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The Jacksonville Jaguars must start fast to have a chance in 2017

By Jacob DeFee

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: A Jaguars helmet during the NFL match between Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills at Wembley Stadium on October 25, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: A Jaguars helmet during the NFL match between Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills at Wembley Stadium on October 25, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images) /
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The Jacksonville Jaguars must find a way to win early and win often once the regular season rolls around.

The first four games of the 2017 NFL season will be critical for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

FOXBORO, MA – SEPTEMBER 22: J.J. Watt
FOXBORO, MA – SEPTEMBER 22: J.J. Watt /

Week 1- @ Houston Texans

The Jaguars open the season against the defending AFC South champions the Houston Texans, in Houston. This game looks tough at first glance, but the Jaguars can win this game. The Jaguars should have one of the top defenses in the league in 2017 and will be facing either QB Tom Savage or rookie DeShaun Watson. The Jaguars pass rush will have a huge impact on this game, if they can rattle the Texans young QB, they can steal this game on the road.

Week 2-Home vs. Tennessee Titans

We all remember what happened the last time the Titans came to town, the Jaguars blew the Titans out of the water, winning 34-17. There is no reason this can’t happen again in the Jaguars’ home opener.

Week 3 Home (London) Vs. Baltimore Ravens

The Jaguars make their annual trip to London to face the Baltimore Ravens, this will be a tough matchup for the Jaguars but is another one they can win. This one looks to be a low scoring affair and if the Jaguars can make a few plays on offense they can win this game as well.

Week 4 @ New York Jets

The Jaguars absolutely must win this game on the road. The Jets will more than likely be the worst team in the league this year as there is little talent on the offensive side of the ball. The Jaguars’ defense should frustrate whoever the Jets starting quarterback is early and often and lead the Jaguars to a victory.

The opening quarter of the regular season will go a long way in determining the amount of success the Jaguars have in 2017. In my opinion the Jaguars must start at least 3-1 for it to be considered a success. This isn’t to say a slow start can’t be overcome but it isn’t optimal.

The football gods may finally be smiling upon the Jaguars when it comes to their regular season schedule. The Jaguars will play 14 of their 16 game schedule against teams who finished 9-7 or worse last season. If there was ever a year where the AFC South is truly up for grabs this is it.

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