JACKSONVILLE – The week is new. The storyline feels familiar.

The Jaguars on Sunday will play the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada – and for a third consecutive week, the Jaguars will play a game without the remotest playoff implications.

The Jaguars lost such a meeting this past Sunday, 32-25, to the New York Jets at EverBank Stadium – a game which both teams played with remarkable fight and pride considering the circumstances.

Sunday could have a similar feel.

The Jaguars this week spoke of the need to play with professionalism and set a tone – and perhaps gain momentum – for next season. They have played in that vein lately, narrowly losing to the AFC South Champion Houston Texans in Week 13 before snapping a five-game losing streak with a road victory over the Tennessee Titans the following week.

The Raiders, despite losing 10 consecutive games, have played with similar effort and nearly rallied to take a late lead before losing to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football.

These are two injured teams looking for meaning in the final three games. They're both looking for a victory, too.

Here are 10 things the Jaguars must do Sunday to be the team that gets it:

1. Get the ball to BTJ – and soon. The Jaguars' offense hasn't been great all season and it hasn't been great in recent weeks. But it has shown life in the last two games by targeting rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. over and over. And over. And over.
2. Run. A Jaguars running game that has been inconsistent much of the season improved a bit last week. And it's no coincidence that the Jaguars' best rushing performance in seven weeks – 136 yards against the Jets last week – came in their best offensive game in nearly as long. It's also no coincidence that quarterback Mac Jones had his best start with the team in that game.
3. Protect the ball. Jones indeed turned in his best performance in four Jaguars starts against the Jets, throwing for two touchdowns – both to Thomas. But he also continued his turnover tendencies. Jones countered his two touchdowns with two interceptions and has seven interceptions in four starts.
4. Push the ball downfield. This runs a bit counter to No. 3, because it's tough for a quarterback to push the ball downfield if he's protecting the ball. But the Jaguars need a few plays downfield in the passing game to open up the run and prevent defenses from compressing the field. How to balance downfield throws with being safe? That's the challenge for Jones Sunday.
5. Pressure the passer. Aidan O'Connell could start at quarterback for the Raiders. He's a capable quarterback, but not a mobile one. The Jaguars didn't pressure Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers enough last week. O'Connell's no Rodgers, but you can't give any NFL quarterback as much time as the Jaguars gave Rodgers.
6. Keep caring, keep fighting, stay united. The Jaguars have played with pride and professionalism since being eliminated from the postseason in early December. It can be tough maintain those traits in games without playoff ramifications. Stay tuned.
7. Keep it Strange. Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange caught a career-high 11 passes for 73 yards. He has shown he can be a workhouse receiver. The Jaguars also could use him a bit more downfield.
8. Skew young. This isn't technically about how the Jaguars can win, but it's sure about how they can use the last three games to benefit the franchise. Play young players such as defensive tackle Maason Smith, defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson, cornerback De'Antre Prince, etc., etc. It's hard to improve in the NFL just practicing. This is the chance for rookies to grow.
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. Forget the pick. This is a game between two teams "contending" for the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Raiders currently hold the top selection. The Jaguars sit at No. 4. But while fans and observers want to talk – endlessly – of draft position, that's a topic for another day. Forget the pick. Win a game.