Jaguars, Colts, Texans are all 9-7. Which playoff hopeful is most dangerous?

Ben Arthur

AFC South Reporter

At 9-7, the Jaguars, Colts and Texans all control their playoff destiny entering the final week of the regular season. 

The message is simple for all three teams: Win and you’re in. 

While all three teams have a chance at the division title, Jacksonville is in the driver’s seat for the AFC South crown because it holds tiebreakers over both teams. The Jags can win the division for a second straight year by beating the Titans in their regular-season finale Sunday afternoon, or with a tie plus a tie in the Colts-Texans game Saturday night. 

If the Titans upset the Jaguars, the winner of Colts-Texans wins the AFC South. While the only way for the Texans to win the division is by beating the Colts and the Jaguars falling to the Titans, the Colts can also take the division with a tie Saturday and a Jaguars loss. 

Here’s a breakdown of what makes each of the teams dangerous — and what makes them vulnerable — ahead of their hopeful playoff bids.

Jaguars

Why they’re dangerous: Josh Allen, Travon Walker  

Not only does the Jaguars defense typically go as Josh Allen goes, but the entire team goes how he goes. 

Jacksonville is 6-2 when he has at least half a sack, including 5-0 when he has two sacks. The fourth-year outside linebacker has a strong case as the Jaguars’ best player. In last week’s 26-0 shutout of the Panthers, Allen broke Calais Campbell’s single-season franchise record for sacks. He’s up to 16.5 on the year — third in the NFL — after registering three against Carolina. 

Allen and second-year pro Travon Walker (9 sacks), last year’s No. 1 pick, have a combined 25.5 sacks, the most of any duo in the NFL. Jacksonville has seen improvement in generating pressure this year — it ranks 13th in the NFL with a 36.4% pressure rate, according to Next Gen Stats — which helps a takeaway-dependent defense get more turnovers. Jacksonville is tied for sixth in the league with 26…

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Publish date : 2024-01-03 19:07:50

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