The Jaguars and the AFC South playoff potential
By Mufaso
Can the Jacksonville Jaguars make the playoffs for the second time in three seasons? How will they fair with the rest of the AFC South?
Each of the teams in the AFC South, including the Jacksonville Jaguars look like viable contenders to take the division crown. Which one has the most realistic chance?
Entering the 2019 season, all four teams could make a case for winning the division. The Texans, winner of five of the last eight divisional races, seem the most comfortable making a claim to the crown.
The Colts came on hot at the tail end of 2018 after a 6-0 loss to the Jaguars sparked a 4-game win streak heading into the playoffs where they topped the Texans. As long as Marcus Mariotta rules the day in Tennessee, they will always be a threat for a 9-win season but nothing more.
More from Jacksonville Jaguars News
- Jacksonville Jaguars land DeAndre Hopkins in trade proposal to stop the KC Chiefs
- The Jaguars may look for edge rushers with pick 24
- NFL free agency felt like a whirlwind for Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram in 2022
- Jacksonville Jaguars in position to let RT Jawaan Taylor hit free agency in 2023
- Jaguars GM Trent Baalke hopes HC Doug Pederson has trust in him
Then we have our beloved Jaguars, whose 2018 play was a far fall from the grace of 2018. Which team will make an appearance in 2019?
Let’s begin to examine a few off-season maneuvers and how they can impact the upcoming season and rank the playoff chances of each team.
Indianapolis Colts – Considered by many to be one of the more talented teams in not just the AFC South, but the AFC as a whole. With a healthy Andrew Luck, a stubborn runner with great production in Marlon Mack, and great play from offensive linemen, the Colts offense looks better than it has for years.
During the draft, the Colts added Ohio State speedster, Parris Campbell. Look for the solid defense to continue with a believe it or not an uptick in offense.
Playoff Chance: 90%
Division Champ: 80%
Jacksonville Jaguars – A team that so many believed in until ravaged by injuries. With a healthy offensive line and with new talent in tow, the Jaguars would’ve been called competitive without Nick Foles. Now that they’ve added stability and potentially Pro Bowl caliber play, the Jaguars can get the most out of a defense that spent far too much time on the field.
Look for Leonard Fournette to carry the ball successfully in the second half of games where the Jaguars compete late in the fourth quarter en route to a sneak into the playoffs.
I think Foles helps relieve the run game and rookie Josh Allen helps with the pass rush. The Jaguars may have the most talent in the division.
Playoff Chance: 65%
Division Champ: 55%
Houston Texans – A team seemingly as talented as any yet with a shaky offensive line. That is why I rank them third in the division behind the Jaguars.
The Texans may have one of the greatest collection of pass rushers in the conference. They also wield one of the best young quarterbacks in the league with Deshaun Watson as well as the best wide receiver in the NFL, DeAndre Hopkins.
The Texans added an older Matt Kalil from Carolina and then took two offensive linemen in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft. They now hope this all works out. It’s a “wait and see” game in Houston for a very talented team.
Playoff Chance: 50%
Division Champ: 40%
Tennessee Titans – The Titans hope incumbentMariota proves himself worthy of a new contract this year.
The greatest problem en route to that remains Mariota’s inability to play an entire season. Effective when healthy, Mariota has not yet played a 16-game season, though he only missed eight games over the last four seasons, the situation (not the actor) remains that Mariota likely will miss time.
How greatly does it affect the team? How many games will Mariota miss this year? These are questions Titans fans nervously await to be answered. I think the Titans did great in the Draft and I think they win at least one game against the Jaguars.
Next. Three things to look for at Jaguars OTAs. dark
Still, they are not that much better today than last year and the rest of the division snuck by them this off-season.
Playoff Chance: 30%
Division Champ: 30%