The Jacksonville Jaguars are riding a five-game winning streak after trouncing the Indianapolis Colts. They'll have a chance to extend it to six when they face the New York Jets in Week 15. While you can never underestimate your opponents, the Jags are entering the matchup as an 11.5-point favorite, and their odds of coming out on top just increased based on a recent update.
The 3-10 Jets have had a revolving door at quarterback this season. Justin Fields was the Week 1 starter, but veteran Tyrod Taylor eventually supplanted him. However, both of them are hurt ahead of the Jaguars game, and New York may just have to resort to its third-string quarterback.
The Jaguars may face Brady Cook, not Justin Fields or Tyrod Taylor
Rich Cimini of ESPN reported that neither Tyrod Taylor nor Justin Fields practiced Wednesday, adding that Brady Cook got reps at quarterback. On top of that, the Jets signed Adrian Martinez as quarterback insurance.
This means that there's a chance Cook will get the nod against the Jags. That could tip the scales even more in their favor.
An undrafted free agent in 2025, Cook signed with the Jets. He didn't make the initial 53-man roster but landed in the practice squad. The former Ole Miss Rebel was elevated three times on game day via standard elevation and was later signed to the active roster in light of injuries. He got his first taste of action against the Miami Dolphins, completing 46.7 percent of his throws for 163 yards.
It's worth noting that Cook entered the game because Taylor suffered a groin injury in the Dolphins game, so he could still be an option against Jacksonville. Meanwhile, Fields is nursing a knee injury, and it's uncertain when he'll return to action.
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The Jaguars need to be prepared regardless of who the NY Jets quarterback is
The New York offense ranks 25th in points scored and 29th in total yards. Meanwhile, the Jaguars' defense is 11th in both points allowed and total yards. Having said that, as enticing as this matchup is looking, they cannot just uncork the champagne yet.
Having already been eliminated from playoff contention, the Jets have nothing to lose and could play spoilers in Week 15. The last thing Jacksonville wants is to lose a game it should otherwise win and potentially lose ground to the Houston Texans in the race for the AFC South.
If anything, the Jaguars must continue to lean on "their one game at a time", show up at MetLife Stadium, and put as many points on the scoreboard as they can until the game is out of reach. Facing Brady Cook would most definitely make it possible.