Published Dec 18, 4:22pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Dec 18, 4:22pm ET
Grok AI
Updated Dec 18, 4:22pm ET
|
|
|---|---|
| Denver Broncos | -3 (-115) |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | +3 (-105) |
In Week 15, Jags' QB Trevor Lawrence played his best game of the season. Admittedly, it was against the Jets. But there's no way to "yeah, but" a passer rating of 136.7, completing 20 of 32 passes for 330 yards, 5 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD, and no interceptions.
Trevor Lawrence since the Bye Week
— Daniel Griffis (@DanDGriffis) December 14, 2025
- 6-1 Record
- 1779 Total Yards
- 18 Total TDs
pic.twitter.com/Usn1z6j94m
The Jags took the Jets apart in their 48-20 win. They could have scored 60+ had they chosen to. Now, they're in the driver's seat to take the AFC South title one year after going 4-13.
Week 16 is a tough test as they visit Denver. But they have already beaten the 49ers, Chargers, Chiefs, and Texans this season. Their strength is in turnover differential (+10), and their rush defense, ranked 1st in the league in fewest rushing yards allowed per game.
For Lawrence, who was straddling the line of being a bust, his breakout season couldn't have come at a better time with stable leadership from rookie head coach Liam Coen and a strong supporting cast, particularly trade deadline acquisition Jakobi Meyers.
After Denver, the Jags play the spiraling Colts and the woeful Titans.
ALSO SEE: Raiders vs Texans | Week 16 Odds & NFL Pick (Dec 21)
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Danny Striggow, DE | INJURED |
| Josh Hines-Allen, DE | INJURED |
| Bhayshul Tuten, RB | INJURED |
| Ezra Cleveland, G | INJURED |
| Jalen McLeod, LB | INJURED |
| Jack Kiser, LB | INJURED |
| Walker Little, OT | INJURED |
Despite the Broncos' run to the playoffs in 2024, no one expected them to be vying for the #1 seed in the AFC with a realistic pathway to the Super Bowl in 2025.
But here they are.
Sean Payton's team has won 11 straight games and could very well take that top seed. They still have a tough road ahead of them with games against the Jaguars, Chiefs, and Chargers.
KC has already been eliminated from playoff contention and QB Patrick Mahomes is lost for the season, so they have already checked out. The final game of the regular season against LA could be vital.
Denver has made a habit of staging come-from-behind victories. In Week 15, against the Packers, another top contender, they came from 23-14 down in the 3rd quarter to win 34-26.
QB Bo Nix completed 23 of 34 passes for 302 yards and 4 TDs. Denver's defense picked off Jordan Love twice, including a magical play by star cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
not a defensive player in this league iād rather have than Pat Surtain
— T (@TimContic) December 15, 2025
doing shit like this when you absolutely need it the most is why pic.twitter.com/SXPyg6XZ5I
No part of the Broncos' package comes leaping off the statistical page, but they are efficient and play solid fundamental football. Naysayers will point to the number of close games they've played and how many times they've come from far behind with late rallies.
But the Chiefs did the same thing in 2024 and went all the way to the Super Bowl. By now, it might be time to believe the Broncos' results are legitimate rather than happenstance.
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Karene Reid, LB | INJURED |
| Justin Strnad, LB | INJURED |
| Brandon Jones, S | INJURED |
| Ben Powers, G | INJURED |
In Week 16 Jaguars-Broncos, two teams heading for the playoffs collide. Denver has an excellent pass rush and a never-say-die attitude. The Jaguars are gaining confidence week to week and riding Lawrence's rise to becoming what he was expected to be when he was selected first overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
The Broncos do not want to see their momentum stop. The Jags have momentum of their own and with their AFC South rival Texans playing the horrible Raiders, Jacksonville needs to win to maintain first place in the division.
This will be a tight game coming down to the final minutes with the favored home team pulling it out and covering the spread.
|
Pick
Denver Broncos -3
|
New Player Bonus
50% up to $1000
|
