This week’s game might be the Jacksonville Jaguars’ most important game of the season so far. And it’s against the Carolina Panthers.
Four weeks ago, the Jaguars were in contention for the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC. Now, they’re sitting just over .500 and barely holding onto the AFC South lead.
Jacksonville had a golden opportunity to put some space between itself and Indianapolis and Houston, but a blowout loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made the team’s Week 17 game against Carolina even more important.
According to NFL.com, a win against the Panthers would give the Jaguars an 81 percent chance at making the playoffs. A loss would drop that number all the way to 38 percent.
Here are five Jaguars players to watch against the Panthers in Week 17:
Whoever lines up under center
Starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence is injured once again, but — like every other time — it seems likely that he’ll play Sunday.
From The Insiders on #NFLPlus and @NFLNetwork: #Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence (sprained right shoulder) may not be able to play this week. But he's going to try, anyway. pic.twitter.com/4S2YaLo9xI
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2023
In just the past few weeks, Lawrence has dealt with an ankle injury, a concussion, and now a sprained shoulder.
He had yet another disappointing performance against the Buccaneers, so his matchup with the Panthers gives him an opportunity to get right. Carolina has a decent defense, but the Panthers’ struggling offense should give Jacksonville’s offense plenty of chances to score.
If it’s C.J. Beathard leading the way, the Jaguars should still be able to function offensively.
RB Travis Etienne Jr.
Running back Travis Etienne Jr. has had a disappointing season after his solid start. His year reached a low against Tampa Bay in Week 16.
Etienne finished with just 31 yards on only nine total touches last Sunday and this week isn’t going to be much easier.
The Panthers defensive line is a strength, and their personnel might give the Jaguars offensive line and Etienne trouble. Derrick Brown, Brian Burns and company could keep Etienne in check once again.
LT Cam Robinson
If things play out as the Jaguars expect, offensive tackle Cam Robinson will make his return to the Jacksonville offensive line Sunday. Robinson was originally injured in Week 12, and his absence was followed by four straight Jaguars losses.
Lawrence is even more banged up than he was in Week 12, so strong play by Robinson is crucial. This season, the Jaguars are 2-6 without him in the lineup and 6-1 with him in it.
If Robinson doesn’t pick up where he left off, Lawrence could be in trouble Sunday.
CB Tyson Campbell
Jacksonville cornerback Tyson Campbell has had a rough season, but he could be set up for success against Carolina.
The Panthers have arguably the weakest wide receiving corps in the league, so Campbell shouldn’t face much of a challenge.
Adam Thielen is the best pass catcher, but he’s been the only real threat for Carolina. D.J. Chark and Jonathan Mingo have been good at times, but Campbell should have the advantage over anyone in the group.
OLB Josh Allen
Edge rusher Josh Allen will be the key to stopping Carolina’s offense. The Panthers haven’t had a prolific offensive attack, but they’re recently playing their most competitive football. And it starts with quarterback Bryce Young.
Young has struggled facing adversity this season, so the more pressure Jacksonville gets, the better chance they stand at stopping the rookie.
Allen is the main source of pressure for the Jaguars, so Jacksonville needs him to get to Young.
