3 bold predictions for the division-leading Jaguars vs. the Jets

We're in an unfamiliar spot, people. After a monstrous 4-1 start, a mid-season slump, and then a dominant performance against the Indianapolis Colts to take first place in the AFC South, the Jacksonville Jaguars find themselves a 13.5 point favorite against the visiting New York Jets.

The odds seem fair as the Jags sit at 3-10 ahead of the game. However, there's one critical detail that explains why The Powers That Be aren't willing to make the team a bigger favorite against the 1968 Super Bowl Champions.

On December 12, New York announced that Brady Cook, a rookie undrafted free agent out of Missouri, would be their starting quarterback this week. For those keeping track, the former Tiger will be the Jets' third different starter this season.

That means, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was a backup going into this season. Longtime fans of the Jaguars know what that means. Then again, they're in a hot streak, so it's hard to see them once again collapsing like they did against the Bengals or the Houston.

So, with that sobering development in mind, here are three bold predictions before the Jaguars kick things off against the Jets this weekend.

Brady Cook has the debut of a lifetime against the Jacksonville Jaguars

We might as well open up with the elephant in the room. Cook was a three-time captain for the Tigers and generated over 10,000 yards of total offense during his collegiate career. However, with all due respect, that's not why any Jags fan is worried this weekend.

For some inexplicable reason, Jacksonville is notoriously bad against backup quarterbacks. Earlier this season, Houston Texans QB Davis Mills almost eclipsed 300 yards passing while leading a legendary comeback to defeat the Jaguars 36-29 and split the season series between the teams.

Back in Week 2, Jax lost to the Cincinnati Bengals after Joe Burrow exited the game due to injury. Jake Browning, the backup at the time, was able to lead a game-winning drive in relief of the two-time Pro Bowler.

So, you don't even have to go back that far to see why a fan would be skeptical about Brady Cook's debut against the Jaguars this week. He could either throw for 150 yards and run for a game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter or completely obliterate the team's secondary with a 300-yard performance from the pocket. Anything is possible, and everything, more than likely, will happen.

The Jacksonville Jaguars finally score 40 points this season

If not now, then when? The Jags broke the 35-point barrier against the Colts and Chargers earlier this season. Mind you, both of those teams are firmly in the playoff hunt despite dealing with injuries all over the place.

In Week 5, Jacksonville won a 31-28 shootout against the Kansas City Chiefs, the defending American Football Conference champions.

New York, which has already been eliminated from playoff contention, currently has the 27th-best scoring defense in the league and allows 26.8 points per game. That average is influenced by the five games in which the Jets allowed 30 points or more.

Last week, the team got blown out in a 34-10 loss against the Miami Dolphins; but that isn't why Jags fans should be looking forward to a 40-point performance this week. Justin Fried of The Jet Press writes that Aaron Glenn could be the first head coach since 2010 to lead the Jets to a true road win against a team that wins 10 or more games. Ironically, New York would be Jacksonville's tenth victory in 2025 if Glenn fails to accomplish the feat.

For the first time in forever, the Jaguars are the team that has to worry about the dreaded "look ahead" game. If they take care of business, the game against the Denver Broncos next week could be for the AFC's second seed. Unfortunately, that possibility could be the glittering gold that gets the team to lose focus.

Brady Cook's shocking debut + Jacksonville struggling to handle success = a high-scoring shootout that may require the Jags to put up a 40 burger to walk out with a W.

Greg Newsome forces two turnovers against the New York Jets

I've been critical about the Greg Newsome trade, but the veteran cornerback had his best game as a Jaguar against Indianapolis last week. The Northwestern alum picked off a pass, batted away another two, and racked up five solo tackles to stop the Colts in their tracks.

While chatting with the O-Zone Podcast this week, Newsome said that he's finally adjusted to his new team and "can anticipate and make some more plays." The player showed off some of his playmaking skills last week, and they would be greatly appreciated against the Jets and their rookie QB on Sunday.

Without getting too deep into the schematic weeds, one would hope that Anthony Campanile could draw up the game plan needed to keep Brady Cooka guessing all game. Making him see ghosts would be preferred, but putting Newsome in position to force a fumble and grab another interception would be alright, too.