Three AFC South rivals have a chance at making the playoffs and winning the division: The Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and Indianapolis Colts. Adding intrigue to the set-up is that Houston and Indy clash on Saturday night, meaning despite what happens in that game, we have to wait for Sunday afternoon to find out who wins the South. Jacksonville has the simplest equation. If they win, they take the division.
Doug Pederson’s Jacksonville outfit is viewed as the favourite on the NFL odds, currently perched at -5.5.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
This week 18 matchup certainly doesn’t have the same flair about it as 12 months ago. In January 2023, the Jaguars and Titans went into battle on the final week of the regular season to determine who would make the playoffs as only one AFC South member would get in. The Jaguars won, 20-16. Flash forward to January 2024 and Tennessee has long been eliminated from contention.
The big question – or questions, rather – surrounds Jacksonville QB Trevor Lawrence. He was absent from Week 17’s action due to a shoulder injury, although the team won without him. First, is he healthy enough to play? Second, if he plays, will he be good? It’s unfortunate to admit for Jags faithful, but their star gunslinger has not amazed in recent weeks. Injuries haven’t helped, but one can also employ the old sports adage that if you walked onto the field, you were in good enough shape to play well. The Jags are 9-7 ATS. Jacksonville can still get in if this match ends in a draw, but the Steelers would have to lose, the Broncos too (or tie), and Texans-Colts may not end in a tie either. Phew.
In stark contrast, the Tennessee Titans are biding time until their campaign officially closes. Their current NFL season resembled last year’s: at times showing flashes of potential but ultimately fruitless and frustrating. DeAndre Hopkins was the latest big-name WR signing that didn’t amount to much, albeit it wasn’t exactly his fault. Mike Vrabel, who won Coach of the Year honours just a few years ago, is steering a creaky, leaky ship. As for the spread, Tennessee is 6-9-1 this season.
Jacksonville Jaguars
It’s a bit difficult to ascertain how much stock one should put into what the Jaguars did in Week 17. Winning was of the utmost importance. What’s more, they did so with backup QB C.J. Beathard at the helm. That said, the lowly Carolina Panthers were the victims of the 26-0 mauling.
Realistically, this was a “biding time” game. Falling to Carolina would have been an unforgivable disaster, even with a backup QB. Jacksonville had to win while Trevor Lawrence rested. It was as simple as that. RB Travis Etienne took care of the big scores, reaching the end zone twice. His first was an exhilarating 62-yard run during which he skirted his way around a plethora of Panthers. The Jaguars defensive line played like the old “Sacksonville” sending Bryce Young to the ground six times, Josh Allen (the other one) earned three to his name.
Job done, at least for one week.
WR Jamal Agnew is out (leg fracture).
Tennessee Titans
It will be interesting to see how much the Tennessee Titans will be motivated as they enter Week 18’s match. If last Sunday in Houston suggested anything, they’re sleepwalking now.
The Titans experienced a miserable day at the office versus the Texans, who flattened them 26-3. Speaking of flattening people, QB Will Levis had to leave the game after a sack-fumble in the second quarter. He’s listed as questionable. Houston doesn’t even have that great of a defence, yet Tennessee only mustered 187 total yards. The silver lining was that their defence limited the Texans’ offence to one touchdown and a quartet of field goals. Given that Trevor Lawrence, if he plays, may not be fully healthy, there is an opportunity here to play the role of spoiler.
