The Jaguars were actually one of the better teams in the AFC last season, only to have the misfortune of being in the same division as Indianapolis, where the Jags’ fine 12-4 record still left them two games out of first. It is the same story again this year, and we again look for Jacksonville to nab a wild card spot. The difference this season however is that we expect this up-and-coming team to win a playoff game over the 4 th seeded division winner.

Quarterback Byron Leftwich is healthy right now, and if he could remain that way he has a chance to blossom into something very special. He did lose his favorite receiving threat when Jimmy Smith announced his retirement, which certainly hurts. But the Jaguars do have some nice young talent at the receiver position in Matt Jones, Reggie Williams and Ernest Wilford, and we look for at least two of those guys to step up. Perhaps most importantly the Jags added a field-stretching tight end like they never had before with the draft selection of Marcedes Lewis of UCLA in the first round. Jacksonville will also be fine at running back with the tandem of Fred Taylor and Greg Jones.

The defense ranked 7 th in the NFL in total yards last year, and we expect more of the same this season. The additions of free agent signees linebacker Nick Greisen and defensive back Brian Williams serves to give the defense more depth. Finally the special teams may have gotten a huge boost with the draft selection of Maurice Drew, also out of UCLA, in the second round. Drew should prove to be an instant upgrade as a kick returner.

2006 Prediction: 2 nd Place AFC South, Wild Card