, we also have the Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars, San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots, and Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers, which are all first-time matchups this season that should produce scintillating results.

The NFL Wild Card playoffs schedule brings us two Saturday games at 4:30 pm and 8:00 pm ET, three Sunday games with 1:00 pm, 4:30 pm, and 8:00 pm ET kicks, and a Monday night showdown in the usual 8:15 pm ET timeslot.

We did pretty well overall in the topsy-turvy Week 18 world, going 12-4 and 10-6 against the spread. That winning week puts us up at 165-107 when just picking winners and helps us improve to 125-141-6 ATS on the season.

Previous weeks: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9 | Week 10 | Week 11  | Week 12 | Week 13| Week 14| Week 15 | Week 16 | Week 17| Week 18

So, with that, let’s get right into the NFL Wild Card playoffs picks, predictions, and odds.

Courtesy of DraftKings, here are the NFL odds.

Los Angeles Rams (-10.5) at Carolina Panthers

The last time the Rams and Panthers squared off, it produced one of the most shocking results of the 2025 NFL season. Matthew Stafford threw not only his first interception in 318 attempts, but he also followed that up by throwing a pick-six two throws later.

That Michael Jackson touchdown put the Panthers up 14-7, and they would go on to win 31-28. It was a game that would ultimately help cost the Rams the No. 1 seed in the NFC and help the Panthers make the playoffs despite finishing with a losing record.

So, is this a Rams revenge blowout, a second improbable upset, or another close battle that will simply tip in the Rams favor this time?

Well, being the opening game on Saturday means that the NFL expects it to be the worst game of the weekend. That suggests option A. However, Carolina is a different team at home, which is why what’s behind Door No. 2 has to be considered.

In the end, though, the third choice seems the most likely. The Panthers will probably not get blown out at home, nor will they beat the far superior Rams twice in one season. That means the NFL Wild Card playoffs picks, predictions, and odds column will take LA, but y about a touchdown.

Pick: Rams 28-21

Green Bay Packers (-1.5) at Chicago Bears

The other repeat game on the NFL Wild Card playoffs slate is a trilogy, not just a sequel. These NFC North rivals net in Week 14, and the Packers prevailed 28-2. Two weeks later, in Chicago, the home team once again prevailed with the Bears taking a 22-16 overtime victory.

Now, the oldest rivals in the NFL meet for the third time in 34 days with their seasons on the line. It doesn’t get more dramatic than that.

Here’s the thing about those last 34 days, though. In that time, the Bears are 2-2, but the second loss was a meaningless Week 18 game. The Packers have not won since that victory over their rivals. Without Micah Parsons and with a banged-up Jordan Love or Malik Willis, Green Bay is simply not the same team.

In the Wild Card round, the injury issues remain mostly unchanged, and they have to go to Chicago again to keep their season alive. So, while the NFL Wild Card playoffs picks, predictions, and odds column does have a lot of confidence in Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams in general, this is more an anti-Packers pick than a pro-Bears one.

Pick: Bears 24-23

Buffalo Bills (-1.5) at Jacksonville Jaguars

If you are a card-carrying member of Bills Mafia, you’ve heard two narratives in the run-up to this game. First, in a season without Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, or Joe Burrow in the playoffs, the Bills’ path to the Super Bowl has never been this wide open.

However, the second narrative bubbling under the surface is that, despite Josh Allen being the best football player on the planet right now, the Jaguars are by far the better team and one that is playing a lot better than Allen’s squad right now.

Well, both things can be true.

This is the year that Allen and the Bills have to reach the Promised Land, as he is the last man standing from the recent golden microgeneration of QBs. But Trevor Lawrence is playing the best ball of his career thanks to Lian Coen and the massive advantage that the Jaguars have in coaching, and through the rest of their roster, makes this a game that Jacksonville would be favored in if the reigning MVP wasn’t on the other side.

So, who wins out in this battle of Josh Allen vs. Duval County et. al.?

Call me crazy, but I still do think this could be Allen’s year, and when he has put on his Superman cape this season, the results have been incredible. For at least one more week, we get to see the Man of Steel save Metropolis in the end.

Pick: Bills 35-33

San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles (-4.5)

There is only so much analysis you can do here because neither of these teams is playing their best football of late, and both have major flaws. That said, if either of these squads shows up with their absolute A game, this could be a walk for them. They are that good in nearly every aspect of the game when they are on.

If the 49ers’ offense clicks and their young, inexperienced defense, led by the incredible defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, plays over their heads, it will be a San Francisco upset.

If the Eagles’ ridiculously talented defense shows up and the offense—who all seem to hate each other—get on the same page for a week, it will be Philly marching on to the next round.

Because the Eagles always seem to get it together when they have to, and Kyle Shanahan always seems to find that rake to step on right before the finish line, the NFL Wild Card playoffs picks, predictions, and odds column has to go with the Eagles, but by a field goal or less.

Pick: Eagles 20-17

Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots (-3.5)

At times this year, Justin Herbert seems to be the Prince Who Was Promised. Drake Maye, on the other hand, may have snatched that mantle in just his second season, as he may win his first NFL MVP Award at just 23 years old.

While we’d like to figure out a way to keep Herbert and Jim Harbaugh going in the playoffs, the truth is, the NFL Wild Card playoffs picks, predictions, and odds column doesn’t believe they have much of a chance here.

The Chargers don’t generally travel well, and their two offensive tackles are still out for the season, so none of that bodes well. Plus, while you might ding Maye for his lack of playoff experience, Herbert’s playoff experience is a horrific 0-2, so that’s no advantage.

New England does have some shortcomings that may show up I the Divisional Round or beyond, but this week, they will win comfortably.

Pick: Patriots

Houston Texans (-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers got their miracle last week when they astonishingly beat the rival Ravens to get into the playoffs. That’s where this run ends, though, as the home dogs don’t seem to have one bite left in them.

DeMeco Ryans and the Texans have arguably the best defense in the NFL right now, and that travels in the postseason. Plus, while Mike Tomlin hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016, Ryans has won both his Wild Card matchups in his first two seasons.

Ultimately, Aaron Rodgers doesn’t like to get hit anymore (and who does at 42?), and Houston will hit the Pittsburgh QB early and often. That should be more than enough to give the Texans the win and the cover in the end.

Pick: Texans 19-10

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Statement, not surprise

The Jaguars’ 2025 campaign was a full-blown statement year. They finished 13-4, won the AFC South, and secured the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoffs. Jacksonville emerged as one of the league’s most complete teams. The defining stretch came late, when the Jaguars ripped off eight straight wins to close the regular season.

That surge was fueled by the seamless integration of first-year offensive coordinator Liam Coen’s system and a quarterback who finally looks fully empowered within it. Lawrence set career highs in passing yards and touchdowns. He also dramatically improved his efficiency and decision-making. Over the final stretch of the season, Jacksonville played with the confidence of a team that knows exactly who it is. Hosting the Bills, the Jaguars enter the postseason with momentum, belief, and a quarterback playing his best football at precisely the right time.

Elite Trevor Lawrence

Individually, Lawrence’s 2025 season checks every box you’d want from a franchise quarterback. He started all 17 games, threw for 4,007 yards and 29 touchdowns, and added nine more scores on the ground. However, the raw numbers only tell part of the story. The true leap came in how he managed games, especially late.

During Jacksonville’s eight-game winning streak, Lawrence threw 15 touchdowns against just one interception. That level of ball security reflects a quarterback who has mastered risk management without sacrificing aggression. He wasn’t just executing but was controlling outcomes. Lawrence consistently delivered in high-leverage moments. That’s whether it was third down, late-game drives, or red-zone possessions. Heading into the playoffs, he doesn’t look like a young quarterback hoping to make a run. He looks like one who expects to.

Bills matchup and Lawrence’s strengths

On paper, the Wild Card showdown between Lawrence and Allen is one of the marquee quarterback matchups of the postseason. Allen’s 39 total touchdowns and improvisational brilliance are well documented. That said, this is not a game Jacksonville needs to turn into a shootout to win.

Since Week 10, the Jaguars’ defense has quietly become one of the league’s most effective units. They even ranked fifth in points allowed. Josh Hines-Allen’s eight sacks anchor a pass rush capable of disrupting Buffalo’s timing. That defensive competence allows Lawrence to stay patient, which is something he has done exceptionally well this season.

Lawrence’s growth as a processor and rhythm passer makes him particularly dangerous against a Bills defense that has shown vulnerabilities in coverage. He has been decisive against zone looks, efficient against pressure, and calm in less-than-ideal conditions. Contrary to outdated narratives, cold weather has not bothered him either. Over the past two Januaries, Lawrence has posted a passer rating north of 110 with zero interceptions. This matchup isn’t about survival. It’s about control.

One playoff win changes everything

Fair or not, quarterbacks are often judged by their postseason resume. Lawrence already owns playoff experience. Still, a playoff win over Josh Allen would carry a different weight. Allen is widely viewed as a top-five quarterback. He is the reigning MVP, whose physical gifts are undeniable. Beating him, head-to-head, in January would be a symbolic shift in how Lawrence is discussed league-wide.

Jacksonville has already shown it can beat elite teams. A late-season win over Denver was not a fluke. It was a preview. A tight, high-stakes playoff game would silence lingering doubts. Maybe we see a 27-24 Jaguars win capped by a late touchdown to Brian Thomas Jr. It would confirm that Lawrence isn’t simply thriving in structure but elevating it.

This is about trajectory

What makes this moment so significant isn’t just one game. It’s the arc. Lawrence has survived coaching turnover, schematic changes, and relentless scrutiny. Now, under a system tailored to his strengths, he looks decisive and ruthless when opportunities present themselves.

A playoff win wouldn’t just validate his 2025 season. It would set the tone for what comes next. If Lawrence continues on this path, MVP conversations in 2026 won’t feel speculative.

Trevor Lawrence has already proven he can carry a franchise. On Wild Card weekend, he has a chance to prove that he belongs among the NFL’s unquestioned elite. One win over Josh Allen might be all it takes.

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These teams will meet on Sunday at 1 p.m. (ET). The Jaguars finished with a record of 13-4, while the Bills bring a 12-5 mark into the postseason. Despite being on the road, the Bills are a 1.5-point favorite.

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence won’t put up big yardage numbers

The Bills’ defense is real against the pass. They ranked No. 1 in the NFL, allowing just 157 yards per game. There’s a different way to beat this team, according to sportsnaut.com.

“During the regular season, the Buffalo Bills’ defense allowed under 100 passing yards 10 times, and quarterbacks finished with a passer rating below 72.0 on nine occasions,” Matt Johnson wrote. “Passing the football is not the way to beat Buffalo. Instead, you must keep it on the ground. This Bills defense allowed five-plus yards per carry eight times this year, with four opponents putting up 200-plus rushing yards and seven posting 160-plus yards on the ground.”

Lawrence has thrown for 1,127 yards with 11 touchdowns and one interception over his last four games. However, it’s fair to note that he didn’t get much done in one of those games. Against the Colts, he threw for only 263 yards with no touchdowns and a pick.

