The Jaguars were the NFL's worst team in 2021 under the leadership of Urban Meyer. The change to veteran Super Bowl-winning coach Doug Pederson has made a world of difference.
MORE: Updated NFL playoff picture for Week 18
Jacksonville was fighting to avoid the NFL cellar in Week 18 last season. This year, it has a chance to qualify for the postseason.
The Jaguars are in control of their own destiny entering Saturday's game against the Titans and will have a chance to secure their first AFC South division title since 2017, and just their second overall. And even if they can't do that, there is still one scenario that could get them into the playoffs as a wild card.
Below is a full breakdown of the Jaguars' playoff chances as Jacksonville looks to take a big step forward in its rebuild.
NFL WEEK 18 PICKS: Straight up | Against the spread
Jaguars playoff picture for Week 18
The Jaguars (8-8) are currently ahead of the Titans (7-9) in the AFC South race entering Week 18. However, the division has yet to be decided, so Jacksonville needs to finish the season strong to get Trevor Lawrence his first career playoff appearance.
A win would be most beneficial for the Jaguars, but they can also make it into the postseason with a loss. It wouldn't be easy, but their hopes don't immediately die with a Saturday night loss.
Below is a look at the two ways that the Jaguars can get into the playoffs in Week 18.
1. Beat or tie the Titans
This is the easiest path for the Jaguars to get to the playoffs. If they beat the Titans in their head-to-head matchup in Week 18, then they will be the AFC South champions. That will get them into the playoffs and make them the No. 4 seed.
The Jaguars (8-8) can also win the AFC South if they are able to tie the Titans (7-9) in this contest because they currently have a better record than Tennessee. So, the Jaguars are in control of their own destiny.
2. The Patriots, Dolphins and Steelers all must lose
The good news for Jaguars fans is that they can backdoor their way into the postseason with a loss. It won't be easy, but it is at least possible.
For the Jaguars to emerge as a wild-card team, not only would they have to lose, but three other teams would also have to lose: the Patriots, Dolphins and Steelers. Those teams would all finish 8-9 in that scenario and the Jaguars would emerge as the tiebreaker winner thanks to what would be a 7-5 conference record.
While New England has to play Buffalo and Miami is dealing with questions at the quarterback position, it still would be a big ask for the Jaguars to make the postseason as a wild-card team. FiveThirtyEight's playoff odds give Jacksonville just a 16 percent chance of making the postseason with a loss, so winning the AFC South would be the much more prudent path.
