NFL Playoffs: 5 reasons Jacksonville Jaguars will make it
By John Buhler
2. Favorable Remaining Schedule
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a favorable remaining schedule for their final five games. They have all three AFC South rivals left to play, as well as a 4-7 New Orleans Saints team and a reeling 6-5 Atlanta Falcons team that has lost five of its last six games.
Getting two struggling teams out of the NFC South helps Jacksonville should they drop a divisional game or two down the stretch. Atlanta and New Orleans, along with the 4-7 St. Louis Rams are playing the worst football in the NFC entering Week 13.
While only two of Jacksonville’s five remaining games will be at EverBank Field, the Jaguars won’t have to travel far since they are only playing south games. Nashville, New Orleans, and Houston aren’t lengthy treks for this young Jacksonville Jaguars team.
Their two toughest remaining games are at home versus Indianapolis and Atlanta. Indianapolis is riding the hot hand of 40-year-old quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. Indianapolis rarely loses AFC South games, but could drop their meeting with the Jaguars in Jacksonville. Matt Ryan looks like a lost puppy in Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system.
Next: 3. Can Still Win the AFC South or Make the Wild Card