The Jacksonville Jaguars were assumed to be playoff-bound, particularly after dominating the Los Angeles Chargers last week, and the only team in the AFC South thought to stand in their way was the Indianapolis Colts. Sure, they've struggled the past few weeks but are still atop the division. However, the Houston Texans have suddenly made things interesting in the division race.
And even though the Texans humiliated Jacksonville in their last outing, it was more due to the Jags' poor play. And let's face it: Houston hadn't been playing well all season. So for Thursday Night Football, when the Texans took on the Buffalo Bills, it was assumed by most that they were going to be annihilated.
Instead, surprise! The Texans won, with their defense — admittedly one of the best in the league — able to completely shut down the league's reigning MVP, Josh Allen. Jacksonville has already played Houston twice, so they won't face them again, but this could still have implications for the postseason.
Texans’ upset sends the Jacksonville Jaguars a clear message about the AFC South race
Currently, the Jaguars are tied with the Texans in the AFC South standings. Both teams have six wins, although the Jaguars haven't played yet in Week 12. The Texans are currently 6-5, while the Jaguars are 6-4; if Jacksonville defeats the Arizona Cardinals, they'll pull ahead by one to a 7-4 record.
A loss, however, would be catastrophic to the Jaguars' playoff chances. While the Cardinals are significantly weaker than the Jags are, we all know what happens when a team is underestimated. It's a fatal mistake the Jaguars can't afford to make right now, with the Texans nipping at their heels.
Technically speaking, the Jaguars can make the playoffs if they lose Sunday. But it will be significantly harder, especially if the Texans are now mounting a late-season playoff push. Considering they've won their last three games in a row, the Jaguars have good reason to be worried. Both the Texans and the Jaguars are hunting for a wild-card spot, after all.
Jacksonville made a big statement against the Chargers last week, but they need to build on that success. Yes, Arizona has struggled this season, but that doesn't mean they aren't a dangerous team. Even without Kyler Murray, they can still win. The Jaguars tend to lose to opponents that are arguably worse, and this week, it's time to bring that trend to an end.