Postgame recap: Jaguars' playoff hopes over, dashed by Derrick Henry and last-place Titans

It all comes down to 1 p.m. Sunday. The Jacksonville Jaguars can clinch the AFC South championship, and a berth in the playoffs, by defeating the Tennessee Titans in the Week 18 season finale in Nashville.

For the Jaguars, questions continue to surround the status of quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who sat out last week with a shoulder injury. If Lawrence again can't go, C.J. Beathard, who helped steer the Jags to a 26-0 shutout of the Carolina Panthers, will take his place.

The Titans are already locked into last place in what could potentially be the final game in Tennessee for two-time NFL rushing champion and former Yulee High School star Derrick Henry. However, Tennessee gave the Jaguars a difficult time in a must-win Week 18 contest last year, which the Jags won 20-16.

Gene Frenette: Jaguars choking away AFC South by losing to Titans a tough memory to forget

On the sideline at the 40-yard line, the final seconds ticked away as quarterback Trevor Lawrence and receiver Zay Jones stood next to each other, undoubtedly seething in disbelief. 

“That’d be a good way to describe it,” said Jones.

In the postgame locker room, the shellshocked Jacksonville Jaguars did a spot-on impersonation of a football morgue. - Gene Frenette

Jaguars set to pick 17th in 2024 NFL Draft after missing playoffs

With the Jacksonville Jaguars and the rest of the NFL's regular season now in the books, most of the teams out of the playoffs are turning their attention to the 2024 NFL Draft. - Demetrius Harvey

'Starts with me': Doug Pederson takes blame for loss to Titans, Jaguars missing playoffs

Utter disbelief. Shell shocked. Sadness. Confusion. Disappointment.

The Jacksonville Jaguars were supposed to be Super Bowl contenders this year after an impressive end to their 2022 campaign. Instead, they're leaving Nashville after losing 28-20 to a team that could be without a head coach in a week, costing them a shot at the playoffs.

There aren't any more scenarios, it's over. There's no spark and there hasn't been a spark — not like last year, it's completely and utterly over. - Demetrius Harvey

Next stop, the principal's office: Season finale ends in failure on the weekly Jaguars Report Card

Times-Union sports columnist Gene Frenette grades the Jaguars’ performance in a 28-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans based on execution, effort and game circumstances.  - Gene Frenette

Yulee's Derrick Henry bulldozes the Jaguars once more, denies them the AFC South title

Derrick Henry delivered one more beat-down of a Jacksonville Jaguars defense – at least in a Tennessee Titans uniform.  - Garry Smits

Who are the Jacksonville Jaguars' opponents for the 2024 NFL season?

The Jacksonville Jaguars' 2023 regular season schedule is now in the books. That means two things: it's time for the Jaguars to begin the process of assessing the next steps after missing out on the playoff race to the Super Bowl due to Sunday's 28-20 loss against the Titans, and it's time to look ahead to the Jags' 2024 schedule. See next year's opponents. - Dan Rorabaugh

Jaguars fail to live up to expectations, will miss playoffs after 28-20 loss to Titans

Too little, too late. In a must-win game, the Jaguars failed.

The Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8) will go home as losers after failing to rise to the occasion against the last-place Tennessee Titans (6-11), losing 28-20 in a game that included many thrilling moments, but a lot of heartache for Jacksonville.

With a potential farewell game for both Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill and running back Derrick Henry, it appeared like Tennessee simply wanted the game more for much of the contest. - Demetrius Harvey

1,000-yard club: Calvin Ridley, Travis Etienne hit stat milestone in Jaguars loss

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley and running back Travis Etienne reached their respective 1,000-yard barriers during Sunday's game at Tennessee. - Garry Smits

FINAL: Titans 28, Jaguars 20

It's all over for the Jaguars. The Jags close the year on a 1-5 skid and miss the AFC playoffs. Jacksonville's defeat qualifies the Bills and Steelers for the postseason, and the Jags will have seven months to reflect on a season gone bad. - Clayton Freeman

Jaguars' drive fails: After deep ball for Calvin Ridley misses, Trevor Lawrence misses on third and fourth down, Titans take over

So close on second down. Trevor Lawrence looked deep for Calvin Ridley on second down, open behind the Tennessee defense, and Ridley appeared to have the ball in his sights for a likely touchdown but couldn't hold on. Then, Lawrence misfired for Tim Jones on third down, and missed Evan Engram on fourth down. The Titans take over with 1:44 to go. The Jags can't stop the clock. The playoff push is over, from 8-3 to out of the playoffs. - Clayton Freeman

Two-minute warning: Titans 28, Jaguars 20

Two minutes to go with the ball on the Jacksonville 33 after a Trevor Lawrence scramble. - Clayton Freeman

