Jaguars Make Huge QB Decision to Hit Steelers Playoff Hopes

It’s official — quarterback Trevor Lawrence will play in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Week 18 game against the Tennessee Titans, which is huge news for the Pittsburgh Steelers playoff hopes.

Lawrence has been dealing with shoulder and finger injuries and also missed his team’s Week 17 win over the Carolina Panthers. Lawrence was limited in both of the Jaguars’ practices so far this week.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport of NFL Network said on Thursday that Lawrence had not thrown with velocity yet. That left his status in doubt but he pushed to play and he will play.

Lawrence has been backed up this season by C.J. Beathard who replaced him after Lawrence was injured on Dec. 24 at Tampa Bay and started last week against the Panthers. But the Jaguars will now get multiple boosts with a returning Christian Kirk, too. That greatly affects the Steelers playoff hopes.

On the season, Beathard has throw 53 passes, completing two for 349 yards and a touchdown. He has a 98.7 passer rating on the season. Lawrence only has an 89.1 rating.

It’s been an up-and-down season for the 2021 first overall pick. After breaking out in his second season in 2022, he’s taken a statistical step back in 2023.

The Jaguars are currently in first place in the AFC South, and must beat the Titans this Sunday to secure the division crown and a first-round home game. If the Jaguars lose, they will find themselves all the way out of the playoff picture.

Jacksonville is in a fight with the Houston Texans for first place in the AFC South, and the Texans will win the division if Jacksonville loses. The Jaguars are also a game behind the Buffalo Bills and tied with the Steelers for Wild Card position.

The Steelers get in a with a Jacksonville loss or tie.

The Steelers can also get help from the Buffalo Bills losing to the Dolphins.

AFC PLAYOFF PICTURE

1. Baltimore Ravens 13-3
2. Miami Dolphins 11-5
3. Kansas City Chiefs 10-6
4. Jacksonville Jaguars 9-7
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5. Cleveland Browns 11-5
6. Buffalo Bills 10-6
7. Houston Texans 10-7
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8. Pittsburgh Steelers 10-7
9. Indianapolis Colts 9-8
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10. Denver Broncos 8-8
11. Cincinnati Bengals 8-8
12. Las Vegas Raiders 7-9
13. New York Jets 6-10
14. Tennessee Titans 5-11
15. Los Angeles Chargers 5-11
16. New England Patriots 4-12