The NFL usually reveals the regular-season schedule at some point in May. This year, though, they haven't made any announcement yet. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk speculates that it could be released after the 13th, but regardless of when it's announced, there are a few things the Jacksonville Jaguars will be looking for.
The schedule tends to favor some teams and hurts others every year. The Jags got a favorable slate in 2023 but weren't able to take advantage of it. However, they've made significant changes in the offseason and they could bounce back if any of these three scenarios take place next season.
3. The Jaguars face the Eagles, Bears and Bills early in the season
The Jags have made changes to the coaching staff and the roster. After the 2023 season, they dismissed defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell and brought in Ryan Nielsen to take his place. The Atlanta Falcons defense showed improvement with Nielsen at the helm last year, and he's expected to have a similar impact in Jacksonville next season.
On the personnel side of things, the front office made upgrades on both sides of the ball. To address their biggest needs, they signed defensive tackle Arik Armstead, center Mitch Morse, wide receiver Gabe Davis, and return specialist Devin Duvernay. The Jaguars then rounded out the roster in the draft, selecting players such as Brian Thomas Jr., and Maason Smith.
Based on all the additions Jacksonville has made, it's not hard to imagine them becoming contenders. But as good as they can be in 2024, it wouldn't hurt them to face the Buffalo Bills, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Chicago Bears early in the season. After all, the Jags will face all those teams as visitors and all of them have open stadiums.
By December, snow games are common in those venues, and that could turn out to be a disadvantage for the Jaguars. Whereas clubs like Philly are used to playing in the elements, they could struggle. This is why they may be better off going against the three of them early in the season.
2. The Jaguars get a BYE late in the season
Head coach Doug Pederson has always liked to get the BYE later in the season. This may be a bit odd because the Jaguars have two games in London and once they return to the U.S., they'll play as if they had never traveled abroad. However, they have seemingly perfected the art of playing in London. Heck, they went 2-0 last year when they played outside of U.S. soil.
Moreover, it makes sense to get a BYE later in the season when you think about it. By the second half of the year, players are dinged up, and worn down because of the toll the sport takes on them, so having one week off allows them to heal. Similarly, the coaching staff can readjust and recalibrate their approach.
Back in 2022, it looked like the Jags were out of contention after starting 2-6. However, they rallied behind Trevor Lawrence and went 7-2 the rest of the way. While players deserve praise for putting it all together and stepping up when it matters the most, Pederson should get credit for not throwing in the towel and keeping the team focused.
On the other hand, the Jags got off to a strong start last season, going 6-2 before their BYE. But instead of building off of their early success, they got caught in the hype and managed to win just one way the rest of the year. You could make the case that injuries also played a role but the truth is that they failed in the face of adversity.
After how things played out in 2023, Pederson isn't going to let the Jaguars collapse again in the second half. Having a late-season BYE will help him keep the team afloat.
1. The Jaguars get 2 primetime games in the 2024 NFL Schedule
Last year, the Jaguars earned three primetimes after finishing the 2022 season strong. Rightly, they were matched with some of the best teams in the league. Unfortunately, they couldn't capitalize on the opportunity. Instead of making the most of the national spotlight that comes with playing on Sunday or Monday Night, they came crashing down.
Sure, the Jags beat the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football, but they have gotten a Thursday bout on a yearly basis. This was the first time in more than 10 years that they were awarded primetime games on Sunday and Monday and lost both. Based on how things play out, Jacksonville won't be getting many primetime games in 2024, and would you blame the schedule makers if they don't?
The Jaguars failed to prove that they could keep up with the top teams in the league last year. Why would they be awarded the late-night slate if they're not going to take advantage of it? On the other hand, Jacksonville has lots of talent on both sides of the ball, including Trevor Lawrence. He's one of the most marketable quarterbacks in the league, and the NFL should want to give him as much exposure as possible.
While it's hard to see the Jaguars getting three primetime games, two seem realistic. They will most likely get the one Thursday by default, but they should else get another one based on all the talent they hoarded in the offseason.
In the worst-case scenario, they'll get just one primetime but will get flexed if they get hot like they did two years ago.
Of course, they'll need to make the most out of the spotlight or they won't be getting any more primetimes anytime soon.