JACKSONVILLE – Each week during the 2025 season, Jaguars "experts" – Frank Frangie, Jeff Lageman, Brent Martineau, John Oehser, Brian Sexton, J.P. Shadrick and Kainani Stevens – will analyze the following day's Jaguars matchup.
Up this week:
Frank Frangie, Radio Voice of the Jaguars
- The Jaguars will win if: They run on offense and maintain the balance that already seems to be a hallmark of this team — as it was in Tampa Bay last year when Coen called the plays. When they throw it, they have to catch. If the Jags continue to drop passes, they won't beat the undefeated 49ers – by far the best team they will have played. And they have to keep McCaffrey from taking over the game. You don't have to shut him down, but you have to contain him.
- The 49ers will win if: They stuff the run and force the Jags to pass off schedule. And they need to get a running game of their own going so Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker can't tee off on whichever quarterback gets the start, likely Purdy.
- As Frangie sees it: This is a good barometer for the Jags just to see how far along they are. They will battle the Niners the whole way. San Fran is good, but they have won three games by a total of nine points. Two even teams and a game that will be decided late, per usual.
Jeff Lageman, Jaguars analyst and former Jaguars defensive end
- The Jaguars will win if: They can make the 49ers pay for stacking the box to stop the run. The Texans last week loaded the box to stop the run and the Jaguars passing game wasn't at the level it needed to be. Improvement needs to be made this week in the teal air attack.
- The 49ers will win if: They establish McCaffrey as the foundation of their offense. Shanahan loves nothing more than running effectively and using play action to keep a defense off balance. Injuries have been an issue in San Francisco and McCaffrey is the best chess piece left standing.
- As Lageman sees it: This game will be a low-scoring affair with two top defenses battling it out. Special teams and field position always play huge roles in games like these and punter Logan Cooke, long snapper Ross Matiscik and kicker Cam Little can be big difference-makers in this game. The Jaguars must clean up their offense and protect the football to get a victory on the west coast.
Brent Martineau, Action Sports Jax Sports Director
- The Jaguars will win if: They don't turn the ball over and win time of possession. The Jaguars must control the ball and play clean on offense. The defense had 3 turnovers in 3 consecutive games for the first time in franchise history, so planning for it to happen again is likely fool's gold.
- The 49ers will win if: They control the trenches. The Jaguars' combo of Walker and Hines-Allen puts pressure on offenses. If the 49ers can control that duo, McCaffrey can do his thing. On the other side of the ball, the 49ers' defense will need to contain the Jaguars running attack.
- As Martineau sees it: The Jaguars don't do well out west. Timing is everything and right now, the Jaguars feel good about themselves overall. Meanwhile, the 49ers are really banged up at this point of the season. Why not the Jaguars! Let's predict a good day for Trevor Lawrence and the offense in a 27-19 victory.
John Oehser, jaguars.com senior writer
- The Jaguars will win if: They force turnovers, run efficiently and hit an explosive play or two. Forcing turnovers and running well have been the Jaguars' strengths in the first three games and they probably need to excel there to win any game. They haven't hit a big-play touchdown yet and probably need at least one to win in a venue as tough as Levi's Stadium.
- The 49ers will win if: They force Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence into too many mistakes. The 49ers' want to force quarterbacks to throw underneath so they get impatient and make mistakes. If Lawrence has more than one "inexplicable" interception Sunday, the Jaguars will have a hard time overcoming that against a team as mentally tough as the 49ers.
- As Oehser sees it: The Jaguars are improved enough to play well against a mentally tough team in a difficult venue. The thought here is this will be a much tighter game than the three blowout losses they have sustained in the teams' last three meetings. A victory against this team would be a big step for a young Jaguars regime.
Brian Sexton, jaguars.com senior correspondent
- The Jaguars will win if: They run for 141.7 yards. That's what they're averaging through three games and that's what powers the offense. Their inability to get going on the ground against the Houston Texans last week hurt on third down and kept sending them to the sidelines. Niners defensive end Nick Bosa may be gone, but coaches Robert Saleh and Gus Bradley can dial up a pressure package to unsettle a quarterback with the best of them. If the Jaguars can run like they did against the Carolina Panthers and Cincinnati Bengals in Weeks 1 and 2, they will unlock the offense.
