Recent Form
In their most recent outing, Jacksonville was demolished by the Los Angeles Rams in London, losing 35–7. Matthew Stafford threw five touchdowns, while the Jaguars were undone by penalties (13 for 119 yards), a missed field goal, and allowing seven sacks. Though they outgained the Rams in total yardage, their inability to convert drives and pressure up front haunted them. (reuters.com) For Jacksonville, that game represents a second consecutive loss. Their 4–1 start has now given way to a 4–3 record, with cracks showing in offensive pass protection and situational football. Trevor Lawrence is still efficient in yardage but increasingly forced into tight windows as defenses load the box or rush with multiple fronts. Their run game—while serviceable—has struggled to produce consistent chunk plays. Defensively, while they limit big plays in the passing game at times, their linebacker group and edge rushers have failed to dominate. Discipline and third-down defense continue to underperform in critical moments.
Injuries
Jacksonville Jaguars: Name – Position – Status Travis Hunter – WR/DB – Out (placed on IR) (reuters.com) Devin Lloyd – LB – Questionable (calf) (raiders.com) Brian Thomas Jr. – WR – Questionable (shoulder) (raiders.com) Dyami Brown – WR – Questionable (shoulder) (raiders.com) Tim Patrick – WR – Questionable (groin) (raiders.com) Quintin Morris – TE – Questionable (groin) (raiders.com) Eric Murray – S – Out (neck) (raiders.com) Jourdan Lewis – CB – Questionable (neck) (raiders.com) Dennis Gardeck – LB – Questionable (chest) (raiders.com)
Coaching & Scheme
Jacksonville's offensive design, under head coach and de facto offensive architect Liam Coen, emphasizes timing, spacing, and quick transfers of the ball. They use pre-snap motion, tempo shifts, and diversified route trees—tight end splits, Y-throws, and Rub concepts—to stretch defenses horizontally. When protection holds, Lawrence has shown touch outside the pocket and downfield accuracy. But the protection has not always held—the Rams’ pressure game exposed cracks in both tackle play and interior pass sets. Defensively, the Jaguars have toggled between zone-heavy shells (Cover-3, Cover-2) to quiet down deep threats, and man-heavy packages against tight end and horizontal passing. Edge rush is a strength when combining Hunter’s two-way athleticism (now lost), Walker, and Geno Stone. Linebacking depth is taxed when Lloyd or Gardeck are limited. The cornerback group—while experienced—is vulnerable to sudden double moves and high-release routes. Red zone defense has been solid, but they have allowed large chunks outside the red area.
Matchup Analysis
Juxtaposed with Las Vegas, the Jaguars find favorable terrain. The Raiders’ offense is one of the least effective in creating consistent third-down success and has negative EPA on the ground. Jacksonville, with a defense that stymies rushes and forces disadvantageous down-and-distance, can bottle up Jeanty early, especially without protracted run lanes. The lack of Crosby barrier might affect pressure, but their defensive front should still win up front.(reuters.com) Offensively, the Jags can exploit the Raiders' secondary weaknesses, particularly through middle-route concepts and drag routes. With Bowers back healthy, Raiders might try to match up tight ends, but their linebackers—questionable in coverage—could be exposed. Lawrence can lean on his receivers Thomas Jr., Brown, and Patrick if healthy, and exploit matchups in the slot or over the middle where visibility of zone coverages lags. The fly route and crossing patterns may generate explosive gains if pressure is contained.
Team Summary
The Jaguars remain a structured, well-coached team with a clear identity: execute under control, avoid negative plays, and dominate situational football. Despite their recent stumbles, they still show positive metrics in third-down conversion both offensively and defensively, time of possession, and explosive play rates. Their playoff aspirations depend heavily on bouncing back in road games, and this matchup at Las Vegas offers both risk and reward. Keeping their offensive line healthy and avoiding turnovers will be key. To win here, Jacksonville must control tempo—run to set up play action, use high-percentage passes in first two downs, and exploit mismatch in pass coverage. On defense, generate pressure without giving up big plays, particularly to Bowers, and contain Jeanty early so the Raiders struggle to build rhythm.
Key Takeaway
Jacksonville’s discipline and schematic versatility give them the upper hand; if they execute, this game leans their way. Their margin of error is small, but so is Las Vegas’ ceiling in matchups of contrast.