What needs to happen for the Jacksonville Jaguars to make the playoffs a reality
When it comes to playoffs, it’s now or never for the Jacksonville Jaguars. After ending a four-game losing streak with a 26-0 victory over the Carolina Panthers, the Jaguars’ playoff implications are simple: win and they’re in.
The AFC South has been far more competitive than anticipated this year, as the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans have emerged as real contenders. Although the Jaguars, Texans, and Colts each hold a 9-7 record, Jacksonville owns the tie-breaker.
For the Doug Pederson-led team, it all comes down to a Week 18 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. With a win, the Jaguars would clinch the division for the second straight year and maintain the fourth seed heading into playoffs. In this scenario, the Jaguars would host the fifth seed in the Wild Card round, which would more than likely belong to the Cleveland Browns.
If the Jaguars lose to the Titans, the battle for a playoff seed becomes more difficult. The winner of the Week 18 matchup between the Texans and Colts would take the AFC South, and the Jaguars would be left fighting for the seventh and final seed in the AFC playoff picture.
In this scenario, the Jaguars would need to rely on the Texans and Colts ending without a tie, the Pittsburgh Steelers losing to the Baltimore Ravens, and the Denver Broncos losing to the Las Vegas Raiders. If the Jaguars lose and all of those situations come true, the seventh seed would belong to Jacksonville. In this case, they’d kick off the postseason by traveling to the winner of the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins game.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70948086/usa_today_17116518.0.jpg?w=640&ssl=1)
The good news for the Jaguars is that their franchise quarterback has the opportunity to play after missing Week 17 with a shoulder injury. Trevor Lawrence is considered day-to-day and will be practicing in a limited capacity.
Without Lawrence, C.J. Beathard would spearhead the Jaguars’ offense. Against the Panthers, Beathard completed 17-of-24 passes for 178 yards, zero touchdowns, and zero interceptions. With Lawrence sidelined, running back Travis Etienne stepped up with two touchdowns, and kicker Brandon McManus was relied on for four field goals.
