The 10-4 Jacksonville Jaguars downed the 12-2 Denver Broncos 34-20 in Week 16. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence single-handedly ended the latter’s winning streak, accounting for four touchdowns. The Jaguars are now on a six-game winning streak, averaging north of 30 points per game in that span. In a passing league, pick offense over defense — so it was wrong place, wrong time for the Broncos’ defense. The AFC’s No. 1 seed is officially going to be a photo finish.
Broncos’ defense a victim of circumstance
The Broncos’ defense, No. 2 in PFSN’s Defense Impact Score, ran into an unstoppable force in Week 16 that moved all objects (Imagine Kip showing the durability of his Tupperware in Napoleon Dynamite). Denver’s defense allowed over 300 total yards of offense and gave up four touchdowns inside the red zone — and a field goal as well. In addition, the Jaguars’ offense was eight of 15 on third downs as well — with no turnovers. Simply, the Jaguars’ offense is rolling.
Bo Nix Folds in the Fourth Quarter
The Broncos’ offense, No. 12 in PFSN’s Offense Impact Score, didn’t have a bad day. The Jaguars’ offense, though, had a better day. Denver’s offense had 21 first downs to the Jaguars’ offense’s 22. The former was five of 14 on third down, though. This was the difference.
The Broncos’ offense actually outgained the Jaguars’ offense 443-346 — 342-265 passing; 101-81 rushing. Jacksonville’s offense won the time-of-possession battle 33:13-26:16 as well. A fourth-quarter interception by Nix dwindled the Broncos’ chances to win (he lost a fumble as well). And then a turnover on downs down 14 with less than three minutes sealed it. Nix, though, totaled 364 scrimmage yards.
Courtland Sutton Proving Broncos Don’t Need a Wide Receiver
Forget a WR, Broncos general manager should add tight end Kyle Pitts during the 2026 offseason. Alongside Nix, Sutton is on a heater. He paced the Broncos’ pass catchers in Week 16 — totaling 12 targets, six receptions, 86 yards, and a touchdown. The next pass catcher had eight targets.
Heading into Week 16, Sutton, in his past five games, had 38 targets, 25 receptions (five receptions per game), 320 yards (64 yards per game), and two touchdowns. He’s now at 972 receiving yards on the season with two games to go.
RJ Harvey Is a Starter Round Pick for a Reason
In defeat, Harvey, drafted within the first three rounds of the draft, totaled 11 touches for 121 yards and a touchdown — seven carries for 50 yards; four receptions for 71 yards. Harvey had two explosives in Week 16 as well, a 38-yard tote and a 32-yard catch. Like with the Broncos’ defense — five sacks and six tackles for loss — Harvey had a lot to write home about. On to Week 17.
