Madden 22: Our 2021 NFL season sim results in some wild predictions

Jacksonville Jaguars

9-8, 1st place in the AFC South (No. 4 seed in AFC)

Moving to the AFC, we’ve got potentially one of the biggest surprises of the simulation. The Jacksonville Jaguars are predicted to finish atop the AFC South. While it’s not an impressive record, Madden apparently doesn’t think highly of the Tennessee Titans, who I personally believe will run away with the division.

Anyway, the Jaguars, of course, are led by rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence and while people expect big things from the No. 1 overall pick, it doesn’t usually happen this quickly. Lawrence is predicted to throw for 30 touchdowns in his rookie debut, along with 17 interceptions.

But perhaps an even bigger surprise is the production out of half-back James Robinson. The second-year player had an impressive rookie season, but Madden predicts a bigger jump in year two. Robinson was the lead back for the Jaguars with 1,546 rushing yards (3rd overall) and a whopping 22 rushing touchdowns (1st overall). What’s more, he was equally as effective in the passing game with 43 receptions and 799 yards. Look, I’m a big fan of James Robinson, but I think this is highly improbable.

As for the rest of the Jaguars’ offense, there was no receiver with over 1,000 yards on the season. Tight end Jacob Hollister led the team with 88 receptions for 966 yards. Receiver Marvin Jones Jr. had 81 receptions for 861 yards and 10 touchdowns. D.J. Clarke Jr. also had 88 receptions for 849 yards and five touchdowns.

As a unit, the Jaguars’ offense finished with the third-most yards in the league (6,883) and fifth-most points per game (29.6).

Having won the AFC South, the Jaguars enter the playoffs as the No. 4 seed in the AFC, despite their mediocre record.