Big Cat Country
The NFL draft and free agency are in the books. The offseason is complete. In the immortal words of Gus Bradley, it’s built.” With the season set to kick off on Sunday, let’s break down how the Jacksonville Jaguars will perform in 2025.
Here’s how I forecast Liam Coen’s inaugural season to go in Jacksonville.
️ Week 1 vs. Carolina Panthers (Home)
While I expect that Carolina may be somewhat improved under Dave Caneles in 2025, I predict a strong opening day showing from Coen’s roster to kick off his tenure. While Carolina will be a reasonably stout test for the offensive line (against Derrick Brown and Bobby Brown), Coen’s offense will no doubt find space to maneuver against this Panther’s defense. Starting off strong.
Prediction: Win (1–0)
️ Week 2 at Cincinnati Bengals
Jacksonville’s first tough matchup of the season will come on the road against the Bengals in what I expect to be a lower-scoring affair. Joe Burrow historically has played down to the level of his competition early into the season, so this is in no way an impossible game for Jacksonville to steal. However, the offensive firepower of Jamar Chase and Tee Higgins, plus the end of Trey Hendrickson’s holdout spell trouble from my perspective. The Jaguars will have a prime opportunity to earn this one on the field, turning doubters into early believers.
Prediction: Loss (1–1)
️ Week 3 vs. Houston Texans (Home)
Houston will likely be playing without their starting running back Joe Mixon, wide receiver Tank Dell, and possibly Christian Kirk for their week three matchup. With Houston’s already questionable offseason decisions at offensive line, this is another prime opportunity for Jacksonville to steal a game at home. However, this victory is an all-important season opener into AFC South play. Fortune favors the healthy. Jags win.
Prediction: Win (2–1; 1-0 in the AFC South)
Week 4 at San Francisco 49ers
In what I expect to be a higher-scoring affair, the Jaguars may have a tough time heading from the East to the West Coast in this one. Even with their offseason losses on defense, it’s hard to vote against Kyle Shannahan as long as Christian McCaffrey is injury-free. With Brandon Aiyuk also on the PUP List, however, the Jaguars could have a puncher’s chance in California.
Prediction: Loss (2–2)
️ Week 5 vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Monday Night Football at Home)
The Jaguars, in primetime?! This team will have to prove that the long-suffering curse has been lifted before I believe it blindly. I see this one being an ugly, low scoring game resulting in another Kansas City victory. That’s the script until it’s proven otherwise.
Prediction: Loss (2–3)
️ Week 6 vs. Seattle Seahawks (Home)
It seems that most in Duval County have marked this matchup as an automatic win, due to Seattle’s historic struggles traveling coast to coast. While I may personally still be unsure on Klint Kubiak as an OC, Sam Darnold plus a few...
