What's the score of the Jaguar game: Why Jacksonville’s 2026 Playoff Heartbreak Still Stings

What's the score of the Jaguar game: Why Jacksonville’s 2026 Playoff Heartbreak Still Stings

So, you're looking for the final numbers on the scoreboard. Honestly, it’s not the news Jacksonville fans wanted to hear this week. If you’re asking what's the score of the Jaguar game, the reality is that the Jaguars’ season officially came to a screeching halt just a few days ago.

The Jacksonville Jaguars lost to the Buffalo Bills with a final score of 24–27.

This wasn't just any regular-season loss. This was the AFC Wild Card Round on January 11, 2026, played right there at EverBank Stadium. For a team that finished the regular season on an absolute tear—winning eight games in a row to clinch the AFC South with a 13–4 record—going one-and-done in the playoffs feels like a gut punch.

Breaking Down the Jaguars vs. Bills Wild Card Score

It was a physical, back-and-forth battle that literally came down to the final seconds. If you missed the live broadcast on CBS, the flow of the game was a total rollercoaster. Jacksonville actually fought back to take their first lead of the game in the fourth quarter when Trevor Lawrence found Parker Washington for a touchdown, making it 17–13.

But Josh Allen (the Buffalo one, not the Jags' defensive star) did what he does. He led the Bills on a late drive, capped off by a 1-yard touchdown run that put Buffalo up 27–24.

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The Jaguars had one last chance. With the clock ticking down, Lawrence tried to air it out over the middle. However, Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White got a hand on it, tipping the ball and forcing an incompletion that effectively ended the season.

Why the 24–27 Final Score Matters

This scoreline is particularly frustrating because the Jaguars actually outgained the Bills in total yardage. Jacksonville put up 359 yards compared to Buffalo's 340. They also dominated the ground game, rushing for 154 yards while holding the Bills to just 79.

  • The Turnover Bug: Two interceptions thrown by Lawrence were the ultimate difference-makers.
  • Third Down Struggles: Jacksonville only converted 5 of 9 third downs, failing to keep drives alive when they needed them most.
  • Red Zone Efficiency: Despite some massive plays by Parker Washington (who had a huge 31-yard completion), the Jags couldn't turn enough of those opportunities into seven points.

What’s the Score of the Jaguar Game Today?

If you are checking your phone today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, looking for a live score, there isn't one. Because of that 27–24 loss last Sunday, the Jaguars are at home watching the Divisional Round from their couches.

The team that beat them, the Buffalo Bills, is actually playing right now. They traveled to Denver to face the No. 1 seed Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. That game kicked off at 4:30 PM ET. It’s a bit of a "what could have been" scenario for Jags fans, as Jacksonville would have been the ones heading to Colorado if they’d just found three more points last week.

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A Season of What-Ifs

Looking back at the what's the score of the Jaguar game query for the whole season, 2025-2026 was actually a historic year for the franchise. Under head coach Liam Coen and GM James Gladstone, the Jaguars posted their best record since 1999.

They started the season a bit rocky, sitting at 5–4 after a Week 10 loss to Houston. But then something clicked. They went on an 8-0 run to finish the year, including a massive 41–7 blowout against the Tennessee Titans in Week 18 to secure the division.

Key Performers in the 2025-2026 Season

  • Trevor Lawrence: While the playoff loss had some rough spots, he finished the year looking like a franchise cornerstone, particularly in the deep ball game.
  • Parker Washington: He stepped up big time late in the season, especially when the team was dealing with injuries in the receiving corps.
  • Cam Little: The kicker was a bright spot, even hitting a 67-yard field goal during the regular season.

What Happens Next for Jacksonville?

Even though the scoreboard says the season is over, the work for the 2026 season has already begun. The Jaguars’ 2026 opponents are already set. Because they won the AFC South, they’ll face a first-place schedule next year.

Home games at EverBank will include the Texans, Colts, Titans, Browns, Steelers, Eagles, Commanders, and Patriots. On the road, they’ll have to travel to some tough environments, including Dallas and a rematch in Denver.

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The sting of the 27–24 loss to Buffalo won't go away overnight. However, the foundation is clearly there. As Trevor Lawrence said after the game, while there's no guaranteed success, the culture they've built feels sustainable.

If you’re tracking the rest of the playoffs to see how the Bills fare after knocking out Jacksonville, the Divisional Round continues tomorrow with the Houston Texans facing the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams taking on the Chicago Bears.

Next Steps for Jaguars Fans:
Keep an eye on the injury reports for the off-season. Parker Washington's concussion protocol status from the final game is something to watch, and the front office will likely be looking for secondary depth in the upcoming draft to prevent another late-game heartbreaker like the one we saw against Buffalo.