Jaguars vs. Titans: Odds and prediction for AFC South bout in Week 18

The Jacksonville Jaguars won their eighth game of the year when they beat the Houston Texans in Week 17. Next on their schedule are the Tennessee Titans. These division foes already faced each other early in the season but this time, they’ll be playing for the AFC South title and a trip to the playoffs, “win and you get in, lose and you go home”.

Head coach Doug Pederson told the media Monday the Jags will be treating this like a playoff game and hopes TIAA Bank Field is full:

“It’s a playoff game”, Pederson said. “It’s a win and you’re in, so it’s a playoff atmosphere. Gosh, it’d be fun to be in a full stadium, a loud stadium, a home crowd. The guys would get jazzed up and we have a lot of energy, but that’s what you want, that’s what we’re trying to build here. And that’s the culture we want. We want full stadiums every Sunday”.

You could make the case that the Jaguars have already exceeded expectations this season, so it doesn’t really matter whether they win or lose in Week 18. On the other hand, they just need to clear one last hurdle to make the playoffs, so why stop now? With that in mind, here are the odds for the game and a score prediction.

Jaguars vs. Titans Odds and Spread for Week 18

Per WynnBET, the Jags opened as a 6.5-favorite with a moneyline of -280. Bet $280 on them and win $100 for a total payout of $380 if they beat Tennessee. The Titans’ moneyline currently sits at +230. Place a bet of $100 on them and win $230 for a total payout of $330. The over/under for the game is set at 40 points, so it seems like the oddsmakers don’t think this one will turn into a shootout.

Jaguars vs. Titans Score Prediction for Week 18

The Jags had no trouble disposing of the Titans in Week 14 and they should be able to sweep their division rivals in the finale. Back in their first matchup, Jacksonville had trouble stopping Derrick Henry in the first down but eventually managed to slow him down. If they keep him in check early in the game, Tennessee might have a hard time winning because Josh Dobbs will be starting at quarterback.

With Ryan Tannehill out for the season, Dobbs will be making his second career start in the season finale. Against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17, the former Tennessee Volunteer went 20-of-39 for 232 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

Even though the Cowboys’ defense might be better than the Jaguars’, it’s hard to see Dobbs having a great game in the finale. Conversely, Trevor Lawrence didn’t have a great game last week but he’s already found success against Tennessee this season and should have another productive game in the finale.

Final Score: Jaguars 24 – Titans 13