The 2023 NFL Season is here, and the Music City Drive In is getting you ready. Check back each day from now until September 3 as we look at each team and make award and playoff predictions. Agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments.

After back-to-back seasons that landed them the No. 1 overall pick, the Jaguars came to life in 2022. With new coach Doug Pederson, the team was able to get it together and go on a run. The Jaguars finished 9-8, but that was good enough to win the AFC South. The Jaguars continued that run in the post-season, beating the Chargers and pushing the Chiefs before ending its run. Now, the question is what the Jaguars can do for an encore.

Off-Season Changes

In contrast to the past few years, the Jaguars had a quieter off-season. The team did see a few veterans leave the team. Cornerback Shaq Griffin went to the Texans, while tight end Chris Manhertz signed with the Denver Broncos and tight end Dan Arnold signed with the Eagles. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor went to Kansas City, signing with the Chiefs. And veteran receiver Marvin Jones went back to the Lions.

But the Jaguars made a few moves to strengthen the roster, too. The team signed running back D’Ernest Johnson from the Browns to add backfield depth and brought in a new kicker in former Bronco Brandon McManus. In the draft, the team spent a First-Round pick offensive tackle Anton Harrison.

But the biggest additions in the draft came at skill positions. The team added depth at tight end with Second-Round pick Brenton Strange and at wide receiver with Fourth-Round pick Parker Washington. The team also spent a Third-Round pick on running back Tank Bigsby. Bigsby rushed for 2,903 yards and 25 touchdowns in three seasons with Auburn. He figures to add a big pounder in the backfield along with Travis Etienne.

Fantasy Impact

Trevor Lawrence was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but his rookie season was rocky. In year two, he looked more like the franchise player the Jaguars thought they were getting. He finished as QB8 in 2022. Going forward, I like him as a QB1, especially as the Jaguars look like a contender again this year.

In the backfield, Etienne took off in his first full year. He finished as RB17, rushing for 1,125 yards and five touchdowns, catching 35 passes. Now, he figures to share touches with Bigsby, who is a big body and could be a goal line option. Given the increased competition, I like Etienne as an RB2 and Bigsby as an RB3/4.

At receiver, the Jaguars had a big season from free agents Christian Kirk and Zay Jones in 2022. But it’s the addition of Calvin Ridley, who was suspended all of 2022, that is the biggest addition. Kirk was WR12 and Jones was WR26 in 2022. Ridley was incredible in his last full season, but he’s missed nearly two years. Still, I like his talent. I think Ridley and Kirk can both finish in the WR2 range, while Jones will remain a contributor, but feels like more of a WR4. At tight end, Evan Engram got the Franchise Tag and ended up signing a long-term deal. I like him as a TE1 again.

Prediction

The Jaguars came out of nowhere to win the AFC South and make the playoffs in 2022. I doubt they’ll surprise anyone in 2023, but I still think they’re the best team in the AFC South. I like them to win the division and make the playoffs again.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.