Who Will Win Jaguars vs. Titans?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 1 Jan 5:21am | TEN | -3.5 -110 | O +40.5 -110 |
| Closing 7 Jan 8:46pm | TEN | -7.5 -250 | O +59.5 -105 |
- Regular Season
Jaguars Team Leaders
| Touchdowns |
12 |
| Rushing |
1008 |
| Passing |
4016 |
| Receiving |
114 |
| Sacks |
17.5 |
| Interceptions |
4 |
| Touchdowns |
14 |
| Rushing |
1167 |
| Passing |
1808 |
| Receiving |
75 |
| Sacks |
11.5 |
| Interceptions |
2 |
- Regular Season
Titans Team Leaders
| Touchdowns |
12 |
| Rushing |
1008 |
| Passing |
4016 |
| Receiving |
114 |
| Sacks |
17.5 |
| Interceptions |
4 |
| Touchdowns |
14 |
| Rushing |
1167 |
| Passing |
1808 |
| Receiving |
75 |
| Sacks |
11.5 |
| Interceptions |
2 |
Weather
| temp | 41 |
| condition | cloudy |
| wind | West 11mph |
Injuries
C.J. Beathard (QB)
Walker Little (OL)
Ezra Cleveland (G)
Jamal Agnew (WR)
C.J. Beathard (QB)
Tyson Campbell (CB)
Andre Cisco (S)
Walker Little (OL)
Brenton Strange (TE)
Ezra Cleveland (G)
Daniel Brunskill (OL)
Sean Murphy-Bunting (CB)
Kevin Rader (TE)
Colton Dowell (WR)
Jaelyn Duncan (OT)
Anthony Kendall (CB)
TK McLendon Jr. (DE)
Caleb Murphy (LB)
Otis Reese IV (LB)
Eric Garror (DB)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C.J. Beathard (QB) | Prob Sun | Shoulder - 04 / 01 / 24 | 1-0 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Beathard is expected to dress for Sunday's battle with the Titans despite a left shoulder injury. |
|||||
| Walker Little (OL) | Prob Sun | Hamstring - 03 / 01 / 24 | 1-0 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Little is tending to a hamstring issue, but it is anticipated that he will dress for Sunday's game against the Titans. |
|||||
| Ezra Cleveland (G) | Prob Sun | Knee - 03 / 01 / 24 | 1-0 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Cleveland has a knee injury, but it is expected that he will be active for Sunday's clash with the Titans. |
|||||
| Jamal Agnew (WR) | I-R | Leg - 31 / 12 / 23 | 1-1 | 0-2 | + - |
|
Agnew has been posted to the injured reserve list with a lower-leg fracture. |
|||||
| C.J. Beathard (QB) | Prob Sun | Shoulder - 27 / 12 / 23 | 1-1 | 0-2 | + - |
|
Beathard is projected to dress for Sunday's game against the Panthers despite a left shoulder injury. |
|||||
| Tyson Campbell (CB) | Prob Sun | Finger - 27 / 12 / 23 | 1-1 | 0-2 | + - |
|
Campbell has a finger injury, but it is anticipated that he will partake in Sunday's game against the Panthers. |
|||||
| Andre Cisco (S) | Prob Sun | Groin - 27 / 12 / 23 | 1-1 | 0-2 | + - |
|
Cicso is managing a groin issue, but it is predicted that he will be active for Sunday's contest versus the Panthers. |
|||||
| Walker Little (OL) | Prob Sun | Hamstring - 27 / 12 / 23 | 1-1 | 0-2 | + - |
|
Little is dealing with a hamstring injury, but it is forecasted that he will line up against the Panthers on Sunday. |
|||||
| Brenton Strange (TE) | Prob Sun | Foot - 27 / 12 / 23 | 1-1 | 0-2 | + - |
|
Strange is bothered by a foot injury, but it is likely that he will take on the Panthers on Sunday. |
|||||
| Ezra Cleveland (G) | Prob Sun | Knee - 27 / 12 / 23 | 1-1 | 0-2 | + - |
|
Cleveland is hobbled by a knee injury, but it is not expected to impact his availability for Sunday's matchup with the Panthers. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Brunskill (OL) | Out Sun | Ankle - 03 / 01 / 24 | 0-1 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Brunskill has an ankle injury, and he will not participate in Sunday's game against the Jaguars. |
|||||
