If you woke up this morning and checked the TV guide to see if the Jacksonville Jaguars play today, I've got some tough news. The locker room at Miller Electric Center is already being packed into boxes.
The Jaguars are officially done for the year. Honestly, it feels a bit weird saying that after the ride they just took us on, but the 2025-26 campaign hit a wall this past Sunday.
While the NFL world is buzzing about the Divisional Round matchups featuring the Bills, Broncos, and Texans, Jacksonville is entering the "what if" phase of the winter. They aren't on the schedule for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, or any other day this month. After a 13-4 regular season that saw them snatch the AFC South crown, they were sent packing in a Wild Card heartbreaker that many fans in Duval are still trying to process.
The Wild Card Heartbreak: Why There’s No Game Today
The reason the Jags aren't suiting up today is a 27-24 loss to the Buffalo Bills. It was one of those games that makes you love and hate football at the same time.
You've probably heard the stats by now, but Trevor Lawrence was basically a god in the second half of the season. He entered the playoffs with some of the best numbers in the league. But the playoffs are a different animal. Despite the home-field advantage at EverBank Stadium, a late-game interception and a missed field goal by Cam Little—the same guy who broke the NFL record with a 68-yarder earlier this season—doomed the run.
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It’s kinda crazy when you think about it. This team went on an eight-game win streak to end the regular season. They looked unstoppable. Then, in a single afternoon, the "Liam Coen era" honeymoon phase took a sharp left turn into the offseason.
Who is Playing if the Jags Aren't?
Since the Jaguars are out, the AFC playoff bracket has shifted. If you're looking for football to fill the void, you'll have to wait until the weekend. Here is who is actually left in the hunt while the Jaguars watch from the couch:
- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos: The Bills, who knocked our Jags out, have to travel to Mile High to face the top-seeded Broncos on Saturday.
- New England Patriots vs. Houston Texans: A battle of the AFC's "new" powers.
- The NFC Side: We’re looking at matchups like the Chicago Bears and the Philadelphia Eagles.
It’s a bitter pill to swallow knowing the Jags beat most of these teams during their late-season surge. They beat Kansas City. They beat San Francisco. They even beat Denver in Week 16 to clinch their playoff spot. But as the saying goes, the regular season is for pride, and the postseason is for history.
What the Jaguars Are Doing Today Instead
Just because there isn't a game doesn't mean the front office is sleeping. In fact, yesterday, January 13, was a massive day for paperwork.
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The team officially signed 15 players to reserve/future contracts. Basically, these are guys who were on the practice squad or floating around the edges of the roster. By signing these deals today, they ensure they have a spot for the 2026 offseason program and training camp.
Some notable names moving into the 2026 cycle include quarterback Carter Bradley and wide receiver Tim Jones. It’s the "boring" part of football, but it’s how you build depth so you don't collapse when a starter goes down in Week 7.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Opponents Are Already Set
We might not have a game today, but we already know who the Jaguars will be fighting next year. Because they won the AFC South, their 2026 schedule is going to be a gauntlet.
The NFL uses a rotating formula, and for 2026, the Jaguars are matched up against the AFC North and the NFC East. That means some heavyweight fights are coming to Jacksonville.
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Home Games at EverBank Stadium
- Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans: The usual divisional suspects.
- Cleveland Browns & Pittsburgh Steelers: Bringing that gritty AFC North defense to Florida.
- Philadelphia Eagles: A massive NFC test.
- Washington Commanders & New England Patriots: Two teams looking to prove they belong in the elite tier.
Away Games on the Road
- Baltimore Ravens & Cincinnati Bengals: Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow. Enough said.
- Dallas Cowboys & New York Giants: A trip to Jerry World is always a circus.
- Denver Broncos & Chicago Bears: High-altitude and windy city challenges.
The Jaguars also have that 17th game, which is a road trip to Chicago. If you're planning travel, just know the official dates and times won't drop until the middle of May.
Is Trevor Lawrence Still "The Guy"?
Despite the interception that ended the season, the consensus in Jacksonville is a resounding yes. Lawrence finished the year showing he can carry a team on an eight-game heater. The addition of Jakobi Meyers via trade earlier in the season transformed the offense into something much more explosive than the dink-and-dump style we saw in 2024.
Head Coach Liam Coen has already told reporters that while the loss hurts, the "foundation is laid." The Jags aren't the "bottom-feeders" anymore. They are a 13-win team that just happened to blink first in a shootout with Josh Allen.
Actionable Steps for Jags Fans Today
Since you can't watch a game today, here is how you can stay plugged into the team during the early offseason:
- Check the "Reserve/Future" list: Look up the 15 players signed this week. These are the guys who will be fighting for roster spots in August.
- Review the Mock Drafts: The Jaguars will pick later in the first round than they are used to (thanks to those 13 wins). Start looking at interior defensive line help or maybe another burner at wideout.
- Wait for the Schedule Release: Mark your calendars for May 2026. That’s when we’ll find out if we’re heading back to London or if we get more primetime slots at home.
- Follow the Divisional Round: Keep an eye on the Bills vs. Broncos game. If the Bills get blown out, it might make the Wild Card loss feel even worse—or it might prove just how tough the AFC really is this year.
The Jacksonville Jaguars don't play today, but the work for the 2026 Super Bowl run has already started.