The Jacksonville Jaguars will head to Tennessee to take on the Titans for the last time this regular season, and just as they were in Week 3’s meeting, both teams are desperate for a win.
With a 5-5 record, the Titans will be trying to avoid falling too far behind in the playoff race, while the 4-5 Jags will be looking to do the same and avoid a three game skid. That said, both fanbases are likely viewing Sunday’s game as the most important of the season — and that very well could be accurate.
Here are our predictions on how things could go between the two longtime rivals Sunday:
James Johnson (@Sportsgrind_Don): Titans 17, Jaguars 14
The Jags haven’t shown the ability to beat any teams with a .500 record or better aside from the Titans Week 3. However, the Jags’ defense was playing much better then. With Derrick Henry fresh off the bye week he’ll, unfortunately, have a solid day, though I’m not sure it will lead to a lot of scoring. Still, it will be enough in a close battle that goes down to the wire.
Phil Smith (@PhiltheFilipino): Titans 16, Jaguars 13
In a game that will garner very little interest from anyone outside of the two respective fanbases, this one may be a slog to watch. Both squads are not where they wanted to be and find themselves in tough spots. Do you tank the remainder of the season to improve draft stock? Or reel off a few wins to build momentum going into the offseason? For Jaguar fans, it might be best for the team to lose this one too (for the sake of a new front office) and exactly what will happen in Nashville.
Jacob DeLawrence (@_Jdela): Jaguars 17, Titans 13
After last week’s embarrassing effort against their longtime rivals in the Colts, the Jags are headed to Nashville to face the Titans. The Jags beat the Titans after a strong defensive day where the racked up nine sacks earlier in the season. However, both teams are nothing like they were when they met earlier. Both teams are meddling in no man’s land where they can either sneak into the playoffs or miss them but end up picking in the middle of the first round. The Jags should come out with a point to prove after last week’s effort and somehow survive.
Daniel Griffis (@GriffisNFL): Titans 29, Jaguars 16
The Titans are playing some of their best ball in recent memory. Ryan Tannehill has re-energized the team and brought them back into the playoff hunt. The Jaguars haven’t had such luck as of late. Until Jacksonville shows they can stop the run, I think they will struggle mightily, especially against a Derrick Henry led team.
Robert Ricks (@rrickswriting): Jaguars 19, Titans 17
The Jaguars will have to stop the bleeding eventually and this is the game to do it. Titans running back Derrick Henry will likely have a monster game but the Jaguars will win in a low-scoring game.
Will Frost (@willfrost_): Titans 25, Jaguars 18
Last week’s loss to Indianapolis showed that the Jags’ run defense has been far below average this season. That said, Jags fans should expect another big game for Derrick Henry as we’ve seen in the past. This might be ugly, and a loss could very well cement the Jaguars at the foot of the AFC South.