The Jacksonville Jaguars returned to the playoffs this season for the first time since 2007 as winners of the AFC South with a 10-6 record, ultimately falling short in the Conference Championship game against New England. Jacksonville relied on a ferocious defensive front and talented secondary to finish as the No. 2 overall defense in 2017.
Offensively, they utilized rookie running back Leonard Fournette to pound the football ending the season as the top rushing offense in the league. Fournette would end up posting 1,040 rushing yards battling through the same ankle issues that plagued him at LSU. Appearing in 13 games, Fournette would also post 10 total touchdowns in his rookie campaign.
The success the running game enjoyed trickled down to Blake Bortles, as he was asked to mainly manage the offense and not take chances. His total of 523 pass attempts was the second-lowest of Bortles career and his 16 turnovers was a career low.
Whether or not Bortles is the long-term answer in Jacksonville remains a question, as there was a belief that the team was ready to move on. A recent wrist surgery he underwent may force the Jaguars’ hand as Bortles fifth-year option would kick in as it is injury guaranteed.
Three additions we want to see for fantasy
Cameron Brate, TE: This is a bit tricky as Brate is a restricted free agent but the Buccaneers might see themselves as set at tight end with O.J. Howard on board. Jacksonville should tender an offer for Brate as he’s put up 14 touchdowns over the past two seasons and finished as a top-10 fantasy performer.
Tyrod Tayler, QB: Bring in the anti-Bortles by signing Taylor and then try to ship the incumbent off via trade. In the past three years, Taylor has scored 61 total touchdowns while turning the ball over just 21 times. In that same time span Bortles has produced 86 total touchdowns but has also turned the ball over 61 times.
Sammy Watkins, WR: If Jacksonville allows Allen Robinson to leave via free agency then Watkins is the perfect replacement. Watkins had his best season back in 2015 with more than 1,000 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. His quarterback for that season was Tyrod Taylor, so reuniting them in Jacksonville would definitely be intriguing.
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