The Jaguars had a front office overhaul this offseason, hiring former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen as head coach and 34-year old James Gladstone as general manager. QB Trevor Lawrence missed much of the latter part of 2024 due to injury, but he projects to be the Week 1 starter in 2025. Rookie Brian Thomas Jr. seems to be the next great LSU wideout in the pros, following in the footsteps of Ja’Marr Chase: Thomas finished 2024 with 87 catches for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns, becoming one of four receivers in the Super Bowl era to have at least 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns in their rookie campaign. Jacksonville also added 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter to the fold, who projects to play both wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL.
The Bengals last played the Jaguars in 2023 in Jacksonville, winning in overtime.