ClutchPoints
The Jacksonville Jaguars are ready to host the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football. This matchup could be a turning point for both teams. The Jaguars are 3-1 and leading the AFC South, while the Chiefs are 2-2 and are starting to find their championship form.
It is clear from the first four weeks that the two teams are heading in opposite directions. Jacksonville is able to build momentum with a strong defense and an improved running game. On the other side of the slate, Kansas City showed signs of life last week against Baltimore, but still has question marks on both sides of the ball.
Devin Lloyd is one of the NFL’s best stories this season. The Jacksonville linebacker has intercepted three passes in four games, the best mark in the league. He took home the award for AFC Defensive Player of the Week after recording two interceptions against San Francisco.
Lloyd’s success comes from Jacksonville’s attacking defensive style. After his big game, he explained the team’s mindset: “Everyone just goes after the ball. We’ve got a great unit and I love these guys.”
"Everybody just attacks the ball. We've got a great unit and I love these guys." @DevinLloyd_ spoke with @Kristina_Pink on how the @Jaguars defense is leading the league in takeaways pic.twitter.com/sXUmJ6j27z
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 28, 2025
Patrick Mahomes hasn’t looked like himself this season. Lloyd’s ball-hawking skills, combined with Jacksonville’s defensive scheme, could force Mahomes into mistakes on Monday night. The Jaguars forcing league-high 13 turnovers indicate they capitalize on quarterback mistakes.
With Lloyd reading plays at an elite level and Mahomes making uncharacteristic errors, another interception or two could be in the cards. The Jaguars linebacker might extend his league lead on Monday night.
The Jaguars’ running game has been on a different level this season. They rank fourth in the NFL in rushing offense, and the main reason behind this is Travis Etienne. The former Clemson back has racked up 394 rushing yards while averaging 6.1 yards per carry.
Jacksonville’s offensive line has completely turned things around. After ranking dead last in yards before contact per carry in 2024 at just 0.90 yards, they now rank fourth at 1.98 yards per carry. That extra yard of space before Etienne even gets touched makes a huge difference in his ability to break big runs.
Etienne has recorded ten rushes of 10 or more yards this season, tying him for the league lead. Kansas City’s run defense has been one of their weak spots, allowing 127.0 yards per game on the ground. The Chiefs rank in the bottom five in both efficiency metrics and yards before contact allowed.
With Jacksonville’s improved blocking up front and Etienne’s explosive speed, a big rushing performance seems likely. The Jaguars will probably lean heavily on the ground game to control the clock and keep Mahomes on...
