Saturday’s result: The Jaguars won’t be able to clinch the AFC South in Week 17. The Houston Texans beat the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday, preventing Jacksonville from clinching the division title on Sunday if they beat the Colts. However, a win over Indianapolis would leave Jacksonville in first place with a one-game lead over Houston heading into Week 18.
The Jacksonville Jaguars clinched a playoff berth last week, but they can achieve something bigger in Week 17. They are in control of their destiny in the AFC South and will clinch the division title as soon as this week. They need a win and some help from their division mates in Houston.
The Jaguars face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday and are 5.5-point favorites. Jacksonville will be without right guard Patrick Mekari due to a back injury, while center Robert Hainsey is questionable with a major injury. The Colts will be without center Tanor Bortolini (concussion) and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (back). Their list of questionable players includes cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf) and right guard Dalton Tucker (shoulder).
If the Jaguars clinch the AFC South, it would be their first playoff appearance and division title since 2022. That year, they beat the Chargers in the Wild Card round and then lost to the Chiefs in the Divisional Round. They have won their division four times before this season.
Jacksonville Jaguars Division Deciding Scenarios
The Jaguars can clinch the AFC South with a win and a Texans loss or a tie against the Chargers on Saturday. Houston travels to Los Angeles for the game and is a 1.5-point underdog.