Texans win versus Titans gets Jaguars closer to AFC South title

Not long after the Houston Texans’ win over the Tennesse Titans, the phrase It Was Always the Jaguars went viral on social media. This isn’t surprising when you take into account that the Jacksonville Jaguars are now in first place in the AFC South and in the driver’s seat to make the postseason.

Following a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this season, head coach Doug Pederson didn’t rule out running the table and snaking into the postseason. At the time, the Jags were 3-7, so it was hard to see the Jags pulling it off. However, they’ve looked like a different team in recent weeks, going 4-1 since returning from their BYE.

The fact that the Titans, at one point at the top of the AFC South, have lost five straight has helped Jacksonville’s cause. If they were playing in any other division, they would have to probably settle for a wild card berth. Instead, the Jags now have a realistic shot at seizing the division crown and the fourth seed in the playoffs.

The Jaguars must take care of business vs. the Titans in Week 18

Both the Titans and the Jaguars are 7-8 but the latter has a better record in the division and beat them in Week 14. Having said that, there are two games left in the season and the Jaguars can still lose their grip on their division. Next on the schedule are the Texans and Tennesse.

The Jags can still lose to Houston and win the AFC South title and a trip to the postseason if they beat Tennessee in the finale. Conversely, the Titans can still qualify if they beat Jacksonville in the season finale.

Working in the Jaguars’ favor is that the Titans don’t seem to be capable of stopping their bleeding. Moreover, the season finale will be at TIAA Bank Field, which should give Jacksonville a slight edge.

Looking back, nobody would have blamed you if you thought the Jaguars were done for the season after their loss to the Chiefs. However, there’s now no doubt they can qualify for the postseason. They checked off another box against the Jets and have just two more left.