3 things to know plus a prediction for Jaguars vs. Titans Week 18

1 week ago 2

The Jacksonville Jaguars close out the 2025 NFL regular season at home against the Tennessee Titans.

With a win, the Jaguars secure the AFC South title. A victory, along with some help from Miami and the LA Chargers, would secure the AFC's No. 1 playoff seed as well.

Before kickoff takes place on Sunday, here are three things to know about the matchup, and a prediction from NFL.com.

Limit explosive kick and punt returns

At return man for Tennessee is Chimere Dike. He ranks second in the NFL in kick return yards and is second in average yards per punt return attempt, according to PFF.

Last week against Indianapolis, two big kick returns by Ashton Dulin eventually led to a field goal and a touchdown for the Colts' offense. Explosive plays in the return game are one way the Titans can keep this game close.

Can Jaguars get the run game going?

In the middle of the Tennessee defensive front is Jeffrey Simmons, but the Titans are allowing 4.4 yards per carry this season, which ranks 21st in the NFL. Tennessee is also 17th in ESPN's run-stop rate metric.

As good as the Jaguars' offense has been, there oftentimes hasn't been much of a run game to lean on. Being more efficient on the ground can help take this offense to another level.

A steady run game paired with Trevor Lawrence's current level of play could be a nightmare for opposing defenses. In that scenario, what do you try to take away? The run or the pass? Defenses would have to pick and choose because you can't do both at the same time.

Building some momentum in the run game could be huge with the playoffs on the horizon.

Do the little things right

As we know, any team can win on any given Sunday in today's NFL. But offensively and defensively, the Jaguars are the better team. Oftentimes, how the underdog hangs around in these games is if the better team can't get out of their own way.

For the Jaguars, this means playing a clean football game by limiting penalties, eliminating dropped passes, and not turning the ball over. Too many of those miscues and the Titans will be granted additional scoring opportunities.

Jaguars vs. Titans Week 18 prediction

Here is why Gennaro Filice of NFL.com likes Jacksonville:

"The man's (Trevor Lawrence) playing the best football of his career, winning fantasy leagues and putting Jacksonville in position to take the AFC South with a home victory over a three-win team. This feels like Trev's moment."

This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars vs. Titans: What to watch for and a prediction

Read Entire Article