Jaguars vs. Commanders: 5 bold predictions for Week 1

2. The Jaguars front seven will record 5 sacks vs. the Commanders

Outside linebacker Josh Allen should bounce back after having a relatively down year and record more than 10 sacks in 2022. However, the former Kentucky Wildcat won’t be the Jags’ sole source of pass rush. Defensive end Arden Key, Dawuane Smooth, and Travon Walker will help keep the Commanders’ offensive line busy.

Even though Walker is making the transition to outside linebacker full-time, defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell will find him favorable matchups. In fact, expect the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft to line up inside every now and then and create disruption. This will lead to his first sack of the year but Key and Smoot will also record one each while Allen will get two.

1. Trevor Lawrence will throw for 2 touchdowns, no interceptions

While this might seem like a stretch, keep in mind that Trevor Lawrence only threw for more than one touchdown just once in 2021 and he finished the year with a measly 12. With better weapons and a more competent head coach in place, the sophomore quarterback should be able to move the ball more effectively and score more often.

This will be bad news for the Commanders. Defensive linemen Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, and Montez Sweat will often pressure Lawrence but he will find a way to avoid the pass rush and connect with his receivers throughout the game. A two-touchdown, no-interception statline seems realistic for the young quarterback in Week 1.