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Jaguars jump up NFL power rankings entering Week 15

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As Week 15 approaches, we rounded up the latest NFL power rankings to get a sense of how the Jaguars are viewed nationally.

CBS Sports: 6 (last week: 8)


From Pete Prisco:

Trevor Lawrence has taken major strides the past two weeks. It’s all starting to click in the new offense.

Pro Football Talk: 7 (9)​


From Mike Florio:

They played once at Levi’s Stadium this year. Could they be returning?

ESPN: 8 (13)​


From Mike DiRocco:

Most shocking statistical ranking: Wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr . is 50th in receiving yards

Expectations were pretty high for Thomas after a big rookie season — 1,282 yards (third in the NFL) and 10 TDs — but he has had issues catching the ball (five drops) and rookie Travis Hunter moved ahead of Thomas into the No. 1 receiver role by Week 7 before Hunter ‘s season-ending injury. Thomas did miss three games because of an ankle injury and has had five catches for 115 yards in the two games since his return. But the team now views Jakobi Meyers — whom they traded for on Nov. 4 — as its No. 1 wideout. Thomas has 535 receiving yards so far.

USA Today: 9 (9)​


From Nate Davis:

They’re holding steady at No. 9 − and now firmly atop the AFC South with fifth-year QB Trevor Lawrence playing his most efficient football of the season heading into the stretch drive.

The Ringer: 9 (11)​


From Diante Lee:

Nothing about Jacksonville’s successful season has felt intentional, let alone sustainable, but I think that the Jaguars are turning the corner. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has finally found a good rhythm in the passing game, his receivers are catching the ball again, and the playoff picture is shaping up for the Jags to win a game or two this postseason.

After saying all that, I’m positive that this team will repay my belief by embarrassing itself in the next couple of weeks.

Fox Sports: 9 (11)​


From Ralph Vacchiano:

Beating the Colts was huge and probably wrapped up the AFC South for them. Still, it’s hard not to wonder how the game would’ve played out if Indy hadn’t lost QB Daniel Jones.

NFL.com: 9 (12)​


From Eric Edholm:

If you were to ask me to identify Jacksonville’s superpower, I’d probably stumble my way through an answer before mentioning the run defense. But once Daniel Jones was knocked out of Sunday’s game, the Jaguars flexed their muscles and put the Colts away to wrest temporary control of the division. The Texans are coming, but these Jaguars are making things work in Liam Coen’s first season. He might be running third in the Coach of the Year race behind Mike Vrabel and Ben Johnson, but Coen’s offense looked nice early against Indy before slowing down after halftime. All in all, though, this team is playing good football at the right time. Jacksonville has allowed just 13 points per game over the past four, and it’s looking like the Jags could face undrafted rookie Brady Cook at QB when the Jets come to town this Sunday.

Bleacher Report: 10 (10)​


From Kris Knox:

The Jaguars took control of the NFC South on Sunday, and there’s a good chance they secure their first division title since 2022 by winning three of their final four games.

With Daniel Jones injured for Indianapolis, the Denver Broncos are probably the only playoff-caliber challenge left on Jacksonville’s schedule. If the Jags don’t play down to the competition against the Colts, Jets and Titans, they’ll host a playoff game.

How Jacksonville actually fares in the postseason will hinge on Trevor Lawrence’s play and the defense’s ability to force turnovers. The Jaguars haven’t won the turnover battle and lost a game since Week 2.

Sports Illustrated: 10 (12)​


From Conor Orr:

As wrong as I was about how Ben Johnson’s demeanor was going to translate to leading an NFL locker room, I may have been equally wrong about Liam Coen. Just look at the immaculate vibes taking place here.

Yahoo Sports: 13 (12)​


From Frank Schwab:

Sunday changed everything in the AFC South. The Colts lost Daniel Jones, and the Jaguars picked up a critical win. It’s hard to watch the Jaguars and Texans and believe Jacksonville is the better team right now (more on the Texans in a bit) but they do lead the division. The AFC South might come down to whether the Jaguars can beat the Broncos or the Texans can beat the Chargers, because the other remaining games for both teams are all winnable.

