Jaguars should be thrilled they won’t face Titans QB Ryan Tannehill

The Jacksonville Jaguars are probably pumped up about their odds of making the playoffs this season. Whether they win or lose to the Houston Texans in Week 17, they can get in if they beat the Tennessee Titans in the finale. The fact that quarterback Ryan Tannehill won’t suit up in Week 18 should increase the Jags’ chances odds of defeating their division foes.

Tannehill was always a long shot to play in Week 18 and even if he had been able to suit up, there was no guarantee he would be 100 percent. Instead of exposing him to further risk, the Titans’ brass is taking the reasonable approach, placing him on the Injured Reserve, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.

With Tannehill already ruled out for the finale, the Titans must decide who will line up behind center. Josh Dobbs is set to start against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Football and if he fares well, he will probably get the starting nod against the Jaguars. A fourth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017, Dobbs has never started an NFL game and last attempted a pass in 2020.

If Dobbs struggles against the Cowboys, the Titans might lean toward playing Willis in the finale. A third-round pick out of Auburn in this year’s draft, he’s appeared in eight games with three starts, with underwhelming results. He hasn’t thrown for 100 yards or more nor a passing touchdown in any of those contests but has logged three interceptions.

The Jaguars will have a favorable matchup vs. the Titans in Week 18

Both Dobbs and Willis are significant downgrades from Tannehill but Tennessee doesn’t have any other options. They’re currently sitting on a five-game losing skid but they can still win the AFC South and qualify for the postseason if they beat Jacksonville at home.

All things considered, resting their players is the best course of action for the Titans when you take into account that the game against Dallas won’t impact their chances of making the playoffs but it can help them be in a better position to play Jacksonville.

On the other hand, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson already made it clear the team won’t be resting any players against the Texans and anyone who is in a position to play will do so. Although the Jags lost defensive tackle Dawuane Smoot and left tackle Cam Robinson for the season, they have a contingency plan to replace them and should be close to full strength against Tennessee.

Outside linebacker Travon Walker is close to returning after suffering an ankle injury in Week 14. Similarly, the Jaguars should get defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi back this or next week. On offense, Little has filled in for Robinson and should be able to hold the fort for the remainder of the season.

With the prospect of playing either Dobbs or Willis in the finale, the Jaguars’ path to the playoffs has gotten considerably easier. It’s now up to them to seize the opportunity.