Listed here are three key battles to keep watch over:
Devin Lloyd vs Patrick Mahomes
What a begin to the season Devin Lloyd is having fun with! The fourth-year linebacker seems to have lastly been unlocked in Anthony Campanile’s protection, starring within the Jags’ 4 video games this season. This has been recognised by Lloyd being named AFC Defensive Participant of the Month, an award that hasn’t been bestowed on a Jaguar for nearly twenty years. Strong in opposition to the run with 23 tackles up to now, Lloyd has been an absolute menace when dropping again into protection — racking up three interceptions and one other three move breakups. The previous Utah Ute has made performs in each facet of the sport, together with getting after the quarterback in opposition to the Bengals and recovering a fumble in opposition to the Houston Texans. This protection is flourishing, and Lloyd is an enormous motive for it.
It’s not typically I match up a quarterback with a linebacker, however such is Lloyd’s prowess in opposition to the move that he’s made himself somebody for Patrick Mahomes to acknowledge. The Chiefs might have begun 2025 a bit of sluggish, however they actually ramped issues up in opposition to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. There are nonetheless some query marks about their run recreation which subtly permits them the explosive offense everyone knows and concern; which means Mahomes will doubtless be slinging it once more. Together with his favourite goal Travis Kelce often working in linebacker territory, one other huge efficiency from Lloyd might flip this recreation within the Jags’ favor.
Anton Harrison vs George Karlaftis
Now a month of the season has already been and gone, it’s time to ask the query we’re all scared to recommend; is the Jaguars’ offensive line ACTUALLY good? With out tempting destiny, all of the solutions level to sure; The run recreation is flourishing proper now, Trevor Lawrence is on monitor for the bottom variety of sacks in his profession, and the linemen are grading out amongst the perfect within the league. The San Francisco 49ers didn’t report a QB hit on Sunday for the primary time in a decade. The o-line sits first in sack share (2.0%), second in strain share (21.7%), and fourth in yards earlier than contact (1.98). And one of many key performers is true sort out Anton Harrison, who based on PFF is fifth within the NFL in pass-block effectivity.
Pretty much as good as Harrison has been, he’s up in opposition to it on Monday night time. George Karlaftis typically sits within the shadow of fellow defensive lineman Chris Jones, however he’s as a lot of an animal – and sometimes advantages from flying underneath the radar. Already with three sacks in his first 4 video games, Karlaftis has hit the opposing quarterback 9 instances within the final two video games alone. His 23 pressures has him tied for third most within the league in 2025, and Harrison will should be on his recreation to assist preserve Lawrence clear and efficient.
Parker Washington vs Chiefs Kickoff/Punt Protection
Okay, indulge me a bit of right here. If it appears I’m attempting to shoehorn Parker Washington into my weekly article, that’s as a result of I’m – did you not SEE that 87-yard punt return on Sunday? In a interval of the sport the place it regarded a bit of uncomfortable and the 49ers have been taking part in their approach again in, Washington stepped up and produced some magic to swing the momentum again to Jacksonville. And most impressively was the burst he confirmed as he got here by means of the wash – I already thought he was at prime velocity! Washington has historical past as a punt returner, taking a 96-yarder to the home final 12 months in opposition to the New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium. In huge video games particular groups could be the distinction, and this man has proved himself to be a distinction maker.
He’ll be up in opposition to among the best protection items within the NFL on Monday night time. Dave Toub enters his thirteenth season because the Chiefs’ Particular Groups Coach, an unimaginable achievement in itself. Throughout that point they’ve established themselves at or close to the highest of the league in each statistic you’ll be able to consider, and are extremely organized – the ‘Mayday’ area purpose in opposition to the Chargers in Week 1 being the proper living proof. At the moment third with a PFF grade of 85.5, this particular groups unit affords Washington a step up in problem if he needs to ship one other pivotal play in Week 5.