The Jacksonville Jaguars are currently on their bye week resting up, but it won’t be long before they are back on the field. They’ll be getting veteran quarterback Nick Foles back, who will be tasked with getting the Jags back to .500, then into the postseason as they currently have a 4-6 record. Needless to say, that’s no easy achievement but it’s not necessarily impossible for Foles and the Jags.
Here’s how we see things shaking out after the bye:
Week 11: Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts
This will mark Foles’ first start since breaking his collarbone and it looks like he’ll be 100 percent because the Jags would be going with Gardner Minshew otherwise. With the Jags coming off the bye, they should be a significantly healthier team with players like Dede Westbrook, DJ Hayden and Leon Jacobs returning amongst notables.
As for the Colts, they don’t seem to be the offensive powerhouse they once were, though they are a top-10 rushing unit. If the Jags make them one dimensional, it’s a very winnable game. Add in the lack of film on Foles this regular season and the team coming into the game predominantly healthy and I could really see the Jags winning this one.
Prediction: Jags 21, Colts 17. The Jags would move to 5-5.
Week 12: Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans
I’ve always said the Titans’ success against the Jags was mostly due to Blake Bortles. They simply had his number and the performance of Gardner Minshew II Week 2 proved how beatable they are with decent play at the quarterback position, which brings me to my next point.
Foles (if healthy) will be the fourth different Jaguars quarterback the Titans have played in the last four meetings between both teams. That said, if Foles has the November momentum we’ve seen out of him in the past, this could be another win for Jacksonville.
Prediction: Jags 17, Titans 14. The Jags would then move to 6-5.
Week 13: Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Jaguars
The Jags are the last team that can overlook anyone, even the struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, this will end a four-week stretch in which the Jags have been away from TIAA Bank Field and the fans will be loud, especially with an in-state rival coming through.
As for the Bucs, they are a mess and they struggle with stopping the pass. If Foles is the savvy veteran fans have been led to believe he is, John DeFilippo should have no problems with learning from his mistakes of the past (checkout Week 9’s game) and letting Foles attack the Bucs’ passing defense. It’s hard to imagine him not being successful if given the chance to air it out and it should translate to a win.
Prediction: Jags 28, Bucs 24. The Jags would then move to 7-5.
Los Angeles Chargers @ Jaguars
The Los Angeles Chargers have always been an issue for the Jags, but at least this one will be at home. Still, this team is somewhat of a mystery as they’ve lost games to teams like the Tennessee Titans and Denver Broncos, but have defeated teams like the Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers.
Granted the history between these two teams, it’s going to be close and will go down to the wire. I wouldn’t be shocked if it went into overtime, but this time the Chargers will spoil things for the Jags, unfortunately.
Prediction: Chargers 24, Jags 21. The Jags would then be 7-6.
Jaguars @ Oakland Raiders
The Jags will be on the road on the West Coast where they’ve struggled mightily in the past. Additionally, the Raiders are a respectable team and currently are one of two remaining opponents for the Jags who are .500 or better (along with the Colts). In a lot of ways, they are similar to the Jags as they run the ball well and have found a way to get the most of their young talent.
All of that said, I believe the trip to Oakland will get the better of the Jags. With the No. 6 overall rushing offense and No. 7 overall rushing defense, I believe the Raiders could win the time of possession battle and slow down Leonard Fournette. It wouldn’t be a shocker if Jags will fell short here.
Prediction: Raiders 24, Jaguars 20. The Jags would then be 7-7.
Jaguars @ Atlanta Falcons
This game would mark a close trip in proximity for the Jags’ fans and they could have a good turnout, especially with the Falcons struggling. It also wouldn’t be a shocker if Dan Quinn is gone at this point and the Falcons have a temporary replacement coaching in his place.
On offense, the Falcons have ample talent, but they’ve struggled everywhere outside of the passing game (which is currently No. 1). Their defense is an even worse unit and has allowed an average of 31.2 points per game. That said, fans should expect a shootout here.
Prediction: Jaguars 30, Falcons 28. The Jags would then move to 8-7.
Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags will likely be out of playoff contention at this point with an 8-7 record, but that doesn’t mean they can’t spoil the fun for anyone else. The Colts, on the other hand, could be in the hunt for a wildcard spot or the No. 1 spot in the AFC South.
Another key factor in this game is the fact that the Jags will be home this time. As a result of the fanbase’s dislike for Indy, they will be on the scene loud and proud despite the Jags’ bleak playoff hopes. That should encourage the Jags to finish on a high note and sweep the Colts in an entertaining matchup.
Prediction: Jaguars 24, Colts 21. The Jags would then finish the season 9-7
