Perhaps the best and most overlooked game of the weekend features the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Denver Broncos facing off in a pivotal AFC showdown.
Jacksonville has thrived under Liam Coen since their bye week, and my Jaguars vs. Broncos predictions expect Brenton Strange to play a key role in the offensive game plan on Sunday.
Find out more in my NFL picks for December 21.
Jaguars vs Broncos prediction
Jaguars vs Broncos Best bet: Brenton Strange Over 39.5 receiving yards (-114)
Trevor Lawrence is extremely glad to have Brenton Strange back in the lineup.
It’s not a coincidence that the Jacksonville Jaguars are better in all facets on offense since he returned. Not only is he one of Lawrence’s primary security blankets, but he may be the best run-blocking tight end in the NFL.
Since returning from injury ahead of the game against Arizona, Strange has been targeted 18 times in four games. Against the Cardinals — the only competitive game of the four — he caught all five of his targets for 93 yards.
Much like Arizona, Strange is going to face a Denver Broncos defense that struggles to cover tight ends. In fact, the Broncos rank just one spot behind the Cardinals in yards per game allowed to the position.
Meanwhile, the Broncos also boast the second-highest sack rate in the NFL. That means some of those deeper routes that Brian Thomas Jr. and company have enjoyed the past few games won’t have time to develop.
Liam Coen said this week that he’s going to utilize the tight ends to create mismatches against this creative Denver defense, and the Jacksonville head coach has shown this year that he’s a wizard at exploiting weaknesses.
Look for Strange to have plays drawn up for him to do just that.
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Jaguars vs Broncos same-game parlay
The Jaguars have scored 25+ points in seven straight and are flying high.
Denver employs a quick passing game that will negate the Jacksonville pass rush, and the Broncos are doing a good job of taking care of the football. We should see this game get into the 50s.
Jacksonville is thriving on the disrespect it’s receiving and has performed very well against one of the toughest schedules in the NFL. Denver’s luck runs out as the Jaguars pull off the upset and force the league to take notice.
Jaguars vs Broncos SGP
- Brenton Strange Over 39.5 yards
- Over 47.5
- Jacksonville moneyline
Our big-ticket SGP: Pass-Heavy Parlay
The Jacksonville Jaguars are allowing less than 67 rushing yards per game this season, and they have held six opponents to less than 3.3 yards per carry. That means Bo Nix will need to use that short passing game, and there will be plenty of catches to go around.
RJ Harvey had just one target last week, but he caught 19 passes in his five outings prior. He’ll be an important dump-off option for Nix against a dangerous Jacksonville pass rush.
Before missing the game with the Packers, Denver wideout Pat Bryant had seen a major uptick in targets and routes. He’s recorded at least three catches in each of his last three games and should do so again, given how often Nix is likely to be throwing the football.
Jaguars vs Broncos SGP
- Brenton Strange Over 39.5 yards
- Over 47.5
- Jacksonville moneyline
- RJ Harvey Over 2.5 receptions
- Pat Bryant Over 2.5 receptions
Jaguars vs Broncos odds
- Spread: Jaguars +3 (-120) | Broncos -3 (+100)
- Moneyline: Jaguars +125 | Broncos -150
- Over/Under: Over 43.5 (-110) | Under 43.5 (-110)
More NFL picks and odds from Covers
Jaguars vs Broncos trend to know
Jacksonville has covered the spread in five straight games. Find more NFL betting trends for Jaguars vs. Broncos.
How to watch Jaguars vs Broncos
| Location | Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO |
| Date | Sunday, December 21, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 4:05 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
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