Broncos-Jaguars clash in Week 16 with playoff implications
Denver seeks to extend its 11-game win streak and strengthen playoff positioning; Jacksonville looks to sustain its five-game run in a crowded AFC.
Denver and Jacksonville meet in Week 16 with major playoff implications. Denver (12-2) has punched its ticket to the dance after an 11-game winning streak, capped by a 34-26 win over Green Bay. Jacksonville (10-4) is riding a five-game win streak after a 48-20 rout of the Jets, keeping pace in the AFC.
Trevor Lawrence delivered a five-touchdown, 330-yard performance in Week 15 and is averaging 242.2 passing yards per game during the five-game streak, helping Jacksonville post 34.2 points per game over that span. Denver has benefited from solid protection for Bo Nix, who guided four scoring drives last week and has been sacked 16 times across 14 games.
Jacksonville’s defense has been stingy against the run, allowing the fewest scrimmage yards, and has forced 18 interceptions—the second-most in the league—giving the offense extra chances to flip field position and protect leads.
Denver counters with a league-leading pass rush, recording 58 sacks and pressuring quarterbacks at a 29.5 percent clip. The Broncos also sit in a similar run-defense range to Jacksonville, allowing 3.8 yards per carry, which will be a focal point if they can limit Travis Etienne and force Lawrence into more obvious passing situations.
Etienne’s rhythm versus Denver’s frontline will be a deciding element, as Jacksonville wants to keep the Broncos honest on early downs and prevent a one-dimensional Lawrence. If Denver can disrupt the Jaguars’ timing in the passing game, their defense can lean on the ball-hawking secondary to generate opportunities.
The betting line lists Broncos as a 3.5-point favorite, with FanDuel posting -3.5 and -102 on the spread.
Overall, the matchup features two of the league’s hottest teams with contrasting strengths: Denver’s suffocating defense and quarterback protection versus Jacksonville’s opportunistic defense and high-powered offense. The altitude at Empower Field at Mile High adds an extra layer of challenge for Jacksonville, which will look to build on its momentum while Denver aims to extend its historic stretch and strengthen its postseason position.
