Fresh off a banner year, Jacksonville must overcome historic rifts and recent losing skids against tough non-division foes to prove their elite status in 2026.
The Jacksonville Jaguars had a banner year in 2025, finishing one win shy of the franchise record. Along with dominating the AFC South by going 5-1, the Jaguars had an impressive 8-3 record against their non-division opponents—most notably finishing with a 6-2 record against the NFC West and AFC West divisions.
The Jaguars were a perfect 4-0 against the AFC West and their only two losses to the NFC West came against the two NFC Conference Championship game participants, the eventual Super Bowl LX champion Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams.
Jacksonville’s out-of-division opponents this season will include the NFC East and AFC North.
Recent History Struggles
Historically, the Jaguars have fared well against the AFC North but have stumbled against the NFC East.
The Jaguars have a combined winning percentage of .540 against the AFC North. Jacksonville leads the all-time series against each team except the Cincinnati Bengals (tied 13-13). The AFC North had a combined winning percentage of .416 last year with the Pittsburgh Steelers as their lone playoff participant.
Despite their overall success against the AFC North, the Jaguars haven’t been as lucky recently. Their last win against these teams came against Pittsburgh in 2023. The Bengals have won four straight in the series and the Cleveland Browns have won three straight against Jacksonville.
Jacksonville has a combined .375 winning percentage against the NFC East. The Jaguars’ all-time series against the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants are each tied 4-4, but trail the Philadelphia Eagles 5-3 and 7-1 to the Washington Commanders in their all-time matchups.
Jacksonville’s last win against the NFC East came in 2022 against the Cowboys. Both the Eagles and Commanders will both come into this season riding five-game winning streaks against the Jaguars. Philadelphia was the lone playoff participant from the division last season and the division had a combined winning percentage of .403 in 2025.
Lawrence Looking for Turnaround
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is also looking to improve his record against both divisions in 2026.
Heading into his sixth season, Lawrence is 1-4 against the NFC East in his career. In those five games he has completed just 55 percent of his passes for 1,246 yards, 10 total touchdowns (7 passing, 3 rushing) and five interceptions.
While Lawrence has played better against the AFC North in his career, he is 2-6 against the division. In eight games he has completed 62 percent of his passes for 2,087 yards, 15 total touchdowns (13 passing, 2 rushing) and four interceptions.
Jacksonville will get the opportunity to end one of the current losing streaks mentioned above when they open the season at home against the Browns on Sept. 13.
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!
