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’s take a deeper look at Denver’s Week 16 opponent and what the Broncos need to accomplish to earn a victory.
2024 Jacksonville Jaguars Season
ReviewThe third year of the Doug Pederson era in Jacksonville resulted in a 4-13 record 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.
2025 Offseason Additions and Departures
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’s 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.
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.
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.
Offensive X-Factor: Running back Travis Etienne
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 ’25. However, running back Travis Etienne is having a huge year and is the catalyst that keeps Coen’s offense roaring along as a Top 10 unit in the NFL.
After an injury-plagued ‘24 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 ’25. He has also reeled in 29 catches for 254 yards and 5 touchdowns. There’s no doubt he is a true three-down player and boasts the ability to go the distance rushing or receiving.
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’s running lanes. Additionally, Denver’s linebackers and secondary will have to wrap up, tackle, and make sure he doesn’t break off a big play as a receiver out of the backfield.
He’s 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’t have another impressive performance like that.
Defensive X-Factor: Linebacker Devin Lloyd
It’s 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.
Poised to hit free agency at the end of the season like Etienne, Lloyd is having himself a Pro-Bowl and All-Pro caliber season. The fifth-year pro has racked up 65 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and 9 quarterback hits to date. However, he has shined most when it comes to forcing turnovers. He is tied for second in the NFL with 5 interceptions and boasts a 99-yard pick-six to his ’25 gridiron resume. He also has a fumble recovery.
The former Utah standout has the size, range, and athleticism defensive coordinators covet at the position. He’s a true mismatch player for Defensive Coordinator Anthony Campanile. Whether it’s making plays against the run, causing turnovers in coverage, or blitzing the quarterback—Lloyd has the tenacity and traits to get the job done.
Make no mistake, Lloyd’s the type of player who can wreck an opposing gameplan. If there was any player on defense the Broncos’ offense needs to be aware of it’s certainly Lloyd. They can’t afford to let him wreak havoc and force turnovers on Sunday.
How the Broncos can secure a victory over the Jaguars
First things first. I’m definitely impressed with how the Jaguars have turned things around one year into the Coen-Gladstone era. To go from 4-win team in ‘24 to playoff bound and on the brink of a division title deserves praise. That’s not easy to do at all and a big reason why Coen merits Coach of the Year consideration.
As you can see from their X-Factors, the Jaguars boast some bigtime playmakers on both sides of the ball. But what really makes them formidable is how good they are at creating turnovers. They are second-best in the NFL with 26 through 14 games and have a +10 turnover margin differential.
In order for the Broncos to win, they will have to make sure to protect the ball and win the turnover battle. On top of that, keep the penalties down and use last week’s offensive performance as a blueprint for potential success against a feisty Jaguars squad.
I expect this one to be a close game and one of the best matchups of Week 16. Much respect to the Jaguars on what they’ve accomplished thus far. Ultimately, I have the Broncos finding a way to deliver some more fourth quarter magic enroute to their thirteenth win of the season. You better Bo-lieve it.
Hart’s Prediction: Broncos 27, Jaguars 20.
