NFL Mocks predicts the Jaguars will finish third in AFC South

Will the Jacksonville Jaguars prove to be better than the record predicted for them in 2019?

While there are some analysts out there who believe the Jacksonville Jaguars will be in the hunt for the AFC South crown, at least one writer believes the team will still hover towards the bottom of the division.

In his most recent story on NFL Mocks, Branden Peplowski talks about how each NFL division will breakdown. He believes the Jaguars will finish third in the division with a 6-10 record behind Indianapolis at 13-3 and Houston at 11-5.

"“The Jaguars are a difficult team to predict in the AFC South,” he writes."

As we all know the team hit a home run by signing quarterback Nick Foles this off-season to replace Blake Bortles. But that alone should not solve the team’s issues on offense. And after two games of preseason play, we will hopefully see Foles and the Jacksonville starters on the field for the third week of the preseason against the Miami Dolphins.

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There are other “issues” to consider as Peplowski explains.

"“Leonard Fournette needs to step up this year, and the Jags lack a true number one wide receiver, so Foles will face his work cut out for him,” he adds."

Fournette has not seen the field yet and is expected to play next week with his new quarterback. All reports out of camp have been promising for the third year running, who has been catching the ball more out of the backfield.

New offensive coordinator John DeFilippo wants there to be more balance to the offense this year and plans to use the tight ends more and have the running backs more involved in the passing game.

Peplowski did give props to the Jaguars defense, which should be one of the best in the league this year once more. With two of the top cornerbacks in the league in Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye and a pass rush which should be improved with the addition of rookie end Josh Allen, this unit remains one of the most feared in the league. Still, the writer does not put a lot of faith in the potential of this team for 2019.

"“I have a tough time seeing them make the playoffs this year unless Foles comes in a place near-perfect football,” he added."

The AFC South should be one of the tougher divisions in the NFL this year. Each team, including the Tennessee Titans whom Peplowski predicts will win five games, could make a difference in the playoff race.