5 toughest QBs Jaguars will face during 2026 season

TL;DR

The Jacksonville Jaguars' 2026 schedule includes tough matchups against five challenging quarterbacks. Their strength of schedule is considered middle of the pack, with three prime-time games and two in London.

Key points

Jacksonville Jaguars' 2026 schedule revealed
Strength of schedule ranks in the middle of the pack
Three prime-time games scheduled
Two standalone games in London
Five toughest quarterbacks identified

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars now know what their schedule will be for 2026. The Jags have some tough opponents, but for the most part, their strength of schedule ranks among the middle of the pack.

Jacksonville is slated to play in three prime-time games this season, as well as play in two standalone games in London.

Of course, how difficult a schedule is or isn't will depend on a variety of things — travel time, when the bye is, and if there are any extended road trips all factor in. And there is also the reality that, even teams that go into 2026 looking weak can end up being a surprise. The 2025 Jaguars are a prime example of that.

And one of the most important factors for a team's success is the quarterback leading it. Here are the five toughest QBs Jacksonville will face in 2026.

Drake Maye, New England Patriots

If fans are honest, they'll admit that the Patriots were successful in 2025 for two reasons, and two reasons only: their schedule was ridiculously easy, and Drake Maye is an incredible quarterback. Maye dragged New England to success and was runner-up to being named the league MVP. He was an elite quarterback in 2025, even though it was only his second year in the NFL.

Analysts expect Maye to improve even more in 2026. The Patriots added more offensive weapons for Maye to work with, and while there may be some level of regression because New England has a tougher schedule this year. But that doesn't change how good he is, and there's no doubt that he'll still put up a big fight for the Jaguars defense.