In last week’s power ranking roundup, media pundits were optimistic but hesitant when discussing the Jacksonville Jaguars and their potential heading into this season. However, after the thorough thrashing of the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, it may be time to ask: Is it time to believe in Liam Coen, Trevor Lawrence and this Jaguars team?
How the Jaguars Are Rated on NFL Power Rankings
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- The Athletic’s Week 2 Power Rankings (Sept. 15, 2026): 13th (13th last week)
- ESPN’s Week 2 Power Rankings (Sept. 15, 2026): 13th (17th)
- Sports Illustrated’s Week 2 Power Rankings (Sept. 15, 2026): 9th (9th)
- Bleacher Report’s Week 2 Power Rankings (Sept. 15, 2026): 6th (7th)
- NFL.com’s Week 2 Power Rankings (Sept. 15, 2026): 5th (9th)
What Media Pundits Are Saying About the Jaguars
“Did we really learn anything about the Jaguars by watching them beat a hapless Browns team? Still, props to them for jumping out to a 31-0 lead and putting it on cruise control behind a great game from Trevor Lawrence and an impressive showing from the defense. Now, the schedule turns brutal with five straight games against teams with Super Bowl hopes.” – Chad Graff & Josh Kendall
“I think we’re probably still underestimating how violent, efficient and nasty this Jaguars team can get. An opener against the Cleveland Browns is always good for the soul, but I’d venture to guess Deshaun Watson would not have looked that bad against a middle-tier opponent.” – Connor Orr
“The Jacksonville Jaguars weren’t tested by the offensively inept Cleveland Browns, but it’s still fair to acknowledge that Trevor Lawrence looked sharp…the Jaguars, after winning the AFC South title, are a bit overlooked among potential contenders this year…” – Moe Moton
“The Jaguars began 2026 as if they had never taken an eight-month break between games that counted. Jacksonville jumped all over the Browns early and didn’t relent until it was clear there was nothing left to prove…Trevor Lawrence, Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers and Co. took care of business emphatically and set a standard for the rest of the AFC South to chase.” – Nick Shook
Huge Test Ahead
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The Jaguars took care of business and gave their fans their most emphatic season-opening win, topping last year’s opener, when Travis Etienne burst onto the scene for 143 yards on the ground on just 16 carries against the Carolina Panthers.
Now, it’s about building on that momentum. The Kansas City Chiefs dismantled the Denver Broncos in Arrowhead Stadium on Monday, so Denver will be looking to bounce back in a big way in their home opener. Kenneth Walker ran for a career-high 173 yards, with 108 of them coming after first contact, according to NFL Pro. Both Bhayshul Tuten and Ameer Abdullah, the leading rushers from last week, averaged more than four yards after contact against the Browns.
Can the Jaguars find that same success on the ground? And what could it mean for their aerial attack against a very talented Broncos secondary?
