Titans vs. Jaguars NFL Week 18 odds, trends: Joshua Dobbs at quarterback for Tennessee in de facto AFC South title game Saturday

The Titans caught a huge scheduling break when the NFL released the two Saturday games for Week 18 with Tennessee visiting Jacksonville, because the home side is now operating on a short week. The winner of the game will be crowned AFC South champion and earn the fourth seed in the postseason, while the loser will likely be out (although there is a long-shot scenario in which the Jaguars could lose and earn a wild-card spot). To little surprise, Titans coach Mike Vrabel has once again named Joshua Dobbs as his starting quarterbacks. The Jaguars had been -7, but are now -6.5 at Caesars Sportsbook.

Tennessee has no route to the playoffs without a win and there could be big offseason changes regardless of whether or not the team qualifies. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who is on season-ending injured reserve, could be the first on the chopping block. General manager Jon Robinson was shockingly fired in early December despite the team coming off back-to-back division titles.  

Rookie third-round pick Malik Willis had been the replacement for Tannehill when he missed three games injured earlier this season and struggled mightily. Willis has a huge ceiling but is extremely raw. Thus, Vrabel turned to Dobbs for his first NFL start on Thursday night in Week 17 vs. Dallas.

The former University of Tennessee star acquitted himself well in the 27-13 loss, the Titans' sixth straight defeat, going 20-for-39 for 232 yards with a touchdown and pick just eight days after the Titans signed Dobbs off the Detroit Lions' practice squad. Willis has thrown for only 276 yards on 61 attempts all season. He hasn't connected for a TDs and has given up three picks.

"I've talked to both quarterbacks and let them know that Josh will be our quarterback for this week and Malik has to continue to prepare like a starter," said Vrabel. "I am fairly confident Malik is going to do something to help us win in this football game. So, I am hopeful – and I know he will – continue to prepare like he has and continue to improve throughout practice."

Should Jacksonville lose, it would earn a wild-card spot if this exact scenario unfolds on Sunday: Miami loses at home vs. the New York Jets (who have nothing to play for), New England loses at Buffalo, Pittsburgh loses at home vs. Cleveland (already eliminated).

Between 1970-2021, just two out of the 179 teams (1.1%) that started 2-6 made the playoffs. Jacksonville would join that club with a victory. The Jaguars did get somewhat hosed with this game being moved to Saturday, as now they are now playing on short rest. The Titans already had extra days off, having played on Thursday night in Week 17. 

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