By Jeff Moeller
JACKSONVILLE (Florida Sports Wire) – Are you thinking about Jaguars’ playoff tickets?
Since last season’s playoffs, expectations have been on the rise for the team. One may have forgotten that the Jags did capture the AFC South title last season.
Yet, there has been a recent down swing in the euphoria surrounding the team with little action –aside from the resignings – in the free agency market. There also was a low profile draft for the first time in recent years without a top five draft pick.
However, last week, the league released the Jag’s 2023 schedule, and the hype began to regenerate itself. They have the potential to get off to a strong start, and need to take advantage of the situation. There are some great marquee matchups, and three national broadcasts on the docket. To their favor, they will see a number of first-year rookie or veteran starters with new teams.
Here’s an early look at the schedule and the resulting likelihood of their upcoming season.
Season opener at Indianapolis – The team suffered a 34-27 last year in Indy, which was during their five-game losing streak. They may get a look at ex-Jag quarterback Garnder Minshew, who may get the call with rookie Anthony Richardson learning the ropes. Like the Jags here with the Colts in transition. – JAGUARS
Game Two vs Kansas City – TIAA Field will be rockin’ when the World Champs come to town for the home opener. The Jags recovered a slow start last season in a second-round playoff game and gave the Chiefs all they could handle. It will be a classic matchup and a tight game, but KC will pull it out with a field goal. Yet, this could go either way – KANSAS CITY
Game Three vs. Houston – This will need to be a bounce back game either from a close loss or a tight win. The Jags were sluggish in their home matchup last season, and lost a game they shouldn’t have. This time around, the Jags roll out a convincing win – JAGUARS
Game Four vs. Atlanta – This is the first of two straight games across the pond. The Jags have been accustomed to these surroundings. It will be a matter of how quickly they can adjust. Atlanta has added some key pieces, and this could be an interesting game. Jags should be able to pull this out – JAGUARS
Game Five vs. Buffalo – The Jags should be settled here, especially since they won’t be traveling back home. They need to have a signature win early in the season, and this should be their chance. The Jags will need to curb Josh Allen, and Trevor Lawrence needs to slice through the Buffalo defense. – TOSS UP
Game Six vs. Indianapolis – At this point, the club could be 4-1. A rematch vs. Indy at home should be just what they need after a two-week stay overseas. The lone issue will be whether they are flat or take the Colts likely – JAGUARS
Game Seven at New Orleans (Thursday night) – The Jags will get a look at Derek Carr, who they had trouble against last season as a Raider until they rallied late for a victory. This will a tight game, but something tells me the Jags will come up short – SAINTS
Game Eight at Pittsburgh – This always is a tough place to play. The Steelers should be back in the hunt, and this will be a physical game. The Jags are a notch above the Steelers now, and expect them to close out a good one – JAGUARS
BYE WEEK – I see them heading into the bye week with either a 7-1 or 6-2 record, as they will need to take advantage of a favorable early schedule.
Game Nine vs. San Francisco – This can be another hallmark game for the Jags. It is a hard game to call at this point, trying to judge how good San Fran will be. Jags may have a clunker here – 49ERS
Game 10 vs. Tennessee – The Jags get the Titans at home for the first of two likely showdowns for the AFC South title. The big question will be the identity of the Titans quarterback. If the Jags had a recent stumble, they will be fired up top show their meddle here – JAGUARS
Game 11 at Houston – Last season, the Jags needed to win in Houston to keep their playoff hopes alive. They can have a tight grip on the division with a sweep of the Texans – JAGUARS
Game 12 vs. Cincinnati (Monday night) – The Jags get another turn at a prime-time matchup. Jags’ fans will be wired for this one, and it should be a tussle until the end. Could go either way, but…— BENGALS
Game 13 at Cleveland – On paper and on a first look, the Browns look improved. This will be another major test and a barometer for the team. It should be a great matchup – BROWNS
Game 14 vs. Baltimore (Sunday night) -This will be your TV matchup of Lawrence against Lamar Jackson. A late field goal gave the Jags a huge win last year. It is another one of the great games on the schedule – JAGUARS
Game 15 at Tampa –The Jags take a cross-state trip to meet the Brady-less Bucs. Jags should be in playoff mode at this point, and have a good ride home – JAGUARS
Game 16 vs Carolina – The Jags get another break here against a team with a new quarterback. A late home game is the perfect holiday gift – JAGUARS
Game 17 at Tennessee -The Jags could have the division wrapped up, and this could be a meaningless game. If not, it will be another close one– JAGUARS
If the Jags stay healthy, they have a very favorable schedule. Tennessee, Indianapolis, and Houston have plenty of new faces, and this should make their life easier. They do have a handful of playoff teams to contend with, but this is a team that has the potential to win 11 or 12 games.
It also comes down to Lawrence’s continued development, as well as Devin Lloyd and Travon Walker.
Are you thinking about playoff tickets yet?
(Columinst Jeff Moeller writes for Florida Sports Wire and other publications.)
