Jaguars, Jets and their trails to the # 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft

The future of two NFL franchises could have changed to a six-hour window on Sunday afternoon in week 15. With a stunning upset over the Los Angeles Rams, the New York Jets gave up the lead in the 2021 NFL draft and fell behind. . the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Both teams are 1-13, but the Jaguars took the tiebreaker, according to research from ESPN. The tiebreaker is based on the strength of the schedule, and the Jaguars have played a significantly weaker schedule than the Jets. The player both teams will keep an eye on is Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the presumed top pick.

ESPN reporters Michael DiRocco (Jaguars) and Rich Cimini (Jets) break each team’s path to the first concept choice:

Next on the schedule for both teams

Jaguars’ next two games: They host Chicago (7-7) and are in Indianapolis (10-4) and both games are important, so neither team is likely to let important starters rest. The Bears, with a resurrected quarterback in Mitchell Trubisky, are still in the NFC playoff race and the Colts will fight the Tennessee Titans for the AFC South division title. Plus, the Colts are the only team to beat the Jaguars (in the season opener), so Week 17 kicks off as a revenge for quarterback Philip Rivers, who is 7-3 in his career against the Jaguars.

Jets’ next two games: They finish with the Cleveland Browns (10-4) at home and the New England Patriots (6-8) on the road. The Browns still haven’t secured a playoff spot, so they need a win. Cleveland’s strong running game could wear down the Jets, who may not have a standout defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (concussion). The Jets-Patriots game in Week 17 is pointless, but you wonder if Coach Bill Belichick will try to keep the Jets even further away from Lawrence if the first draft position is still in doubt. Wink, wink.

What coaches said after Sunday’s games

Jaguars coach Doug Marrone: “You know, this team has been through a lot. They’ve tried hard and we understand that and I know they are professionals. But when we all bring ourselves together, coaches and players, the greatest gift we all give to them is. being able to give each other is the gift of winning a football match. “

Jets coach Adam Gase: “I’m just happy for our guys. They’ve done such a good job. They’ve been through many setbacks. It’s been too long since we could even remember what a victory almost feels like. It’s great to see those guys who be so enthusiastic. “

Jaguars (1-13)

Average draft: 1.3
FPI chance to earn # 1 pick: 74.2%
FPI chance to earn a top five pick: Riveted

Jets (1-13)

Average draft: 1.8
FPI chance to earn # 1 pick: 25.6%
FPI chance to earn a top five pick: Riveted

Predictions of how the season will end for each team

DiRocco’s prediction of the Jaguar finish line: After losing to Cleveland and Minnesota with a combined five runs, the Jaguars lost 71-24 to Tennessee and Baltimore (weeks 14 and 15). The loss of the Ravens was particularly demoralizing, and you have to wonder if the players, who have fought hard all season, are starting to wear down emotionally and mentally. Unless the Jaguars quarterback is clearly better, a 0-2 finish and a 1-15 record is likely.

Cimini’s prediction of the Jets finish line: Since the Jets are the Jets, they will find more ways to torture their fan base. So don’t be surprised if they shoot another shot at the # 1 pick, which means the Jaguars win one match to finish 2-14, but the Jets close with a win against the Patriots and miss a chance. to steal Lawrence because Jacksonville will still own the tiebreaker. Oh, the pain.