Jacksonville Jaguars look for strong Week 1 showing vs. MVP Mahomes

By Dustin Fletcher | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Welcome back Flagler College Jaguars fans. We are back after a long offseason. Football starts again on Sunday at 1 p.m. for all the Jaguars fans out there. New quarterback and former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles will be taking on last year’s MVP Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes was electric last year, throwing for 50 touchdowns and over 5,000 yards. He will be taking on a rejuvenated Jaguars offense and a rested defense, ready to wreak havoc on anything in their path. 

Cornerback Jalen Ramsey looks to once again shadow Tyreek Hill, following him everywhere on the line of scrimmage. However, the biggest matchup issue will most likely be Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce. It remains to be seen whether a linebacker or safety will cover him, and he will likely have a huge Week 1. Last year, Kelce put up 1,336 yards on 103 receptions, which was the second best season for a tight end — ever.

Jacksonville should look to have a more effective ground game than last season with a presumably healthy Leonard Fournette. Rushing for over 1,000 yards, Fournette was a great back as a rookie. However, he was injured most of last season and was ineffective when he was healthy.

Fournette’s renaissance should also bode well for the passing game. He should open up play action opportunities for Foles to connect down field with his receivers.

Look for Dede Westbrook to have a huge game in Week 1. The Chiefs can put up huge points; however, their defense remains suspect even with new personnel. 

This game will ultimately come down to the last possession of the game, but my gut unfortunately says Kansas City will win in Week 1.

Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs 27- Jacksonville Jaguars 21