One thing Lawrence will have to contend with is being a leader. He does have some history to fall back on. In the 2022 season, the Jaguars trailed the Chargers 27-0. That’s right, four scores. With 27 seconds left in the first half, Lawrence threw a touchdown pass. Before the game was over, Lawrence had four TD passes, and the Jaguars won, 31-30.

Interestingly, Lawrence also tossed four interceptions. So it was a wildly inconsistent performance.

Against the Chiefs the next week, Lawrence tossed a TD pass to bring his team within 20-17 in the fourth quarter. But the Chiefs won, 27-20.

So, will Lawrence be able to lead his team? He said emotions play a role, according to a post on X by z – Jacksonville Jagaurs the Jaguars via jaguarswire.com.

“It’s a little bit of a different feeling — you’re pretty juiced for the game,” Lawrence said. “But like I just said, it’s still just a football game. You’ve got to try and settle in as quick as possible and don’t let the moment get too big.”

Head coach Liam Coen warned that postseason games can be different.

“It may be a little faster,” Coen said of playoff football. “It may be a little more physical. Guys might sustain blocks a little longer, and that’s the difference. That is playoff football, and you know, we’ll be ready.”

Jaguars RB Trevor Etienne will rush for 90-plus yards

One reason Etienne will have a big game is opportunity. He only had two 20-carry games in the regular season, but look for him to get that many against the Bills.

And with the Bills’ inability to stop the run, those 20 carries should push him close to the 100-yard mark. He said last month that he has been pleased with his body of work, according to ESPN.

“I feel like this has been a great year for me,” Etienne said. “Just finding my love for the game again, just the team camaraderie that I feel like we have this year. I feel like that’s probably been the best part of this team is just we’re all playing for each other, we’re all playing for love of the game, and there is a genuine connection around here. That’s what made this year just so special.”

And the reason for the success? Opportunities.

“I feel like I just get opportunities now,” he said. “I feel like last year I really didn’t get much opportunities to be my best self. (And) I get better as the game goes. And Coach is doing a great job, trusting in me, giving me ball. Me protecting the rock, and I’m just doing the most with the carries I get.”

The Bills will have to commit personnel to stopping Etienne. But they haven’t been able to do it against other top-notch running backs.

Jaguars WR Jakobi Meyers will make several key first-down catches

Brian Thomas Jr. and Parker Washington are the best candidates for splash plays. But look for Meyers to come up big in third-down situations. He will give the Bills some trouble. And moving the chains in those situations could be a pathway to a Jaguars’ victory.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott sees the impact Meyers has made for the Jaguars, according to a post on X by Alex Brasky via jaguarswire.com./

“I thought one of the moves that’s made a difference for them offensively is adding Jakobi Meyers,” McDermott said. “A good pickup for them. Probably a guy that’s, quite honestly, been undervalued in his career, but going against him in New England, a ton of respect for his game.”

Meyers has meshed nicely with the Jaguars.

“But going beyond Meyers’ production, he’s been an excellent fit schematically for the Liam Coen offense with his ability to move around the formation, his willingness as a run-blocker, and his ability to do the dirty work and attack the middle and intermediate level of the field,” Paul Bretl wrote.

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Buffalo is currently the favorite over Jacksonville, according to DraftKings. Despite the winning streak, the Jags are the underdogs in this battle with the Bills. They have been hot to end the season, but the trust is low, especially given that they are facing Josh Allen.

The winning streak has quieted some of the struggles the Jags endured this season. Still, there are some things that might stall the team. Here is the Jaguars’ fatal flaw and what has covered it up so far.

Trevor Lawrence has played well

Trevor Lawrence had a monster season and carried the Jaguars to the SAFC South title. He threw for 4,007 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while also running 82 times for 359 yards and nine scores. Despite losing Travis Hunter for the season, he continued to flourish.

Lawrence made good use of receivers Parker Washington and Brian Thomas Jr., along with tight end Brenton Strange. Over his last six games, he has only thrown one interception. In the 27-24 win over the Arizona Cardinals, Lawrence overcame three interceptions to lead the Jags to victory, showing he could bounce back even when not everything was going perfectly.

The Jaguars’ defense has been on point

The defense has stepped up, allowing 20 or fewer points in seven of the eight games during the winning streak. Moreover, they generated two turnovers against the Denver Broncos in a 34-20 win. The Jags also dominated the Los Angeles Chargers 35-6 to begin the winning streak.

Despite not getting a lot of sacks, the defense has found ways to disrupt offenses, and it has led to shorter stints on the field. Those shorter stints on the field have led to more opportunities for the offense. Because of that, it has allowed Lawrence more chances to put up points and deliver. So, what’s the Jaguars’ fatal flaw? Unfortunately, it’s the running game.

The Jaguars’ running game is the fatal flaw

Things started well for Travis Etienne. Although he finished with 1107 yards and seven touchdowns, much of that happened at the start of the season. Etienne started the season with 143 rushing yards. A few weeks later, he had 124 yards against the San Francisco 49ers. Over the next few weeks, he would be fairly inconsistent, only reaching 80 yards twice in seven games. After that? He did not reach it once.

The Jags did win their final eight games. However, Etienne had one game over 80 yards and three over 70. In the rest of the slate, he struggled to move the chains. Etienne averaged 2.3 yards per carry in his last game of the regular season. There was a string of four games where he never reached four yards per carry.

It has not hurt the Jaguars yet. But there could come a time when the team needs a solid running game, especially if the Bills are able to contain Lawrence. This will be the toughest challenge for the Jaguars, as they need Etienne and the running game to keep the Bills’ defense at bay. Remember, this same defense held Saquon Barkley to 19 touches for 68 yards. The Jaguars need Etienne more than ever as they attempt to keep their magical season alive.

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The Jaguars will host the No. 6 seed Buffalo Bills in a Wild Card matchup on Sunday. And fans are holding their breath after the team released its initial injury report.

Jarrian Jones did not participate in practice for the Jaguars on Wednesday. The sophomore cornerback was listed as DNP due to illness, per ESPN’s Michael DiRocco. Jones’ fellow defensive backs Greg Newsome (shoulder) and Montaric Brown (neck) were both listed as limited participants.

Jarrian Jones misses practice ahead of Jaguars’ Wild Card Game

While the Jaguars held a walkthrough on Wednesday and the injury report is an estimation, the situation bears monitoring. Jacksonville’s secondary already took a major hit when Jourdan Lewis underwent season-ending surgery.

Lewis is in the first season of a three-year, $30 million deal and the Jaguars have missed the veteran corner’s on-field leadership since his injury. Jones and Newsome have done a solid job picking up the slack. But while Jacksonville has played strong defense this season, the team is weaker against the pass than the run.

The Jaguars finished the regular season with the league’s top run defense, allowing just 85.6 yards per game. They’re more vulnerable through the air, however, as the team ranks 21st against opposing passing attacks.

Jones, a third-round pick in 2024, has shown improvement this season. The Florida State product earned a 78.7 coverage grade and 78.4 overall grade in 2025, good for fifth-best among defensive backs, per PFF. The team needs him to suit up with Josh Allen and the Bills coming to town.

The Jaguars experienced a historic turnaround this season. After going 4-13 in 2024, rookie head coach Liam Coen has led the team to its best record in 26 years.

The 2025 Jaguars made NFL history as only the third team to win 13 games one season after recording 13 losses. Interestingly two of the three teams to accomplish the feat did so this year. The 2025 New England Patriots experienced the same dramatic turnaround. They’re joined by Peyton Manning’s 1999 Indianapolis Colts.

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Bills vs. Jaguars Wild Card Results According to Madden 26

According to Madden 26, the Jacksonville Jaguars will defeat the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round 22-20.

Jaguars kicker Cam Little deserves the game ball as he nailed five decisive field goals in the win. Trevor Lawrence managed to score touchdown early on. But for the rest of the game, Jacksonville’s offense struggled to finish drives. Fortunately, they just happen to have a kicker who was able to get the job done. Out of his five field goals, two were of 50+ yards.

The Jaguars also won thanks to taking an early 10-0 lead. Beyond that moment, it was never a two-score game again, as the Bills always had a response for each scoring drive from Jacksonville. They also had no answer for RB James Cook III, who ran for two touchdowns on the day.

The second and third quarters was a field goal fest. In fact, the only other touchdown of the day didn’t occur until halfway through the fourth quarter. Cook’s second TD run put the Bills up by one point with 8:46 to go. That was their first and only lead of the day.

But that lead didn’t last long, because Little converted another field goal roughly two minutes later. This still gave the Bills six minutes to win the game. But Josh Allen wasn’t able to perform his Super Man act Once the Jaguars recovered the ball, they never let go as they drove down the field with relative ease.

With the win, the Jaguars advance to the divisional round. We’ll see just how far Liam Coen can take this team in his first season.

Scoring Summary

First Quarter:

• JAX – Brenton Strange 8 Yd pass from Trevor Lawrence (Cam Little kick), 9:37 (JAX 7-0)
• JAX – Cam Little, 33 Yd FG, 4:00 (JAX 10-0)
• BUF – James Cook III, 7 Yd run (Matt Prater kick), 0:39 (JAX 10-7)

Second Quarter:

• BUF – Matt Prater, 34 Yd FG, 9:30 (Tied 10-10)
• JAX – Cam Little, 43 Yd FG, 2:03 (JAX 13-10)

Third Quarter:

• JAX – Cam Little, 35 Yd FG, 5:09 (JAX 16-10)
• BUF – Matt Prater, 24 Yd FG, 1:14 (JAX 16-13)

Fourth Quarter:

• JAX – Cam Little, 55 Yd FG, 12:54 (JAX 19-13)
• BUF – James Cook III, 12 Yd run (Matt Prater kick), 8:46 (BUF 20-19)
• JAX – Cam Little, 50 Yd FG, 6:03 (JAX 22-20)

Overall, that wraps up our Bills vs. Jaguars Wild Card Round Results according to Madden 26. We hope you enjoyed watching, stay tuned for more simulations in the future.

Note: We’re looking to improve our simulations in a number of ways in the future. However, despite adjusting CPU and even Player sliders, it seems CPU vs. CPU games don’t adhere to any of those changes. Furthermore, Madden 26’s Rosters are messed up, with multiple players in the wrong positions. Nevertheless, we still want to improve these sims.

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Allen was listed as a full participant in Wednesday’s practice, so it looks like he’s ready to be a full go for Sunday’s playoff matchup. The reigning MVP has been dealing with a nagging foot injury, but he hasn’t missed any games and will aim to put it totally behind him as he tries to finally break through in the postseason for that coveted Super Bowl berth.

Allen suffered the right foot injury in a Week 16 win over the Cleveland Browns and then had soreness flare up in the heartbreaking Week 17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. While he was ultimately cleared to play in Week 18 against the New York Jets, he took just one snap in order to keep his consecutive games played streak alive and then gave way to Mitchell Trubisky.

