The Denver Broncos host the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday for their first home game of the season. The Jaguars were able to dominate the Cleveland Browns in Week 1 and will be a tough challenge for the Broncos this weekend. Here is a deeper look at the Broncos’ Week 2 opponent.
2025 Jacksonville Jaguars Season Review
The Jaguars impressed last season in Liam Coen’s first season as leading the team. They were the AFC South champions and finished with ae 13-4 record. However, they would lose to the Buffalo Bills in in the Wildcard Round.
2026 Jacksonville Jaguars Offseason Additions and Departures
The Jaguars approached the offseason a lot like the Broncos did. Instead of making a lot of big free agency splashes, they opted for continuity resigning players who helped them achieve their success last season. They also restructured a lot of in-house contracts, since they were quite low on cap space.
One addition they made in free agency was inking running back Chris Rodriguez to a two-year deal. Prior to the roster finalization deadline, they traded for offensive lineman Daniel Faalele into the fold. However, a foot injury will keep him sidelined in the Week 2 matchup against Denver.
The Jaguars also lost a handful of quality players this past offseason. Running back Travis Etienne signed a lucrative deal with the New Orleans Saints. Versatile linebacker Devin Loyd made his way to the Carolina Panthers earning a three-year deal worth $45 million. Those were key starters that played a big role in their turnaround last season.
In the 2026 NFL Draft, the Jaguars didn’t have a first-round pick but still added 10 players on Day 2 and 3. Their first pick was a surprise, selecting Texas A&M tight end Nate Boerkircher in the second-round a lot higher than analysts projected him to go. They followed up that selection taking his teammate, defensive tackle Albert Regis in the third round and took Oregon guard Emmanuel Pregnon several selections later who will start at left guard on Sunday against Denver.
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – JANUARY 11: Travis Etienne Jr. #1 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs the ball during an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Buffalo Bills at EverBank Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Jacksonville, FL. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) Getty Images
Offensive X-Factor: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence
It’s hard to believe it’s Trevor Lawrence’s sixth year in the National Football League. Some may say the former top pick hasn’t lived up to his hype coming out of college. However last year, he put together a rebound season. Lawrence had the best outing of his career throwing for 4,007 yards, 29 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions.
Against the Browns in Week 1, Lawrence was absolutely dominant. He completed 18-of-23 passes for 245 yards and 4 touchdowns and was only sacked once. In the Week 16 matchup against the Broncos last season, Lawrence had himself a big game going 23-of-36 for 279 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also added a rushing touchdown.
In order to defeat the Jaguars on Sunday, Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph is going to have to find a way to dial up the heat on Lawrence and force him into some mistakes. You can’t let him carve you up through the air and extend drives on third down. He’s one of the best in the game, so Joseph and the defense have their work cut out for them.
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 13: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars throws a pass during the second quarter in an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns at Everbank Stadium on September 13, 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) Getty Images
Defensive X-Factor: Defensive end Josh Hines-Allen
Last year, I had the aforementioned Devin Lloyd as their X-Factor on defense. For this matchup, I’ll be giving that nod to Josh Hines-Allen. A two-time Pro-Bowl player, Hines-Allen boasts over 60 sacks in his first seven seasons in the NFL.
In 2025, he totaled 49 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 28 quarterback hits, and 8 sacks and was the most productive pass rusher on their defense. Last week against the Browns, he was an impact player posting 5 tackles, two quarterback hits, and 1.5 sacks.
The Jaguars tout a talented front four with Travon Walker playing opposite of him, along with imposing defensive tackles DaVon Hamilton and Arik Armstead. This is a game where Denver’s offensive line is going to have to step up and combat their pass rush.
Quarterback Bo Nix is going to need time to operate in the pocket for their aerial attack to have success. The Broncos’ offensive line didn’t have their best performance against the Chiefs. They need to perform much better and do whatever it takes to slow down Hines-Allen.
DENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 21: Josh Hines-Allen #41 of the Jacksonville Jaguars stands on the sidelines during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on December 21, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) Getty Images
How the Broncos can secure a victory over the Jaguars
The Jaguars will be a huge test in Week 2. After being blown out by Kansas City, Denver needs to find a way to win this game.
Last year, Denver struggled to run the ball without J.K. Dobbins in the lineup. I’m hoping they can establish the run and control the pace of the game. You can’t be a competitive offense without being able to run the ball. If they don’t do that—they’re toast.
The Broncos had two turnovers on downs, an interception, and fumble against Jacksonville last December. They have to be on the winning side of the turnover margin on Sunday to have a chance.
Last but not least, they can’t beat themselves. Enough of the drops, enough of the penalties, enough of the missed tackles. Denver needs to get out of their own way and stop being their own worst enemy. Am I confident that will happen this weekend? No, but I’d love to be proven wrong.
Hart’s Prediction: Jaguars 27, Broncos 20.