After an offseason full of heavy criticism and generally being dismissed as true Super Bowl contenders, it appears the Jacksonville Jaguars may finally be getting some respect.

For months, the Jaguars have been on the receiving end of never-ending scorn from much of the national media. Whether it was for not being aggressive enough in free agency or being accused of reaching for several players during the 2026 NFL Draft, Jacksonville has been crushed for its offseason decisions.

The negative reception to the Jaguars' offseason seemed to make many people forget that this is a team that went 13-4 last season, despite vital players like wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and edge rusher Travon Walker having disappointing seasons, as well as rookie phenom Travis Hunter only lasting seven games before a knee injury ended his season.

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence had the best season of his career, which made him an MVP finalist for the first time.

Jacksonville also made tremendous strides on defense under defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, including being best in the NFL against the run.

Not to mention that all of Jacksonville's success happened under Liam Coen, only in his first year as head coach.

Despite all the reasons to believe in the Jaguars, ESPN still ranked them 17th in its annual Football Power Index. ESPN believes the Jags will end 2026 with only nine wins and finish behind the Houston Texans in the AFC South.

Well, Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report still has faith in Jacksonville this season. He ranks the Jaguars 8th in his new NFL power rankings.

While he acknowledges the team has issues, Davenport thinks the Jaguars are Super Bowl contenders. Lawrence's ascent and the defense are his main reasons for believing in the Jags.

"The Jacksonville Jaguars are a Super Bowl contender.

"Yes, you read that right.

"The Jaguars aren't without issues—there are questions at running back after Travis Etienne Jr. bolted in free agency. The team badly needs a bounce-back year from wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. And after primarily playing wide receiver in an abbreviated rookie season, Travis Hunter will play more cornerback in 2026 in a secondary that needs the help.

"However, quarterback Trevor Lawrence is coming off the best season of his five-year career. Jacksonville was eighth in points allowed and led the league in run defense last year, and it closed out the 2025 regular season 9-1 after its bye week.

"If the Jaguars take another step forward in Liam Coen's second year as head coach, they could do some real damage in the playoffs."

Finally, someone is giving credit where credit is due.

Lawrence is the key to Jacksonville's 2026 season. If he can continue his fantastic play from the second half of last year, he has a legit shot to win his first MVP and prove he is one of the best QBs in the league, not just a one-year wonder.

If the defense continues to be strong, and there is no reason to think that it won't be, Jacksonville can be one of the top teams in the AFC.

If they get a couple of breaks, especially with health, this may finally be the year the Jaguars reach their first Super Bowl.

Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!