JACKSONVILLE – The Jaguars can clinch the AFC South title this week.
The Jaguars (8-7), despite four consecutive losses, remain in control of their postseason destiny with two regular-season games remaining – and they can secure a second consecutive division title Sunday.
Here's the scenario:
- The Jaguars beat the Carolina Panthers (2-13) at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville Sunday at 1 p.m.
- The Indianapolis Colts (8-7) lose to the Las Vegas Raiders (7-8) in Indianapolis Sunday at 1 p.m.
- The Houston Texans (8-7) lose to the Tennessee Titans (5-10) in Houston Sunday at 1 p.m.
If those three games play out that way, the Jaguars would clinch their second consecutive AFC South title because the Jaguars would be assured of finishing in no worse than a first-place tie with one of those two teams. The Colts and Texans play in Indianapolis in Week 18.
The Jaguars would clinch the division Sunday with a victory over the Panthers and Colts/Texans losses because neither the Colts nor Texans could then finish ahead of the Jaguars. If the Jaguars and Texans finish tied for first place at 9-8, the Jaguars will win the South based on a better division record. If the Jaguars and Colts finish tied for first place at 9-8, the Jaguars will win the South because they swept Indianapolis this season.
The Jaguars can clinch the South with victories in their final two games no matter how the Colts and Texans fare in their final two games. The Jaguars visit the Titans in Week 18.
The Jaguars also can make the postseason as a wild-card team under multiple scenarios.
