JACKSONVILLE – Senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton and team reporter Kainani Stevens offer quick thoughts on the Jaguars as they prepare to play the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., in a 2025 Week 9 game Sunday.

John Oehser, Jaguars Senior Writer…

1. Pretty big. The NFL saying is the biggest game is always the next game – and if that's true for the Jaguars this week, Sunday is big beyond that context. The Jaguars entering a Week 8 bye not only lost two consecutive games for the first-time under Head Coach Liam Coen, they lost the momentum of the three-game winning streak that moved them to 4-1. They also lost two-and-a-half games to the AFC South-leading Indianapolis Colts, who remained the NFL's hottest team. Jaguars players and coaches following a one-sided Week 7 loss to the Rams bemoaned not responding well to the adversity of a loss to the Seattle Seahawks the previous week. Sunday marks a second opportunity to respond to difficulty. They must respond better than they did in London against the Rams or the AFC South could get out of reach quickly.
2. Time is now. The bye is a time for reassessment and self-evaluation – and for the Jaguars, it' s time to refocus on and likely increase rookie wide receiver Travis Hunter's offensive role. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft made multiple big memorable plays through seven games offensively – and he turned in his most productive NFL game yet when he caught eight passed for 101 yards and touchdown against the Rams. But despite playing 66.7% percent of offensive plays to date – significantly more than has played at cornerback – he hasn't yet been the primary focus offensively. With wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and the passing game struggling for consistency, it feels as if Hunter's performance against the Rams could be a harbinger of a new look for this offense. Hunter's time in the offense could be now.

Brian Sexton, Senior Correspondent…

1. Buckle up because the AFC South race is just getting started. The Jaguars were neck and neck with the Colts a few weeks back, but they're now two-and-a-half games behind – plus the Colts are playing great football. Indianapolis' schedule does get a lot more challenging with trips to Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Seattle and Houston – plus home games against San Francisco and Houston. Speaking of those Texans, they're within a game of .500 after winning three of their last four and starting to look like they've got their legs underneath them. The Texans have a challenging schedule in front of them as they face Denver, Buffalo, Indianapolis at home and travel to Kansas City, the Los Angeles Chargers and Indianapolis. The Colts likely will slide back to the pack, however – and though the Texans seem be poised to get back in the race, their schedule is heavy with contenders. If the Jaguars have fixed their issues with penalties and pass protection, they have a good chance to chase the South title.
2. The list of reasons for the Jaguars' two-game losing streak is not short. But the trend that has me most concerned is their inability to convert third down. In the losses to Seattle and Los Angeles, they converted 7 of 31 third downs and in wins over the Texans and 49ers, they only managed to convert 8 of 29 third downs in consecutive weeks. That's less than 30% in four of their last five games and that's a problem. If the Jaguars protect quarterback Trevor Lawrence better, he will have a chance to convert. If the Jaguars commit fewer penalties, conversions also likely will improve. But the best solution might be to get the running game started again so they can stay ahead of the chains on third down. That was rarely the case against the Seahawks and Rams.

Kainani Stevens, Jaguars Team Reporter/Producer ...

1. The Jags prepare for a business trip to Las Vegas. The Jaguars entered the week with focus and resolve. The team will leave early Saturday morning for Las Vegas and they have a packed itinerary upon arrival, with team meetings and practice at a local high school keeping players busy and far from the troubles of Sin City. The Jaguars must remain focused and play smart to avoid a three-game losing streak. Jacksonville has every advantage against the Raiders on paper, but players must execute.
2. Time to buy or sell? The NFL trade deadline is quickly approaching and it remains to be seen if the Jaguars' front office will make another "bold" move before Tuesday at 4 p.m. Their 4-3 record has them in a precarious position in Year 1 of a new regime. If the Jags improve to 5-3, I think General Manager James Gladstone will have more incentive when searching for a roster addition. Areas of need include defensive tackle, safety and tight end. If the team falls to 4-4, it may look to shop some expiring contracts or players they don't plan on keeping long term. Regardless of whether they're buyers or sellers, Gladstone's aggressiveness on the market could depend on Sunday's outcome.