Many predicted that the Jaguars would win the AFC South for the second time in a row this season. That appeared to remain the case through 12 weeks, despite development by both the Texans and the Colts this season. Jacksonville, on the other hand, finds itself in a vulnerable position.
Back-to-back losses, along with an ankle ailment that has QB Trevor Lawrence underperforming, have left the door open for Houston and Indianapolis to challenge the Jaguars in the AFC South. With a competitive AFC wild-card battle also taking shape, the Jaguars aren’t guaranteed a return to the playoffs if they don’t win the division.
Thanks to that recent slide, Jacksonville faces a critical stretch of games over the final month of the season, beginning with a “Sunday Night Football” matchup against the AFC-leading the Ravens.
Here’s an updated look at the Jaguars’ place in the playoff picture and what they might have to do to maintain their place atop the AFC South.
The Jaguars’ playoff chances
The Jaguars (8-5) are still in control of their destiny with four weeks remaining. They lead the AFC South by a game over the Texans and Colts, but they don’t play either team again.
Fortunately for Jacksonville, the tiebreakers also benefit the team. In the event of a three-way tie, the Jaguars have the tiebreaker because they are 3-1 against the Colts and Texans. Jacksonville also possesses the tiebreaker over the Colts due to a season sweep of Indianapolis, and the Jaguars would likely win the tiebreaker over the Texans due to a far stronger divisional record (4-1) than Houston (1-2).
However, a loss to the Ravens could certainly pose an issue for the Jaguars. There is less margin for error when you are relying on two teams to lose behind you, even with a tiebreaker advantage. Jacksonville was fortunate to see both Houston and Indianapolis lose in Week 14 and maintain its one-game lead.
After the matchup with Baltimore, though, the Jaguars face three consecutive teams that currently have a losing record
The Jaguars are hoping to escape the AFC wild-card race, but they are not guaranteed a position if they lose their lead in the AFC South. Six teams are currently tied for the final two positions at 7-6, so a wild-card berth may require 10 victories and some tiebreaker help.
Jaguars’ upcoming schedule
| Date | Opponent | Record |
| Dec. 17 | vs. Ravens | 10-3 |
| Dec. 24 | at Buccaneers | 6-7 |
| Dec. 31 | vs. Panthers | 1-12 |
| Jan. 7 | at Titans | 5-8 |
The Ravens are by far the most difficult opponent left on the Jaguars’ schedule, since the squad faces three teams with a losing record in the final three weeks of the season.
However, with the Buccaneers coming off back-to-back victories and would Levis demonstrating that the Titans would battle until the final end, going on the road to face both teams may be difficult.
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