The stage is set for a showdown at EverBank Stadium this Sunday as the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12) prepare to host the Tennessee Titans (3-12). With both teams struggling near the bottom of the NFL standings, this matchup promises to be an intriguing battle between two franchises in search of a silver lining.
Impact on the NFL Draft
As both teams trot out backup quarterbacks, the stakes may not seem high, but the implications for the 2025 NFL Draft are significant. Currently, the Jaguars are projected to secure the No. 4 pick, but a loss could catapult them into the top three. The Titans are in a similar boat, having dropped four straight games and looking to improve their draft positioning. It’s a classic case of two teams wrestling with their futures while trying to salvage something from a challenging season.
Recent Performances
Jacksonville enters Week 17 with a staggering 10 losses by one score or less this season. Last week’s performance against the Las Vegas Raiders was particularly disheartening. The Jaguars managed only 15 total first downs in a 19-14 defeat, showcasing their struggles on both sides of the ball. Can they find a way to turn things around in front of their home crowd?
On the other hand, the Titans have shown glimpses of competitiveness under first-year head coach Brian Callahan. Despite their struggles, they managed to score 30 points against the Indianapolis Colts last week, even though it ended in defeat. With veteran quarterback Mason Rudolph at the helm, Tennessee has the potential to surprise, but can they put it all together in this crucial matchup?
What to Expect This Sunday
This game feels like one of the more unpredictable contests on the NFL’s Week 17 slate. With both teams looking to avoid further embarrassment, the question looms: which team will rise to the occasion? One of these struggling squads has to come away with a victory, right?
Expert Predictions
In light of the upcoming clash, experts have weighed in with their predictions for this lowly NFC South matchup. Here’s what they had to say:
- Iyer: “The Titans and Jaguars might as well be the same team with the same record in the AFC South. This is really a coin flip in a matchup between former Steelers QB Mason Rudolph, who didn’t deliver before Christmas, and former Patriots QB Mac Jones, who also didn’t win last week. Flip a coin and it lands on the home team.”
- Bender: “Jacksonville beat Tennessee 10-6 in Week 14, and the Titans have allowed a total of 75 points over the past two weeks. Tennessee has created seven turnovers in its past three games, and the Jaguars have a minus-7 turnover margin in their past four games. Tennessee steals the rematch in another ugly AFC South matchup.”
- Cluff: “These teams are a combined 6-24 on the season. The Jaguars beat the Titans in an ugly 10-6 game earlier this season. Expect a similar result this week.”
- Johnson: “The NFL schedule keeps throwing the Jacksonville Jaguars into matchups against teams at the bottom of the standings, allowing everyone to see just how bad this team is. It’s not like the Tennessee Titans are even marginally better, but they do have a better quarterback and defense. That should probably be enough in a Week 17 matchup that will be less fun to watch than paint drying.”
- Rolfe: “We saw the other week how evenly matched these two teams are. The Jacksonville Jaguars have a slightly better offense, while the Tennessee Titans have a slightly better defense. Overall, it’s very even. Both teams are starting backup quarterbacks for this one, making it messier than ever.”
Looking Ahead
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, fans are left to wonder what the future holds for both franchises. Will the Jaguars find a way to break their losing streak, or will the Titans capitalize on their recent offensive output? With both teams in search of a much-needed win, this matchup is sure to be filled with drama, tension, and perhaps a bit of excitement, even if the stakes are low.
In a season marred by disappointment, the Jaguars and Titans have a chance to make a statement—if only to themselves. As they face off in this pivotal matchup, the outcome could very well shape their paths moving forward. Will this be the game that sparks a turnaround, or will it simply be another chapter in a challenging season? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: football fans will be watching closely.
