Jacksonville Jaguars
· 2026-07-09
Jacksonville Jaguars sit 6th in the AFC with a 12‑5 record and a one‑game winning streak, positioning themselves for a shot at a second straight division crown in 2026. The team hopes to replicate the 13‑4 surge that earned them the AFC South title last season, despite a tighter schedule.
The Jaguars must out‑perform a resurging Houston Texans squad that kept the division tight in 2025. Houston returns most of a defense that allowed the fewest yards last year, so Jacksonville can’t rely on a weak rival. A healthy Travis Hunter and a full‑year of Trevor Lawrence’s MVP‑caliber play are the only realistic paths to another 13‑win campaign.
Lawrence finished 2025 with 15 touchdowns and just one interception over his final six games, guiding Jacksonville to victory in each. If he repeats that efficiency, the offense regains the spark that turned a 4‑13 team into a playoff contender. His chemistry with top receivers will determine whether the Jaguars can sustain a high‑scoring attack.
Thomas exploded for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie, then fell to 707 yards and two scores after injuries. General manager James Gladstone denied any trade talk in March, keeping Thomas in the fold. A full health reset could see him reclaim his elite status and give Lawrence a reliable deep threat.
Drafted second overall in 2025, Hunter logged only seven games due to injury but showed two‑way potential. If he stays on the field, his versatility on both sides of the ball could tilt close contests in Jacksonville’s favor. His presence alone forces opponents to game‑plan for a dynamic playmaker.
The Jaguars head into a crucial matchup against the Cleveland Browns on 2026‑09‑13. A win would extend their streak and keep the division race tight as the season heads into its final stretch. Every game now feels like a playoff‑caliber test for a team that hopes to rewrite its own history.