The NFL has yet to announce the schedule for the 2026 season, but the Jacksonville Jaguars already know their opponents. Moreover, they've been chosen to play two games in London, one as the visitor and one as the home team.
The International games in London are routinely played in October, so it's fair to assume that the Jags will travel across the pond around Weeks 5 to 8. They must already be getting ready for the trip, and part of their preparations includes a request to the league.
The Jaguars are eyeing their BYE after their trip to London
The Jaguars have asked the NFL to have their BYE after playing back-to-back games in London, per Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union.
This makes sense when you consider the toll that comes with the long trip, the change in time zones, and the potential jet lag. Keep in mind that this is the third time in team history that Jacksonville will play two games in London the same season.
The first time was in 2023, when the Jags beat the Atlanta Falcons and the Buffalo Bills. The following year, they defeated the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots. Two of the games were held at Wembley Stadium and the other half at Tottenham Hotspur.
Last year, the Jags played just one game in England; they got crushed by the Los Angeles Rams, losing 35-7, with the only touchdown coming courtesy of Travis Hunter, who reached the end zone when the bout was already out of reach.
In total, the Jaguars have played 14 games in London and hold a 7-7 record. Before they began remodeling EverBank Field, it was often joked that they would be relocating. However, that's not the case. In fact, owner Shad Khan recently stated that London was never an option to play home games in 2027 while the Bank undergoes remodeling.
Getting their BYE after the trip to London could give Jaguars an edge
The Jaguars know firsthand how to best prepare for playing NFL games in international venues. Sure, head coach Liam Coen has only been with the team one season, losing against the Rams. However, he now has a better idea of what works. Furthermore, some of the training staff from the past regime is still around, so it can guide Coen and make the appropriate recommendations to prepare for the trip.
Now, the Jags are waiting to learn from the league whether they'll get their BYE after their slate of London games. If they get it, it will come around late October or midseason, which will be the perfect time to get it.
Having said that, getting their BYE at a specific date or starting to make the necessary arrangements for the trip to London doesn't guarantee that they'll win. Heck, the Rams traveled just one day before their game against Jacksonville and outright dominated.
Nevertheless, the Jaguars will be looking for any edges they can get next season, and getting their BYE after their London slate could most definitely help.