| Sean Murphy-Bunting (CB) | Prob Sun | Hip - 03 / 01 / 24 | 0-1 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Murphy-Bunting is bothered by a hip ailment, but it is forecasted that he will be available against the Jaguars on Sunday. |
|||||
| Kevin Rader (TE) | Ques Sun | Hip - 03 / 01 / 24 | 0-1 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Rader is battling a hip issue, and it is up in the air if he will take the field against the Jaguars on Sunday. |
|||||
| Colton Dowell (WR) | I-R | Knee - 03 / 01 / 24 | 0-1 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Dowell has ended up on the injured reserve list with a knee injury. |
|||||
| Jaelyn Duncan (OT) | Ques Sun | Neck - 03 / 01 / 24 | 0-1 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Duncan is dealing with an ankle issue, and it is uncertain if he will line up against the Jaguars on Sunday. |
|||||
| Anthony Kendall (CB) | Out Sun | Knee - 03 / 01 / 24 | 0-1 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Kendall has a knee injury, and he will not dress for Sunday's showdown with the Jaguars. |
|||||
| TK McLendon Jr. (DE) | Out Sun | Shoulder - 03 / 01 / 24 | 0-1 | 0-1 | + - |
|
McLendon is hobbled by a shoulder injury, and he will not play against the Jaguars on Sunday. |
|||||
| Caleb Murphy (LB) | Out Sun | Shoulder - 03 / 01 / 24 | 0-1 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Murphy is hindered by a shoulder injury, and he will not be in Sunday's lineup against the Jaguars. |
|||||
| Otis Reese IV (LB) | Prob Sun | Groin - 03 / 01 / 24 | 0-1 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Reese is expected to face the Jaguars on Sunday despite a groin injury. |
|||||
| Eric Garror (DB) | Prob Sun | Hip - 03 / 01 / 24 | 0-1 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Garror is managing a hip injury, but it is forecasted that he will take part in Sunday's matchup with the Jaguars. |
|||||
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 1 Jan 5:21am TEN -3.5 -110 O +40.5 -110 Closing 7 Jan 8:46pm TEN -7.5 -250 O +59.5 -105 -
- Regular Season
Jaguars Team Leaders
Touchdowns 12
Rushing 1008
Passing 4016
Receiving 114
Sacks 17.5
Interceptions 4
Touchdowns 14
Rushing 1167
Passing 1808
Receiving 75
Sacks 11.5
Interceptions 2
-
- Regular Season
Titans Team Leaders
Touchdowns 12
Rushing 1008
Passing 4016
Receiving 114
Sacks 17.5
Interceptions 4
Touchdowns 14
Rushing 1167
Passing 1808
Receiving 75
Sacks 11.5
Interceptions 2
-
Weather
temp 41 condition cloudy wind West 11mph -
Injuries
C.J. Beathard (QB)
Prob Sun Shoulder - 04 / 01 / 24Walker Little (OL)
Prob Sun Hamstring - 03 / 01 / 24Ezra Cleveland (G)
Prob Sun Knee - 03 / 01 / 24Jamal Agnew (WR)
I-R Leg - 31 / 12 / 23C.J. Beathard (QB)
Prob Sun Shoulder - 27 / 12 / 23Tyson Campbell (CB)
Prob Sun Finger - 27 / 12 / 23Andre Cisco (S)
Prob Sun Groin - 27 / 12 / 23Walker Little (OL)
Prob Sun Hamstring - 27 / 12 / 23Brenton Strange (TE)
Prob Sun Foot - 27 / 12 / 23Ezra Cleveland (G)
Prob Sun Knee - 27 / 12 / 23Daniel Brunskill (OL)
Out Sun Ankle - 03 / 01 / 24Sean Murphy-Bunting (CB)
Prob Sun Hip - 03 / 01 / 24Kevin Rader (TE)
Ques Sun Hip - 03 / 01 / 24Colton Dowell (WR)
I-R Knee - 03 / 01 / 24Jaelyn Duncan (OT)
Ques Sun Neck - 03 / 01 / 24Anthony Kendall (CB)
Out Sun Knee - 03 / 01 / 24TK McLendon Jr. (DE)
Out Sun Shoulder - 03 / 01 / 24Caleb Murphy (LB)
Out Sun Shoulder - 03 / 01 / 24Otis Reese IV (LB)
Prob Sun Groin - 03 / 01 / 24Eric Garror (DB)
Prob Sun Hip - 03 / 01 / 24Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes C.J. Beathard (QB) Prob Sun Shoulder - 04 / 01 / 24 1-0 0-1 + - Beathard is expected to dress for Sunday's battle with the Titans despite a left shoulder injury.