The Athletic: 13 (14)​


From Josh Kendall and Chad Graff:

The Jaguars’ first-year coach is in a neck-and-neck race with the Bears’ Ben Johnson for the most performative postgame locker room speeches. After Jacksonville won for the fifth time in six games Sunday, Coen looked on the verge of breaking his players’ hands high-fiving. He has the players believing, though. Josh Hines-Allen was even talking about the Super Bowl after recording his seventh sack.

The Jaguars’ average rank this week is 9.6 (last week: 11.2).

The #Jaguars keep on climbing pic.twitter.com/mJqYwcOuw0

— Duval 22 (@duval22dotcom) December 10, 2025

Where would you rank the team, Jaguars fans? Let us know in the comments!

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...80078/jaguars-nfl-power-rankings-week-15-2025
 
Reacts Survey Results: Jaguars fans weigh in on the left tackle battle

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Dec 29, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) greets a young fan after the game against the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

This week, we asked Jacksonville Jaguars fans who should start at left tackle between Walker Little and Cole Van Lanen.

78% of respondents went with Van Lanen, who played well in Little’s absence over the past game and a half.

Jacksonville_2_121025.png

When asked on Monday if Van Lanen has done enough to earn a starting spot, a warm “I think so” was head coach Liam Coen’s response. “He’s played enough really good football for us.”

“We’ve got a great situation right now where you’ve got depth at multiple positions of people that have had to play for us a lot. This shows up in multiple positions all throughout the team … the message in the locker room is, ‘Hey guys, there’s a lot of guys that are coming back right now, and for us to continue to go where we want to go, we’ve got to use that as an edge,’ and that depth and experience that we’ve gotten has to be collective and having a team first mindset about everything we do.”

Soooo, I think Little will be starting on Sunday? That’s assuming he’s cleared concussion protocol; Little practiced in full on Thursday and Friday but is listed as questionable for the game. We shall see.

As for the confidence survey, 96% of fans are confident in the direction of the team — tying Week 6 (after the MNF win vs K.C.) for the highest of the season.

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Top comments from Wednesday’s post:

Yo Daddycrapper
Cole has Shined, earned with gritt and great play … He is the Starting Left Tackle until beaten out or replaced because of Injury.
If he is Healthy, he is the Guy. Walker needs to get healthy and then work on his Technique and refine things and Improve.
JaxCommenterGuy
Little has had an underwhelming season after signing a three-year, $40.5 million contract extension last December.
In fairness…he wasn’t exactly overwhelming prior to signing that contract either.
JagsAndYanks
Can’t play the salary game at this point in the season. Go with Cole until he gives you a reason not to.

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/nfl-reacts-survey/80209/reacts-survey-results-jaguars-left-tackle-2025
 
Jaguars playoff picture: What Week 15 vs. Jets means for AFC standings

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The Jaguars entered Week 15 with a 9-4 record and holding onto the top spot in the AFC South. The Texans and Colts are both on their heels at 8-5, and the Colts trotted out literal grandfather Philip Rivers in the hopes of saving their season. The 2-11 Titans, unsurprisingly, are bringing up the rear and are more focused on draft order at this point since they’ve been eliminated from the postseason already.

Because they were leading the division, the Jags were penciled in at the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoff picture heading into this week, and they controlled their own destiny against the Jets with a 48-20 domination. Here’s where things stand for the AFC South after the 1 p.m. slate on Sunday, and for the Jaguars in the overall NFL playoff picture.

