Are Chiefs capable of countering ball-hawking Jaguars? What to watch Monday night
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Jaguars lead the NFL with 13 takeaways, forcing turnovers via punches and tips.
- Chiefs protect the ball, committing one giveaway and minimizing turnover risk.
- Monday’s matchup tests Chiefs’ ball security against Jaguars’ elite takeaway unit.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are creating turnovers at an amazing rate.
Entering Monday’s home game against the Chiefs, they have nine interceptions and four fumble recoveries. Their 13 takeaways tops the NFL, as does their plus-nine turnover margin.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said this week that when a team is dominant in that department, something beyond fortunate bounces is happening.
“They’re punching the football out, tipping passes,” Mahomes said. “They’re intercepting the football when they get their hands on it.”
Also, it’s been a consistent habit. The Jaguars forced three turnovers in each of their first three games, and four in the previous week’s game at the San Francisco 49ers. Jacksonville is the fifth team since 2002 to forced at least three turnovers in each of its first four games.
Linebacker Devin Lloyd, a Kansas City native, has been the Jags’ biggest ball-hawk. He’s coming off the best game of his four-year career, with two interceptions against the Niners. He has a NFL-best three picks and was named AFC Defensive Player of the Month.
However, Monday will be the Jags’ biggest takeaway challenge this season — because the Chiefs don’t turn it over.
They’ve had one giveaway in four weeks, sharing the NFL lead in that category with the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles.
The Chiefs’ lone turnover was a big one, coming on a potential touchdown reception by Travis Kelce against the Eagles. Kelce bobbled away the throw from Mahomes for a pick by Philly’s Andrew Mukuba, preventing the Chiefs from taking a fourth-quarter lead in a game they lost by three.
And although the Chiefs’ four takeaways this season rank in the NFL’s bottom half, they’ve come up with two in each of their last two games, victories over the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens.
The Chiefs have won 28 straight games in which they force at least two turnovers. The last time they didn’t win one of those games: Week 2 of 2021, in a 36-35 loss at the Ravens.
When the Chiefs get sloppy with the ball? It’s a tribute to their strength that they own a 15-8 record since 2022 when committing two or more turnovers in a game.
Chiefs player to watch: cornerback Nohl Williams
According to Pro Football Focus, Williams has logged 40 coverage snaps, been targeted eight times and allowed two receptions for 10 yards.
That’s outstanding stuff from the third-round draft pick from California. He owns PFF’s highest grades for defense and coverage.
“I think he’s kind of settled in,” defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said. “He’s playing with more confidence.”
Jags player to watch: WR/cornerback return specialist Travis Hunter
Jacksonville has delivered on allowing Hunter to play on both sides of the ball. Through four games, he has played 159 offensive snaps (57.82%) and 101 on defense (38.55%), plus three on special teams.
Hunter was used much more on offense against the 49ers, with 38 snaps to just nine on defense, and there were no defensive snaps in the second half. The previous two games, he played more on defense. He’s been the Jags’ top wide receiver, with 13 receptions for 118 yards.
Special teams player to watch: Chiefs return man Nikko Remigio
Remigio is firmly established as the Chiefs’ top return specialist.
He doesn’t have breakaway speed, but he’s sure-handed on kickoff and punt returns. In last week’s victory over Baltimore, Remigio brought back a kickoff for 47 yards, the best return in his nine NFL games.
“He’s solid,” Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub said. “He’s a guy I can depend on. I call him the adult in the room.”
This story was originally published October 3, 2025 at 1:43 PM.