The Jacksonville Jaguars took care of business when they defeated the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17. With a win, they ensured that they get a chance to seize the No. 1 playoff seed in the AFC. However, they won't be getting any help to get it done.
Aside from the Jags, the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots could also clinch the top seed in the conference. One of them will have an increased chance to get it because of a roster decision another team just made.
The Chargers will be resting Justin Herbert in Week 18
The Broncos will face the Los Angeles Chargers in the season finale. With a win, they can clinch the No. 1 and won't need outside help. Ahead of the AFC West showdown, though, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh announced that starting quarterback Justin Herbert won't play in Week 18.
This makes sense when you take into account that the Bolts will make the playoffs, so resting their starters and not exposing them to injury risk is arguably the best course of action. Of course, the decision will help Denver clinch the top seed, but it will inadvertently hurt Jacksonville.
See, holding Herbert out doesn't guarantee that the Broncos will come out on top, but it will certainly increase their odds. Conversely, because the outcome of the game is outside of the Jaguars' control, it will make it difficult for them to clinch the No. 1 spot.
Why the Jaguars would want to clinch the No. 1 seed in the playoffs?
By now, you may be wondering why the top playoff seed is so valuable. The answer is that only the top team in the conference gets a BYE and returns for the divisional round. Having said that, the Jags will still have something to play for in the season finale against the Tennessee Titans.
At 12-4, the Jaguars clinched a playoff spot when they beat the Broncos, and the Indianapolis Colts lost to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 16. However, the seeding won't be determined until the season finale.
Related: Herm Edwards warns AFC teams that the Jags are quickly becoming dangerous.
The Jaguars need to beat the Titans to clinch the AFC South
If the Broncos clinch the top playoff seed, the Jaguars could still get the No. 2. For that to happen, they would need to beat the rival Tennessee, and New England would have to lose to the Miami Dolphins. But if both the Patriots win, the Jags' best-case scenario will be getting the No. 3 in the AFC. And that's where things get interesting.
Jacksonville will be incentivized to beat the Titans in Week 18 because it would pave the way for the Texans to win the AFC South with a loss. That said, a win will ensure that the Jags seize the division title whether Houston wins or loses.
The bottom line is that the No. 1 seed seems like a long shot for the Jaguars. However, expect them to give the Titans all they can in Week 18 to ensure the Texans don't win the division.