Jaguars one of four teams in favorable position to make the playoffs

You need a talented roster and a good head coach to win in the NFL. You also need to avoid the injury bug and a bit of luck. The Jacksonville Jaguars checked off all these boxes and find themselves in a favorable situation to make the playoffs ahead of their Week 18 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.

The Jags are one of four teams that won’t depend on the outcome of other games to qualify for the postseason, per CBS Sports. Win in Week 18 and you’re in. The other three are Houston, the Green Bay Packers, and the New England Patriots. They all can clinch a playoff berth if they win but not all will be able to make it.

After all, both Jacksonville and the Titans will face off against each other in Week 18, so only one can get in. If the Jags come on top, they will become the 18th team since 2003 to go from worst to first in their division.

Similarly, the Jags are close to becoming just the third team since 1970 to earn a playoff berth after winning just two of their first eight games. They were 2-6 following their loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 8 but they’ve gone 6-2 since beating the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 9.

On the other hand, the Titans (7-8) will win the AFC South if they beat the Jags (8-8) because they have a better record in the division. Then again, Jacksonville can earn a Wild Card berth even if they lose but they would need the Patriots, the Miami Dolphins, and the Pittsburgh Steelers to lose in Week 18. That’s why they’re better off taking care of business and disposing of Tennessee.

TIAA Bank Field will be lit when the Jaguars play the Titans

Head coach Pederson knows this will be a huge game and is preparing the team accordingly. He told the media Monday it will be electric playing in front of fans at TIAA Bank Field. Safety Andrew Wingard says it will be lit, per Mia O’Brien of 1010 XL.

If there is one thing Pederson has shown during his stint with the Jags, it’s that he will have his players ready for the finale. Despite the fact that they could have rested their players against the Houston Texans in Week 18, they went full steam ahead and won 31-8.

The Jaguars have undergone a significant turnaround in Pederson’s first year at the helm. They’ve already exceeded expectations but it’s highly unlikely that they will stop now knowing they’re one step away from finishing the season with a winning record and making the postseason for the first time since 2017.