Updated AFC South standings​

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars 10-4
  2. Houston Texans 9-5
  3. Indianapolis Colts 8-5
  4. Tennessee Titans 2-11

Updated AFC playoff picture​

  1. Denver Broncos 11-2
  2. New England Patriots 11-3
  3. Jacksonville Jaguars 10-4
  4. Pittsburgh Steelers 7-6
  5. Buffalo Bills 10-4
  6. Los Angeles Chargers 10-4
  7. Houston Texans 9-5
  8. Indianapolis Colts 8-5
  9. Baltimore Ravens 7-7
  10. Miami Dolphins 6-7

Eliminated from AFC playoff contention​

  • Kansas City Chiefs
  • Cincinnati Bengals
  • New York Jets
  • Cleveland Browns
  • Tennessee Titans
  • Las Vegas Raiders

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/jacks...5-afc-standings-wild-card-seeding-tiebreakers
 
Trevor Lawrence shines as Jaguars destroy Jets at home

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For the first time since the 2017 Jacksonville AFC Championship Game appearance season (Myles Jack wasn’t down), the Jacksonville Jaguars have a 10-win season. An explosive 31-point first half effectively wrapped this holiday gift in a bow for the EverBank fanbase, tying for the second-most points in a first half in Jaguars’ history (most in a first half since Week 15 of the 2017 season) and being the seventh straight game the Jaguars have scored 25-plus points in franchise history.

Following Jacksonville’s 48-20 EverBank Stadium victory over the New York Jets, the Jaguars remain in the driver’s seat in AFC South play and third in the AFC. Here’s everything you need to know from Jacksonville’s Week 15 win over the Jets.

Once a lineman, now a photographer: Tyler Shatley 😂#Jaguars | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/pDK0Gwpwe9

— 1010 XL / 92.5 FM (@1010XL) December 14, 2025

Live blog:

Catch up on all the big plays and best moments from tonight’s game in our live blog!

Pregame Notes:

As the Jaguars’ roster continues to heal up week by week following the bye, the most notable inactive on Sunday was left tackle Walker Little. After leaving Jacksonville’s week 13 victory over the Tennessee Titans with concussion symptoms, Little was held out of the week 14 victory over the Colts. Walker cleared the concussion protocol on Thursday, allowing him to be a full practice participant on Friday. However, he reportedly experienced a setback, complaining of concussion symptoms afterward, resulting in another starting opportunity for Duval favorite, swing tackle Cole Van-Lanen.

Linebacker Yasir Abdullah, tight end Hunter Long, defensive linemen Emmanuel Ogbah and Austin Johnson rounded out the Jacksonville inactives with Parker Washington active following his week 14 absence with a hip injury suffered against Tennessee.

New York went with UDFA quarterback Brady Cook as the starter against Jacksonville, with starting quarterback Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor both dealing with injuries and unable to practice this week. Additionally, tight end Mason Taylor and defensive lineman Mazi Smith were both inactive, along with wide receiver Tyler Johnson, edge Braiden McGregor, and linebacker Kiki Mauigoa. Rookie Jets CB AZ Thomas was placed on IR this week, joining WR Garret Wilson, S Andre Cisco, and slot CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr.

The following Jacksonville players left Sunday’s game due to injury:

  • DL Danny Striggow (angle)
  • RB Bhayshul Tuten (finger)

Game Recap

Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville passing game with a dominant 9-play, 72-yard drive where the Jaguars faced no third downs, as Lawrence went 5-6 on the drive for 52 yards, capped with an impressive, tight-window, four-yard touchdown throw to Brian Thomas Jr. (Jaguars 7-0)

Trevor already in his rhythm. pic.twitter.com/DM89WYwTca

— Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) December 14, 2025

The equally feisty Jacksonville defense immediately stopped the Jets offense for a quick four-and-out following a Travon Walker tackle for loss on Jets RB Breece Hall on fourth down, as Aaron Glenn chose to pass on punting the ball from midfield.

Leaving Travon Walker unblocked….. pic.twitter.com/tJdK5EyP15

— Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) December 14, 2025

Jacksonville, again, quickly moved into scoring range, with Lawrence doing it with his legs, scoring on a 15-yard rush following a 21-yard completion to Jakobi Meyers to enter the redzone. (Jaguars 14-0)

Jacksonville starting hot!

