The Jacksonville Jaguars are set to face what will arguably be their toughest challenge yet this season. In Week 5, they'll welcome the Kansas City Chiefs, and they'll play them on the biggest stage there is: Monday Night Football.
The Jags are a three-point underdog for the game, and they'll need to play a clean brand of football and keep mistakes to a minimum if they want to pull off the upset. With that in mind, here are three storylines worth monitoring ahead of the primetime matchup.
Will Travon Walker suit up for the Jaguars in Week 5?
Travon Walker suffered a wrist injury in Week 4 and is day-to-day after undergoing surgery. The one day he practiced, he was wearing a club on his hand, and his availability for Monday Night is in question. Head coach Liam Coen says it may come down to whether the former Georgia Bulldog can tolerate the pain. If he doesn't suit up, the team will lean on a combination of Emmanuel Ogbah, Dawuane Smoot, and rookie B.J. Green to replace his production.
The Chiefs offensive line has allowed 39 total pressures and two sacks this season. Having Travon Walker around would most definitely help the Jags get after Patrick Mahomes. But if he isn't good to go, they'll need other pass rushers to step up.
Can the Jaguars defense create takeaways vs. the Chiefs?
One big reason the Jaguars are 3-1 this season is their defense. Anthony Campanile's unit has come up clutch at crucial times and leads the NFL in takeaways with 13. Following the win over the 49ers, Jourdan Lewis told reporters that forcing turnovers was in the defense's DNA, crediting the coaching staff and noting that it all begins in practice.
Next, the Jags will face off against a Kansas City offense that has turned the ball over just once this season. It's hard to see Jacksonville creating three takeaways against the Chiefs, but giving the offense one or two extra possessions will most definitely increase their chances of coming out on top.
Can Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars offense keep up with the Chiefs?
There's a chance of precipitation on Monday Night. If it rains, neither team may be able to lean on their passing game and will instead resort to pounding the football. But if the Jaguars and Chiefs enjoy nice weather, it's fair to wonder if the former can put enough points on the scoreboard.
As noted before, the defense has come through several times in past games, but the offense will need to step up if Jacksonville wants to beat the Chiefs.
The running game is clicking, so the Jags should have no trouble running the ball in Week 5. On the other hand, the passing game has yet to get going. The good news is that Trevor Lawrence showed improvement against the 49ers, and the Jags will probably need him to step up against the Kansas City defense.
Working in Lawrence's favor is that, aside from a ferocious pass rush and cornerback Trent McDuffie, the Chiefs defense isn't loaded with playmakers. It will be up to him to make the most of the matchup and do his part to help the Jaguars win.