Jaguars must navigate early season tests on 2026 NFL schedule
A difficult stretch at the start of the Jaguars' 2026 season could set the tone for the upcoming year.
Every NFL team wants to start the season strong. But for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2026, that feels like a must. Right out of the gates to open the season, the Jaguars face potentially their most difficult stretch of the year.
In Week 2, the Jaguars are on the road to face the Denver Broncos . In Week 3, they take on the New England Patriots at home, followed by a road game in Cincinnati. Jacksonville then heads to London for two games with Philadelphia and Houston.
Denver, New England, Philadelphia, and Houston were all playoff teams last season. The Broncos, Patriots, and Eagles were all division winners as well, with New England making it to the Super Bowl after defeating Denver. Of the six playoff teams from 2025 that the Jaguars face during the 2026 season, four of those matchups take place during this stretch of games.
The Jaguars' offensive unit, in particular, may be challenged the most with Houston (2nd), New England (3rd), Denver (4th), and Philadelphia (6th) all ranking in the top 10 in scoring defense from last season. In addition to playing several challenging opponents, only two of the Jaguars' first six games -- Cleveland and New England -- will be played at EverBank Stadium. The back half of the Jaguars' schedule does seem to be more favorable -- at least on paper -- but the first six weeks of the season will set the tone for the year.