5 bold predictions for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023 NFL season

The Jacksonville Jaguars will reach the AFC Championship in 2023

You could argue that were entering the unrealist portion of the list but these are bold predictions and reaching the Conference game might not be too farfetched for the Jaguars in 2023. For starters, they did a good job of turning things around in Doug Pederson's first year at the helm. It's true that Jacksonville went 2-6 early in the season but once they hit their stride, they were nearly unstoppable.

Trevor Lawrence put on display the kind of skills that made him the No. 1 overall pick in 2021 and he should be even better now that he's got a strong grasp of Pederson's scheme. On top of that, he's getting a true No. 1 receiver in Calvin Ridley, who can get deep and open things up for Christian Kirk, Zay Jones and Evan Engram.

On the defensive side of the ball, the team's brass didn't make a blockbuster acquisition but they added depth to all position groups, even those that didn't seemingly need a boost, such as safety.

Ridley is the only 'big change' in the Jaguars' lineup. Both their offense and defense will come back mostly intact in 2023 but precisely that kind of continuity should help them get over the bump.

It's true that the Jaguars will face off against powerhouses such as the Buffalo Bills, the Cincinnati Bengals, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the San Francisco 49ers. While it's hard to see them running the table, they're talented enough to go toe-to-toe with all of them and win at least half of those matchups. Once the Jags qualify for the playoffs -- not a bold prediction -- last year's experience should help them get over the hump and get to the AFC Championship.

Does it sound overly optimistic? Maybe but so did racking up nine wins in 2022 and look where the Jaguars are right now.