AFC South Matchup Looms Large Against Titans for the Jacksonville Jaguars

With just three weeks left in the 2025 NFL regular season, the Jacksonville Jaguars face a make-or-break AFC South matchup against the Tennessee Titans that could determine the division’s final standings and playoff seeding. Currently tied with the Titans at 9-5 atop the AFC South, the Jaguars enter the Week 16 showdown at Nissan Stadium with a chance to claim sole possession of first place—and gain the upper hand in the division title race. AFC South Matchup Looms Large Against Titans for the Jacksonville Jaguars breaks down why this game is so critical for both teams, the key storylines to watch, and how the Jaguars’ recent momentum could shape the outcome. For a Jaguars team aiming to win its first AFC South title since 2017, this matchup isn’t just another regular-season game—it’s an opportunity to take control of their playoff destiny.

AFC South Matchup Looms Large Against Titans for the Jacksonville Jaguars begins with the stakes of the game, which extend far beyond a single win. The Jaguars and Titans have split their first two meetings this season: Tennessee won a 20-17 overtime thriller in Week 4, while Jacksonville bounced back with a 31-24 victory in Week 10. The winner of this third matchup will not only gain the season series edge but also move one step closer to securing the AFC South title and a home playoff game. For the Jaguars, a win would give them a two-game lead over the Titans with just two weeks remaining, making it highly likely they’d claim the division. A loss, however, would drop them into a tie—or even second place if other results break against them—putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy. “This is the biggest game of our season so far,” Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence said in a press conference. “We know what’s on the line—division title, home playoff game, bragging rights. We’re ready to go out there and compete.” The Titans, meanwhile, are equally motivated, with quarterback Ryan Tannehill calling the game “a must-win if we want to control our own destiny.”

A key storyline to watch in AFC South Matchup Looms Large Against Titans for the Jacksonville Jaguars is the battle between the Jaguars’ revitalized offense and the Titans’ stingy defense. Since offensive coordinator Liam Coen’s arrival in November, the Jaguars have averaged 28.5 points per game—up from 18.5 points per game before his tenure—and rank 8th in the NFL in total offense. Lawrence has been a big part of that success, throwing 12 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions in the last six games, while running back Travis Etienne Jr. has rushed for 520 yards and 4 touchdowns during that stretch. The Titans, however, boast one of the league’s top defenses, ranking 6th in total defense (312 yards per game) and 4th in rushing defense (87 yards per game). Led by defensive end Harold Landry III (11 sacks) and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (125 tackles), the Titans have proven tough to score against—holding opponents to 19.2 points per game this season. “They’re a physical defense that doesn’t give up easy yards,” Coen said of the Titans. “We’ll need to be patient, execute our plays, and take advantage of the opportunities they give us. It’s going to be a battle of wills.”

AFC South Matchup Looms Large Against Titans for the Jacksonville Jaguars also delves into the key player matchups that could decide the game—starting with the Jaguars’ wide receivers against the Titans’ secondary. Jacksonville’s Calvin Ridley has been on a tear since Week 10, hauling in 35 catches for 480 yards and 5 touchdowns, while Christian Kirk and Zay Jones have provided reliable support. They’ll face a Titans secondary that has struggled at times this season, ranking 22nd in the NFL in passing yards allowed (245 per game) and giving up 21 passing touchdowns. However, Titans cornerback Kristian Fulton has been a bright spot, recording 4 interceptions and 12 pass breakups, and will likely be tasked with covering Ridley for much of the game. “Calvin’s been playing at an elite level, but Fulton is a tough corner,” Jaguars wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal said. “It’s going to be a great matchup—two guys who are at the top of their game. We’re excited to see how it plays out.” On the other side of the ball, the Jaguars’ defense will need to contain Titans running back Derrick Henry, who has rushed for over 1,000 yards for the seventh consecutive season and remains one of the league’s most physical runners. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, stopping Henry will be critical—if they can limit his production, they’ll force the Titans to rely more on Tannehill’s passing, which has been inconsistent at times this season.

Another important factor in AFC South Matchup Looms Large Against Titans for the Jacksonville Jaguars is the team’s recent success on the road. After a slow start away from home (losing their first three road games), the Jaguars have won four of their last five road games—including a 34-27 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14. This road success has been fueled by a balanced offense that can score in multiple ways and a defense that has stepped up in key moments. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, playing well on the road against the Titans will require them to handle the hostile crowd at Nissan Stadium, which is known for being one of the loudest in the NFL. “We’ve learned how to win on the road—how to stay focused, block out the noise, and execute our game plan,” Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said. “The Titans have a great home crowd, but we’re prepared for that. Our players have the mental toughness to handle it.” The Jaguars’ special teams unit will also play a role, as kicker Brandon McManus has been reliable this season (making 85% of his field goal attempts) and could be called upon to make a game-winning kick.

Looking ahead to the game, AFC South Matchup Looms Large Against Titans for the Jacksonville Jaguars outlines the Jaguars’ game plan, which will likely focus on balancing the run and pass to keep the Titans’ defense off-balance. Coen is expected to use plenty of two-back sets with Etienne and Tank Bigsby, as well as play-action passes to take advantage of the Titans’ focus on stopping the run. Defensively, the Jaguars will likely use a mix of blitzes and zone coverage to pressure Tannehill and limit Henry’s running lanes. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, executing this game plan will require discipline and focus—especially against a Titans team that has a history of playing tough in big games. “We’ve put in the work this week,” Lawrence said. “We know their strengths and weaknesses, and we have a plan to attack them. Now it’s just a matter of going out there and executing.” The Jaguars’ players and coaches are also drawing confidence from their recent turnaround, which has seen them win five of their last six games. “We’ve come a long way since the middle of the season,” Pederson added. “Our team has grown, our offense has clicked, and our defense has stepped up. We’re playing our best football at the right time, and that’s what you need in a game like this.”

AFC South Matchup Looms Large Against Titans for the Jacksonville Jaguars is ultimately a story of two teams fighting for supremacy in the AFC South—and a chance to make a deep playoff run. For the Jaguars, this game is an opportunity to prove they’re no longer a rebuilding team but a legitimate contender. With a talented roster, a rejuvenated offense, and a coach who knows how to win big games, the Jaguars have all the pieces to come out on top. But the Titans won’t go down easily—they have a proud history of success in the division and a team that thrives in pressure situations. As kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on Nashville to see which team will take control of the AFC South. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this is their moment to shine—to seize the division, energize their fan base, and take the first step toward a long playoff run. Win or lose, this game will define their season—and potentially their future as a franchise.