Josh Allen ready for Bills vs. Jaguars

The fact that Josh Allen is already a full practice participant without any limitations is a good sign that his foot injury will be in better shape against Jacksonville. The Bills quarterback met with the media Wednesday and spoke about preparing for a playoff run that comes with major expectations.

We’re live with Josh Allen as he meets with the media following today’s practice.#GoBills | #BillsMafia https://t.co/5ESduIOGW5

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 7, 2026

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs aren’t in Allen and the Bills’ way this time, but Buffalo is going to need the quarterback to be at his best to navigate the AFC playoff bracket. That starts with going on the road and beating a red-hot Jaguars team with Trevor Lawrence really coming into his own. That’s not going to be easy given Jacksonville has won eight games in a row. Not to mention the Bills haven’t won a road playoff game since 1993, with an 0-8 road playoff record in that span.

But if Allen is at his best, he’ll be the best player on the field and can win games almost single-handedly. While he won’t win MVP again this season, the 29-year-old had another MVP-caliber season with 39 total touchdowns and a career-high 69.3% completion rate.

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A woman has gone viral for putting the Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback on her back — literally. A woman named Natasha went viral on TikTok for running into Lawrence at a bar and back squatting him.

“When you run into Trevor Lawrence the QB for the Jags at a bar & ask to squat him,” she wrote over the video.

The quarterback weighs 214 pounds, and the comments praised the woman for her athletic ability.

“After carrying the Jags the entire season, it’s nice to see someone carry Trevor Lawrence for once,” one fan wrote.

“I’m f–king crying at the fact that he let you do this,” another fan commented.

“unbelievable side quest,” the official Walmart account wrote.

The woman captioned the video a “dream come true.”

@nahtahshaa

Dream come true #nfl #nflfootball #jaguar #trevorlawrence #nflplayoffs

♬ original sound – Shelby Willis

According to her Instagram account, Natasha is a Navy veteran who currently lives in Florida.

This viral moment follows the Jaguars clinching the AFC South title from the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Jan. 4, after defeating the team 41-7. The Jaguars are now entering the playoffs as the No. 3 seed in the AFC.

“It’s just starting for us,” Lawrence said in a post-game interview on the field. “We know that there’s more football ahead for us. We gotta take it one week at a time, but we’re going to celebrate this one tonight.”

He spoke about his relationship with head coach Liam Coen led to a successful season.

“It all started back in the spring, obviously when he first took the job, and building that relationship from the very beginning and having honest conversations with each other and things that — obviously the things, the good things that he saw in my game, but also the things I needed to improve, and we talked a lot about those things and got on the same page,” he said following the AFC win.

“Those were some great conversations, now looking back on it, where we could really start from the ground up and work on my game, work on this offense, put it together.”

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The Wild Card Weekend schedule is HERE. #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/r4pm7OgEOh

— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2026

Sunday starts at 1 p.m. Eastern in Jacksonville, where the AFC South champion Jaguars face the Buffalo Bills. The defending champion Philadelphia Eagles host the San Francisco 49ers at 4:30 p.m. Eastern on Sunday. And the night closes with the Los Angeles Chargers heading to New England to face the Patriots.

Finally, the winner of Sunday night’s game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens will host the Houston Texans on Monday.

Only one game this year is a streaming exclusive, with the Packers and Bears facing off on Prime Video. In the past, NBC has put a game exclusively on Peacock, but Sunday’s Patriots-Chargers game will be on NBC.

This schedule does not include the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos, who are the NFC and AFC number one seeds, respectively. The NFL playoffs will continue the following week with two more games in each conference, with both Seattle and Denver hosting a game.

Fans of snow games will have four games in their sights as they check the radars. The Packers and Bears will certainly play a cold-weather game on Saturday night. The Eagles played a snow game last year, while there has been snow in New England already this year. The AFC North winner could have snow, especially if it is Pittsburgh.

The NFL playoffs begin at 4:30 on Friday with a Rams-Panthers rematch. Carolina’s win over Los Angeles was one of the biggest upsets, according to the point spread, of the season. Can they pull it off again?

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ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter unveiled the milestone Jacksonville hits in ending the season 13-4.

“The 2025 Jaguars now join the 2025 Patriots and 1999 Colts as the only teams in NFL history to win 13-plus games one season after losing 13-plus games the season before,” Schefter posted on the social media website X, formerly Twitter.

Sunday’s rout also marks the most victories for the Jags since 1999 — when they went 14-2 and clinched the AFC’s top seed. This season also marks the most regular season wins with Trevor Lawrence at quarterback. Lawrence hit a new franchise record of 38 touchdowns during the rout of Tennessee.

Can Jaguars secure No. 2 or top seed in AFC?

Head coach Liam Coen installed an instant winner in Duval County. The region will soon host a game in the NFL Playoffs.

But could it be the No. 2 seed or even the top spot?

Jacksonville isn’t officially out of the race for home field advantage in the postseason. A Denver Broncos and New England Patriots loss hands the Jaguars the top seed in the AFC. Jacksonville hasn’t had that since the ’99 season when Mark Brunell led the team behind center.

Denver, however, led 10-0 before halftime against the Los Angeles Chargers — who are also playoff bound. The Patriots, meanwhile, led 14-7 before the end of the second quarter versus the Miami Dolphins.

Jacksonville can still lock up the second seed if either the Broncos or Pats lose. Regardless, EverBank Stadium will be filled with Jaguar fans next week. The Buffalo Bills are already one possibility to come over as the sixth seed — which also becomes a rematch of the 2017 season wildcard contest won by Jacksonville 10-3.

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Jacksonville defeated Tennessee by a dominating 41-7 score. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw for 255 passing yards and three touchdowns in the game.

It has truly been a special season for the Jaguars. Jacksonville is led by first-year head coach Liam Coen, as well as a first-year general manager in James Gladstone. The Jaguars were also able to keep finding wins, despite losing two-way star rookie Travis Hunter for the season. Hunter is dealing with an injury.

During the Jaguars-Titans game on Sunday, Tennessee’s rookie quarterback Cam Ward also went down with an injury. The Titans finish their year with a 3-14 record, while Jacksonville is 13-4 heading into the postseason.

Jaguars are hungry for more after winning the AFC South

The 2025 season has inarguably been one of the best in Jacksonville’s franchise history. The Jaguars are one of the NFL’s group of teams to have never won a Super Bowl.

The Jaguars are also coming off an abysmal 2024 season. Jacksonville fired previous head coach Doug Pederson, after a 4-13 campaign. Lawrence was dealing with injuries, and the Jacksonville defense was woefully inconsistent.

Coen has immediately turned it around in north Florida. Time will tell how far the Jaguars can go in the postseason, with Coen at the helm. This has been an exceptional year for the team’s offense, despite not having Hunter for the final several weeks of the season.

“Compared to the rest of the NFL, the Jaguars have had one of the more productive offenses in football under Liam Coen. They will enter Week 18 ranked ninth in points per game, averaging 27.1 per contest,” USA Today reported.

The Jaguars continued that explosive offense on Sunday. Jacksonville averaged 5.5 yards per play, with the bulk of their 319 total yards coming through the air. The Jags also didn’t allow a turnover to the Titans.

Jaguars fans are certainly excited about what is to come for their team.

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That kick happened to make NFL history, as the 67-yard kick is the longest in league history at an outdoor stadium, according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Little, who is 22 years old, continues his strong year with the Jaguars by breaking another league record.

Cam Little from 67, the second-longest field goal in NFL history (longest outdoors) behind … Cam Little. The #Jaguars’ kicker has been unreal. pic.twitter.com/QvrYGru1qZ

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 4, 2026

This is the second record Little has broken this season, as the Jaguars kicker hit a 68-yarder in the team’s 30-29 Week 9 overtime win over the Las Vegas Raiders. It is the longest field goal made in league history. So, the 67-yarder Cam Little recorded on Sunday is not only the longest outdoor kick, but the second-longest kick ever.

“Cam Little now owns the longest (68 yards) and second-longest (67 yards) field goals in NFL history.”

Little, who is 22 years old, joined the Jaguars in the 2024-25 campaign as a sixth-round draft pick. The second-year kicker is certainly making a name for himself, as he not only is breaking league records, but has also played in every single game of his career so far. He entered the Week 18 matchup against the Titans with an 87.5% field goal percentage and a 97.8% extra point percentage.

A win for the Jaguars on Sunday earns them the AFC South crown. That would mean Jacksonville would have a home playoff game for the first time since 2023. The club still has a chance to earn the No. 1 seed in the AFC. However, they need the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots to both lose their Week 18 matchups.

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After allowing an opening-drive touchdown, the Jags answered with 31 unanswered points to take a 31-7 lead into the break. They got there in large part thanks to three touchdown passes from Trevor Lawrence, who is continuing his heater from the last few months.

With those three touchdown tosses, Lawrence now has 38 total touchdowns on the season, breaking the Jaguars franchise record for total touchdowns in a season. The team posted the accomplishment during Sunday’s game.

Lawrence has been playing some of the best football in the entire NFL of late. Now, in his last six games, he has 19 touchdowns and just one turnover as this Jaguars unit has ascended into one of the best units in the entire NFL.

Jacksonville is looking very likely to be the No. 3 seed in the AFC, provided the Patriots don’t lose to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, and Liam Coen has one of the scariest teams in the NFL at the moment. Jacksonville forces a ton of turnovers on defense and has a very balanced offense with one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL leading the way.

The AFC is wide open this season, without a juggernaut team that is without its flaws on the roster. As a result, this Jags team is a legitimate contender to win the conference and get to the Super Bowl with Lawrence playing this way.

It remains to be seen where Lawrence will end up in the MVP hierarchy and if he contends for All-Pro votes, which feels unlikely due to the excellence of Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford this season, but his play deserves its accolades over the last few months. Maybe those will come with team success in the postseason if he can keep that up.

The post Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence’s renaissance is complete with new franchise record appeared first on ClutchPoints.

“Sources: The #Jaguars and standout OT Cole Van Lanen have agreed to terms on a big new contract extension, a 3-year, $51M deal – $17M per year,” reported Rapoport Friday evening.

Van Lanen has emerged as quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s blindside protector. The new deal protects Jacksonville in case Van Lanen’s breakout season is a fluke, yet rewards the rising lineman. In head coach Liam Coen’s first year at the helm, Van Lanen is one of many players who have developed into contributors. Can the Jaguars capitalize on a potential AFC South title, springboarding into a deep postseason run?

Jaguars look to make deep postseason run following AFC South title

Entering Sunday’s regular-season finale, winners of seven in a row, the Jaguars shook off a surprising Week 2 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals to climb to the top of the mountain. Coen and his coaching staff have revitalized a young roster. GM James Gladstone, hired alongside Coen, has already added even more talent to a group of players waiting to have their potential realized.

In year one of the Gladstone/Coen era, it seems to have paid off. Van Lanen is just one of many names who have taken the next step in their careers this season. As long as the Jaguars take care of business at home on Sunday, it’s certainly possible that the AFC’s path to New Orleans runs through Duval County. Can Jacksonville ride Coen’s energetic scheme and a bunch of hungry players towards the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance?

