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Jacksonville Jaguars: 2018 Schedule helps in defending AFC South crown

By Larry Brake

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Jacksonville Jaguars enter the field during the NFL International Series match between Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on September 24, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Jacksonville Jaguars enter the field during the NFL International Series match between Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on September 24, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) /
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The Jacksonville Jaguars have a good chance to repeat as AFC South Champions due to their 2018 schedule.

The Jacksonville Jaguars won their first ever AFC South divisional crown in 2017. Historically, it takes at least a 9-6 record to win the division. The Jaguars 2018 schedule is very favorable to repeat as champions. Jacksonville moved to the newly created AFC South division in 2002. Indianapolis has won the division nine times. Houston and Tennessee have won a combined six divisional crowns.

In 2007, three AFC South teams made the playoffs. Indianapolis won the division with a 13-3 record. Jacksonville and Tennessee made the playoffs as Wild Cards with records of 11-5 and 10-6, respectively. Six times did the AFC South have two teams making the playoffs. The division champion alone made the playoffs nine times.

A 12-4 AFC South champion’s record has happened in 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2012. An 11-5 record has won the division three times. Three times for a 10-6 champion. Oddly enough, a 14-2 champion has happened twice, 2005 and 2009.

In 2007 and 2008, the AFC South champion had a 13-3 record. Since the divisional teams have struggled, a 9-7 won the crown in 2015 and 2016. What is a reasonable expectation for the Jaguars 2018 record?

The Jaguars are tied for 25th as having the easiest schedule according to John Breech of CBSSports.com. Jacksonville’s opponents combined 2017 record was 122-134, a dismal .477 winning percentage.

First of all, home games are must win games. They have to defeat their divisional foes of Houston, Indianapolis and Tennessee. In 2017, Jacksonville was 4-2 against the AFC South and Tennessee won twice.

The Jaguars will play New England, Pittsburgh, the New York Jets, and Washington at Everbank. They will host Philadelphia in London. A 6-2 home record is fairly reasonable due to the quality of opponents.

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Jacksonville will play in Buffalo, Miami, Kansas City, Dallas and against the New York Giants. They have the opportunity to win those games. Because winning the division allows Jacksonville to host a playoff game, they have to defeat their divisional foes. A 5-3 record on the road is realistic.

The AFC South will be tough to win in 2018. All teams will be improved. However, Jacksonville’s schedule will give them a chance because the tougher games are at home.

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