Predicting the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2018 record
By Jacob Hane
Is a second consecutive playoff berth in store for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018?
With the upcoming draft, a new uniform unveil, and schedule release, it has been a busy few weeks for the Jacksonville Jaguars and their fans. The selection at number 29 remains a mystery, but the schedule no longer is. Let’s take a look at the Jaguars’ 2018 schedule and play the prediction game.
Week 1: Jaguars at Giants, 1:00 PM
Tom Coughlin makes his return to the big apple, where he piloted the Giants to two Super bowl titles. The Giants were an absolute disaster last season and with uncertainty with their best player, Odell Beckham Jr., and a question mark at QB, this season may only be marginally better. Jaguars start 2018 strong with a win.
Record: 1-0
Week 2: Patriots at Jaguars, 4:25 PM
In a rematch of last season’s AFC championship game, the Patriots travel to Duval for the Jaguars’ home opener. In what should be a close game, I give the edge to the Pats. Tom Brady and Co. prevail over the Jaguars once more.
Record: 1-1
Week 3: Titans at Jaguars, 1:00 PM
Early afternoon games against the Titans always seem to be tough ones. The Titans had the Jaguars number last year, going 2-0 and making the playoffs. Not this year. The Jaguars have gotten better this offseason while the Titans have seemingly gone backwards.
Record: 2-1
Week 4: Jets at Jaguars, 1:00 PM
In the third of three straight home games, the Jaguars go for a sweep of New York teams. The Jets will likely be trotting out their first round QB selection at this point, and the defense could have a field day against a weak team.
Record: 3-1
Week 5: Jaguars at Chiefs, 1:00 PM
Another game against a young starter, this time against Patrick Mahommes and the Chiefs. Arrowhead is always a tough place to play, but the Jaguars defense will be the difference maker.
Record: 4-1
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Week 6: Jaguars at Cowboys, 4:25 PM
In what will be another tough road game, the Jaguars travel to Dallas to face the Cowboys. The Cowboys didn’t do much in the offseason, but I still think they get the edge here. The Jaguars defense struggled at times to stop the run last season, and the Cowboys have a guy named Ezekiel Elliot.
Record: 4-2
Week 7: Texans at Jaguars, 1:00 PM
The Texans are the only real threat posed to the Jaguars in their quest for a repeat division title. The Texans have a dynamic young QB, and while he’s still Jalen Ramsey‘s son, DeAndre Hopkins is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. The speed of the Jaguars linebackers should be able to neutralize Deshaun Watson.
Record: 5-2
Week 8: Eagles at Jaguars, 9:25 AM
The Jaguars have been good in London, but the defending champs will be a tough game. Philly’s offseason moves have been impressive, they just continue to get better.
Record: 5-3
Week 10: Jaguars at Colts, 1:00 PM
The Colts are in complete disarray, one analyst has gone as far as to predict the Colts going 0-16 this upcoming year. Andrew Luck is still a top notch QB, but the team outside of him is a disaster. The Jaguars should have no problem sweeping the Colts.
Record: 6-3
Week 11: Steelers at Jaguars, 8:25 PM
The Jags make their return to primetime football with a Sunday night game against the Steelers. When it’s all said and done, this may be the best game all year. Unfortunately, I think the Steelers come out on top in this one.
Record: 6-4
Week 12: Jaguars at Bills, 1:00 PM
Yet another playoff rematch, this time the Jaguars travel to Buffalo. The Bills have huge question marks, most notably at quarterback. Blake Bortles may actually pass for more yards than he rushes for this time!
Record: 7-4
Week 13: Colts at Jaguars, 1:00 PM
See week 10.
Record: 8-4
Week 14: Jaguars at Titans, 8:20 PM
The Jaguars get another shot at primetime, this time against the Titans. The Jaguars get a primetime win and sweep the Titans, exacting their revenge.
Record: 9-4
Week 15: Redskins at Jaguars, 1:00 PM
The Redskins let Kirk Cousins go in free agency, and now face what seems to be a long term rebuild. They have some nice pieces, but the Jaguars should get it done.
Record: 10-4
Week 16: Jaguars at Miami, 1:00 PM
The Dolphins let their best offensive weapon go this offseason, and will likely have a new QB running the show. The Jaguars should handle this one on the road.
Record: 11-4
Week 17: Jaguars at Texans, 1:00 PM
Houston will be a good team, and after falling against the Jaguars on the road, they will make adjustments and Deshaun Watson could go off. Jacksonville ends the season with a loss, but head into the playoffs feeling good overall.
Final record: 11-5.
With an 11-5 record, the Jaguars should be able to secure a top 3 seed and win the AFC South for the second year in a row. Jaguars fans have a lot to look forward to in the upcoming season.