The post Jaguars’ Cole Van Lanen lands 3-year extension before Week 18 appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Titans hobble in with a record of 3-13, despite having won two of their last four games. As for the playoff-bound Jaguars, they are 12-4 with an impressive seven-game winning streak.

Let’s take a look at what to expect.

Titans QB Cam Ward will throw for 250-plus yards

It would be only the second time all season that Ward has thrown for that many yards in back-to-back games. But despite the detractors, he has been better of late. Over the last four games, he has eight touchdown passes with only one interception.

However, he’s coming off a game where he completed only 21 of 40 passes for 52.5%. And his season completion percentage is 59.6. He has 15 touchdown passes and has protected the ball in the air well, with only seven picks. Still, he has 11 fumbles on the season.

Despite the uneven numbers, some executives still support him as a potentially good NFL quarterback, according to The Athletic. They see through the numbers to the amount of time Ward has had in the pocket.

“He’s running for his life most of the time,” the executive said. “His offensive line is terrible. You grade when things are done right, as much as you can. Throw out the negative plays when they aren’t his fault. Take some of those, too, to see where he can learn and fix things. You look for the flashes, and then hope they can really push it into next year.”

And Ward still has been able to make plays in bad situations.

“The great equalizer is his ability to scramble and make plays,” an executive said. “Who knows if he’ll ever be strong on schedule. It’s hard to know how much it’s sustainable to make plays off schedule outside of the offense.”

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence will hit for 300 yards passing

He’s only accomplished that one time this season. It came in his crazy five-touchdown day against the hapless Jets. The Titans are better on defense, and Lawrence won’t have five TD passes. But he should have a big yardage day.

Tennessee ranks No. 22 in the NFL against the pass. They are No. 17 against the run, which isn’t a ton better. But look for the Jaguars to try to mold Lawrence into a great mindset heading into the playoffs with a pass-happy approach.

The new coaching staff has already helped him a lot, according to Sports Illustrated.

“Yeah, with a new staff, a new system, and a little bit of a new schedule, and the preparation, you try to keep it as similar as possible to what you’re used to and what my routine has been in the past,” Lawrence said. “But it has evolved and changed over time, I think, just getting a better feel. But also my time that I spend with Grant [Udinski], Spence [Whipple], and Liam throughout the week.

“At the end of the week, me and Liam spend a lot of time just going back through everything. So, I feel like, come Sunday, we’re really on the same page. And it never goes perfect — it’s football, and there’s gray, and you play, and you make some mistakes. But I feel like our alignment, and how we see the game, and kind of what we’re expecting to get out of certain plays, and just how I’m seeing it, we’re very aligned, which I think is really helpful.”

The addition of Jakobi Meyers seems to have filled out the receiver room. It’s not that Meyers is a difference-maker, but more like the missing piece. Combine that with Parker Washington’s surprise season (86 catches for 760 yards and four scores), and the Jaguars have something going.

Plus, Brian Thomas Jr. could cut loose with a giant game at any point. He’s had an extraordinarily disappointing season, but still has the talent to come up big.

Jaguars RB Travis Etienne will score twice

Look for a rushing score and one via a pass. Etienne has seven of the former and six of the latter. So why not add one each in the season finale?

The Titans will likely try to take the ground game away from the Jaguars, which will open an opportunity for Etienne to get loose for a one-on-one matchup against a linebacker for a touchdown somewhere along the way.

Etienne said the players are highly motivated, according to jaguars.com.

“To be able to win the division, that’s a huge milestone,” Etienne said. “We don’t really have many inside the organization. To be in that in that position to win one, I feel like we have to win that one – not only for us, but for the organization. We have to keep building on the momentum and the success, and understand it isn’t just one week.

“Just to be able to play to be at the end of the season and to be able to play for something, knowing all the work we’ve put in and are still fighting for something, that’s really great to have.”

The post Titans vs. Jaguars bold predictions for Week 18 clash appeared first on ClutchPoints.

But while Jacksonville is on the verge of its first 13-win season in 26 years, Travis Etienne Jr. revisited one of the franchise’s bleakest periods. The Jaguars RB discussed the Urban Meyer debacle on the St. Brown Podcast.

“Urban, he was just being very hypocritical because I remember one time… we had played the Bengals, and he stayed out there. He didn’t fly back with the team. He just stayed and they got him on video,” Etienne recalled. “And then he came and tried to address each meeting room individually and basically he was just in there capping. They got the video out there so it was just crazy to see. And I feel like once that happened, he lost the locker room and it was just straight downhill from there.”

Travis Etienne remembers Urban Meyer’s brief Jaguars run

The Jaguars hired Meyer prior to the 2021 season. While he was a veteran coach, all of his experience came at the college level. And his first (and only) season in the NFL did not end well.

Meyer got off to a good start, selecting Trevor Lawrence and Etienne in the first round of the 2021 draft. But for some reason, Etienne was forced to take all his reps at wideout during training camp. This was odd because Meyer selected him as the second running back off the board.

Etienne suffered a severe Lisfranc injury during the preseason and didn’t make his pro debut until 2022. But he was around to watch Meyer’s season go off the rails.

As Etienne mentioned, Meyer remained in Ohio after the Jaguars’ loss to the Bengals. The first-year head coach was already dealing with an 0-4 start. But then Meyer was caught on video acting inappropriately with a woman who was not his wife. That, according to Etienne, was when he lost the locker room.

Meyer went 2-11 before he was fired in the middle of his first NFL season. He has not returned to coaching since.

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Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence joined an exclusive club after passing an impressive milestone in Week 17. Lawrence joined Josh Allen (2023-25), Kyler Murray (2020), and Cam Newton (2015) as the only QBs in NFL history to have 25+ passing touchdowns and nine rushing touchdowns in a single season, per Ryan O’Halloran.

Lawrence has been on a heater for several weeks now, willing the Jaguars to multiple important wins. On Sunday, the veteran quarterback was most dangerous when running the football.

Lawrence went 23-of-37 passing for 263 yards and one interception. However, he added eight carries for 26 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

Jacksonville’s franchise QB has already posted career highs in rushing yards (348) and rushing touchdowns (nine) this season. He also has passing stats that rival the height of the Doug Pederson era.

The Jaguars are thriving during Liam Coen’s first season as head coach. Coen became the first first-year head coach to win 12+ games following a season in which his franchise won four or fewer games the year prior, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Coen’s leadership has changed the trajectory of the franchise and even helped the team overcome major setbacks during the 2025 season. First-round pick Travis Hunter is on injured reserve, but the Jaguars haven’t skipped a beat.

Now Jacksonville will try to keep their momentum alive during the final week of the regular season. If they get a little help, they could even be the No. 1 seed and get a first-round bye.

Regardless of where Jacksonville lands in the final standings, any sort of postseason success would be a huge step forward for the organization.

Next up for the Jaguars is an easy Week 18 matchup against the lowly Titans.

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Coen became the first first-year head coach to win 12+ games following a season in which his franchise won four or fewer the previous season, via Adam Schefter of ESPN. His head coaching debut will be considered amongst the best in league history.

The Jaguars were certainly hoping for an explosive start based on how Coen entered the franchise. Originally seeming like he’d turn down the offer, Jacksonville changed their front office structure and put on a full court press to hire Coen. Their plan has work, and now the Jaguars’ arrow is pointing severely up.

There is still one more week of the regular season and then playoffs to go through. Coen and the Jags will be judged by their season at large. Still, their 12 wins are the franchise’s most since 2005. Jacksonville’s new leader didn’t take long to change the team’s identity.

An offensive coordinator originally, Coen has taken the Jaguars to new heights. With their 23 points in Week 17, Jacksonville has now scored 433 points on the season. That is the most in franchise history for a Jaguars team that began in 2011. Entering Week 18, Jacksonville ranks 14th in total offense, averaging 336.4 yards per game.

For the Jaguars to be successful in the playoffs, they’ll need their offense to keep shining. But whatever happens to close out their season, Jacksonville has found their leader. Coen has started off his tenure hot and looks poised to lead the Jaguars into a new era of winning football.

The post Liam Coen’s Jaguars turnaround had never been done in NFL history appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Now, the Jaguars could aim for something much higher than many expected them to fight for. The first seed in both conferences is highly sought-after, as it awards teams a first-round bye in the postseason. Jacksonville could potentially still win the first seed, but the path to get there is a bit murky.

What are the Jaguars’ odds of winning the AFC’s first seed based on the top playoff prediction models? Let’s look at The Athletic, FTN, and ESPN’s models to see what they think about Jacksonville’s push for a first-round bye.

Jaguars’ odds of winning the first seed

There are a few teams that Jaguars fans need to keep an eye on in the race for the top seed in the AFC. The  Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots own the first and the second seed in the AFC, currently. The Jags also share the same record as the Buffalo Bills.

The current playoff prediction models don’t really give a good chance for the Jaguars to take the first seed. ESPN’s Football Power Index, FTN’s DVOA (Defense-Adjusted Value over Average), and The Athletic’s Playoff Prediction Simulator all give Jacksonville around an 8-9% chance to win the first seed and get a bye to the Divisional Round. That’s slightly better odds than the Bills, but far below those of the Patriots and the Broncos.

Jaguars’ path to the first seed

So how do the Jaguars get to the first seed in the AFC? Well, the first step is going to be for them to win out the rest of their schedule: an away game against the Colts this week then a home game against the Tennessee Titans in the final week of the season. Even if the Bills end up tied with the Jaguars, their better in-conference record means that they’ll be seeded first over Buffalo.

Winning the next two games is not going to be enough, though. The other relevant game this week for the Jaguars is the game between the Patriots and the New York Jets. A loss by the Patriots is the most optimal outcome for Jacksonville, as they’d only need the Broncos to lose to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18 to get the first seed.

Should the Patriots win, though, there’s still a minuscule chance for the Jaguars to win the first seed. However, that would require another Broncos loss next week, as well as a Patriots loss to the Miami Dolphins.

It’s obviously an improbable path for the Jaguars. With how the Patriots have played this season, it’s hard to see them losing to either the Jets this week or the Dolphins. New England beat the Jets 27-14 in a game that was more lopsided than the scoreline showed. Their game against the Dolphins was much closer (27-33), but that was also before the Pats found their groove and before Tua Tagovailoa was benched.

The Broncos have looked surprisingly beatable this season, so a Chargers upset isn’t that impossible. The Jaguars have also looked good against the Colts (36-19 a few weeks ago) and the Titans (25-3) this season, so they have that going for them. However, their fate isn’t in their hands at all. They’ll need to root for some major upset this season to have a fighting chance for the first seed.

The post Jaguars’ odds for AFC No. 1 seed with 2 weeks to go in regular season appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Tuten has been nursing a broken finger since Week 14, which was his last game before undergoing surgery. He has since returned to practice, but the team downgraded him to out on Saturday.

