The Jacksonville Jaguars have jumped on the scene as a team to watch in a top-heavy AFC as the season closes in. As Jacksonville flirts with recognition as a top-ten team in this week’s Power Rankings roundup, cautious optimism surrounds this young Jaguars roster.
How the Jaguars Are Rated on NFL Power Rankings
- The Athletic’s Week 1 Power Rankings (Sept. 8, 2026): 13th
- ESPN’s Preseason Power Rankings (Aug. 31, 2026): 17th
- PFF’s Week 1 Power Rankings (Sept. 8, 2026): 14th
- The Ringer’s Preseason Power Rankings (Sept. 7, 2026): 11th
- NFL.com’s Week 1 Power Rankings: 9th
What Media Pundits Are Saying About the Jaguars
“It’s easy to forget that this team won 13 games last season, and that was without do-it-all 2025 No. 2 pick Travis Hunter for much of the year. He lined up on defense more than offense in training camp, but we can expect a bounce-back season from the Heisman Trophy winner. Still, questions exist for the running game after the departure of Travis Etienne in free agency.” – Chad Graff & Josh Kendall
“The Jaguars are returning 19 starters from a team that went 13-4, finished the regular season with eight consecutive victories and won the AFC South. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence was an MVP candidate, and Liam Coen was the runner-up for AP Coach of the Year, so things are in place for the Jaguars to snap that streak.” – Michael DiRocco
“Truthfully, I don’t know what to expect from Jacksonville because of how much this team changed in the second half of last season. The Jaguars should be one of the league’s best teams after winning eight consecutive regular-season games in 2025 behind an efficient passing game and an aggressive defense. But this team lacks top-end talent in the offensive trenches and has a subpar defensive secondary.” – Diante Lee
“I’m a little concerned with the Jaguars’ situation along the offensive line, where tackle Cole Van Lanen (knee) is still working his way back toward being ready for Week 1 after spending most of camp on the physically unable to perform list. Jacksonville is also looking at starting third-round rookie Emmanuel Pregnon at guard, which is an accomplishment for the Oregon product but also a development that comes with uncertainty for the team. If that group coalesces quickly, the Jags will be fine. Fortunately, they host Cleveland in Week 1.” – Nick Shook
Is It Time to Take the Jacksonville Jaguars Seriously?
The young head coach-quarterback duo of Liam Coen and Trevor Lawrence has given the Jaguars a sense of stability that fans can look forward to, and it’s clear that Coen has had a positive effect on Lawrence’s play. From 2021 to 2024, Lawrence ranked 22nd in Adjusted EPA/play among 35 qualifying quarterbacks, according to RBSDM.com. In his first season with Coen last year, he jumped to 16th. For just the final eight games of the season, he was ranked third in Adjusted EPA/play, behind only Drake Maye and Jordan Love. That was only the first season; now, Lawrence has had an entire offseason with the scheme and the weapons that helped him have that electric finish.
