The 5 Worst Teams for the Upcoming 2015 NFL Season
Jacksonville Jaguars
Projected Record: 6.3-9.7
Playoff Probability: 13.6%
Division Probability: 7.8%
Super Bowl Probability: 0.4%
nERD: -6.44
Continuing the theme of questionable quarterback play already discussed with the previous two teams, Jacksonville will be trotting out Blake Bortles in Week 1, fresh off his 2014 Passing NEP total which was the lowest of any quarterback with at least 200 attempts since 2009 (Jamarcus Russell).
Julius Thomas was brought in during free agency but is sidelined for at least three weeks with a broken hand. Sophomore wide receiver Allen Robinson looks primed for a breakout, but behind him there’s not much proven talent on the depth chart.
Rookie T.J. Yeldon has been anointed the Week 1 starter at running back and his effectiveness will go a long way in determining this offense’s performance. It’s unknown if the signing of both Jeremy Parnell and Stefen Wisniewski can bolster an offensive line that finished in the bottom-half last season in terms of Adjusted Rushing NEP per play and ranked 30th in Adjusted Line Yards according to Football Outsiders.
Projected as the 19th best defense overall according to our metrics, Jared Odrick should make an immediate impact alongside one of the best defensive tackles in the league, Sen’Derrick Marks. The addition of Davon House, Pro Football Focus’ top coverage corner from 2014, should help a secondary that gave up the 22nd most passing yards per game last season, but the defensive backfield still appears to be a weak spot. If the Jaguars hope to compete against more talented opponents, the defense is going to have to be the catalyst.
Even though Jacksonville plays in one of the weakest divisions in football, it’s difficult to see the Jaguars finishing any better than third, competing with another team still to come on this list, the Tennessee Titans.
