Jaguars Miss NFL Playoffs in Epic Collapse

The Jacksonville Jaguars went from virtual locks to win the AFC South to missing the playoffs all together. All they had to do was beat a 5-11 Titans team to clinch the division to avoid one of the biggest chokes in recent history. Instead, they were outplayed in a 28-20 loss and will watch the playoffs from home.

Jacksonville’s downfall began on Monday Night Football in Week 13. They were -800 to win the division at bet365 while the Texans were +800 and the Colts +1200. A win would have also given Jacksonville a share of the top seed in the AFC. However, they fell 34-31 in overtime as 10-point favorites against the Joe Burrow-less Bengals. Lawrence sprained his ankle in the fourth quarter, which would be the first of several injuries he sustained over the final six weeks of the season.

The Jaguars lost three in a row after falling to the Bengals, losing to the Browns, Ravens and Buccaneers. Their lone win over that stretch was a 26-0 shutout last week over the two-win Panthers behind backup quarterback C.J. Beathard.

Things were looking up as Lawrence returned Sunday after missing one game with his shoulder injury. As such, the Jaguars were heavy favorites to make the playoffs (-320 at Bet365) entering Week 18. Instead, they no-showed as the Titans easily won, sending the Jaguars home to clean out their lockers.

Jacksonville’s collapse meant the Texans captured the AFC South crown after Saturday night’s thrilling 23-19 win. The Texans entered the season with the second-longest odds to make the playoffs ahead of the Cardinals.

The Texans host the Browns next week on Wild Card Weekend and opened as 1.5-point dogs at home. The loss also meant the Bills clinched a playoff spot heading into Sunday Night Football’s game against the Dolphins. The winner of that game wins the AFC East.