The Jacksonville Jaguars have solidified their position in the AFC playoff picture with a commanding 34-20 victory over the Denver Broncos in Week 16. This crucial win marked the Jaguars’ 11th of the season, boosting their conference standing against a formidable 12-3 opponent. The game, which remained a tight contest through the first two and a half quarters, saw a pivotal moment when a 10-yard touchdown reception by Travis Etienne Jr. stretched Jacksonville’s lead to 14 points. From that point forward, the Jaguars maintained control, never relinquishing their advantage.
Several players delivered exceptional performances, significantly impacting the outcome of this Week 16 matchup. The following three individuals have been recognized for their outstanding contributions, earning them the coveted “game balls” for their efforts:
Parker Washington: A Rising Star at Wide Receiver
Wide receiver Parker Washington was instrumental in putting the Jaguars on the scoreboard. Late in the first quarter, he executed an acrobatic 12-yard touchdown catch, giving Jacksonville a 7-0 lead over the Broncos. Entering Week 16, Washington had already amassed 39 receptions for 500 yards and three touchdowns, averaging an impressive 12.8 yards per catch. Against Denver, he added to his season totals with six more catches for 145 yards and a touchdown, playing a vital role in the Jaguars’ 14-point victory.
His impact was felt again late in the third quarter when Washington hauled in a spectacular 63-yard catch and run. This explosive play propelled the Jaguars into the red zone, setting up a subsequent 10-yard receiving touchdown for running back Travis Etienne Jr., which extended Jacksonville’s lead to 31-17.
Trevor Lawrence: Leading the Charge with a Strong Offensive Performance
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence continued his impressive streak of high-level play, following up his six-touchdown performance against the New York Jets in Week 15 with a four-touchdown outing against the Broncos. Lawrence’s leadership and determination were evident as he guided the Jaguars to victory.
He completed 23 of his 36 pass attempts for 279 yards and three touchdowns. In addition to his aerial success, Lawrence showcased his dual-threat capabilities by carrying the ball six times for 20 yards and a touchdown.
Midway through the third quarter, Lawrence personally extended the Jaguars’ lead to 24-17 over the Broncos with a one-yard touchdown run where he entered the endzone untouched. Throughout the game, Lawrence consistently attacked Denver’s defense, connecting with receivers like Washington and tight end Brenton Strange for touchdowns. His aerial assault kept pace with the back-and-forth offensive exchanges orchestrated by Denver’s quarterback, Bo Nix. Notably, his third passing touchdown of the day, a 10-yard toss to Etienne, marked a new career high for touchdown passes thrown in a single season.
Foyesade Oluokun: Making Defensive History
Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun etched his name in the Jaguars’ record books during the team’s 34-20 triumph over the Broncos. In the third quarter, his sixth tackle of the game allowed him to surpass Telvin Smith Sr. (582) for the fourth-most tackles in Jacksonville Jaguars franchise history.
The 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker entered Week 16 with a solid stat line of 55 tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles, and an interception in the 2025 season. He has consistently been the Jaguars’ leading tackler, demonstrating his crucial role in the team’s defensive efforts. Against Denver, Oluokun’s 11 tackles led the Jaguars, significantly outperforming the next closest defender by six tackles. His defensive prowess was vital in stifling the Broncos’ offensive drives and maintaining Jacksonville’s control of the game.