- The 49ers will win if: They protect their quarterback. Starter Brock Purdy has a toe issue and backup Mac Jones is dealing with a knee, so neither is likely to be too mobile against Jaguars defensive ends Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, who are among the top pressure duos in the NFL after three weeks. If Niners left tackle Trent Williams and Co. up front can overcome injuries and some inexperience from their backups to give the quarterback time to find running back Christian McCaffrey, the Niners can lean into Head Coach Kyle Shanahan's offensive genius and overcome all their injured players.
- As Sexton sees it: I like the Jaguars' chances to win their first game at San Francisco in three tries. They're playing well on defense, they're taking the ball away, they're capable of running the football and they're showing resilience under first-year Head Coach Liam Coen. These 49ers aren't the same team that walloped the Jags 34-3 in 2023 and these Jaguars aren't the same team, either.
J.P. Shadrick, jaguars.com senior reporter
- The Jaguars will win if: They play the physical brand of football they have displayed on the offensive line, then catch balls thrown to receivers. Bosa is done for the year with a knee injury, so it's one less issue to worry about from the talented 49ers defense. On the other side, if the Jaguars' defense continues to play as physically as they have and keep taking the ball away, then they'll have a chance in most games this season.
- The 49ers will win if: McCaffrey goes crazy. He will be the main target since the 49ers have some key offensive pieces missing – including tight end George Kittle – so the Jaguars should be able to key on him. McCaffrey is hard to stop altogether even as the primary focus, so expect him to produce something.
- As Shadrick sees it: West Coast trips have rarely been successful for the Jaguars, but that is the old Jaguars. How this group handles the trip, the opponent, the mindset of dealing with it will be on display – and this group has shown the professionalism to handle it. Does the late-game success lead to more confidence moving forward? We're about to find out.
Kainani Stevens, Jaguars team reporter
- The Jaguars will win if: They get good quarterback play. This is an opportunity for Lawrence to test his command of the new system against a good defense on the road. He will need to be more consistent than what we have seen so far this season. Even one turnover by the Jags offense could be the difference in this matchup.
- The 49ers will win if: They get good quarterback play. It will likely be a gametime decision between Purdy and Jones. Whoever the 49ers quarterback is they will need to stay confident in the pocket and not be flustered by Jacksonville's pass rush. Explosive plays are there to be made if the Niners' offensive line can give their quarterback time to throw the ball.
- As Stevens sees it: I think the Jaguars are heading to San Fran at the right time. This banged-up Niners squad will put up a good fight, but I think the Jags will continue the takeaway party on defense. Win the turnover battle and the Jags win their first road game of the season.
Take a look behind the scenes as the Jaguars hit the practice field in preparation for their Week 4 showdown against the San Francisco 49ers. 📸
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter (12) and wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback Christian Braswell (21) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Nick Mullens (14) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Nick Mullens (14) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive lineman B.J. Green II (95) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown (30) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones (22) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive lineman Danny Striggow (92) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars running back LeQuint Allen Jr. (36) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback Christian Braswell (21) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Yasir Abdullah (56) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker (44) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker (44) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Branson Combs (50) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Branson Combs (50) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Branson Combs (50) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Jack Kiser (54) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Jack Kiser (54) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive lineman B.J. Green II (95) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Jack Kiser (54) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Jack Kiser (54) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Yasir Abdullah (56) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Nick Mullens (14) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive lineman Danny Striggow (92) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive lineman Danny Striggow (92) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback Christian Braswell (21) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Austin Trammell (81) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars head coach Liam Coen during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive back Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig (24) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) and head coach Liam Coen during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown (30) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter (12) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars head coach Liam Coen and wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars safety Kahlef Hailassie (20) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive back Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig (24) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones (22) and cornerback Tyson Campbell (3) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars LB Foyesade Oluokun (23), CB Jourdan Lewis (2) and head coach Liam Coen during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars LB Foyesade Oluokun (23), CB Jourdan Lewis (2) and head coach Liam Coen during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) during practice at the Miller Electric Center on September 25, 2025.
