Jaguars vs. Cardinals bold predictions for Week 12 matchup

The Jacksonville Jaguars come down a master class win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Liam Cohen outplayed Jim Harbaugh in every way, and the Chargers couldn’t do anything. LA took an early 3-0 lead, but then the Jaguars flipped the switch and took over the game. They scored 35 points by reaching the end zone five times. The ground game has been elite, the defense has shut down Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense, and the Jags are now 6-4 with a shot at making the postseason. A big loss to the Houston Texans keeps the Jags away from a solid winning streak.

The Arizona Cardinals fell to the San Francisco 49ers for their second straight loss. The Niners dominated that game and scored 41 points. The Cardinals previously allowed 44 to the Seattle Seahawks. If Arizona wants to have a chance to make the playoffs this season, it needs to upset the Jags at home to improve to 4-7. The Cardinals next play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams, so a loss to the Jags would almost certainly mean their season is over.

Jacoby Brissett will start again for the Cardinals. They won’t rush Kyler Murray back in a season of lost causes. Receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. he didn’t practice again on Thursday and could miss another week. This would be a huge loss for the Cardinals. Fortunately, Michael Wilson stepped up significantly in his absence, though it didn’t matter because the Cardinals defense isn’t great. Head coach Jonathan Gannon, who is known for his defensive mind, is on the hot seat in Arizona.

The Jaguars are also dealing with a lot of injuries. Brian Thomas Jr. may not play because he didn’t practice, and both running backs, Travis Etienne Jr. and Baishul Tuten, were limited in practice. Regardless, this should be a close game, but with how well the Jags played against the Chargers, they should be heavily favored to win.

Let’s take a look at some bold predictions for this Week 12 matchup in Glendale, Arizona.

Bold prediction no. 3: Jaguars score 4+ touchdowns

For the first time all season against the Chargers, the Jaguars reached the end zone more than three times on offense. A win against the Kansas City Chiefs in early October featured pick-sixes from Devin Lloyd and Patrick Mahomes, and they scored three TDs. Against the Chargers, the offense was firing on all cylinders. In Week 12 against another bad defense in Arizona, the Jags should see more success and they will take advantage of it.

With Thomas Jr. out, Jacoby Meyers and Parker Washington will remain the main targets Trevor Lawrence. Tutain and Etienne being limited in practice isn’t a great sign either, but if they’re available, they should be great once again. There’s no reason why the Jaguars can’t continue their hot streak against the Cardinals.

Bold prediction no. 2: Trevor Lawrence has 1+ Rush TD

With Tutin and Etienne hitting, Lawrence may be asked to use his legs more often, especially in the red zone. Lawrence carried the ball 49 times and scored five goals. He’s more than capable of finding a way into the end zone against the Cardinals, who have allowed 85 points in their last two games.

Against the 49ers, the Cardinals allowed three touchdowns in the red zone. The Jaguars offense will have a lot of plays in the red zone on Sunday, giving Lawrence plenty of opportunities to make it happen. Remember, even if he trips and falls, that doesn’t mean he won’t get up and still find the end zone.

Bold prediction no. 1: Trey McBride has another monster game

Trey McBride was the best tight end in the NFL this season. You could argue that he was at his best in 2024 as well; however, he had trouble scoring touchdowns. That wasn’t the case in 2025. The rising star has caught seven touchdowns, including six in the last five games. Over his last two outings, McBride has caught 19 passes on 24 targets for 242 yards and two touchdowns. He scored at least seven goals per game with 13 goals on two separate occasions. Brissett won’t stop targeting his top pass catcher.

On the season, McBride has 71 receptions, 718 yards, and is averaging 10.1 yards per catch. Most of his catches aren’t for big bucks; however, all yards are added up. Against the Jags, McBride will finish with 8+ catches, over 80 receiving yards and at least one touchdown.