Zay Jones News

Jones was doubled in targets by Christian Kirk, but he still managed to lead the Jaguars in receiving yards. His 37-yard reception early in the fourth quarter was the highlight of his performance, and it also marked Jones' seventh reception of 20 yards or more in his last nine games. Jones enjoyed his best season in the NFL in 2022, and he remains under contract with the Jaguars for the 2023 campaign. However, he is likely to lose some opportunity as the team welcomes Calvin Ridley (suspension) into its receiving corps.

Jones had only 17 yards on eight targets in the first half, which was representative of the Jaguars' offensive success. However, that frustration disappeared late in the third quarter when Jones broke free from the Chargers' secondary to catch a 39-yard touchdown. Contrary to past seasons, Jones has emerged as a big-play threat of late by recording six receptions of at least 20 yards in his last eight games.

Jones had a slow finish to the regular season with just eight receptions for 59 yards across the past three games. Still, it was successful first year in Jacksonville for the 27-year-old, and he closed the regular season with career highs in receptions (82) and receiving yards (823). He should continue to work as the Jags' No. 2 wideout for the playoffs.

It was Marvin Jones who saw the most opportunity Sunday (six catches on seven targets), but given that it was a 31-3 blowout in a meaningless contest it's difficult to make any grand conclusions based on the game's numbers. Zay will likely be counted on for more when the Jaguars attempt to take down Tennessee for the AFC South title in Week 18.

Jones' numbers were a major disappointment for fantasy managers counting on him to put together a successful encore to his three-touchdown breakout just four days prior against the Cowboys. However, Trevor Lawrence focused heaviest on tight end Evan Engram in what is typically a thorny matchup for wideouts, and he distributed his passes to eight players overall. Jones' catch total was a season low, so he'll have plenty of room for improvement in a Week 17 road matchup against the Texans a week from Sunday.

Jones entered the game with two touchdowns across 12 games this season, though he more than doubled that total with his effort Sunday. He found the end zone from five, 59 and three yards away -- with his final score coming at a crucial time in the fourth quarter. Jones has clearly established himself as a key part of the suddenly potent Jaguars' offense, as he has at least seven targets in each of his last five games. His results have been a bit more inconsistent in that same span, though he's topped 65 yards on four occasions.