Coming off an eight-game winning streak, Jacksonville looks to capitalize on a favorable slate while Trevor Lawrence mirrors a high-octane offense featuring deep threat Brian Thomas Jr.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are aiming to build on their 13-4 finish from last season and have a prime opportunity to do so with the 21st-hardest strength of schedule.
Their opponents next season combined for a 49% win rate last season, with AFC South division rival the Tennessee Titans having the worst record at 3-14.
Jacksonville ended the season on an eight-game winning streak, powered by the emergence of Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers, a mid-September trade acquisition, as lead wide receivers. Trevor Lawrence threw for over 200 yards in seven of the eight wins, and Washington led the receiving corps in the final three games.
The offense is entering Year 2 with coach Liam Coen and offensive coordinator Grant Udinski. Brian Thomas Jr., who struggled with drops last year, is likely to play the "X" role as a deep threat, unlocking the deep passing game that improved in the offseason.
Travis Hunter is returning for his sophomore campaign healthy and prioritizing playing cornerback over wide receiver. Coen and general manager James Gladstone have emphasized Hunter will still play both sides of the ball.
From Weeks 2 to 6, the Jaguars are facing four teams that made the playoffs last season. It is a true test for Coen and his coaching staff to build off a 13-4 record in 2025.
After kicking off the season against the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville will travel to face Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos finished first in the AFC West with a 14-3 record and looked like Super Bowl contenders under coach Sean Payton and with Nix at the helm. The former Oregon Duck built off an impressive rookie season, throwing for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
After the Broncos, the Jaguars return home to host the New England Patriots. The Patriots are fresh off a Super Bowl appearance. Although the Mike Vrabel drama has become a topic of discussion in the offseason, it does not significantly influence the on-field product.
Jacksonville goes on the road again after the Patriots to face a rejuvenated and revamped Cincinnati Bengals squad.
Quarterback Joe Burrow should enter the season healthy, barring any injuries, and the team traded with the New York Giants to receive defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
The Jaguars travel once more, this time to their home away from home, London, for two straight weeks. They will face the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans, two tough matchups.
Philadelphia has a dynamic offense with Jalen Hurts at quarterback, Saquon Barkley manning the run game, and USC wide receiver Makai Lemon added next to DeVonta Smith.
Jacksonville will face its division rival, Houston, to end the brutal five-week stretch. It is a battle between the AFC South juggernauts and could determine who wins the division late in the season.
The 21st-hardest strength of schedule doesn't mean the Jaguars will have an easy road to replicating last season's success. They must build on their strengths to earn the respect that's lacking from the media.