Trevor Lawrence runs it in to make it a two-score game

NYJvsJAX on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/vlrUGasdDo

— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2025

The Jets offense bounced back, showing signs of life after falling to 14-0, with undrafted free agent, third-string Jets QB Brady Cook heating up, going 4-4 on the drive for 44 yards, with RB Breece Hall also ripping off a 13-yard first down conversion. (Jaguars 14-7)

Brady Cook's first NFL TD!

NYJvsJAX on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/CmMVAGBRHp

— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2025

The scorching hot Jacksonville passing game continued its onslaught after being set up in prime position to start the drive after a 43-yard Bhayshul Tuten kick return. The offense, again faced no third downs on the drive, picked up chunk plays of 19 yards (via a Jakobi Meyers reception) and a nifty schemed-up 16-yard Tuten touchdown reception. The 5-play, 55-yard drive took just 2:33, as the Jaguars regained their 14-point home lead. (Jaguars 21-7)

Trevor Lawrence through three drives, by air yards

Behind LOS: 0 attempt
0-9 yards: 2/3, 22 yards
10-19 yards: 6/6, 86 yards, 2 TD
20+ yards: 0 attempts

No screens, no shots. Just shredding in the dropback game. So much rhythm rn.

— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) December 14, 2025

Jacksonville’s first three drives:

  • 5 plays, 55 yards (2:33) – Touchdown
  • 5 plays, 38 yards (2:22) – Touchdown
  • 9 plays, 72 yards (4:42) – Touchdown

As noted by BCC’s Gus Logue, Lawrence’s only incompletions on the opening three scoring drives were a throwaway on a called screen and a drop by tight end Brenton Strange, with Lawrence holding a 151.2 passer rating at that time.

The Jaguars’ defense forced a quick Jets punt, which Jacksonville answered with one of their own on the following drive. However, the Jaguars’ punt, from their own endzone was returned for a negated touchdown by returner Isaiah Williams. The score was called back for an illegal block out of bounds penalty, with the Jets eventually settling for a field goal on the drive. (Jaguars 21, Jets 10)

After a Jets kickoff out of bounds, Lawrence, for the third game in a row, completed an impossible throw on the move, this one to Parker Washington for a 33-yard gain, as the offense drove into the Jets’ redzone.

Trevor Lawrence escaped the pressure and threw a dime down the field 🎯 pic.twitter.com/WDkedmsgWU

— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2025

Cam Little capped the 10-play, 45-yard, 3:30 drive with a 33-yard field goal to regain the 14-point lead. (Jaguars 24, Jets 10)

Just two plays later, CB Montaric Brown got the ball back for the Jacksonville offense at midfield, corralling an impossible interception at the Jets’ 47-yard line with 1:07 left in the half and with three timeouts remaining.

Montaric Brown my GOODNESS!

RT to #ProBowlVote#NYJvsJAX on CBS pic.twitter.com/WvwiRCeI4k

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 14, 2025

Trevor Lawrence, Liam Coen, and Co. continued to shred this Jets man-coverage defense, exploiting the lack of defenders with eyes on the quarterback with Trevor hitting explosive plays of a 20-yard rush, followed by a 12-yard pass to Parker Washington, capped by a 20-yard touchdown pass to Travis Etienne (over former Jaguars LB Quincy Williams). (Jaguars 31, Jets 10)

A 31-point first half for the @Jaguars!

