5 bold predictions: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Dallas Cowboys – Week 15

An NFL team’s success is ultimately determined by the amount of games it wins but the 2022 season wasn’t about winning for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Instead, Trevor Lawrence’s development and laying the foundation for future success were at the top of the organization’s priority list.

Having said that, you could make the case that the Jags have exceeded expectations. After all, head coach Doug Pederson warned everyone that this wouldn’t be an overnight fix. Nevertheless, Jacksonville has managed to be competitive for most of the season and is still in the thick of the playoff race.

At 5-8, the Jaguars control their own destiny and can qualify for the postseason if they win their next four games. They could still get in if they lose to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15 but the path becomes considerably challenging.

For that reason, it’s in the Jaguars’ best interest to beat a Cowboys team that is coming off a sluggish win over the Houston Texans in Week 14. With that in mind, here are five predictions for Week 15.

5. Jaguars OLB Josh Allen will register 2 sacks vs. the Cowboys

Defensive end Dawuane Smoot leads the Jaguars in sacks with five while outside linebacker Josh Allen ranks second with four. With rookie Travon Walker’s availability in question for Sunday, Smoot, Allen will need to come through.

Although Allen’s sack totals don’t pop off of the stat sheet, he’s one of the best in the league at creating pressure. Against the Cowboys, he’ll need to disrupt the pocket as much as possible to let his teammates make plays. He’ll likely be lined up with an aging albeit serviceable Jason Peters for most of the game. If that’s the case, he should be able to win this matchup and register a couple of sacks.