5 storylines to watch in Jaguars vs. Broncos in Week 2

The Jacksonville Jaguars began their 2026 campaign with a convincing 34-10 triumph over the Cleveland Browns in Week 1. However, the victory was achieved against a weaker opponent, a fact that analysts deem less impressive than a win against a tougher team. The Jaguars are set to face the Denver Broncos in Week 2, a team anticipated to be a Super Bowl contender.

Despite their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1, Denver remains a formidable opponent. Here are five storylines to follow in Sunday's matchup. Can the Jaguars' offense demonstrate that their Week 1 performance was not a one-off? It's not an exaggeration to state that the Jaguars' offense, spearheaded by Trevor Lawrence, was exceptional against the Browns.

They excelled both in the air and on the ground, with a trio of players—Bhayshul Tuten, Chris Rodriguez, and Ameer Abdullah—showing that Liam Coen's strategy of a balanced running back room works. Additionally, Lawrence capitalized on the numerous weapons available to him in the wide receiver room. Notably, Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, Josh Cameron, and Brian Thomas Jr. also performed impressively.

Brenton Strange contributed two catches for 23 yards. While the Browns' defense is not weak, the Broncos' defense is expected to provide a stiffer challenge. If the Jaguars' offense continues to perform at a high level against a more formidable opponent like Denver, it will significantly bolster their case for being the real deal.

Can the Jaguars exploit Denver's struggling run defense? The Chiefs wreaked havoc on the Broncos' run defense, as evidenced by Kenneth Walker III's outstanding performance. He amassed 173 rushing yards, including a 60-yard touchdown and three catches for an extra 18 yards. In total, the Chiefs amassed 220 rushing yards, suggesting that the Broncos' run defense has been declining.

Can the Jaguars capitalize on this weakness, or will Denver finally be able to halt the run? Can Jacksonville keep Bo Nix uncomfortable? Nix had an outstanding 2025 season, leading the Broncos to the AFC Championship Game. However, his performance was not without flaws, particularly with deep passes. In Week 1, Nix struggled with sacks, fumbles, and an interception, suggesting that the Jaguars will need to apply pressure on Nix, force errors, and prevent the offense from establishing a rhythm.

Can Brian Thomas Jr. make a bigger impact? Thomas had a relatively quiet sophomore season, contributing three catches for 40 yards in Week 1. However, given the Jaguars' overall explosive offense, Thomas's impact was relatively minor. Thomas will undoubtedly aim for a more significant showing in Week 2, especially against Denver's stiffer secondary.

Can the Jaguars withstand a determined Broncos team at home? It might be tempting to assume that the Broncos won't pose much of a threat following their loss to the Chiefs. Yet, Jacksonville will not only be playing an away game but a team that will be highly motivated. Denver is facing its third 0-2 start in four seasons, and Sean Payton has a 4-8 record in September.

The Broncos are almost certainly entering this game eager to break their reputation of slow starts. The added motivation stems from Jacksonville's 2025 upset victory, in which they defeated Denver 34-20, breaking the Broncos' 11-game winning streak and 12-game winning streak at home. The Broncos, therefore, are entering this game motivated by embarrassment, desperation, anger, and the need for revenge, which could lead to mistakes.

However, Denver remains a talented team with much to prove, making this matchup particularly challenging for Jacksonville to emerge victorious.