Tuten’s injury was initially expected to keep him out for roughly a month, with some fearing it might be season-ending. His Week 17 practice return puts him already ahead of schedule, even with him being ruled out for the Colts game.

Tuten’s absence keeps the Jaguars’ backfield firmly within the grasp of Travis Etienne Jr., who is coming off a pair of lackluster performances. However, while Etienne has been Jacksonville’s top running back all season, his snap share has increased without Tuten. The fifth-year back played a season-high 71.9 percent of the team’s offensive snaps in Week 14 and a season-high 49 snaps in Week 16.

Etienne drew a pair of tough defensive matchups against the New York Jets and Denver Broncos in his first two games sans Tuten, but now has a much more manageable encounter ahead of him. While the Colts have been stout against the run all year, they just allowed 117 rushing yards to Christian McCaffrey in Week 16.

The last time the teams met, Etienne racked up 74 rushing yards on 20 carries in Week 14. He is in line for a similar performance in the rematch, particularly with Indianapolis recently placing star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner on injured reserve for a second time this season.

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Jacksonville has been red-hot over the second half of the season. However, the team lost an important defender ahead of Week 17’s matchup against the Colts. Jourdan Lewis will miss the rest of the year after undergoing foot surgery.

While Lewis won’t return to the field this season, Liam Coen believes the ninth-year veteran will still contribute to the Jaguars’ success. “He’ll definitely help us. There’s no question throughout this stretch as we go,” Coen said, per the Jaguars’ official X account. “The guys all trust him, they all believe in him. He’ll have great guidance for all those guys that are playing in the back end and be able to continue to contribute that way.”

Jourdan Lewis can help the Jaguars despite season-ending injury

Lewis made an immediate impact after his season-ending surgery “with just his positive energy,” Coen explained. Still, it will be difficult for Jacksonville to replace the veteran defender’s presence in the secondary.

The Jaguars signed Lewis to a three-year, $30 million deal over the offseason. He spent the first eight years of his career with the Dallas Cowboys after being selected in the third round of the 2017 draft. And Lewis continued his strong play in Jacksonville, earning impressive coverage grades in his Jaguars debut.

Jacksonville improved to 11-4 with the upset victory over the Broncos last Sunday. It’s the team’s first 11-win season since 2007. While the equally hot Houston Texans have won seven straight games to challenge for the AFC South, Jacksonville controls its own destiny. If the Jaguars beat the Colts on Sunday and top the Tennessee Titans in the season finale, they will win the division.

The post Liam Coen gives major props to Jourdan Lewis after surgery appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Unfortunately, on Christmas Day, the Jaguars got some unfortunate injury news pertaining to the stretch run of the season.

“Jaguars CB Jourdan Lewis is set to undergo foot surgery and will miss the rest of the season, per sources. After eight seasons in Dallas, Lewis signed a three-year, $30 million contract with Jacksonville in March and had two interceptions in 12 games for the AFC South leaders,” reported NFL insider Tom Pelissero on X, formerly Twitter.

Lewis has been a key piece for the Jaguars this year, and his absence will certainly be felt by the Jacksonville secondary moving forward for the rest of the 2025 season.

The good news for the Jaguars is that they have a relatively light schedule for the rest of the way, with games against the Colts and the lowly Tennessee Titans on the horizon. However, they could certainly benefit from having Lewis back out in the lineup once the playoffs get underway and the competition increases tenfold, as well as the magnitude of offenses they will be forced to defend.

In any case, the Jaguars and Colts are slated to kick things off on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 pm ET from Indianapolis.

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The oddsmakers have installed the Jaguars as 6.5-point favorites, with models predicting a Jacksonville victory at 68 percent. Let’s dive into three bold predictions that could determine the outcome of this crucial divisional showdown.​

Trevor Lawrence Surpasses 300 Passing Yards and 3 Touchdowns

Against a Colts defense that has surrendered significant yardage throughout the season, Lawrence should find ample opportunities to pick apart Indianapolis’s secondary. The Jaguars’ dynamic passing attack features multiple receiving threats, and Lawrence’s decision-making and accuracy have reached elite levels. Expect Lawrence to orchestrate another dominant performance, with 320+ passing yards and at least 3 touchdown passes. His mobility and ability to extend plays outside the pocket will create additional scoring opportunities that the Colts’ aging defensive line cannot adequately contain.​

Philip Rivers Struggles in AFC South Clash Throws 2+ Interceptions

The coaching staff and team organization entrusted 44-year-old Philip Rivers with the starting role following injury to Daniel Jones, and having the inexperienced Riley Leonard as the only other QB option. While Rivers’ return has captured the hearts of Colts fans and the national media, the reality is that it seems more than he can handle. Against a surging Jacksonville defense, he has tough sledding ahead of him to secure his first win back in the league. Rivers tried to bring some life into the Colts’ offense, but he’s 0-2 with 397 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions.

The Jaguars’ defense has been particularly disruptive, forcing multiple turnovers throughout the 2025 season. Rivers will face intense pressure from a Jacksonville pass rush that has recorded 37 sacks through 15 games. His limited mobility at this stage of his career will be exploited repeatedly by a young, aggressive defensive unit. The legendary gunslinger’s familiarity with the offense cannot overcome the physical limitations that come with age and an extended layoff from competition. Expect Rivers to make critical mistakes in the pocket, leading to at least two interceptions.​

Travis Etienne Records 110+ Combined Yards and Scores 2 Touchdowns

Travis Etienne Jr. has been the ultimate complementary piece to Jacksonville’s explosive passing attack. Through 15 games, the Clemson product has registered 999 rushing yards, 270 receiving yards, and 13 total touchdowns. His explosiveness and ability to line up in multiple formations have made him virtually impossible for defenses to account for in Liam Coen’s innovative scheme.​

Against the Colts, expect Etienne to record over 110 combined yards (rushing and receiving) while scoring two touchdowns. His ability to accumulate yards through both the air and ground will continue, as Jacksonville will look to establish early offensive success. The Jaguars will lean heavily on Etienne to control the clock and establish dominance on the line of scrimmage. His two-touchdown performance could include any combination of rushing and receiving tallies, but his dual-threat status makes him a nightmare assignment for Indianapolis’s linebackers and safeties to cover.​

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ superior depth, coaching, and offensive firepower should prove too much for the Colts to handle. With Trevor Lawrence playing at an MVP-caliber level, Travis Etienne producing in all facets, and Indianapolis relying on a quarterback making his return from a five-year retirement, the Jaguars appear positioned to dominate this divisional clash and potentially secure the AFC South title.

Look for Jacksonville’s balanced offensive attack to overwhelm a struggling Indianapolis defense, while the Jaguars’ pass rush disrupts whatever quarterback advantage the Colts hoped to gain with Rivers’ surprise signing.

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When the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl rosters were announced, Jacksonville received only one selection despite holding the No. 3 seed in the AFC. Long snapper Ross Matiscik earned the lone nod, marking his third career appearance in the Pro Bowl. Kicker Cam Little also ranked among the league’s top ten at his position but fell short of an official selection. Given the team’s standing, the lack of recognition stood out across the league.

Speaking Wednesday in Jacksonville, Coen addressed the disparity while reinforcing the organization’s emphasis on internal focus over external validation. The Jaguars later took to their official X (formerly known as Twitter), sharing a clip of the head coach’s comments regarding the team receiving only one Pro Bowl selection despite sitting atop the AFC South.

“Look, we can’t control those decisions… To be 11-4 and have one just speaks volumes.”

"Look, we can't control those decisions… To be 11-4 and have one just speaks volumes."

Coach Coen on Pro Bowl voting. pic.twitter.com/7qfrmt3dAf

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 24, 2025

Coen’s comments followed a statement victory in Week 16, when Jacksonville defeated the Denver Broncos 34-20 at Empower Field, snapping Denver’s 11-game overall winning streak and its 12-game home winning streak. The win further solidified the Jaguars’ playoff seeding and strengthened their resume against top-tier competition.

Four Jaguars were named Pro Bowl alternates, quarterback Trevor Lawrence, running back Travis Etienne, linebacker Devin Lloyd, and returner Parker Washington. While none earned initial selections, their inclusion highlights Jacksonville’s depth and balance rather than a reliance on individual stars.

Inside the organization, the Pro Bowl snubs serve as motivation rather than distraction. Coen framed it as confirmation the Jaguars’ success is rooted in collective execution and consistency. As January football approaches, Jacksonville remains focused on outcomes that matter most, positioning itself as a disciplined AFC contender built for postseason success.

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But in reaching this pinnacle, first-year head coach Liam Coen needed to open things up more.

Coen, an offensive whiz from the Sean McVay coaching tree, has ascended Lawrence — to the point he’s living up to his immense NFL Draft hype. So how has “T-Law” and the Jaguars offense reached this point? He explained it to reporters Wednesday.

“We’ve been able to maximize it the last few weeks, and be in a good play versus the right coverage, the right defense, and have answers. It’s on us too as players to learn all this stuff because it puts more on your plate, but come Sunday, it helps you,” Lawrence said.

Jaguars trending up in playoffs chase

New momentum is igniting in Duval County.

The Jaguars’ takedown of Denver pulled off more than an eventual playoff sealing scenario (Colts loss sealed spot for Jags). Jacksonville is now thinking home field advantage.

The franchise hasn’t seen that scenario since the 1999 season — when Mark Brunell and Jimmy Smith spearheaded the franchise. Lawrence was also an infant during that 14-2 season. Jacksonville, however, lost all three of its games to eventual AFC champion and rival the Tennessee Titans.

Now, Jacksonville is trending up ahead of the playoffs. Yet still needs multiple external factors to seal the top seed.

Denver remains in the hunt, but a Broncos loss this week or next hurts their chances for the No. 1. New England is another in the hunt for home field advantage. But a loss in either Week 17 or 18 ruins the Patriots’ chances there.

The Jags can force teams to visit North Florida by winning out — and hoping one of the above situations takes fold.

The post Trevor Lawrence reveals what has ‘maximized’ Jaguars offense in December appeared first on ClutchPoints.

In the prime time windows, Rams-Seahawks lived up to its billing as a clash of Super Bowl contenders, with Seattle taking control of the NFC West race on Thursday night. On Saturday night, Caleb Williams orchestrated a heroic comeback to take down the Packers and extend Chicago’s lead in the NFC North. On Sunday, Drake Maye pulled off a comeback of his own, making an MVP statement in a 28-24 win over the Ravens.

Who made the list of winners and losers from Week 16? Let’s get into the list.

Winner: Trevor Lawrence and the Super Bowl contender Jaguars

The Jaguars came into Week 16 as somewhat of an unknown. After starting the season 5-4, the Jags ripped off five wins in a row against an objectively hilarious list of teams and quarterbacks. Brady Cook, Riley Leonard and Jacoby Brissett all played against Jacksonville during that stretch, which left a lot of intrigue coming into a clash in Week 16 against the 12-2 Broncos, winners of 11 games in a row.

