AFC South playoff scenarios: What needs to happen Week 17?

The Jacksonville Jaguars have been out of the playoff race for quite some time, but the rest of the AFC South is coming down to the wire — and the Jaguars will play a big part in playoff seeding and who wins the division.

Who needs to win and who is out of the playoffs with a loss on Sunday? Let’s find out!

Houston Texans (10-5)

The Texans have already clinched a playoff spot, but they could still lose the division and be as low as the No. 6 seed if they lose.

No. 1 AFC seed: The only way this happens is if the Texans win, Chiefs lose, Chargers lose, Patriots lose, and the Texans get the strength of victory tiebreaker over the Chiefs.

No. 2 AFC seed: There are a lot of ways this happens.

• Texans beat the Jaguars and Patriots lose or tie.
• Texans beat the Jaguars, Chiefs lose, Chargers lose, and the Texans get the strength of victory tiebreaker over the Chiefs.
• Texans tie the Jaguars and the Patriots lose.
• Texans lose to the Jaguars, Titans vs. Colts ends in a tie, Patriots lose, Ravens win, and Houston wins strength of victory over the Ravens.

No. 3 AFC seed: Texans beat the Jaguars or if they lose and Titans vs. Colts ends in a tie.

No. 6 AFC seed: Texans beat the Jaguars and Colts vs. Titans doesn’t end in a tie.

Indianapolis Colts (9-6)

The Colts haven’t clinched a playoff spot and need to beat the Titans on Sunday Night Football to even have a shot at the playoffs.

No. 3 AFC seed: Colts beat the Titans, Texans lose, Ravens lose, and Steelers win.

No. 4 AFC seed: Colts beat the Titans, Texans lose, and Ravens win.

No. 6 AFC seed: Colts beat the Titans and the Texans win.

Tennessee Titans (9-6)

Like the Colts, the Titans haven’t clinched a playoff spot yet and need to beat the Colts on Sunday Night Football to get into the playoffs.

No. 2 AFC seed: Titans beat the Colts, Texans lose, Patriots lose and Ravens lose or tie.

No. 3 AFC seed: Titans beat the Colts, Texans lose, Ravens lose, and Steelers win.

No. 4 AFC seed: Titans beat the Colts, Texans lose, and Ravens win.

No. 6 AFC seed: Titans beat the Colts and Texans win.

Thanks to CBS Sports, SB Nation, and Football Outsiders for helping to verify some of the scenarios.

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