Jacksonville Jaguars 2020 NFL schedule: 5 must-win games

1. Vs. Houston Texans

The most important games the Jaguars will play in 2020 are divisional matchups, and the ones that count the most are games against the Houston Texans. The reigning AFC South champions are not only a good measuring stick for the Jaguars but have also gotten worse in the offseason.

Houston swept Jacksonville a year ago, but neither game was played in Florida. The Jaguars nearly upset the Texans in Houston in Week 2 before a two-point conversion attempt at the end of the game failed while the second meeting was a blowout in favor of Houston at Wembley Stadium across the pond in London.

The Texans have also managed to weaken their roster as a result of a series of baffling decisions from head coach/general manager Bill O’Brien. The DeAndre Hopkins trade was mind-bogglingly bad and O’Brien doubled down on the crazy by flipping a second-round pick for Brandon Cooks, an inferior receiver with concussion problems and a horrific contract.

The Texans will have a tougher time winning games in 2020, so this is the best opportunity the Jaguars will have to steal a division win. The home contest should be played in Jacksonville this year as well, stacking those odds more in the Jaguars’ favor.

Finding a way to beat Houston at home would do tremendous things for Marrone’s job security. If a weakened Texans’ team finds a way to blow the Jaguars out again it could be big trouble for Jacksonville’s coaching staff.