The Jags passed that test in decisive fashion, maintaining their lead in the AFC South with a very impressive 34-20 win on the road against the current top team in the AFC. Trevor Lawrence maintained his status as one of the hottest quarterbacks in the NFL with a monster day, finishing 23-for-36 with 279 yards and four total touchdowns against one of the best defenses in the league.

The Jacksonville defense played well for the most part, and Lawrence operated efficiently even with the Jags struggling to run the football for most of the day. That should give Duval fans hope that the Jags can make a push in the AFC this season.

Loser: It’s time to say goodbye to the Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens came into the season as one of the Super Bowl favorites, and this was billed as Lamar Jackson’s year. The entire offensive skill group from what was a stellar offense in 2024, and the defense was expected to show strides in year two under Zach Orr.

Instead, the Ravens are just about out of the AFC playoff race — in the worst division in the conference — with two weeks to go. Even if Baltimore can pull off a win against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night, a Steelers win against the lowly Browns on Sunday would spell the end of the year for John Harbaugh and company.

Sunday night’s defeat, a 28-24 loss to the New England Patriots where the Ravens held an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter, featured all the elements of this bizarre season in Baltimore. Derrick Henry lost another fumble early in the game, Lamar Jackson went down with another injury, the defense failed to get pressure on Drake Maye during his heroic comeback, and a Zay Flowers fumble ended the game on the final drive.

It was truly a season from hell in Baltimore, one that the Ravens would quickly like to forget.

Winner: Everyone who watched Seahawks-Rams

What happens when you combine Thursday Night Football weirdness with NFC West weirdness? You get games like Thursday night.

The Seahawks and the Rams squared off in one of the biggest games of the season with both teams coming in at 11-3 and the winner taking control of the NFC West. Everything appeared to be all gravy for the Rams, who had a 30-14 lead in the fourth quarter after a Sam Darnold interception in the red zone.

Things flipped after the ensuing three-and-out, when Rashid Shaheed housed a punt and the Seahawks picked up the two-point conversion to make it a one-score game. From there, chaos ensued.

Darnold found AJ Barner for a long score, and then Zach Charbonnet somehow converted the game-tying conversion in one of the wildest and most confusing plays you’ll ever see. The defenses buckled down, new Rams kicker Harrison Mevis missed a field goal and the game went to overtime.

Puka Nacua got things started in the extra period with a 41-yard touchdown catch, the last of his 225 yards on the night. Darnold matched the Rams with a couple of absurd throws, the last of which went to Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a touchdown, to set up yet another 2-point play.

When Eric Saubert, signed to a new contract the week before, broke wide open in the end zone, Darnold whipped it to him to give the Seahawks an improbable 38-37 win and the lead in the NFC. It was a wild ending to an excellent game — maybe the best of the year — between two NFC contenders, and the fans couldn’t have asked for much more.

Loser: The Buccaneers are 2025’s bad vibes champions

During the first half of the season, the Buccaneers looked like true contenders in the NFC and Baker Mayfield was playing like a potential MVP candidate. Fast-forward to now, and all of that is a distant memory.

Tampa Bay has lost six of its last seven games after a 23-20 defeat at the hands of the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The Bucs are now 7-8 on the season and are not even in first place in the NFC South, and Mayfield is playing the worst football he has played since his Carolina days.

After a Week 15 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, head coach Todd Bowles dropped a series of F-bombs in his postgame press conference. The vibes around this Tampa Bay team are terrible, and even though the Bucs still control their own destiny in the division, it’s starting to feel more and more like changes will be coming in the offseason.

Winner: Justin Herbert just keeps winning

Justin Herbert and the Chargers have been struggling on offense of late, in large part due to an insurmountable amount of injuries on the offensive line and at running back. However, Herbert has still continued to win games despite that, thanks to his playmaking and a good defense on the other side.

On Sunday, the Chargers got their shot at the league’s get-right game on offense against the Dallas Cowboys. Herbert did not disappoint, putting on a laser show in one of the best performances of his career: 23-for-29 with 300 yards and three total touchdowns in a 34-17 win to get to 11-4.

With the win, this makeshift Chargers squad is now 11-4 and just one game back of the Broncos in the AFC West, with a head-to-head meeting coming in Week 18.

Somehow, Herbert has gone from being viewed as a good stats-bad team guy to a bad stats-good team guy. On Sunday, he got both, and now has two of the best defenses in the NFL standing in between him and a home playoff game. He’s been Superman all season, and now will have to continue to be that for this LA team.

Loser: The Packers throw it back to the 2014 NFC Championship

Flash your mind back to January 18, 2015 for a quick second. The Packers, playing the Seahawks with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. Green Bay, thanks to four interceptions, took a double-digit lead before Seattle stormed back. Brandon Bostick infamously botched an onside kick recovery with about two minutes to go, allowing the Seahawks to score to take the lead. When Aaron Rodgers forced overtime, Russell Wilson launched a deep pass into the end zone and Jermaine Kearse made a difficult over-the-shoulder catch to end the game.

Here we are 11 years later, and the Packers were taking on the Bears in the biggest game of their season so far on Saturday night. Green Bay took a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter before Caleb Williams started leading the Bears back. Romeo Doubs botched an onside kick recovery with about two minutes remaining, and Williams tied the game with a fourth-down touchdown in the final seconds of regulation to send it to overtime.

Starting to sound familiar?

In overtime, after Green Bay fumbled away a fourth down chance of their own, Williams launched a deep pass into the end zone and DJ Moore made a difficult over-the-shoulder catch to end the game.

It was a majestic moment, fitting for a magical Bears season, one that will now likely see Chicago win the NFC North. Even as a neutral observer, the throw, the catch, the call from Kevin Burkhardt, and the scene at Soldier Field still give me goosebumps days later.

For the Packers, who also lost Jordan Love to a concussion during this game, it’s looking like a team without arguably two of its three best players for the rest of the season will now have to win three road playoff games to make the Super Bowl. It’s rare you get a truly sliding doors moment for two teams in one game, but this one looked a whole lot like that one 11 years ago for Green Bay

The post NFL Week 16 Winners and Losers: Jaguars make a statement, Ravens officially left for dead appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The 49ers overwhelmed the Indianapolis Colts, 48–34, under the lights of the Lucas Oil Stadium. Brock Purdy played with command and confidence, throwing five touchdown passes in a performance that never loosened its grip. The crowd roared early, but the separation came later. Each drive tightened the picture for contenders watching from home. When the final seconds ticked away, the standings recalculated in real time.

For the Colts, the fall feels steep. Seven weeks ago, the Colts held the No. 1 spot in the AFC. Now, they’re fighting to stay relevant. The loss dropped them deeper into trouble, another reminder of how thin the margin has become. What once looked secure now feels fragile.

How the 49ers’ MNF Win Shook the Playoff Picture

Beyond the final score, however, the numbers tell a harsher story for the Colts. After starting 7–2, Indianapolis has gone 1–5. As a result, the slide erased their cushion and exposed every missed chance. Now, with only two games remaining, the Colts sit at a 1% chance to reach the playoffs. Effort remains. Hope, however, barely does.

Meanwhile, clarity arrived elsewhere. The Jaguars locked in their place after weeks of grinding wins. Likewise, the Chargers earned theirs through consistency and control. At the same time, the Bills survived the chaos and emerged stronger for it. None of it, though, happens without the 49ers closing the door on MNF.

That’s the league in December. One team surges. Others clinch. Another fades. As the field takes shape and pressure rises, one question lingers as January approaches. Which contender is just getting started, and who peaked too soon?

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Lawrence, who’s finally having a breakout campaign, threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns and also rushed for a score to give the Jaguars the convincing victory, 34-20, for their sixth straight win.

With the way he has been playing, Lawrence has made a believer out of The Ringer’s Bill Simmons.

“I thought Lawrence was awesome today. I think that was easily the best game I’ve ever watched from him,” said Simmons.

He admitted that he thought that the 26-year-old quarterback was already done after a series of unproductive seasons. But apparently, Lawrence, the top overall pick in 2021, only needed a little bit more time.

“Listen, I’ve watched a lot of Lawrence. He just always seemed frenetic to me. I’d just given up on him. I just thought we’d seen enough. How many starts can somebody have where they’re kind of they are who they are? I don’t know if it’s the new coach, (but) he seems more confident,” added Simmons.

“I always thought he seemed kind of overwhelmed, especially in a game like the atmosphere today. I think a year ago, he throws three picks and he throws a red zone pick. I just think he would have stunk. But he was really good (against Denver).”

"That was easily the best game I've ever watched from him."@BillSimmons and @TheCousinSal praise Trevor Lawrence for his great performance against the Broncos. pic.twitter.com/6aQgXROEks

— The Ringer (@ringer) December 22, 2025

Simmons also gave credit to the addition of Jakobi Meyers, whom he described as a “reliable security blanket” for Lawrence.

The Jaguars will look to solidify their hold of the top spot in the AFC South when they face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17.

Jacksonville has only been to the playoffs once in the last seven seasons.

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Strange, in particular, is enjoying a breakout campaign. Currently on pace for career-highs in receptions and touchdowns, the 2023 second-round pick has become a favorite target for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Digging more into Strange’s 2025 season, his road splits are impressive with 22 receptions, 239 yards, and two touchdowns. His production has aided Jacksonville’s 5-2 road record, but that does not mean Strange relishes playing away from the home crowd.

“We’ve done a great job this year of going on the road and getting wins,” Strange said, courtesy of Florida Times-Union’s Justin W. Lewis. “Personally, I love playing in front of Duval. I don’t like playing anywhere else really.”

Strange has every reason to like playing in front of the Jaguars’ fans. They are tied for the second-best home record in the AFC (6-2). The Jaguars also rely on the home crowd to help them bounce back from tough losses. After dropping a Week 2 game in Cincinnati, Jacksonville followed it up with a home win in Week 3. The same outcome occurred in Week 10 when Jacksonville dropped a game in Houston. The next week, they dominated the Chargers 36-6.

It is unclear if there is a personal reason Strange prefers home games. But the evidence is clear: Jacksonville feed off their fans, and it is helping propel the Jaguars to the playoffs.

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The Broncos were the odds-on favorites among AFC teams to win the Super Bowl, and their loss shouldn’t change how fans view them and their ability to win the conference.

The Broncos are the AFC Championship favorites

The Broncos lost to the Jaguars by a score of 34-20. It was a wake-up call of sorts for the defense, which has a case as the best unit on that side of the ball in the league. The offense wasn’t particularly great, either, especially a week after their best offensive performance of the year against the Green Bay Packers.

There is no need to panic, though. Had the Broncos won out all the way to the Super Bowl, they would have had to win 17 straight games. That just wasn’t feasible, so getting the loss out of the way isn’t the end of the world. Denver still has control of the number one seed in the AFC. The Patriots have the same 12-3 record as Denver, but the Broncos own the tiebreaker. Denver remains a full game above the Jaguars in the standings, too, even after the Week 16 outcome.

