The AFC South just got a whole lot more interesting.
In a high-stakes Week 14 showdown between two division rivals with matching 8-4 records, the Jacksonville Jaguars made a loud statement - and it echoed across the AFC playoff landscape. With a dominant win over the Indianapolis Colts at EverBank Stadium, the Jags not only improved to 9-4, but also seized sole possession of first place in the division.
This wasn’t just a win. It was a message.
Jaguars Take Control
Jacksonville’s performance was everything you want from a team looking to separate itself in December. Now riding a four-game winning streak, Liam Coen’s squad is one of the hottest teams in the league - and they’re playing like they know it. The Jaguars are clicking in all phases, and this latest win puts them firmly in the driver’s seat in the AFC South.
They now sit atop the standings:
- Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4)
- Indianapolis Colts (8-5)
- Houston Texans (7-5) *(pending Sunday Night Football vs.
Kansas City)*
4.
Tennessee Titans (1-12)
The Jags have earned their spot at the top, and with just a few weeks left in the regular season, they’re starting to look like a team that could do more than just win the division - they could make some real noise in January.
Colts Face Setbacks
For the Colts, this loss stings - and not just because it came against a division rival. Shane Steichen’s team now finds itself in a precarious position.
At 8-5, they’re still second in the AFC South, but that could change quickly. If the Houston Texans manage to take down the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night, Indianapolis would fall to third place in the division.
And the challenges don’t stop there.
The quarterback situation in Indy is becoming a major concern. Daniel Jones’ Achilles injury has cast serious doubt on his availability for the rest of the season.
That’s a tough blow for a team already dealing with a crowded AFC playoff race and a tight divisional battle. The Colts will need to rally - and fast - if they want to stay in the hunt.
Playoff Picture Shifting
Sunday’s loss didn’t just knock the Colts down the division ladder - it also dealt a blow to their postseason hopes. After Week 14, Indianapolis holds just a 52% chance of making the playoffs. That’s a sharp drop from where they stood before kickoff.
Right now, they’re clinging to the No. 7 seed in the AFC. But if Houston pulls off a win over the Chiefs, the Colts would be on the outside looking in heading into Week 15.
Meanwhile, Jacksonville’s win solidifies their spot as the No. 3 seed in the conference. With a 96% chance of making the playoffs, they’re in great shape as they prepare for a Week 15 matchup against the New York Jets.
What’s Next?
The Jaguars are surging at just the right time. Their offense is finding rhythm, the defense is stepping up, and they’ve got momentum - which can be everything this time of year. If they can keep this going, they’ll be a tough out in the postseason.
The Colts, on the other hand, are suddenly in scramble mode. With a banged-up roster and a tough schedule ahead, they’ll need to dig deep to stay in the race. The margin for error is razor-thin, and every snap from here on out matters.
The AFC South is far from settled. But after Week 14, it’s clear who’s holding the cards - and it’s Jacksonville.