Christian Kirk has revenge game and other bold predictions for Jaguars in Week 4

There's no way to sugarcoat it: Wide receiver Christian Kirk has been a disappointment for the Jaguars this season. After becoming one of their most reliable players on offense the past two years, the former Texas A&M Aggie has caught just 10 passes for 108 yards with no touchdown in 2024.

Now, even the best players struggle at times, but Kirk's underwhelming play has gotten the spotlight for a couple reasons. The first one is that he said in the offseason that he was ready to remind the world how good a player he is after suffering a core injury late in 2023. Then, the Arizona native tried to get back at a fan on Twitter following the loss to the Miami Dolphins. He eventually deleted the message but it's fair to say that he's not pleased with how things have unfolded.

The other reason Kirk has gotten a lot of attention is that he's surfaced as a trade candidate ahead of the deadline. While there are no reports that the Jags are shopping him, clubs in need of wide receiver help might give them a call. While it's hard to see Jacksonville dealing a key contributor on offense, you cannot rule it out, especially if they cannot get out of their current funk.

Heading into Week 4, Kirk isn't probably thrilled about being the subject of trade talks or how he's played. That will give them enough motivation to take off against the Houston Texans. With that in mind, here are five bold predictions for the Jaguars.

Christian Kirk will go off vs. the Texans, logging over 100+ yards and 2 TDs

Brian Thomas Jr. and Gabe Davis have been more of a factor in the passing game than Christian Kirk in 2024. That will change in Week 4. Trevor Lawrence will look for Kirk early and often and he won't be making the same mistakes (drops) that have plagued him early this season.

Kirk will remind everyone in Week 4 that he's one of Lawrence's most trusted targets when he crosses the 100-yard mark for the first time this season and reaches the end zone twice against the Texans.

Ventrell Miller will pick off CJ Stroud in Week 4

The Jaguars have the dubious record of being the only NFL team that's yet to force a turnover this season. This is a bit surprising because their defense was great at generating takeaways the past two years. Maybe Jacksonville is undergoing an adjustment period under coordinator Ryan Nielsen. If that's the case, they'll buck the trend in Week 4.

One of the biggest headlines ahead of the game is that linebacker Foyesade Oluokun will miss several weeks while he deals with plantar fasciitis. In his absence, sophomore Ventrell Miller will tentatively get the starting nod next to Devin Lloyd.

A fourth-round pick in last year's draft, Ventrell missed his rookie campaign after tearing his Achilles. He's back at full strength and will be making his first NFL start ever against the Texans. He'll make the most out of the opportunity by picking off quarterback C.J. Stroud to give the Jaguars their first takeaway of the season.

Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen will combine for 4 sacks vs. the Texans

Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen haven't been dreadful in 2024 but they haven't made enough game-changing plays in 2024 either. The former had two sacks in the opener but has been relatively quiet ever since. The latter was the highest-graded pass rusher in the whole NFL in Week 2. In the loss against the Buffalo Bills, though, neither registered a sack.

Now, sacks aren't the only way to measure a pass rusher's success or lack thereof. However, the best ones routinely rack them up at a high rate. Moreover, bringing the quarterback at the right time can end a drive or kill momentum. In Week 4, that's what the duo of Walker and Hines-Allen will do. One of them will have two or three sacks, the other two or one, but they will ultimately combine for four sacks between the two.

Trevor Lawrence will come through for the Jaguars, throwing 4 TDs

It's not hyperbole to say that Trevor Lawrence has left much to be desired in 2024. Dubbed a generational talent out of college, the former Clemson Tiger became one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL this season. Unfortunately, he hasn't played like one this season, completing just 52.8 percent of his throws for 850 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

Against Houston, No. 16 will flip the switch like he did in 2022 and will come through for the Jags and toss four touchdown passes with no interceptions.

The Jaguars O-Line won't allow a single sack against the Texans in Week 4

The Jaguars have given up an alarming 12 sacks and 43 pressures this season. That's hurt the team's overall production, but the offensive line will show out in Week 4 and will give Trevor Lawrence ample time to throw. If they do, Jacksonville will get their first win of the year.

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