Jacksonville Jaguars: Analyzing the 2018 schedule, divisional race
By Larry Brake
The Jacksonville Jaguars enter the 2018 season as the defending AFC South champions. Here’s an analysis of the upcoming schedule and divisional race.
On Thursday, the Jacksonville Jaguars saw their roadmap to the Lombardi Trophy revealed. The journey begins on the road, just like in 2017. Unfortunately, Jacksonville plays three out of the last four games on the road. The road to winning Super Bowl LIII will not be an easy one.
First of all, Jacksonville needs to repeat as AFC South champions. They will need to win eleven games or more to repeat as divisional champs. Remember, Tennessee and Houston will be improved. Last season, Doug Marrone broke down the schedule into four quarters. The main object is to win each quarter, just like on the field. Consequently, some quarters are tougher than others.
Let’s make some predictions for how things could play out.
In the first quarter, there are three home games. Jacksonville opens against the New York Giants on the road. After defeating the Giants, the New England Patriots are in town for the home opener. The Jaguars will defeat New England in a close battle. Tennessee is next on the schedule.
Last season, Tennessee swept Jacksonville in their season series. The Jaguars must win this game. They win in a close game and defeat the New York Jets to end the first quarter 4-0.
Jacksonville travels to Kansas City to open the second quarter. The Jaguars win a wild game in Arrowhead Stadium. However, Dallas proves to be a formidable opponent in defeating Jacksonville. After losing in Texas, Jacksonville hosts the Houston Texans. The Jaguars blitz Deshaun Watson and win big. In London, Philadelphia shows why they are the defending Super Bowl champions. As the bye week hits in Week 9, Jacksonville is 6-2.
The Jaguars will play Indianapolis twice in the third quarter. They will host Pittsburgh and travel to Buffalo. Jacksonville will be 3-1 after stumbling at Buffalo. After three quarters, 9-3, the defending champions are in good shape to repeat.
The Jaguars travel to Tennessee to start the fourth quarter. Unlike last season, this game could be for the divisional championship. The Jaguars win on the last play on a Josh Lambo field goal. Washington is the opponent for the last home game of the season. Jacksonville handles them easily to improve to 11-3 with two games left. The Jaguars travel south to face Miami in Week 16.
Since the state’s bragging rights are at stake, Jacksonville wins comfortably. To end the regular season, Marrone and company are faced with the decision of winning or resting starters for the playoffs.
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Home field advantage, throughout the playoffs, is the primary goal. Jacksonville defeats Houston on the road to finish 13-3. They finish as the No. 1 seed because of defeating New England in Week 2.
Let’s hope this scenario plays out in 2018. It’s going to be an exciting season to watch.