NYJvsJAX on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/Fs8ranIKtC

— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2025

Halftime Stats:

  • Score: Jaguars 31, Jets 10
  • First downs: Jaguars 17, Jets 9
  • Time of possession: Jaguars 14:54, Jets 15:06
  • Sacks: Jaguars 0, Jets 0
  • Turnovers forced: Jaguars 1, Jets 0
  • Rushing yards: Jaguars 78, Jets 52
  • Yards per rush: Jaguars 5.6, Jets 3.1
  • Passing yards: Jaguars 192, Jets 73
  • Passing yards per attempt: Jaguars 8.7, Jets 5.6
  • Redzone: Jaguars 3 of 4 (75%), Jets 1 of 1 (100%)
  • Penalties: Jaguars 4 for 45 yards, Jets 4 for 24 yards
  • Points off turnovers: Jaguars 7, Jets 0

At the half, QB Trevor Lawrence was 14/22 for 192 yards (8.7 YPA), 4 total TDs, 4 carries for 48 yards (12.0 YPC), no turnovers, no sacks (131.1 passer rating).

halftime qb update pic.twitter.com/y2TgCa5t1C

— Gus Logue (@gus_logue) December 14, 2025

Following the half, the Jets drove 32 yards into scoring range before Dennis Gardeck sacked Cook on third down, forcing a field goal. (Jaguars 31, Jets 13)

Gardeck sack… with a spin move pic.twitter.com/WYvW5oiwCr

— Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) December 14, 2025

The Jaguars offense refused to lift their foot off the gas, bludgeoning the Jets linebackers and secondary with man-beating double moves and concepts, as Brian Thomas Jr brought in a 39-yard stutter and go.


Lawrence connected with Etienne for his second receiving touchdown of the day to complete the drive – this one, a seven-yard, third-quarter, touchdown catch. (Jaguars 38, Jets 13)

Travis Etienne and the Jaguars' offense stays hot 🔥

CLEvsCHI on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/hWoeLnJxny

— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2025

BJ Green joined the EverBank party, collecting his first (official) sack on Cook, bringing down the rookie quarterback on first down. Following a Jets turnover on downs, Cam Little added a field goal to confirm the 40-Burger. The make awarded Little the title of the youngest player in NFL history to hit 50 career field goals. (Jaguars 41, Jets 13)

Per ESPN, Sunday’s matchup was the first time the Jaguars scored 40 points before the fourth quarter since 2005 Week 17 2005 against the Tennessee Titans. However, the 41 total points are the most the Jaguars have scored before the fourth quarter since the 2000 season (Week 14 against the Browns).

Following a 5-play, 65-yard touchdown drive by the Jets, Lawrence and Etienne weren’t done, securing the sixth touchdown for Lawrence and third receiving TD for Etienne, on the ever-elusive Jacksonville screen play. (Jaguars 48, Jets 20)

.@trevorlawrence with his sixth total TD, @swaggy_t1 with his third!

RT to #ProBowlVote #NYJvsJAX on CBSpic.twitter.com/DclFZsADSt

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 14, 2025

Following another forced punt by the Jacksonville defense, Lawrence hung his helmet up with 10:32 left in the fourth quarter. With Nick Mullens taking over, WR Dyami Brown fumbled a rushing attempt back to the Jets on the next series. However, the Jaguars’ defense bailed him out, as Ventrell Miller intercepted an ill-advised pass by Cook in the endzone to end the Jets’ drive – his first career interception. Following the Jacksonville punt, Antonio Johnson came up with Brady Cook’s third interception of the day to wrap the game up – Jacksonville’s 26th takeaway of 2025 (second in the NFL).

What a way to end the day!

RT to #ProBowlVote for @Antonio_johns0n#NYJvsJAX on CBS pic.twitter.com/HwlCwXl7W3

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 14, 2025

Best highlight:

Liam Coen and Lawrence were in their bag on Sunday, with multiple beautifully schemed plays, giving Aaron Glenn and Steve Wilks fits on defense. The second quarter Bhayshul Tuten play action fake, with a B-gap release, was a thing of beauty with no defender in sight.

