The Jacksonville Jaguars pulled off a gritty 27-21 overtime victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona — a result that mirrored, but didn’t quite match, the pregame predictions. The game, broadcast on CBS, ended with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence to tight end Evan Engram, sealing a win that snapped Arizona’s three-game losing streak — and crushed any lingering hope the Cardinals had of staying relevant in the NFC West race.
What Led to This Game?
Coming in, the Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) were riding high after a dominant 35-6 thrashing of the Los Angeles Chargers, while the Arizona Cardinals (3-7) limped in after a 41-22 shellacking at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers. The injury to starting quarterback Kyler Murray had forced backup Jacoby Brissett into the spotlight — and the Cardinals’ offense, already among the league’s least efficient, became even more predictable. Analysts noted Brissett’s tendency to hold the ball longer, leading to more pressure and fewer big plays — a reality that played out in real time.
Oddsmakers were split: Data Skrive had the Jaguars favored by 1.5 points, while ESPN listed them at 2.5. The over/under was set at 47.5 — a number that felt optimistic given Arizona’s offensive struggles and Jacksonville’s stout defense, which ranked sixth in the NFL in points allowed per game. The moneyline implied just a 46.7% chance of an Arizona win — a number that reflected the reality: the Cardinals had won only one of seven games as 1.5-point underdogs this season.
The Game Unfolded — A Battle of Wills
It wasn’t pretty. But it was compelling. The Cardinals’ offense, operating with a 63.2% pass rate — the second-highest in the league that week — moved the ball methodically, especially in the second quarter. Brissett connected with wideout Michael Wilson for 10 and 12-yard gains, and tight end Trey McBride added a 9-yard catch to keep drives alive. But time and again, Arizona stalled in the red zone.
At the end of the third quarter, kicker Chad Ryland — who had converted his previous 18 field goals — missed a 33-yarder wide right, a brutal blow that shifted momentum. The Jaguars, meanwhile, leaned on their defense. Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun forced a fumble on a screen pass, recovered by safety Andre Cisco, setting up a 31-yard field goal by Riley Patterson that gave Jacksonville a 17-14 lead.
Arizona answered with a 16-play, 78-yard drive capped by a 1-yard Brissett sneak — but the two-point conversion failed. That set up a tense final two minutes. With 0:47 left, Lawrence drove the Jaguars into field goal range, but Patterson’s 48-yard attempt clanged off the upright. Overtime.
Overtime and the Final Blow
On the first possession of overtime, Lawrence took the snap, rolled right, and fired a dart to Engram in the back of the end zone. No defender came close. The Jaguars’ sideline erupted. The Cardinals, who had won both of their last two meetings against Jacksonville (including a 31-19 win in 2021), were left stunned.
Final score: Jaguars 27, Cardinals 21. The win improved Jacksonville to 7-4, keeping them in the AFC South hunt. Arizona fell to 3-8 — their fifth straight loss, and their first winless home season since 2018.
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
This game wasn’t just about two teams fighting for playoff relevance. It was a referendum on Arizona’s rebuilding timeline. With Brissett — a journeyman with no starting experience since 2020 — holding the reins, the Cardinals are clearly in survival mode. Their 1-5 home record at State Farm Stadium tells the story: they can’t win at home, and they can’t win when the pressure mounts.
Meanwhile, the Jaguars’ victory was a statement. After years of rebuilding under head coach Doug Pederson, this team is showing resilience. Their defense, which held Arizona to just 3.8 yards per play, is the engine now. And Lawrence, who threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns, is playing the most consistent football of his career.
Historically, Arizona led the all-time series 4-2 — but since 2021, Jacksonville has won both meetings. The trend is clear: the Cardinals are falling behind. And with their next three games against the Seahawks, Broncos, and Packers, the path to a winning record looks increasingly impossible.
What’s Next?
The Jaguars head to Miami next Sunday, still in contention for a wild-card spot. The Cardinals? They’re now officially eliminated from playoff contention — and the focus shifts to 2026. Will they draft a quarterback? Will they trade for a veteran? Will Brissett get another start? The answers are coming — but for now, Arizona’s season is over.
Behind the Numbers
- Arizona’s 1-5 home record in 2025 is their worst since 2013
- Brissett completed 24 of 37 passes for 209 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Jacksonville’s defense held Arizona to 0-for-4 on red zone conversions
- The Under (47.5) hit — the 11th time this season a Cardinals game went under
- Arizona has covered the spread in 5 of 10 games this season — but just 1 of 7 as a 1.5+ point underdog
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Cardinals lose despite moving the ball effectively?
Arizona moved the ball on drives but couldn’t finish. They went 0-for-4 in the red zone, missed a crucial 33-yard field goal, and failed on a two-point conversion after their final touchdown. The Jaguars’ defense forced three turnovers and held them to just 3.8 yards per play — turning consistent movement into stalled drives.
How did Trevor Lawrence perform under pressure?
Lawrence was efficient and calm, completing 22 of 30 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. His 12-yard OT touchdown to Evan Engram was a masterclass in poise — reading the defense, avoiding the rush, and delivering a perfect throw under duress. It was his most clutch performance since 2022.
What does this mean for Arizona’s future?
With Kyler Murray’s status uncertain and Brissett’s limitations exposed, Arizona’s 2026 draft will likely prioritize a franchise quarterback. The team’s 3-8 record and 1-5 home record suggest a full rebuild is underway. Fans are already calling for a coaching change — head coach Jonathan Gannon’s future is in serious doubt.
Why did the under hit when so many expected a high-scoring game?
The under hit because Arizona’s offense stalled in the red zone, and Jacksonville’s defense controlled the clock. The Jaguars held the ball for 38 minutes, and their running game (142 yards) drained the clock. The 47.5-point total was set before Brissett’s injury impact was fully understood — a classic case of oddsmakers underestimating defensive dominance.
Did the Jaguars cover the spread?
Yes. Despite being favored by just 1.5 points, Jacksonville won by 6 — covering comfortably. The Jaguars are now 8-4 against the spread this season, while Arizona is 5-5 ATS — but just 1-5 ATS as an underdog of 1.5 or more points.
Is this a turning point for Jacksonville’s season?
Absolutely. With the win, Jacksonville is now tied for second in the AFC South and has a realistic path to the playoffs. Their defense is peaking, and Lawrence is playing like a true franchise QB. A win in Miami next week could put them firmly in the wild-card conversation — and make them a dangerous team in January.
