The Jacksonville Jaguars sent a message to the NFL on Sunday, going on the road and dominating the Denver Broncos. Although Denver entered the game with the league’s best record, riding an 11-game winning streak, the Jags were the better team from start to finish, winning 34-20. Not only did they make the league take notice, but they also gave themselves a chance to improve their playoff position.
The Broncos entered Week 16 as the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and Jacksonville was No. 3, trailing the New England Patriots. After all three teams played on Sunday, that order is still the same, but the Jaguars did close the gap on the top seed. With two weeks remaining in the regular season, there’s more work to be done for Jacksonville to improve its seeding.
Updated AFC playoff picture after Jaguars' statement win over Broncos
1. Denver Broncos (12-3)
2. New England Patriots (12-3)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6)
5. Los Angeles Chargers (11-4)
6. Buffalo Bills (11-4)
7. Houston Texans (10-5)
8. Indianapolis Colts (8-6)
9. Baltimore Ravens (7-8)
Related: Michael Straham confirms what Jags fans have known about Trevor Lawrence for weeks
Sunday was already a huge day for the Jaguars because of their win over Denver, but it would have been really big if the Patriots had picked up their fourth loss. That was close to happening in New England’s Sunday Night Football game against the Baltimore Ravens, but the Pats squeaked out a 28-24 victory, keeping them in the No. 2 spot. Now, they have a chance to get to No. 1, thanks to Jacksonville defeating the Broncos.
The Jaguars, of course, could still move up in the final two weeks of the regular season. They need to do their part by winning out, and hope New England or Denver stumbles down the stretch. It will be a big ask for the Patriots, considering their final two opponents (New York Jets and Miami Dolphins), but it’s possible. Denver, on the other hand, will end the year against the 11-4 Chargers.
The No. 1 seed is coveted because it’s the only spot in each conference that gets a bye week in the playoffs, and it also guarantees home field until the Super Bowl. Both are great advantages to have in the postseason, and why the next two weeks will be so important.