ESPN makes big prediction for Jaguars' 2026 NFL season

The Jacksonville Jaguars now have their full 2026 schedule, along with the rest of the league, allowing speculation for the upcoming season to begin.

The Jags will have some tough opponents ahead of them, but the expectation from fans is that the team will continue to build upon their success in 2025.

And while some analysts have been less-than-enthusiastic about Jacksonville's 2026 prospects, that doesn't seem to apply to ESPN's Michael DiRocco. Following the NFL schedule release, ESPN published predictions for all 32 teams, and DiRocco believes the Jaguars are poised to win the AFC South for the second year in a row. And interestingly, it's for a specific reason.

"The Jaguars sweep November," DiRocco wrote. "They play five games that month, beginning with the Colts at home. Then come consecutive road games against the Ravens, Titans and Giants, followed by a rematch with the Titans in Jacksonville to end the month.

"The Jaguars and QB Trevor Lawrence really got rolling in November -- winning the final eight games of the season to win the AFC South -- and they do it again in 2026."

Jacksonville finished the 2025 season with a 13-4 record, but their strongest performance came towards the end of the season. The Jags won their final eight games in a row, and judging by the 2026 schedule, DiRocco's prediction is entirely possible.