Stay schemin'

RT to #ProBowlVote for @trevorlawrence & @bhayshul!#NYJvsJAX on CBSpic.twitter.com/vqauGAFafE

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 14, 2025

Biggest play(s) of the game:

According to rbsdm.com, the biggest play of the game by Expected Points Added (EPA) was Ventrell Miller’s endzone interception on first down, effectively taking seven points off the board (-6.8 EPA).

Im so happy for Ventrell Miller, easiest interception of his life. pic.twitter.com/903BDvYWzb

— Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) December 14, 2025

Per rbsdm.com, the biggest play of the game by Win Probability was the opening touchdown of the day – Trevor Lawrence’s four-yard pass to Brian Thomas Jr (5 percent added win probability).

Y'all know what time it is.

RT to #ProBowlVote for @trevorlawrence & @BrianThomas_11!#NYJvsJAX on CBSpic.twitter.com/G7Gy7E4D89

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 14, 2025

Key stats (traditional):

  • QB Trevor Lawrence: 20/32 for 330 yards (10.3 YPA), 5 carries for 51 yards (10.2 YPC), 5 passing TDs, 1 rushing TDs, no turnovers, no sacks, 136.7 passer rating
  • RB Travis Etienne: 12 carries for 32 yards (2.7 YPC), 3 catches for 73 yards (24.3 YPR) and three TDs on four targets
  • WR Jakobi Meyers: 5 catches for 71 yards (14.2 YPR) on 7 targets
  • LB Devin Lloyd: 6 tackles, 1 solo
  • S Eric Murray: 6 tackles, 4 solo, 1 sack, 2 TFL
  • Interceptions from LB Ventrell Miller, CB Montaric Brown, and S Antonio Johnson

View the full box score here

Game balls:

  • Special Teams: Cam Little: 2/2 on field goals with a long of 33, 6/6 on extra points
  • Defense: CB Montaric Brown: 4 tackles, all four solos, 1 pass defensed, and an interception
  • Offense: QB Trevor Lawrence: 20/32 for 330 yards (10.3 YPA), 5 carries for 51 yards (10.2 YPC), 6 total TDs, no turnovers, no sacks, 136.7 passer rating

Full highlights:

  • You can watch the top plays of the Week 15 matchup on the NFL’s YouTube channel here.

Post-game notables:

1. This Trevor Lawrence/Liam Coen marriage looks to be the real deal

While it’s been bubbling for some time, for even the staunchest Trevor Lawrence critic, it’s hard to deny that this growth for Lawrence in this Liam Coen offense is real and here to stay. Lawrence cooked on Sunday, with six total touchdowns, no true turnover-worthy throws, and he likely could have had even more had the Jets’ offense been a respectable unit on Sunday. It was easily Trevor’s sharpest day at the office, a phrase we have now said no less than three times since the Jaguars’ week 8 bye week. The arrow is pointing up, folks.

2. Jaguars defense handles business

Giving up 20 points to the shell of a Jets’ offensive roster is hardly an accomplishment in most circumstances. However, after going up 14-0 early in the game, there are few points where one could realistically say the Jaguars’ defense truly struggled in this one. They gave up a first quarter touchdown drive much too easily, which showed some issues slowing down the Jets’ run and play action game. Outside of that drive, it was truly business as usual for Campanile’s unit. A 3-interception, 3-sack day where you hold Breece Hall to 23 yards rushing on 12 carries will almost always result in a Sunday victory.

3. Can they do it when the game is on All-Madden mode?

The Jaguars have convincingly answered the question, “Can they dominate the NFL’s cellar?” since the bye week. They have even thoroughly dominated the AFC favorite Los Angeles Chargers during this stretch. A huge test lingers on the horizon with the AFC second seed Broncos on Sunday in Denver. Coen’s unit will finally have an opportunity to prove they earn the respect that has been withheld.

What are your thoughts from tonight’s game, Jaguars fans? Who surprised you most or disappointed you with their play tonight? Let us know in the comments.

Source: https://www.bigcatcountry.com/game-...ce-shines-as-jaguars-destroy-jets-at-everbank
 
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