Sacksonville: Josh Allen sacks Ryan Tannehill, Jaguars will get ball back

The Jags needed that. Josh Allen makes the sack and Tennessee will punt. With no timeouts, and needing a TD and 2-point conversion, the Jaguars can only stop the clock with the two-minute warning. They take over on their own 24, down 28-20, 2:18 4th. - Clayton Freeman

Jaguars burn last timeout: Titans face third and 12

The time situation is becoming critical for the Jaguars. Tennessee has third down, after Josh Allen stopped Derrick Henry on second down. With 3:15 left, the Titans lead the Jaguars 28-20. The Jags' D must get a stop here. - Clayton Freeman

Stuffed: Titans deny Trevor Lawrence on sneak from 1

Inches short. Jacksonville comes up empty after the pick. The Jaguars drove all the way to the 1, including a third-down conversion by Tank Bigsby and three catches by Zay Jones, as well as a Brenton Strange hold that wiped out a long run by Travis Etienne. The last of the Jones catches advanced the ball inside the 1. But Trevor Lawrence threw away on an unusual full-house third-down roll-out pass and then came up short, stuffed in the line, on a fourth-and-goal sneak. The Titans take over on downs and the Jaguars' chances are running out fast. The Titans still lead 28-20, 7:10 4th. - Clayton Freeman

Interception Jaguars: Andre Cisco picks off Ryan Tannehill over the middle

Big play on defense: Andre Cisco, who has struggled with tackling today, helps the Jaguars find new life. He jumped on a pass over the middle from Ryan Tannehill, intended for DeAndre Hopkins, and grabbed his fourth pick of the season. He returned the ball inside the Tennessee 30.

The Jaguars trail 28-20, 12:09 4th. - Clayton Freeman

Touchdown Jaguars: Evan Engram brings Jags back into game, catches back-shoulder Trevor Lawrence pass

They're still alive. Evan Engram, who is only two away now from the NFL tight end reception record, catches a 14-yard strike from Trevor Lawrence. It's the third catch from Engram on the possession. Travis Etienne topped the 1,000-yard mark rushing during this drive as well.

Titans 28, Jaguars 20, 14:55 4th. - Clayton Freeman

End of third quarter: Titans 28, Jaguars 13

Is the Jaguars' season about to end in Nashville? They're driving inside the red zone, two scores down to the last-place Titans, as the fourth quarter begins. - Clayton Freeman

Titans' drive ends after Chris Moore drop

The Jaguars got some help there. Chris Moore was about to gain enough for a first down but dropped the Ryan Tannehill pass over the middle. After a punt, Parker Washington returned the football to nearly the Jacksonville 40. The Jags take over, trailing 28-13 with 5:08 left in the third quarter. - Clayton Freeman

Jaguars turn over on downs: Elijah Molden stuffs Zay Jones on fourth down

The Jaguars are running out of time and running out of chances. Despite a couple of off-target throws by Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars advanced across midfield with help from a pass interference flag. But a second-down rush lost yardage, Lawrence's third-down pass to Evan Engram came up a half-dozen yards short and a fourth-down toss to Zay Jones wasn't able to convert thanks to Elijah Molden's instant tackle before the sticks. The Titans lead 28-13, 7:09 3rd. - Clayton Freeman

Touchdown Titans: DeAndre Hopkins scores on rapid drive after Derrick Henry 69-yard rush

More Derrick Henry highlights. The former Yulee High School star has punished the Jaguars for years, and this time, he uncorked a 69-yard rush up the right sideline. That set up, two plays later, a 6-yard strike from Ryan Tannehill to DeAndre Hopkins. The Jaguars are in serious trouble in Nashville.

Titans 28, Jaguars 13, 12:45 3rd. - Clayton Freeman

Second half kicks off: Titans get the ball leading 21-13

The third quarter begins. Tennessee takes over from its own 25. - Clayton Freeman

The race to 1,000: Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley the first of three to reach the barrier

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley was the first of three players with a chance to surpass 1,000 yards in their particular skill set during Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville. - Garry Smits

HALFTIME: Titans 21, Jaguars 13

That's halftime in Nashville. The Jaguars have 30 more minutes of football to save their season after a first half marred by two turnovers and an abundance of missed tackles. - Clayton Freeman

Field goal Jaguars: Brandon McManus converts from 30, Jaguars cut lead to one score at halftime

No touchdown for the Jaguars, but after Travis Etienne's rush to the 12, the Jaguars narrow the gap to one score on a Brandon McManus field goal as the second quarter expires. The Titans will receive the second-half kick. - Clayton Freeman

Titans botch punt when Ty Zentner drops snap, Brenton Strange makes stop

A turning point? After Tre Herndon's pass breakup on third down, Titans punter Ty Zentner dropped the fourth-down snap and Brenton Strange took him down in the backfield. The Jaguars take over in Tennessee territory with 22 ticks until the half. - Clayton Freeman

Interception: Sean Murphy-Bunting picks off Trevor Lawrence

Another turnover. Trevor Lawrence throws to the left side but it's directly to Tennessee cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting. Appeared to be a possible miscommunication between Lawrence and Zay Jones. Jones appeared to stop downfield, perhaps expecting an out or comeback route to the sideline, but Lawrence's throw went much deeper.

