AFC South Shakeup: Jaguars Take Control, Colts Slide, Texans Lurking
We’ve officially entered the stretch run of the NFL season, and the AFC South is shaping up to be one of the most tightly contested divisions in football - well, for three of the four teams, at least.
Let’s start with the Jacksonville Jaguars. After a statement win over the Colts on Sunday, the Jags have taken firm control of the division with a 9-4 record.
That victory wasn’t just another notch in the win column - it gave Jacksonville a head-to-head edge over Indianapolis and marked their first win over each AFC South rival this season. That matters.
In a division where tie-breakers could come into play, the Jags are quietly stacking advantages.
Meanwhile, things are unraveling for the Colts. After holding the division lead for much of the season, Indianapolis has now dropped three straight and four of their last five.
To make matters worse, quarterback Daniel Jones exited Sunday’s game with an injury, throwing even more uncertainty into a team that’s already stumbling. The Colts are still in the playoff hunt, but the wild card is now their most realistic path - and even that’s far from guaranteed.
Then there’s Houston. After an 0-3 start, the Texans have turned into one of the league’s most compelling comeback stories.
They’re sitting at 7-5 heading into Sunday night’s matchup with the Chiefs. Depending on that result, they’ll either be one game or two games back of Jacksonville.
Either way, they’re very much alive and have the kind of momentum - and schedule - that could make things very interesting down the stretch.
As for Tennessee? At 2-11, the Titans are locked into the basement of the division. There’s not much left to play for this season except pride and player development.
Here’s how the AFC South looks after Sunday’s action:
AFC South Standings (After Week 14)
1.
Jacksonville Jaguars - 9-4
2.
Indianapolis Colts - 8-5
3.
Houston Texans - 7-5
4.
Tennessee Titans - 2-11
Jaguars: In the Driver’s Seat
Jacksonville has a real opportunity to close strong. Their remaining schedule?
Manageable. They’ll host the Jets next week, then travel to Denver and Indianapolis before wrapping up the season against the Titans.
That Week 16 matchup at Denver is the biggest test - the Broncos have been one of the AFC’s most consistent teams this year - but the other three games are against teams with losing records or quarterback uncertainty.
And if Daniel Jones isn’t back for that Week 17 rematch with the Colts? That only tilts the odds further in Jacksonville’s favor.
Remaining Schedule:
- 12/14 vs.
Jets
- 12/21 @ Broncos
- 12/28 @ Colts
- TBD vs.
Titans
Colts: A Slippery Slope
The Colts are in a freefall, and the schedule isn’t doing them any favors. They’ll head to Seattle next week - never an easy place to play - then host the 49ers, who’ve been one of the NFC’s most complete teams all season. After that, it’s a pair of divisional games against the Jaguars and Texans, both of whom are currently ahead of them in the standings.
If Jones is sidelined for an extended period, Indianapolis will need to lean heavily on its defense and run game to stay afloat. But with the way things are trending, the Colts are in danger of sliding right out of the playoff picture.
Remaining Schedule:
- 12/14 @ Seahawks
- 12/22 vs. 49ers
- 12/28 vs.
Jaguars
- TBD @ Texans
Texans: Heating Up at the Right Time
Houston’s rise from 0-3 to 7-5 has been one of the more impressive turnarounds of the season. They’ve got a tough test Sunday night against the Chiefs, but after that, the schedule opens up. The Texans will host the Cardinals and Raiders - two teams that have struggled all year - before closing with road games against the Chargers and a potentially pivotal season finale against the Colts.
If Houston can steal one in Kansas City or run the table after that, they could be in position to not just make the playoffs, but challenge for the division crown.
Remaining Schedule:
- 12/7 @ Chiefs
- 12/14 vs. Cardinals
- 12/21 vs. Raiders
- TBD @ Chargers
- TBD vs.
Colts
The Final Stretch
With four weeks to go, the AFC South is shaping up to be a three-team race to the finish. The Jaguars have the edge - both in the standings and on the schedule - but the Texans and Colts aren’t out of it yet. Every divisional matchup from here on out carries weight, and with playoff spots and seeding on the line, expect fireworks.
Jacksonville’s path is clear. Indianapolis is teetering.
Houston is surging. And the Titans?
Well, they’re playing spoiler now.
Buckle up - the AFC South is about to get wild.