Jacksonville Jaguars: First ever AFC South title within reach
By Larry Brake
The Jacksonville Jaguars reached the playoffs by winning last week. This week, they could win their first ever AFC South title.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are closing in on a historical achievement. They have never won the AFC South division title. Jacksonville could be crowned division champion before they play San Francisco.
Currently, the Jaguars have a two game lead over the second place Tennessee Titans. If the Titans lose to the Los Angeles Rams, Jacksonville will win the division. Not only is the playoff drought over, the Jaguars will host a playoff game.
The Jaguars will be the third seed in the AFC playoff race. There is a possibility of getting a higher seed. Jacksonville defeated Pittsburgh, currently the second seed, earlier this season. The Jaguars need to defeat San Francisco and clinch the division. After that, defeat Tennessee in week 17 and hope Pittsburgh and New England lose one of their two final games.
In Week 16, New England plays Buffalo and Pittsburgh plays Houston. Next week, Pittsburgh plays Cleveland and New England plays the New York Jets. Jacksonville will definitely be hoping for upsets. However, Jacksonville can not afford to lose their focus, either.
Remember, the Jaguars originally played in the AFC Central division. They moved to the AFC South after realignment in 2002. This season marks the third time that Jacksonville has made the playoffs since joining the AFC South.
The overall playoff record for Jacksonville is 5-6. They are 3-2 in the wild card round and 2-2 in the divisional round. They have never won the conference championship to advance to the Super Bowl, 0-2.
Jacksonville made the playoffs four consecutive years from 1996 through 1999. The Jaguars were in the playoffs in 2005 and 2007. In 1996 and 1999, Jacksonville lost to New England and Tennessee in the AFC title games.
They have played New England four times in the post season with a 1-3 record. Against Denver, the Jaguars are 1-1. Jacksonville has defeated Miami, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo but have lost to Tennessee and the New York Jets.
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Jacksonville hosted the AFC Championship game in 1999. Tennessee won the game 33-14. Jacksonville led the game 14-10 at halftime but could not stop the Tennessee surge in the second half. There is excitement in the air because, first the Jaguars are winners. Next, they are in the playoffs and have a great chance to clinch the division.