Four Quarters: Predicting the Jaguars 2019 schedule

How will the Jacksonville Jaguars schedule play out? Does this roster have another playoff run in it? We look at the 2019 schedule in quarters, predicting the team’s record. Here is a look at the first four games.

After a disastrous 2018 season in which the offensive line was decimated by injuries, the Jaguars look to improve this season and will depend on an offense they hope will perform better after adding pieces they believe are improvements.

The team from North Florida will have a tough task to start the 2019 season with the Kansas City Chiefs, who were in the AFC Championship game last year. The team then have back-to-back division games – on the road at Houston and at home against Tennessee on Thursday night – then travel Denver.

Some would argue that is a brutal way to begin a season with four conference games with two division games in four days. How will they do?

The offensive line play will be the deciding factor in this team’s record. If the line can play close to the level they did in 2017 when they were “average”, then the team will have a chance at the playoffs. If it plays fails to perform, then the Jaguars and their fans are in for another long and disappointing season.

Here’s how I see it.

Week 1 vs. Kansas City: The Jaguars host the Chiefs to start the season off. Patrick Mahomes, the reigning NFL Most Valuable Players, leads a team that played in the AFC Championship last season. His ability to improvise is an aspect that the Jaguars defense will have to prepare for.

I don’t believe they’ll be able to shut the Chiefs out. That means the offense is going to have to perform if they are to have a chance. I believe Jacksonville will beat the Chiefs to open the season and it will be considered an upset by just about everyone who covers the NFL.

Why do I think they’ll win? It’s the first game of the season. They’ll be the healthiest in this game than any other the play all year. The offensive line will have their starting five and will provide the holes that Leonard Fournette needs to run.

They’ll also provide the protection Nick Foles needs to throw. If the receivers can get open and catch the ball, neither of which are guarantees with this group, then the Jaguars should open up with a win. Jaguars record: 1-0

Week 2 at Houston: The Texans outplayed us consistently last season, and I don’t see that changing in their stadium.

Deshaun Watson might be the most athletic player on the field that day and containing him will be a tall task. DeAndre Hopkins is one of the best wide receivers in the game and he has put up big numbers against the Jaguars, even with two-time Pro-Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey covering him.

After surprising the Chiefs to start the season, the Jaguars drop their first game on the road against a division rival. Jaguars record: 1-1