The poor defensive game shouldn’t have any bearing on Denver’s play going forward. They gave up a number of big plays because of missed tackles, but that hasn’t been an issue for the Broncos all season. The defense is still elite at getting after the quarterback, and the secondary is still one of the best in the league.

Denver is just nine sacks shy of the single-season sack record. Nik Bonitto, Jonathan Cooper, Zach Allen, and crew thrive getting after the quarterback. Even in the loss to the Jaguars, they still managed to bring Trevor Lawrence, who was coming off his career game, down to the ground five times.

Patrick Surtain is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, and if Myles Garrett were not on pace to break the individual single-season sacks record, Bonitto would be in DPOY conversations this year, too. The defense will bounce back from this performance, but it is the Broncos’ offense that has more question marks.

Is the Broncos’ offense good enough to win the AFC?

The Broncos’ offense has had some poor performances this year. Notably, the unit basically didn’t show up in wins over the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders. Denver still won those two games, though. The Broncos find ways to win, and the offense always picks it up in the fourth quarter.

Denver’s offense is far from poor. Quarterback Bo Nix is getting better and better. He avoids sacks, has the clutch gene, and has been hitting on big plays more often in recent weeks. JK Dobbins’ injury hurts, but rookie RJ Harvey has stepped up in his absence. Evan Engram has been making a bigger impact after a slow start, too. The Broncos still rank a respectable 13th in points-per-game (24.1), and they displayed their potential in the win over the Packers.

This is the year to make a postseason run. The Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals are already eliminated from playoff contention, and the Baltimore Ravens may end up in the same boat. The three teams, along with the Buffalo Bills, contend for the AFC title seemingly every year because Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen rank as the best quarterbacks in football. The Chiefs, in particular, have been in the midst of a dynasty and have had the Broncos’ number in recent years.

Denver’s competition for AFC supremacy this year includes the Jaguars, Bills, Patriots, and Houston Texans. Buffalo’s run defense is weak, and they rely too heavily on Allen carrying them. The Patriots are still young, and they are pretty beaten up right now. The Texans have a great defense, but the offense has often fallen short.

Denver could certainly beat Jacksonville in a rematch, and they are still on pace to win the AFC. So don’t put too much stock in Sunday’s loss.

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Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun explained that Coen seemed to take offense to Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s comments about Jacksonville being a “small market” team.

“Liam had a problem with that, for sure. I like the energy that he comes with … he didn’t like that little brother feel maybe,” Oluokun said on Monday, per Jaguars reporter Juston W. Lewis. “Maybe they had some beef going from before that…”

Payton called Jacksonville a “smaller market” ahead of their important Week 16 matchup.

“It’s a smaller market, but you see a real good team,” Payton said.

Weirdly, the Broncos came out of Sunday’s game with more total yards and yards per play. However, a few costly mistakes prevented the Broncos from ever taking control.

Trevor Lawrence had a great game against an excellent Broncos defense. Lawrence went 23-of-36 passing for 279 yards with three touchdowns. He also added six carries for 20 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Coen seemed to make a clever reference to Payton’s comments when talking with reporter’s after Sunday’s big win.

“Grateful that a small market team like us can come into a place like Mile High and get it done,” Coen said.

Oluokun gets where his head coach is coming from. Nobody wants to feel like the little brother, especially in professional sports.

“I know exactly where he’s coming from, and I know how to relate to him with that stuff, because I… yeah, yeah. So, I relate to him,” Oluokun concluded.

Jacksonville is now 11-4 and occupy the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoff picture. They are now within one game of the Broncos and Patriots, putting the Jaguars squarely in competition for the No. 1 seed.

Hopefully the Jaguars can get another win next week to improve their odds.

Next up for the Jaguars is a Week 17 matchup against the Colts.

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It has taken some time. The No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft suffered through an awful rookie season with 17 interceptions. He bounced back with 25 touchdown passes and only eight picks in year two.

But the next two years were bad, and he entered this season with a career record of 22-38.

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence becoming a beast?

We have to pump the brakes a little bit. We’re basically talking about a four-game hot streak. Lawrence has thrown 12 touchdown passes with no interceptions in that stretch. He threw for over 1,000 yards in those games, and the Jaguars have won them all.

And he also has two rushing scores with 112 rushing yards over the last four contests.

But before we anoint Lawrence as the next elite NFL quarterback, take a step back and look at his 60.0 completion percentage. That would be his lowest mark since his rookie year.

And before the four-game heater, Lawrence offered a three-interception embarrassment in an overtime win over the Cardinals. It gave him six picks with only five touchdowns over a four-game stretch.

So, which four-game stretch do you buy? They came back to back.

However, one thing that clearly stands out is the Jaguars’ season record. They are 11-4 and just whipped the pants off of Sean Payton and the Broncos’ so-called tough defense.

That has to count for something. And Lawrence has earned some praise, according to AP News.

“I feel like I’m seeing it really well,” Lawrence said before the Broncos game. “I think I’m throwing it well. Offensively, in general, it’s never about one guy. As an offense, we’re really synced up right now, especially in the passing game and protecting up front.

“We all have a lot of confidence in what we’re doing. It seems like we’ve got the ball rolling the last few weeks, so it feels good.”

After beating the Broncos, Lawrence took a ride on the Jaguars’ hype train, according to AP News.

“I feel great with our offense right now, what we’re able to do, the passing game, guys are making plays, giving them opportunities down the field, and we’re protecting well,” Lawrence said. “We’re doing a lot of things well. We just got to not take it for granted.”

QB Trevor Lawrence has his coach’s backing

Jaguars head coach Liam Coen seems to be growing fond of Lawrence.

“He’s doing it all,” Coen said. “He’s doing everything that you want your guy to be doing, and he’s doing it at a high level right now.”

But he’s also quick to point out the overall picture of what the Jaguars are building.

“As you’re building, you just have to make sure you’re doing right by the whole place and putting the best 11 out there,” Coen said. “Individual success is extremely important to us. You want every player to get what they truly deserve and earn. … But it has to come back to the team first.

“Ultimately, everything we’re trying to do is to do that. Put the team first, protect the team, and give ourselves the best chance to go win on Sunday.”

WR Jakobi Meyers has boosted Trevor Lawrence

It’s not a coincidence that Lawrence has gotten better since the trade that brought Meyers from the Raiders. The numbers aren’t huge, but Meyers seems to be the extra element the Jaguars needed.

They are 6-1 since his arrival and are riding a six-game winning streak. And they’ve scored 25 or more points in every game with Meyers. That includes 36, 48, and 34 over the last three games.

Meyers has 13 catches for 155 yards and a score in that three-game hot stretch. He said Lawrence is the reason the Jaguars are finding themselves.

“It all starts with him, and he’s doing a great job,” Meyers said. “Up or down, we’re going to rock with him regardless. So, wherever he goes, we’re going.”

The Jaguars close at the beaten-down Colts before playing host to the lowly Titans. There’s a strong chance they will close out the regular season with a record of 13-4. They could get a good enough seeing to be in position for postseason noise. And then the Lawrence hype train would really be smoking.

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He got an extra dose of material when Broncos coach Sean Payton, in a comment that landed poorly, described the Jaguars as a “smaller market” team while still calling them good on tape.

The phrase echoed again after the game, including from Coen, who said he was thankful “that a small-market team like us can come into a place like Mile High and get it done,” a line that sounded like a direct answer to Payton’s wording.

Coen later tried to put a softer frame on it. He said it wasn’t really about Payton personally, and that the point was the broader message, that outside noise keeps supplying “ammo” and the Jaguars are happy to take it.

The report also noted Coen showed his players a sizzle reel at the team hotel in downtown Denver, packed with media doubt about Jacksonville, and he kept that theme going again in the locker room before kickoff.

Another focus in Coen’s Saturday night message was managing pressure. He specifically brought up a Nov. 9 loss to the Texans, when Jacksonville blew a 19-point fourth-quarter lead, and used it as the example of a lesson learned.

Coen told his team to embrace the setting, a meaningful December road game in a loud stadium, and to stay present rather than tighten up.

The Jaguars responded by handling the moment the way Coen wanted. They walked into Mile High, played with control, and left with the kind of win that forces the league to stop treating them like a cute story.

Whether it was a jab or not, the effect was the same: Jacksonville played like a team that came prepared to make sure nobody could laugh it off afterward.

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It was a big showdown between the two teams going into Week 16. Denver controlled the top spot of the AFC as Jacksonville needed a win to maintain control within the top four of the conference.

Payton talked about the Broncos’ preparation for the Jaguars earlier this week, which is where he garnered many reactions for how he described his opponent.

“It’s a smaller market, but you see a real good team,” Payton said.

Coen certainly took notice of the remark, leading Jacksonville to an excellent road win over one of the best defensive units in the league. He reflected on the win after the game as he made a direct reference to Payton’s statement, per reporter Michael DiRocco.

“Grateful that a small market team like us can come into a place like Mile High and get it done,” Coen said.

How Liam Coen, Jaguars performed against Broncos

It is a signature road win for Liam Coen and the Jaguars to get over the Broncos, making their case as a serious playoff contender.

Both teams exchanged blows throughout the course of the first half, seeing Jacksonville take a 17-10 lead at halftime. They maintained control over the game by winning 17-10 in the last 30 minutes of regulation.

Trevor Lawrence delivered one of his best performances of the season, leading the Jaguars to a successful victory. He completed 23 passes out of 36 attempts for 279 yards and three touchdowns while adding six rushes for 20 yards and a touchdown of his own.

Travis Etienne Jr. delivered a solid outing within the offense, having 16 carries for 50 yards while making four catches for 16 yards and a touchdown. Parker Washington led the receiving attack with six receptions for 145 yards and a touchdown. Jakobi Meyers came next with four catches for 45 yards, while Brenton Strange caught five passes for 39 yards and a touchdown.

Jacksonville improved to an 11-4 record on the season, holding the top spot in the AFC South Division standings. They are above the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans. In terms of the AFC standings, they sit at third place. They are above the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers while trailing the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos.

Rolling with six consecutive wins, the Jaguars will look forward to their next matchup. They will be on the road when they face the Colts on Dec. 28 at 1 p.m. ET.

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The prized defender spearheaded a defense that forced two takeaways. But he also let out his true feeling towards potential bandwagon jumpers.

“We don’t want them. F— everyone but us,” Walker said via ESPN NFL reporter Michael DiRocco.

Walker wasn’t through ripping anyone trying to rock Jaguars gear but aren’t day one fans.

“Everyone gonna try to hop on this bandwagon now. We don’t want nobody. Stay where you’re at,” Walker warned postgame.

Can Jaguars, Travon Walker clinch AFC South after beating Broncos?

Jacksonville remains the No. 3 seed after the 14-point onslaught.

Denver’s 11-game winning streak blew up at the hands of the Jags — which now halts the Broncos’ pursuit of the top seed.

The AFC West leader remains in front of the conference standings at 12-3. Denver still controls its own destiny, needing two wins to seal the No. 1 spot.