Titans get the ball around their own 40, leading 21-10, 1:06 until halftime. - Clayton Freeman

Touchdown Titans: Tyjae Spears spins into end zone from 3 yards, Jaguars down two scores

A dreadful half continues for the Jaguars' defense. The Titans punish the takeaway, highlighted by a third-down pass to Chigoziem Okonkwo in which both Rayshawn Jenkins and Andre Cisco badly missed on tackles. Derrick Henry is up to 70 rushing yards, too, but it was Tyjae Spears who finished off the possession with a 3-yard rush.

Titans 21, Jaguars 10, 3:03 2nd. - Clayton Freeman

Interception: Titans' Terrell Edmunds picks off Trevor Lawrence after Evan Engram's drop

The Titans have only five interceptions all year, fewest in the league, but they picked off Trevor Lawrence that time. Lawrence's pass tipped off the hands of Evan Engram, and then appeared to bounce off Engram's knee into the hands of diving Tennessee defensive back Terrell Edmunds. Officials upheld the interception on replay. The second drop of the game for the Jags, and a costly one. Tennessee takes over in Jaguars territory.

Titans 14, Jaguars 10, 6:33 2nd. - Clayton Freeman

Touchdown Titans: Derrick Henry bulldozes into end zone, defensive woes continue for Jaguars

The Jaguars' D is allowing Tennessee to make it look easy. Eight plays, 75 yards and the Titans are into the end zone. Derrick Henry finished it off from 13 yards, bouncing outside to the left and steaming into the end zone. Tyjae Spears burned the Jags earlier in the drive with a long run to around the 30. Missed tackles are hurting the Jaguars badly on defense, and if this continues, they might have seven months to ponder just what went wrong. The last-place Titans are on top.

Titans 14, Jaguars 10, 8:27 2nd. - Clayton Freeman

Touchdown Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence goes deep, Calvin Ridley burns Titans for 59-yard score

That might be one of the throws of the year for the Jaguars. Calvin Ridley went deep, burned Tennessee corner Sean Murphy-Bunting with speed, and Trevor Lawrence found his receiver in stride with a 59-yard strike to the end zone. The Jags are back in front. Credit also to Zay Jones, who kept the drive alive with a diving catch of a low Lawrence pass over the middle on third down. If the Jaguars win this game, this Lawrence-to-Ridley highlight will be playing in the memories of fans for a while.

Jaguars 10, Titans 7, 12:24 2nd. - Clayton Freeman

End of first quarter: Titans 7, Jaguars 3

The Jaguars trail after 15 minutes of action. Reminder: To qualify for the playoffs, the Jaguars must win. - Clayton Freeman

Titans' drive stalls at own 39 after Chigoziem Okonkwo drop

The Titans helped the Jaguars out a bit there with miscues. Andre Dillard committed a false start on third down, and then Chigoziem Okonkwo couldn't hold a pass from Ryan Tannehill that came in a little behind the tight end. That meant a punt, and the Jaguars will take over at their own 10. Tennessee leads 7-3, 1:54 1st. - Clayton Freeman

Titans challenge: After review, Trevor Lawrence pass to Zay Jones ruled incomplete

It's the first challenge of the game. Trevor Lawrence passed to Zay Jones near midfield on third down, and although the ball did end up out of Jones' grasp after a hit from behind by Elijah Molden, the receiver's knee was ruled down. Titans coach Mike Vrabel challenged the ruling and won, with officials ruling it a drop. So the Jaguars end the drive with a punt. Evan Engram already has four receptions for Jacksonville, but the Jags are struggling elsewhere. It's 7-3 Tennessee, 4:00 1st. - Clayton Freeman

Touchdown Titans: Tyjae Spears catches third-down Ryan Tannehill pass after multiple missed Jaguars tackles

A dismal start for the Jacksonville defense. Tennessee drove downfield with consecutive trick plays, a flea flicker screen to Chigoziem Okonkwo followed by a double pass, as well as a 12-yard Derrick Henry run on his first carry and a one-handed catch by DeAndre Hopkins. The Jags had Tennessee in a third-and-long from the 28 when Ryan Tannehill passed to Tyjae Spears in the right flat, and the running back broke through at least three Jacksonville tackles on the way to the end zone. The Jaguars will have to work from behind in Nashville.

