Making A Case For The Jaguars To Win The AFC South

Finding the next "worst to first" team in the NFL feels like a summer tradition. Every year, there's always a handful of teams that have done enough to make you think a major jump is on the horizon.

Now, not everyone can do what the Bengals did last year, but the hope that a story like that brings to other aggressive organizations is one of the things that makes the NFL great.

Heading into the 2022 season, there's a few teams that are starting to fall into this category, with endless reasons why this year it's their turn.

Hitting on a long shot is always a hard task, but when it happens, there's no better feeling right?

Over at BetMGM, you can get the Jacksonville Jaguars at +800 to win the AFC South, and sure that would take a massive jump from there three wins last year, but it's a division that at least has some wiggle room for them.

At this point, just having Urban Meyer out the door is worth a win or two, so we're starting off on the right foot here.

Now, enter Doug Peterson, a Super Bowl-winning coach who has the ever-important task of getting No. 1-overall pick Trevor Lawrence's development on track. If he can look like at least a capable and consistent starter in year two, that's already a major improvement in Jacksonville. Remember, the Colts went from just two wins to 11 in Andrew Luck's first year, and given the talent Lawrence has, we have a foundation for a legit jump in 2022.

There's also this year's No. 1-overall pick Travon Walker, who has wild combine numbers and a high ceiling. He should add to their pass rush, along with rookie linebackers Devin Lloyd and Chad Muma, mixed in with multiple moves in free agency on the defensive side of the ball as well.

Don't forget, they're also in a great position at running back, with Travis Etienne set to return from the Lisfranc injury he suffered in last year’s preseason, his rookie year, which in a sense makes him almost an offseason addition as well. James Robinson is recovering from a torn Achilles and it may take some time for his return, but that's a dangerous backfield once they're both healthy.

You'd expect the Jags to improve from their 27th-ranked offense, and with a schedule that's tied for 26th toughest (yes, this is only so accurate), we're working with something here.

Obviously, with all of these situations, a lot has to go their way, and some of that they can't control.

The Colts (-140) and Titans (+180) have shorter odds for a reason, but what if Matt Ryan continues to take a step back and show his age? What if Jonathan Taylor gets hurt? Could Ryan Tannehill have a hangover from last year's playoff disaster?

You can find endless scenarios where the perfect reality comes together for the Jags to take over the division, and yes, it's more likely they win something around 7 or 8 games, at least going over their win total (6.5), but after what the Bengals did last season, more is at least possible now in Jacksonville.

Are you on board? Bet this risk-free at BetMGM using our exclusive offer below!