JACKSONVILLE – Similar seasons, similar stories.

The disappointment is particularly similar – and while that will perhaps form the biggest part of the backdrop when the Jaguars play the New York Jets at EverBank Stadium, there's more to Sunday's theme:

Both teams want – and need – to win.

Neither has done that nearly as much as was expected this season, with the Jaguars (3-10) snapping a five-game losing streak with a road victory over the Tennessee Titans this past Sunday and the Jets (3-10) extending their losing streak to four with a road overtime loss to the Miami Dolphins the same day.

So it has gone for each team this season.

Both entered the season with playoff aspirations, and both saw those aspirations quickly fade in an avalanche of close losses and missed opportunities. The Jets have lost seven games by six or fewer points. The Jaguars have lost seven games by five or fewer points.

Oh, what might have been.

But here's what makes Sunday intriguing: Neither team has quit on the season, with the Jets losing their last three games by six points or fewer. The Jaguars, outside a 52-6 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 11, have been equally competitive in recent weeks – rallying to beat the Titans in the fourth quarter last week and nearly doing the same in a loss to AFC South-leading Houston the week before.

Now, even in a disappointing season. the Jaguars have a chance at something they haven't had since last November: A real, live winning streak.

Here are 10 things the Jaguars must do Sunday to get that started:

1. Get the ball to BTJ – and soon: The Jaguars scored twice against the Titans last Sunday, with rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. making key catches on both drives. He had a career-high 12 targets in the game, but didn't catch a pass until the third quarter. The Jaguars must get him involved sooner. Here's guessing they will do that Sunday.
2. Protect the quarterback. The Jaguars have done this well most of the season. They have done it really well the past two weeks. They must do it well again Sunday against a good defense with a very good front.
3. Pressure Rodgers. Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers was beat up early in the season and showed the effects. He has been healthy in recent weeks and has played well. He's an all-time great and doesn't wilt under pressure. But if he has too much time, he has the receivers in this offense to hurt you.
4. Score early. The Jaguars have scored one first-quarter touchdown since Week 4. As a result, they have played from too far behind far too often this season. They scored all their points last week in the fourth quarter. It's hard to win like that very often.
5. Make a big play late. The Jaguars haven't done this enough this season. It has defined their season. It has defined the Jets' season, too. This game figures to be tight late. It's the nature of the two teams' seasons. The team playing best in the clutch figures to win Sunday.
6. Avoid turnovers. The Jets are one of the NFL's worst teams forcing turnovers, with just two interceptions in 13 games. Jones has thrown five interceptions in three starts. He can't let the Jaguars get healthy in this area Sunday.
7. Run, Tank, run. The Jaguars have struggled to run consistently this season. When they have shown signs of being good here, it usually has been with second-year running back Tank Bigsby proving effective. The Jaguars must be patient here. The key is staying in the game long enough for that approach to work.
8. Hit an explosive. The Jets are very talented defensively. The Jaguars haven't been consistent enough – and are too depleted at receiver – to expect a lot of extended, productive drives. Jones consistently threw short last week to beat the Titans. He may need a big shot or two to win Sunday.
9. Attack. This is the defensive philosophy of first-year defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen. Attack. Be aggressive. Nothing cheap, nothing deep. The Jaguars must channel that Sunday against a capable, dangerous offense. Keep it going.
10. Just win. The Jaguars last won at home in Week 5. It doesn't matter how the Jaguars win. It could even be as "ugly" as last week's victory over the Titans. This team and its fans just need to win.