2 Jaguars X-factors to watch vs. Raiders

The Jags will need Keelan Cole to step up and be an X-factor for them against the Raiders because DJ Chark won’t be able to take the field.

The 2019 NFL season has almost come to a conclusion as Week 15 has arrived.

For some teams, they are solidifying their draft position in hopes of finding that franchise piece. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, they will look to see what pieces they currently have to build towards next season.

The Jaguars will look to do that against the Oakland Raiders who will be playing their final game at RingCentral Coliseum. The Jaguars will hope to finish strong from a miserable season where they are well out of the playoff race and will possibly look at making some drastic changes in the offseason.

The players will look to lock down their positions on the job as some may face some uncertainty about their future. A good showing against the Raiders could help management make those decisions easier.

Here are the Jaguars X-factors for their Week 15 matchup against the Oakland Raiders:

WR Keelan Cole

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With star wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. ruled OUT due to an ankle injury, a player on the receivers corps like Keelan Cole will be asked to take on a more pivotal role.

Cole has been in a premier position before with the team, once leading the team in receiving yards in 2017. With Dede Westbrook also less than 100% with a shoulder injury, Keelan Cole will be called upon to make an impact in the vertical passing game. He has a skill-set that is similar to Chark as he is best used as a deep threat receiver that can stretch the defense.

Cole’s best game came against the Houston Texans in Week 9 when he caught five balls for 80 yards. Those numbers look very attainable for a receiver of his skill and position in this matchup.

CB Tre Herndon

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The secondary has been in shambles lately but Jaguars cornerback Tre Herndon has shown some flashes. Herndon was limited early in the week with a shoulder ailment but will be good to go against the Raiders and will add a sense of stability to the coverage team.

The Raiders don’t have the strongest wide receiver corps as they only rank No. 20 in the NFL in receiving and most of the production has come from tight end Darren Waller.

This is the kind of game that is perfect for Herndon as he is perfectly capable of guarding the Raiders receivers, especially without ascending star Hunter Renfrow, who will miss the rest of the season due to a rib injury.

I predict a six tackle game with an interception for Herndon.