Wale Olaogun
If phrases were in the dictionary and you just happened to look up “make or break season”, a photo of Doug Marrone, Dave Caldwell, Tom Coughlin, and a team photo of the Jacksonville Jaguars would appear as a whole page. This 2019 season that is only a few days away is one that will determine the fates of those in charge, as well as the direction this maligned football team is headed.
As a well-established pessimist when it comes to Jaguars football, I’ve decided to take the plunge and have predicted the Jaguars schedule this season. Will this team be good enough under quarterback Nick Foles to lock in a playoff berth or will this season collapse under the tremendous pressure ahead of them?
Also: I’m a psychic. You’ll see.
Week 1: Kansas City Chiefs @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Patrick Mahomes and that incredibly fast Chiefs offense will be a great opening test for the Jaguars vaulted defense. If the Jaguars can hold the opposition to 24 points, they have a great shot of winning. Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening. Chiefs win 35-24.
* Predicted Play of the week: Rookie defensive end Josh Allen will notch his first NFL sack *
Week 2: Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans
The Texans have made moves to put themselves in the driver’s seat for the AFC South. Trading with Miami and Kansas City for Laremy Tunsil, Kenny Stills, and Carlos Hyde to help shore up their offense. Those moves will make the Texans better, but I think the Jaguars will still find a way to win. 27-21 Jaguars.
* Predicted Play of the Week: Jalen Ramsey will have his first interception to close out the game. *
Week 3: Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Tennessee will have their left tackle Taylor Lewan out for the first four games of the year because of a suspension and the book is still out on whether or not the Titans believe in quarterback Marcus Mariota. On paper, the Jaguars should win this, but historically, they’ve had issues beating those mayo eaters from Nashville. But with an early Thursday night game and Duval being on full tilt, the Jaguars should come out victorious, 28-21.
* Predicted Play of the Week: Leonard Fournette will have a TD run longer than 30 yards. *
Week 4: Jacksonville Jaguars @ Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are in a weird state. They’re aren’t rebuilding, but they aren’t really considered a contender either. I’d love for the Jaguars to win this game, but they are cursed any time they play out on the west coast. Broncos sneak out a win 24-21 with a late game field goal.
* Predicted Play of the Week: Rookie Josh Allen will finish this game with an interception. *
Week 5: Jacksonville Jaguars @ Carolina Panthers
Normally I’d say that the Jaguars defense would have a tough time stopping Cam Newton, but I don’t actually believe that he’s going to damage the front seven or the secondary all that much. Jaguars win 24-14.
* Predicted Play of the Week: Leonard Fournette will account for 2 TD this game. *
Week 6: New Orleans Saints @ Jacksonville Jaguars
The Saints are a true Super Bowl contender and with Drew Brees and all of his offensive weapons, it’ll be a difficult match up for the Jaguars. Saints win 35-24.
* Predicted Play of the Week: Taven Bryan will force a fumble *
Week 7: Jacksonville Jaguars @ Cincinnati Bengals
This is a game that I fully expect quarterback Nick Foles to have a breakout performance. The offense will click and the defense will be stifling. Jaguars win this one easy 28-10.
* Predicted Play of the Week: Jalen Ramsey will have a pick-six. *
Week 8: New York Jets @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Sam Darnold and the revamped Jets offense come to town, but the Jaguars defense will be prepared to handle the threat. I think the Jaguars will also win this game pretty easily 24-10
* Predicted Play of the Week: Dede Westbrook will have a 50+ yard touchdown score. *
Week 9: Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (London)
London Calling! Houston will be in the middle of a win streak before the head to London to take on the Jaguars in this divisional game overseas. The Jaguars have the experience for playing football at Wembley and it’ll show as the Jaguars will beat the Texans 28-17.
* Predicted Play of the Week: Calais Campbell will return a fumble for a touchdown. *
Week 11: Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts
Credit to Jacoby Brissett for filling in for the recently retired Andrew Luck, but without Luck at the helm, the Colts are going to be mediocre unless they shock the NFL with a string of good performances. Jaguars should win this one 21-14.
* Predicted Play of the Week: A. J. Bouye will have a pick six. *
Week 12: Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans
The curse of the Titans will be back and the Jaguars will lose this game for some dumb reason. This team and Nashville are just not good together. Titans win 28-17.
* Predictive Play of the Week: Yannick Ngakoue will notch his 10th sack of the season. *
Week 13: Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars defense might be able to feast on a team lead by a quarterback who has turnover issues. This game could be the one that gets out of hand quickly. 42-17 Jaguars.
* Predictive Play of the Week: Myles Jack has a pick six. *
Week 14: Los Angeles Chargers @ Jacksonville Jaguars
This could be a look at a potential playoff game in a few weeks. The Chargers should be a top of the AFC West and will put up a great fight. The Cardiac Cats pull off a last second win 24-21.
* Predictive Play of the Week: Lambo will attempt to kick a 60+ yard field goal. *
Week 15: Jacksonville Jaguars @ Oakland Raiders
The Raiders are a mess under Gruden. Unfortunately for the Jaguars though, this is a west coast game. Until this team can prove that they can win on that side of the United States, I have this as a weird loss. Raiders win 27-20.
* Predicted Play of the Week: Lee will score a 40+ yard touchdown. *
Week 16: Jacksonville Jaguars @ Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan and company will be fighting the Panthers for the NFC Wildcard spot and they’ll pull off the victory needed to push them into the playoffs. Close game, but the Falcons will win on a late field goal, 27-24.
* Predicted Play of the Week: Josh Allen will notch his 10th sack of the season. *
Week 17: Indianapolis Colts @Jacksonville Jaguars
This season will finally come to an end for the Colts as the Jaguars will try to close this game out for the AFC South title. This Jaguar win won’t gift the Colts with Tua Tagovailoa and that makes everyone in Duval extremely happy. Jaguars win 35-17.
* Predicted Play of the Week: D. J. Chark will have kickoff returned for a touchdown. *
Finish: 9-7
With a win over the Colts, the Jags clinch their spot in the playoffs after avoiding 8-8. Blake Bortles isn’t walking through that tunnel though, Duval. Can Foles, Fournette and their friends take Jacksonville to the promise land? Let us know your thoughts!
Finish: 9-7.
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