The Denver Broncos continue to roll along and have now notched 11 victories in a row. At 12-2, they are the top seed in the AFC and multi-game leaders in the AFC West. This Sunday, they host another formidable opponent in the Jacksonville Jaguars, who sit atop the AFC South at 10-4. Let\u2019s take a deeper look at Denver\u2019s Week 16 opponent and what the Broncos need to accomplish to earn a victory.<\/p>\n
2024 Jacksonville Jaguars Season Review<\/p>\n
The third year of the Doug Pederson era in Jacksonville resulted in a 4-13 record<\/a> and the dismissal of Pederson as head coach. The Jaguars were 26th in points scored and 25th in yards gained offensively. On defense, they were 27th in points allowed and 31st in yards allowed.<\/p>\n 2025 Offseason Additions and Departures<\/p>\n This offseason was one of change and transition for the Jaguars. With Pederson out as head coach, Jacksonville hired Liam Coen to be their next head coach. Known for his offensive play calling prowess, Coen was a big reason for Baker Mayfield\u2019s ascension and revitalization in Tampa Bay. James Gladstone was named their new general manager to become the youngest GM in NFL history at 34 years old.<\/p>\n Given the new leadership, a lot of roster changes and revamping happened. They were able to net a handful of starters in free agency. Upgrading their secondary was a focal point of their efforts. They inked defensive back Jourdan Lewis to a three-year deal. Additionally, safety Eric Murray was added to the backend of their secondary. On offense, upgrading their offensive line to protect Trevor Lawrence was their top priority. They added Robert Hainsey at center and Patrick Mekari at guard.<\/p>\n Gladstone took a big swing with his first ever pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, moving up to the #2 spot to select Travis Hunter. Unfortunately, Hunter is on injured reserve season and their other top selection, third-round pick Caleb Ransaw has been there since training camp. Though they still have got production and playing time from several Day 3 picks. Running backs Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen have contributed this season on offense and special teams. Linebacker Jack Kiser has become a core special teamer for them as a rookie.<\/p>\n Offensive X-Factor: Running back Travis Etienne<\/p>\n I thought long and hard about placing the aforementioned Lawrence here. Quarterback is the most important position in football, and he has done well in \u201925. However, running back Travis Etienne is having a huge year and is the catalyst that keeps Coen\u2019s offense roaring along as a Top 10 unit in the NFL.<\/p>\n After an injury-plagued \u201824 campaign, Etienne is back to being a high-impact player for their offense. The former Clemson prospect has 949 yards rushing on 213 carries with 7 touchdowns in \u201825. He has also reeled in 29 catches for 254 yards and 5 touchdowns. There\u2019s no doubt he is a true three-down player and boasts the ability to go the distance rushing or receiving.<\/p>\n Over the past few weeks, the Broncos have struggled giving up the occasional big play. They are going to need a strong performance from their defensive line to shut down Etienne\u2019s running lanes. Additionally, Denver\u2019s linebackers and secondary will have to wrap up, tackle, and make sure he doesn\u2019t break off a big play as a receiver out of the backfield.<\/p>\n He\u2019s coming off a 105 all-purpose yard and three-touchdown performance (all receptions) against the New York Jets last weekend. If the Broncos want to win on Sunday, they are going to have to make sure he doesn\u2019t have another impressive performance like that.<\/p>\n Defensive X-Factor: Linebacker Devin Lloyd<\/p>\n It\u2019s not often an off-ball linebacker earns my defensive X-Factor status. Yet veteran Devin Lloyd is having a tremendous year for the Jaguars. There are some good players on their defense, but I believe he has made the biggest impact for Jacksonville in 2025.<\/p>\n