JACKSONVILLE – In a weekly feature for the 2026 season, NFL Media and Jaguars Media Analyst Bucky Brooks looks ahead to the Jaguars’ Thursday Night Football game against the Baltimore Ravens and takes a final look at the Jaguars’ victory over the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday.

A LOOK AHEAD

With a short week, the Jaguars must prepare for an offense without a former MVP quarterback (Lamar Jackson) and a Pro Bowl backup (Tyler Huntley). Inserting third-string quarterback Joe Fagnano with limited experience likely will mean a heavy dose of running back Derrick Henry and a ground-and-pound approach that could reduce possessions as the Ravens try to shorten the game and lean on their defense. Given the Ravens' winning pedigree and talented roster, the Jaguars must fight complacency and overconfidence when taking on a short-handed squad reeling from injuries and disappointing play.

OFFENSIVE MATCHUP VERSUS RAVENS

The Jaguars face a talented Ravens defense that wants to muddy the picture for quarterbacks with post-snap movement from two-high shells. Despite their recent skid, the Ravens' defense is one of the most talented units in football, with All-Pros and Pro Bowlers at every level. The Jaguars must pay close attention to their designated disruptors while sticking to the blueprint that has helped them win 14 of their last 17 games, with quarterback Trevor Lawrence playing at an MVP level. With a dynamic inside-out passing game flourishing with wide receivers Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr. and tight end Brenton Strange sharing the load, and a rugged rushing attack behind running backs Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr., the Jaguars have the firepower to give the Ravens problems through the air or on the ground.

DEFENSIVE MATCHUP VERSUS RAVENS

Despite their quarterback issues, the Ravens remain a dangerous offense due to Henry and his sledgehammer running style. The former NFL rushing champ will get a heavy workload as the Ravens turn back the clock to protect their inexperienced quarterback with a run-heavy game plan that minimizes his role as the offensive leader. With that in mind, the Jaguars must watch Henry while also keeping an eye on wide receiver Zay Flowers in the passing game. The Pro Bowler can take over a game, but he may get his touches on screens and quicks with Fagnano under center. Given how compromised the Ravens could be on Thursday, the Jaguars must stick to the script and force the home team into a one-dimensional game plan that leads to a turnover-fest by the end.

A LOOK BACK

The Jaguars smashed the hapless Colts, 42-7, with a rock-solid performance that showcased the team's maturity and professionalism as a title contender. From the opening snap to the final whistle, the Jaguars dominated the game with superior effort, toughness and execution. The Jaguars whipped the Colts at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and took advantage of each of their opponent's blunders. The offense operated efficiently behind Lawrence's stellar play (completed 10 of 14 passes for 210 yards with three scores) and Tuten's breakout game (18 touches, 159 scrimmage yards and two scores), with the offensive line pushing the Colts around the field. Defensively, the Jaguars snuffed out the run and forced quarterback Daniel Jones into three turnovers, including a 92-yard "Pick Six" from safety Rayuan Lane III. With Colts running back Jonathan Taylor held to 23 rushing yards on eight carries, the Colts never threatened the Jaguars in a game that wasn't as close as the score indicated.

WHAT BROOKS LIKES ABOUT THE JAGUARS RIGHT NOW

The Jaguars exude the confidence of a championship contender, and it shows up in their play. They dominate inferior opponents, especially at home, with a no-nonsense approach rooted in hustle, physicality and execution. The Jaguars have won seven consecutive games in Jacksonville, scoring at least 34 points in each contest and winning by 17 or more. In a league in which most games are decided by eight points or fewer, the Jaguars' consistency speaks volumes about their preparation and focus. If the Jaguars can secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, the 2026 season could culminate in a Super Bowl run that starts in Duval County and ends in Hollywood.

WHAT CONCERNS BROOKS ABOUT THE JAGUARS RIGHT NOW

The Jaguars' disruptive defense has been sparked by DaVon Hamilton's spectacular play at the point of attack. The monstrous defensive tackle has bullied and bludgeoned interior blockers at the line of scrimmage, creating clear lanes for linebackers Foyesade Oluokun, Ventrell Miller and others to track down runners in the backfield. With the 6-feet-4, 335-pounder sidelined with a quad injury, the Jaguars lose a valuable piece of their championship-caliber defense. While Matt Dickerson, Arik Armstead and Ruke Orhorhoro can fill in, the dropoff at the position could be a difference-maker for the Jaguars down the stretch.