Jacksonville Jaguars Way too Early Predictions: Home Opponents
By Jacob DeFee
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a tough slate of home games in the 2017 season.
Yes, I know we haven’t even made it to the 2017 NFL Draft yet and we’re still about six months! away from the start of the 2017 NFL season. But let’s face it, we’re all looking forward to the season and hoping that our beloved Jacksonville Jaguars can show some serious improvement under new head coach Doug Marrone and executive vice president of football operations Tom Coughlin.
The last several seasons we have seen some abysmal records, with a combined 15 wins since Dave Caldwell took over as the general manager. Hopefully, the Jags can break their current streak of losing seasons now that they are under new leadership.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the Jags’ 2017 home opponents at EverBank Field and, of course, the annual game in London where the Jags will take on the Baltimore Ravens at Wembley Stadium on Sept. 24th.
At first glance the 2017 home schedule looks pretty rough as the Jags face some of the more consistent winners over the past few seasons in the Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, and Cincinnati Bengals. Not to mention what should be an improved AFC South. But let’s break down these games a little further.
Houston Texans – 2016 record: 9-7
The Texans should once again have one of the scariest defenses in the NFL, not to mention they bring back that little guy at defensive end, J.J. Watt. However, the story remains the same in Houston as it has the past several years; it’s all about the quarterback.
As of right now, the starting quarterback situation in Houston is uncertain as they have already given up on Brock Osweiler after one year. Right now, the only QBs on their roster are Tom Savage and Brandon Weeden, neither of whom strike any fear into their opponents. As for who the starter will be remains to be seen.
Way too early prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars win.
Indianapolis Colts – 2016 record: 8-8
The Jags have had some recent success against the Colts even in some of the worst years of the franchise while under head coach Gus Bradley. Although the Colts have been surprisingly quiet in free agency so far with no major additions, they will get back one of the best quarterbacks in football in Andrew Luck (when healthy). Expect the Colts to go defense heavy in the draft this year as they prepare for the future by not putting so much pressure on Luck.
Way too early prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars win.
Tennessee Titans – 2016 record: 9-7
Those stinkin’ Tennessee Titans were so close to winning the division last year until they overlooked Jacksonville in Week 16 and gave them their only true home win of the season.
That being said, quarterback Marcus Mariota should be back healthy and he will again have one of the best running back tandems in the NFL behind him. Not to mention the addition of some key defensive pieces in free agency and two selections in the first round of the upcoming draft, this could make Tennessee the team to beat in the AFC South.
Way too early prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars lose.
Cincinnati Bengals – 2016 record: 6-9-1
While the Bengals have had a lot of regular season success in recent years, they took a step back in 2016 and, so far, the offseason has been questionable at best up in Cincinnati.
The Bengals decided to let their two best offensive linemen leave in free agency, and their defense isn’t getting any younger. The Bengals have been bleeding players many different teams. However, this is still a well-coached team under Marvin Lewis and should give the Jags a good game in Jacksonville.
Way too early prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars win.
Baltimore Ravens (London) - 2016 record: 8-8
One of the most consistently good teams in the NFL will travel to London this year to face the Jags who are on a two-game winning streak in London. This should be one of the better matchups of the season as both teams should boast good defenses, and it remains to be seen how both offenses will fair. For now, the Ravens have an edge because of their veteran leadership at quarterback with Joe Flacco.
Way too early prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars lose.
Los Angeles Rams – 2016 record: 4-12
The Rams suffered from terrible play from their offense last year. This year, young quarterback Jared Goff will come in with a full offseason of preparation under erookie head coach Sean McVay.
Expect the offense to be improved as running back Todd Gurley gets back on track. However, McVay is the youngest head coach in NFL history at only 30 years old and there will likely be some growing pains involved.
Way too early prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars win.
Seattle Seahawks – 2016 record: 10-5-1
One of the best teams in the NFL for the last several years should be even better in 2017. In free agency, they added Eddie Lacy and former Jags guard/tackle Luke Joeckel. This should help a team whose offense is built on the running game. Look for the Seahawks to make another deep post season run once again.
Way too early prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars lose.
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Los Angeles Chargers – 2016 record: 5-11
If there is any team out there that is more cursed than the Jags this is it. The Chargers seemed to constantly be plagued by injuries. Last season alone they lost 10 starters to injured reserve. Despite all of this, the most under rated player in football (Philip Rivers) keeps them competitive in nearly every game in one of the best divisions in football. Not to mention he beats the Jags every year (his last loss to the Jags was in 2007).
Way too early prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars lose.
These way too early predictions leave the Jaguars at 4-4. As things continue to shift due to trades, free agency, and the 2017 NFL Draft, these predictions will become more clear and may change. But for now, expect the Jags to finish the season right around .500 and fight for a playoff spot.
Agree? Disagree? Comment below!