Walker Little (OL) Prob Sun Hamstring - 03 / 01 / 24 1-0 0-1 + - Little is tending to a hamstring issue, but it is anticipated that he will dress for Sunday's game against the Titans.
Ezra Cleveland (G) Prob Sun Knee - 03 / 01 / 24 1-0 0-1 + - Cleveland has a knee injury, but it is expected that he will be active for Sunday's clash with the Titans.
Jamal Agnew (WR) I-R Leg - 31 / 12 / 23 1-1 0-2 + - Agnew has been posted to the injured reserve list with a lower-leg fracture.
C.J. Beathard (QB) Prob Sun Shoulder - 27 / 12 / 23 1-1 0-2 + - Beathard is projected to dress for Sunday's game against the Panthers despite a left shoulder injury.
Tyson Campbell (CB) Prob Sun Finger - 27 / 12 / 23 1-1 0-2 + - Campbell has a finger injury, but it is anticipated that he will partake in Sunday's game against the Panthers.
Andre Cisco (S) Prob Sun Groin - 27 / 12 / 23 1-1 0-2 + - Cicso is managing a groin issue, but it is predicted that he will be active for Sunday's contest versus the Panthers.
Walker Little (OL) Prob Sun Hamstring - 27 / 12 / 23 1-1 0-2 + - Little is dealing with a hamstring injury, but it is forecasted that he will line up against the Panthers on Sunday.
Brenton Strange (TE) Prob Sun Foot - 27 / 12 / 23 1-1 0-2 + - Strange is bothered by a foot injury, but it is likely that he will take on the Panthers on Sunday.
Ezra Cleveland (G) Prob Sun Knee - 27 / 12 / 23 1-1 0-2 + - Cleveland is hobbled by a knee injury, but it is not expected to impact his availability for Sunday's matchup with the Panthers.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Daniel Brunskill (OL) Out Sun Ankle - 03 / 01 / 24 0-1 0-1 + - Brunskill has an ankle injury, and he will not participate in Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
Sean Murphy-Bunting (CB) Prob Sun Hip - 03 / 01 / 24 0-1 0-1 + - Murphy-Bunting is bothered by a hip ailment, but it is forecasted that he will be available against the Jaguars on Sunday.
Kevin Rader (TE) Ques Sun Hip - 03 / 01 / 24 0-1 0-1 + - Rader is battling a hip issue, and it is up in the air if he will take the field against the Jaguars on Sunday.
Colton Dowell (WR) I-R Knee - 03 / 01 / 24 0-1 0-1 + - Dowell has ended up on the injured reserve list with a knee injury.
Jaelyn Duncan (OT) Ques Sun Neck - 03 / 01 / 24 0-1 0-1 + - Duncan is dealing with an ankle issue, and it is uncertain if he will line up against the Jaguars on Sunday.
Anthony Kendall (CB) Out Sun Knee - 03 / 01 / 24 0-1 0-1 + - Kendall has a knee injury, and he will not dress for Sunday's showdown with the Jaguars.
TK McLendon Jr. (DE) Out Sun Shoulder - 03 / 01 / 24 0-1 0-1 + - McLendon is hobbled by a shoulder injury, and he will not play against the Jaguars on Sunday.
Caleb Murphy (LB) Out Sun Shoulder - 03 / 01 / 24 0-1 0-1 + - Murphy is hindered by a shoulder injury, and he will not be in Sunday's lineup against the Jaguars.
Otis Reese IV (LB) Prob Sun Groin - 03 / 01 / 24 0-1 0-1 + - Reese is expected to face the Jaguars on Sunday despite a groin injury.
Eric Garror (DB) Prob Sun Hip - 03 / 01 / 24 0-1 0-1 + - Garror is managing a hip injury, but it is forecasted that he will take part in Sunday's matchup with the Jaguars.