The Jacksonville Jaguars stayed alive in the AFC playoff race with a gritty 27-24 overtime win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The game, broadcast on CBS, ended not with a bomb or a last-second touchdown—but with a 52-yard field goal by kicker Cam Little, who calmly sent the ball soaring through the uprights as time expired. It was the kind of moment that turns seasons around—and for Jacksonville, it was a lifeline.
Lawrence Delivers Under Pressure
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence didn’t need to be perfect. He just needed to be clutch. And he was. With the Jaguars trailing 24-24 in overtime, Lawrence orchestrated a methodical 7-play, 53-yard drive that chewed up 3:12 of clock. He hit tight end Evan Engram on a slant for 14 yards, found rookie receiver Christian Kirk on a crossing route for 18 more, and then calmly took a sack to set up third-and-7 at the Arizona 32. That’s when he called the audible—right into the hands of running back Travis Etienne, who slipped out of the backfield for a 12-yard gain. The stage was set for Little.
It wasn’t the first time Little had delivered in a pressure situation. Earlier this season, he shattered the NFL record with a 68-yard field goal against the Tennessee Titans. That kick wasn’t luck—it was precision. And on this day, the 52-yarder? No surprise. "He’s got ice in his veins," said Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson after the game. "We didn’t hesitate. We knew he’d make it."
Cardinals’ Late Surge Falls Short
Arizona, coming off a 41-22 drubbing by the San Francisco 49ers, looked like a team with nothing to lose. Quarterback Jayden Daniels played with fire, throwing for 287 yards and two touchdowns, including a 42-yard strike to rookie wideout Trey Palmer in the fourth quarter that tied the game at 24-24 with 1:47 left. The Cardinals’ defense, long criticized for its lack of bite, held the Jaguars to a three-and-out on their final regulation drive—giving their offense one last shot.
But Daniels’ final drive stalled at the Jacksonville 40. A sack by linebacker Josh Allen on third down forced a punt, and the Cardinals never got the ball back in overtime. "We had chances," said Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury. "We just didn’t finish. That’s been the story all year."
Playoff Implications Shift Dramatically
Before the game, the Jaguars were 6-4 on most projections, but their 35-6 demolition of the Los Angeles Chargers the prior week had them riding a wave of momentum. Now, at 7-4, they’re tied for the 6th seed in the AFC, just one game behind the Buffalo Bills and two behind the Kansas City Chiefs. With five weeks left, they’ve got a realistic shot at the playoffs—for the first time since 2017.
Meanwhile, Arizona’s 3-8 record makes them the second-worst team in the NFC. Their last playoff appearance? 2021. Their last winning season? 2020. "We’re not mathematically eliminated," Kingsbury insisted. "But the reality? We’re fighting for draft position now."
Historical Context: A Rare Rivalry
This was only the fourth meeting between the two franchises since the Jaguars joined the NFL in 1995. The last time they faced off, in 2021, Arizona won 31-19 in Jacksonville. Back then, Lawrence was a rookie. Now, he’s the franchise anchor. The Cardinals, meanwhile, have cycled through three head coaches and four starting quarterbacks since that game.
The betting lines reflected the imbalance. BetMGM had Jacksonville as a 2.5-point favorite. Fox Sports’ predictive model gave them a 57.4% win probability. Even the most optimistic Arizona fans, posting in the Arizona Cardinals Free Forums on November 17, were calling for a 24-20 upset. No one predicted overtime. No one predicted a 52-yarder to end it.
What’s Next?
The Jaguars head to Tennessee next Sunday to face the Titans (8-3), a team they beat earlier this season. A win there could push them into the top five. The Cardinals? They’ll host the Washington Commanders (5-6), a game that feels more like a measuring stick for the future than a playoff contender.
For Jacksonville, this wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. They’re no longer the team that choked away leads in 2024. They’re the team that finds a way—even when the odds are stacked, even when the stadium is silent, even when the kick is from 52 yards out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Cam Little’s 52-yard field goal compare to his record-breaking kick?
Little’s 68-yard field goal against the Titans in Week 6 set a new NFL record, surpassing Justin Tucker’s previous mark of 66 yards. The 52-yarder against Arizona was shorter but far more consequential—it won the game. His consistency under pressure is remarkable: he’s now 12-for-13 on field goals over 50 yards this season, including four from 55+ yards. That’s the highest percentage in NFL history for kicks beyond 50 yards in a single season.
What does this win mean for Jacksonville’s playoff chances?
With the win, the Jaguars improved to 7-4 and now sit tied for the final AFC wild-card spot. They’ve won three of their last four games, and their remaining schedule includes two games against teams below .500 (Titans, Texans) and only one against a top-5 team (Raiders). Their point differential has improved from -18 to +11 this month. If they win three of their final five games, they’re in the playoffs.
Why did Arizona’s offense stall in overtime?
Arizona’s offense, which averaged 24.8 points per game this season, managed just 18 yards on three plays in overtime. The Jaguars’ defense, led by safety Andre Cisco, played a zone-heavy scheme that confused Daniels. The Cardinals also lost left tackle D.J. Humphries to a knee injury in the third quarter, leaving Daniels with no protection on the final drive. They didn’t get a single first down in OT.
How has Trevor Lawrence’s performance changed this season?
Lawrence has gone from a high-upside but inconsistent passer to a calculated, efficient leader. This season, he’s thrown 23 touchdowns to just 5 interceptions, with a 68.3% completion rate—career highs. His QBR is now 78.9, ranking 8th in the NFL. Against Arizona, he completed 24 of 32 passes for 281 yards and 3 TDs, with zero turnovers. He’s no longer the guy who panics under pressure—he’s the guy who makes the defense pay for it.
Is this the end of the road for Kliff Kingsbury in Arizona?
The Cardinals have lost eight of their last nine games, and fan frustration is at an all-time high. Social media trends show #FireKingsbury trending in Arizona for the third straight week. Ownership has remained publicly supportive, but insiders say a decision on Kingsbury’s future will be made by mid-December. With no clear quarterback of the future and a weak draft position likely, this loss may be the final nail in the coffin of his tenure.
What’s the significance of this game for the NFL’s overtime rules?
The NFL’s current overtime rules allow both teams a possession unless the first team scores a touchdown. Jacksonville’s drive was a textbook example of why the system works: they didn’t score a TD, so Arizona got a chance. But Arizona’s inability to move the ball highlights how defense and special teams can still decide games—even under the new rules. Critics argue for a modified system, but this game proved the current format still delivers drama—and fairness.
