Five Players to Watch: Jacksonville Jaguars

Much like the Ravens, the Jaguars have had a less than stellar year if you look at their record, but 2-6 describes neither the Ravens, nor the Jaguars. These two teams have had strikingly similar seasons if you look at how they have won and lost. Much like the Ravens, the Jaguars have played all competition close all season long and could have a better record if they make a play in one place or another. The Jaguars defense has been dismal all season, but they have found their offensive stride this year and have had a few players break out.

Here are five interesting players on the Jaguars to watch for:

1.) WR Allen Hurns:

Hurns has quietly had a great breakout season in Jacksonville; totaling 36 receptions, 635 yards, and 6 touchdowns. Hurns has become a reliable second option alongside Allen Robinson for quarterback Blake Bortles. Playing against a Ravens secondary that has been torched by speedy receivers all year long, Hurns should have no problem producing on sunday.

2.) QB Blake Bortles:

It seems that Bortles may have finally found his footing with the Jaguars this season. Although his efforts may not have resulted in wins for his team, Bortles has proven he can be a reliable playmaker in this league through his play thus far. Bortles has thrown 175 completions for 2193 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Expect Bortles to produce well against a weak Baltimore defense.

3.) RB T.J. Yeldon:

The Jaguars have found a great young talent in Yeldon, who has had a great rookie year so far and looks to be the solution for a once woeful Jaguars rushing attack. It should be interesting to see how he stacks up against a Baltimore defense that has been good at stopping the run this year, and should be a great test to see how good Yeldon really is.

4.) WR Allen Robinson:

Robinson has been another breakout player for the Jaguars this season, commanding the WR1 spot on the Jaguars' depth chart. He and Allen Hurns have been a great tandem in the Jacksonville receiving corps this season. Robinson has been Bortles' favorite target, notching 40 receptions for 707 yards and 6 touchdowns, and has proven he can handle the role of WR1 for the future in Jacksonville.

5.) TE Julius Thomas:

To say the former Denver Bronco has been a disappointment in Jacksonville would be an understatement. Thomas was a stellar player in Denver, who signed a fat contract over the offseason to play in Jacksonville, but hasn't  lived up to the hype. One could argue that since he missed the first few weeks of the season his chemistry with Blake Bortles isn't there yet, and it's nearing time for him to breakout in the revamped Jacksonville offense. Look for Jacksonville to stretch the field vertically with Thomas to possibly open up the field for other targets.