Jaguars playoff picture: How win against Colts impacts AFC South race, Jacksonville's chances at No. 1 seed in AFC

The Jacksonville Jaguars fought all game and picked up a huge Week 17 win over the Indianapolis Colts. The Jaguars improve to 12-4, but that isn't the best part of the victory.

Jacksonville now controls its own destiny for the AFC South title. The Jaguars will play the Tennessee Titans in Week 18, and a win nets Jacksonville a top-three seed in the AFC. They can also clinch the title with a Houston Texans loss to the Indianapolis Colts, regardless of what happens against Tennessee. 

Here is more on what a Jaguars win over the Colts means for the AFC South race, Jacksonville's chances at No. 1 seed in AFC. 

MORE WEEK 17 NEWS:

• Updated AFC, NFC standings in NFL playoff picture for Week 17
• How Giants-Raiders Week 17 matchup likely decides No. 1 overall pick
• Texans, Packers among latest teams to clinch spot in NFL postseason

Jaguars playoff picture

The Jaguars are one step closer to winning the AFC South. Jacksonville has already locked down a playoff berth. The Jaguars can win the division with a Week 18 win over the Titans or a Texans loss to the Colts. If Jacksonville loses to the Titans and Houston beats the Colts, then the Jaguars would be a wild-card team. 

Jacksonville will likely not want to rest any players for the game. The Jaguars winning the division would give them home-field advantage for the first round, while a wild-card berth means they have to go on the road to face a division winner. 

MORE: Which AFC teams can clinch the No. 1 seed in Week 17?

AFC wild-card standings

Jacksonville took care of business against Indianapolis. The win gives the Jaguars divisional control. All Jacksonville needs to do is beat Tennessee in Week 18, or have Indianapolis beat Houston, and the Jaguars will be locked into a top-four seed. This would also mean that the Texans would be locked into a wild-card spot. 

Division leaders

1. Denver Broncos (13-3)
2. New England Patriots (13-3)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)

MORE: Updated 2026 NFL Draft order

AFC South standings

With the win, the Jaguars remain in the driver's seat for the AFC South title. Jacksonville can clinch the AFC South and a top-four seed with a win in Week 18 against the Titans. 

Jaguars remaining schedule

Here is how Jacksonville will end the regular season in Week 18.