Mac Jones and 4 other Jaguars on the hot seat entering Week 17 vs. dreaded Titans

Winning cures nearly anything in the NFL and beating the Tennessee Titans in Week 17 would give the Jacksonville Jaguars a much-needed break. They're currently riding a two-game losing streak and don't have much going for them after being eliminated from playoff contention a while back. Then again, defeating your divisional rivals is one of the most pleasant feelings in the NFL, and the Jags will have a chance to sweep the Titans this season, a feat they've pulled off just once in the last 10 years.

Sure, winning would decrease the Jaguars' chances of getting an optimal position in next year's draft, but it would also give them something to boast about in a season in which not many things have gone the way they probably expected. Moreover, the game will be at EverBank Stadium, so the last thing Jacksonville wants is to be embarrassed in front of fans.

Last but not least, a handful of players find themselves on the hot seat and would benefit from a strong showing. These five, in particular, need to step up against the dreaded Titans.

Mac Jones, quarterback

The writing seems to be on the wall for Mac Jones, who's failed to deliver in Trevor Lawrence's absence. Sure, the offense was a wreck even when No. 16 was healthy, but Jones hasn't inspired confidence, completing 65.4 percent of his throws for 1,273 yards with five touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Working in his favor is that Jones will be facing a Titans defense that isn't nearly as stout as it's been in previous years. A strong (or at least solid outing) would boost his flailing stock ahead of free agency.

Andre Cisco, safety

Like Mac Jones, Andre Cisco is slated to hit the open market next year and hasn't done much to help himself. Expected to have a breakout year, the former Orangeman Syracuse has instead been inconsistent. Add the fact that he's only logged one turnover this season, and it's easy to understand why Jacksonville is hesitant to pay him.

Against Tennessee, Cisco will have a chance to prove he deserves to keep his starting job full-time after seeing his playing time go down in the second half of the season.

DaVon Hamilton, defensive tackle

Defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton was seen like a potential breakout candidate last year before he suffered a non-football back injury that held him back most of the season. He appeared to be a candidate to bounce back in 2024 but has been unremarkable, registering 14 total pressures and no sacks.

Hamilton's underwhelming play on the interior has been one of the reasons the Jaguars have struggled to bring the heat this season. While he's contract runs through 2026, he needs to show he deserves to stay. Otherwise, a new regime may come in next year and conclude that they're better off without him.

Devin Duvernay, wide receiver/return specialist

The Jaguars signed Devin Duvernay in free agency because they wanted to give a spark to the return game and also contribute in the passing game. However, the results have been mixed. The two-time Pro Bowl nod has had a few solid returns but nothing to write about. As a receiver, though, he's been a non-factor even though he's had more opportunities with Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis out for the year.

For the season, Duvernay has a measly 10 receptions for 75 yards, and he could be on his way out if he doesn't make a strong impression the next two games. The team could release him in 2025 without major repercussions.

Devin Lloyd, linebacker

Linebacker Devin Lloyd built consistency in Year 2 and was expected to make a leap in 2024. However, he's once again been inconsistent and even outplayed by sophomore Ventrell Miller. The Jaguars are invested in the former Utah Ute because he was a first-round pick in 2020, but a new coaching staff may not be nearly as high on him if he keeps playing the way he has.

The truth is that Miller deserves more playing time, but Lloyd will need to justify keeping his starting job the next two games.