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NFL: 3 Matchups that will determine the final playoff picture for both conferences

By Loyal Ricks Jr

NFL, Browns, Najee Harris. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
NFL, Browns, Najee Harris. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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An eventful Week 18 schedule is sure to entertain NFL fans throughout the country. A handful of franchises will get a chance to clinch a playoff berth with a victory. A loss will end the season, sending the loser home for a good while the winner advances.

Before the final week of the season begins, which games should fans schedule on their calendar this weekend?

NFL picks
NFL picks; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports /

NFL Matchup #3: Tennessee Titans (7-9) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8)

Score Prediction: JAX 27 – TEN 17 (Saturday, 8:25 PM ET)

The race for the AFC South will come down to a rivalry matchup set for primetime. Doug Pederson and the Jaguars will defend their home turf, hoping to secure the fourth seed in the conference bracket. A win is not guaranteed, and their opponents will prepare to fight until the final quarter. Mike Vrabel and the Titans are listed as the underdogs but are ready to upset the home favorite.

Repeating the results of the Week 14 matchup will require Jacksonville’s quarterback to perform well in the pocket. On December 11th, Trevor Lawrence’s three touchdown passes showed glimpses of greatness and led the Jaguars to a 33-22 victory. Evan Engram was the receiver of choice – accumulating 162 yards receiving and two touchdown receptions. Since then, the Jags have been hot – winning three consecutive games by six points or more.

Lawrence is a vital part of Press Taylor’s offense. He is tied for ninth in passing yards (3,901) and passing touchdowns (24) – proving he has the skill set of an elite quarterback in the NFL.

Limiting Jacksonville’s production on offense will help Tennessee overcome its underdog odds. Losses against the Chargers, Texans and Cowboys are the latest blemishes on the Titans’ schedule – but resulted in few points spared. Shane Bowen’s defense ranks fifteenth in points per game (21.2) and will need to limit points against a hot offense. Defending Jacksonville’s air raid might be a problem for the Titans. Tennessee ranks thirty-second in passing yards allowed (4,468), entering their biggest game of the season.

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