The New England Patriots remained in the mix, though, ahead of their Sunday Night Football showdown at 11-3. Jacksonville still needs N.E. and the Broncos to stumble at least once or twice to catapult into home field advantage.

The Jags still have one team above .500 left on the schedule in the rival Indianapolis Colts. Although Indy has lost four straight games ahead of its Monday Night Football showdown with the San Francisco 49ers. Jacksonville closes with a Tennessee Titans team undergoing a head coaching change.

The Jags are red-hot with Walker helped lead this surge. But he wants true fans riding with the Jags — not newcomers.

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All leading to Coen declaring one narrative stays alive following the 34-20 road romp.

“We don’t care. We really don’t care about the narrative. I’m sorry to say, but it’s only helping us so I want the narrative to keep coming,” Coen said via ESPN NFL reporter Michael DiRocco.

Coen’s team secured big wins ahead of the Sunday AFC showdown. His Jags defeated recent playoff clincher the San Francisco 49ers earlier in the year. Plus knocked off aspiring playoff contenders the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts. Jacksonville even took down defending AFC champion Kansas City on Monday Night Football early in the season.

Sunday, however, rose as the demand respect game.

How Liam Coen, Jaguars out-coached and out-played Broncos

Denver walked into Empower Field with the inside track at sealing home field advantage in the AFC playoffs.

Now the Jags disrupted things there. New England and now Jacksonville are in the race to clinch the top seed. Furthermore, Coen reacted to Sean Payton’s small market description he made for the Jaguars.

“A small market team like us can come into Mile High and get it done,” Coen told reporters after the game.

Jacksonville even did it with Denver outgaining the Jaguars 445-346. However, the Jags won the takeaway battle 2-0. Jarrian Jones jumped in on the Rocky Mountain turnover party.

JARRIAN JONES PICKS OFF BO NIX pic.twitter.com/YRwfFQeWnZ

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 21, 2025

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix even coughed up the football on a botched handoff recovered by Jacksonville.

OH NO BRONCOS

Denver fumbles the ball on a mistake on a handoff giving the Jaguars the ball back in good field position

The Broncos' 11-game winning streak is in serious jeopardy now pic.twitter.com/0LrEX6DJJ3

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 21, 2025

Jacksonville may have been outgained, but Coen’s offense won the ball control battle (33:13 time of possession).

Trevor Lawrence tossed three touchdowns against a deep and talented defense. “T-Law” has now thrown 12 touchdowns compared to zero interceptions in his last four games during the winning streak. Parker Washington caught six passes for 145 yards and caught the opening 12-yard touchdown.

Coen ignited new confidence in the Jaguars. Now they’re thinking about clinching home field advantage for the first time since the 1999 season.

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They were coming off a four-win season, had a premier pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and hired a coach who immediately got egg on his face for how he pronounced the team’s signature catchphrase, “Duval.” Factor in a middle-of-the-road start to the 2025 NFL season, and some struggles by Trevor Lawrence, and it looked like the Jaguars would remain a non-factor for the playoffs once more.

And then, the Jags turned it all around.

Currently riding high on a five-game win streak thanks to Lawrence playing the best football of his career, the Jaguars are taking a bit of a Christmas victory lap versus their 2025 doubters, sharing media personalities questioning the team before highlighting their own successes.

We're making a list, and we're checking it twice.
#JAXvsDEN: Sunday at 4:05 p.m. on FOX pic.twitter.com/cejkmh9RUK

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 19, 2025

For Jaguars players and fans alike, this was a nice gesture, but it didn’t exactly change how some of the video’s subjects felt about the team’s 2025 prospects, with Bill Simmons specifically noting he remains skeptical in a hilarious social media clapback.

Sitting at 10-4 with the number one seed in the AFC South locked up, the Jaguars haven’t been a fluky team in 2025. They rank eighth in points for, 10th in points against, and have a point differential of +84. They have the best rushing defense in the NFL and have found new life on offense with Lawrence under center, leading to the Jaguars playing some of their best football at the best possible time.

Will the Jaguars make Simmons look foolish with a deep playoff run? That remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Simmons will have something to say about it either way.

The post Bill Simmons still doesn’t believe in Jaguars despite video call-out appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The Jaguars have won five consecutive games since an epic collapse against the Houston Texans to get to 10-4 on the season. Houston is right on Jacksonville’s tail in the standings, but Liam Coen and company still control their own destiny in the AFC South.

On the other side, the Broncos have won 11 games in a row and are coming off of arguably their most impressive performance of the year, a 34-26 win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 15. Denver is in control of the AFC West and the No. 1 seed in the conference at 12-2, and it can move one step closer to securing both of those honors with a win on Sunday.

Trevor Lawrence is one of the hottest quarterbacks in football and is coming off of arguably the best game of his career, recording 381 total yards and six touchdowns in a 48-20 win over the New York Jets. He will be put to the test on Sunday against a Broncos team that boasts one of the best defenses in the league. Can he keep the hot streak going on the road?

Jaguars don’t have a standout trait to fall on against Broncos defense

The Jaguars have put together five pretty good offensive performances in a row, but they have come against some shaky defenses with the exception of a 35-6 blowout of the Los Angeles Chargers. In the last four games, the Jags beat up on the Cardinals, Titans, Colts and Jets.

The season-long numbers don’t tell the whole story, but this Jags offense is still pretty average by most metrics. They rank No. 15 in EPA per pass, No. 13 in EPA per rush and No. 17 in rushing success rate according to Next Gen Stats.

That is bad news against a Broncos defense that excels in all areas. Denver currently ranks sixth in EPA per play allowed for the season. The Broncos have elite players at every level of the defense, and Nik Bonitto and Patrick Surtain II will be the two best players on the field when Denver is out there.

However, things have changed dramatically since Jakobi Meyers was traded to Jacksonville from the Las Vegas Raiders just before the trade deadline. Since then, Lawrence has been one of the best quarterbacks in football and the Jags have had one of the best offenses in the league. Meyers has been a big reason for that, leading the team in catches (27) and receiving yards (355) since making his debut in Week 10.

There is a chance that Surtain will follow Meyers similar to how he did with Brock Bowers a couple of weeks ago against the Raiders, but the Jaguars like to move their new addition all over the formation to give him different matchups in coverage.

When Lawrence isn’t finding Meyers over the middle, the Jaguars will have to find success with a resurgent Travis Etienne in the run game in order to make their mark on a very good Broncos defense.

Can Trevor Lawrence create explosive plays under pressure?

The Broncos have one of the best pass rush units in all of football, one that will almost certainly affect the game throughout Sunday afternoon’s contest. Even in Week 15, when the Broncos’ front had a relatively quiet first half against a Packers team that was humming, Bonitto and Jonathan Cooper took over in the second half and completely shut down the Green Bay attack when it needed to throw the ball to get back in the game.

Jacksonville has done a pretty good job of keeping Lawrence clean this season. He has faced pressure on just over 30% of his dropbacks, one of the best marks in the NFL. Part of that is because Coen has done a great job of keeping the offense on schedule, but the offensive line will be overmatched in this game from a talent perspective.

On the other side, the Broncos rank second in the NFL with a 40.5% pressure rate coming into this game, so Lawrence will have to face the heat on Sunday. When he has been pressured this season, the former No. 1 overall pick is launching the ball down the field and hunting explosive plays.

Lawrence’s average depth of target jumps up from 8.5 yards downfield when he is kept clean to an astounding 12.3 yards when he is under pressure, according to PFF. It isn’t uncommon for the number under pressure to be bigger, but it is rare for it to be that big of a gap. It’s clear that the Clemson product wants to push the ball downfield when opposing fronts are getting to him, and that could be the difference in this game.

The Jaguars have Brian Thomas Jr. on the outside, who is capable of creating an explosive play out of thin air. Meyers has also created a handful of chunk gains since he has been in Jacksonville. In a game where maintaining consistency down-to-down could be a struggle for the Jags, those big plays could be the difference between a win and a loss.

The post Trevor Lawrence is red-hot, but Broncos defense is still poised to eat Jaguars alive in Week 16 appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Joseph, whose unit just terrorized Love in a physically punishing win last week, sees parallel challenges in facing Lawrence.

“They’re both super talented. They’re both really well-coached. That’s what I instantly see with both offenses,” Joseph said on Thursday. “He’s playing well. I mean, he’s so talented as far as he can make every single throw. He has speed to outrun free runners. He can avoid free runners with, giving ground to gain ground.”

Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph says that Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence is playing "equal" to Packers QB Jordan Love. "They're both super talented. They're both really well-coached. That's what I instantly see with both offenses," Joseph said. "… He's playing well. I… pic.twitter.com/ED6d97C5lk

— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) December 19, 2025

The comparison is fascinating given the timing. Last week, Joseph’s defense racked up 15 quarterback hits and three sacks against Love. Now, he sees the same “family of coaches” and “similar concepts” in Jacksonville, but with a quarterback who is arguably playing his best football of the season.

Lawrence is coming off a career-defining performance in a 48-20 demolition of the New York Jets, where he accounted for six total touchdowns. He dissected the Jets’ secondary, completing 20 of 32 passes for 330 yards and five scores, while adding 51 yards and another touchdown on the ground.

“The last four weeks, he’s been really hot, so it’s going to be a challenge for us again,” Joseph admitted. “We like it. We love the challenges, and we’re ready for it.”

While Joseph respects the talent, the comparison might also be a subtle warning. If Lawrence is “equal” to Love in style, the Broncos are hoping the result, a suffocating defensive win, remains the same. With Denver allowing just 18.6 points per game and riding an 11-game winning streak, Lawrence will need every bit of that “hot” streak to survive the Mile High pass rush.

The post Broncos’ Vance Joseph puts Trevor Lawrence in Jordan Love territory before Jaguars clash appeared first on ClutchPoints.

General Manager James Gladstone made a savvy move at the trade deadline, sending a pair of 2026 draft picks to the Las Vegas Raiders to acquire Meyers. The trade was necessitated by a season-ending injury to rookie sensation Travis Hunter and struggles from youngsters Brian Thomas Jr. and Dyami Brown. Meyers has been exactly the stabilizing force quarterback Trevor Lawrence needed. Ranking this trade an A grade in the grand scheme of things for the Jaguars.

Since donning the teal and black, Meyers has recorded 27 receptions for 355 yards and three touchdowns in just six games. He showcased that reliability again in last week’s 48-20 blowout win over the New York Jets, snagging five catches for 71 yards. His ability to find soft spots in zone coverage was on full display, moving the chains and keeping the offense in rhythm.

At $20 million per year, Meyers is paid like a high-end No. 2 receiver, which fits his production perfectly. He isn’t just a safety blanket; he’s a “superpower” in the words of his GM, rarely dropping passes and elevating teammates like running back Travis Etienne.

With the Jaguars sitting at 10-4 and pushing for a deep playoff run, this extension sends a clear message. They believe this core can win now. Meyers has been a perfect fit, and paying him market value to keep that chemistry intact is a no-brainer.

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