Titans 7, Jaguars 3, 5:57 1st. - Clayton Freeman

Field goal Jaguars: Brandon McManus pushes Jags in front after promising Trevor Lawrence drive

No signs of rust from Trevor Lawrence on that drive. He completed two passes to Evan Engram, including a key catch-and-run on third down, and fired a sideline strike to Calvin Ridley to advance inside the 30. But the Titans' defense held firm, forcing Lawrence into a throwaway and then a scramble out of bounds. Kicker Brandon McManus entered the action to convert a 44-yard field goal, and the Jaguars are ahead early in Nashville. Still, it's another drive inside opposition territory that didn't end in the end zone.

Jaguars 3, Titans 0, 9:45 1st. - Clayton Freeman

Kickoff for Jaguars-Titans: Trevor Lawrence starts for Jags

It's football time in Nashville, and as expected, Trevor Lawrence is indeed starting for the Jaguars. - Clayton Freeman

Which Florida teams will make the NFL playoffs? Catch up with this week's Two-Minute Drill

The Jaguars, Dolphins and Buccaneers all play decisive Week 18 games Sunday. Here's a look at what they'll mean for Florida's NFL teams. - Tim Walters

'Natural ability': Rookie DB Antonio Johnson adds new dimension to Jaguars' defense

It didn't take long for Antonio Johnson to make a splash.

A few days into training camp, the Jacksonville Jaguars rookie defensive back was tasked with covering receiver Jamal Agnew, a fast-twitched veteran who made the Pro Bowl last year for his ability to run in the open field as a return specialist, in the slot one-on-one.

On a typical hot and humid Jacksonville day, Johnson had his hands full as Agnew ran a route that essentially cuts off to the corner of the end zone before breaking back inside toward the post. The route makes it difficult for any defensive back, let alone a rookie, to stand up in coverage. Read more - Demetrius Harvey

Gene Frenette: Legacy-minded Jaguars can't let chance to win 2nd straight AFC South pass them by

Whether it’s about individual accomplishments or the Jacksonville Jaguars’ success in general, Josh Allen attaches a great deal of importance to the idea of legacy.

Judging by how often he interjects that "L" word into interviews, it’s easy to see the impact the Jaguars’ single-season sack leader leaves behind matters more to him than most players entering Sunday's regular season finale.  - Gene Frenette

Week 18 staff predictions: Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans

How do our experts see this one going as the Jaguars finish their regular season? Read on. - Tim Walters

Trevor Lawrence injury update: Jaguars QB active vs. Titans, but Christian Kirk out

The inactives list is in, and Trevor Lawrence is indeed active for the Jaguars in Sunday's must-win game against the Titans. The club has not specified whether or not the third-year quarterback will start. Wide receiver Christian Kirk, though, is not yet back in action. Other inactives for the Jags are edge rusher Yasir Abdullah, defensive tackle Angelo Blackson, offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen and third quarterback Matt Barkley. - Demetrius Harvey

Jacksonville Jaguars predictions: Do national NFL experts think Titans make playoff berth tough?

Will the Jags make it easy for themselves? Here's a look at what NFL reporters and analysts predict will happen. - Dan Rorabaugh

Making a mark: Jaguars look to secure back-to-back AFC South title vs. Tennessee Titans

There’s a lot riding on Sunday afternoon's game for Jacksonville. A win means an automatic postseason bid and the AFC South crown for the second consecutive year. - Juston Lewis

Jaguars vs. Titans: For second season in a row, the AFC South title comes down to final game

The Jags can get 10 victories or more two seasons in a row for the first time since 2004-2005. The Jaguars are on a 12-game losing streak when the final regular-season game is on the road. - Garry Smits

When is the Jaguars game on today?

• Time: 1 p.m.

• Date: Sunday, January 7

Jaguars-Titans will kick off at 1 p.m. Sunday, January 7 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

What channel is Jaguars vs. Titans on today?

• TV: CBS

• Streaming: Paramount+ (7-day free trial), NFL+ (out-of-market only), fuboTV (7-day free trial), YouTube TV (2-week free trial), Hulu + Live TV (7-day free trial)

Jaguars vs. Titans will air on CBS. Kevin Harlan will handle the play-by-play with Trent Green as the analyst.

Streaming options include fuboTV, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

Jaguars vs. Titans odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Friday, January 5.

• Spread: Jaguars (-3.5)

• Over/under: 41 points

• Moneyline: Jaguars -190, Titans +155

Jaguars schedule

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars vs Titans score, updates for NFL Week 18 game