Week 15 AFC South Roundup: Rivers Returns, Lawrence Catches Fire, and a Breakout in Houston
Colts: Rivers Returns, But Colts Fall Short
Philip Rivers was back under center in Week 15, suiting up for the Colts in his first NFL action since 2021. And while the 42-year-old quarterback didn’t look out of place, the result wasn’t what Indianapolis hoped for, falling to the Seahawks in a game that came down to the wire.
Rivers, never one to make it about himself, was quick to shift attention to the team’s playoff hopes.
“I’m grateful that I was out there, and it was a blast,” Rivers said postgame. “But, obviously, the emotions now are disappointment.
This isn’t about me. We got a team that’s scrapping like crazy to try to stay alive and get in the postseason.”
That’s the mindset you expect from a veteran like Rivers - focused on the bigger picture. The Colts fought hard in what he described as a “grind-it-out” game, but couldn’t find the finishing touch. For a team still in the playoff hunt, every missed opportunity stings a little more.
With three games left, Rivers acknowledged there’s room for growth - but time is not on their side.
“If I can stay healthy, I feel good, and it is going to get better as we go,” he said. “But the catch is that we’ve got to win. It doesn’t really matter if it’s getting better as we go if we don’t win because it’s going to be over in three weeks.”
That’s the reality in December football. The margin for error is razor-thin, and while Rivers brings a calming presence and a deep well of experience, the Colts need results - and fast.
Jaguars: Lawrence Lights It Up in Career-Best Performance
Trevor Lawrence delivered the kind of game that reminds everyone why he was a No. 1 overall pick. Six total touchdowns.
A 48-20 blowout win. And perhaps the most confident version of Lawrence we’ve seen to date.
When asked whether he’s playing the best football of his career, Lawrence didn’t give a definitive answer - but he didn’t shy away from acknowledging how good it feels right now.
“This is as confident as I’ve felt,” Lawrence said. “Just the feeling in our locker room and our team and our offense. It’s been fun.”
And that’s the key word: fun. The Jaguars looked loose, explosive, and in rhythm - all signs of a team peaking at the right time. But Lawrence isn’t getting ahead of himself.
“We have to continue to build on that and can’t get complacent,” he said. “There’s still a lot more ahead of us. Some big games are coming up, so we have to continue to push and get better.”
That’s the kind of leadership you want from your franchise quarterback. Lawrence knows the job isn’t done - but if he keeps playing like this, Jacksonville is going to be a tough out down the stretch.
Texans: Jawhar Jordan Makes the Most of His Moment
The Texans may have found something in rookie running back Jawhar Jordan. With Nick Chubb and Woody Marks banged up, Jordan got the call - and he didn’t just answer, he kicked the door down.
In his NFL debut, Jordan rushed for 101 yards on 15 carries, showing burst, vision, and the kind of juice that jumps off the screen. Head coach DeMeco Ryans couldn’t have been more impressed.
“Jawhar did an outstanding job for us,” Ryans said. “He showed the explosiveness and the speed that he has and that we’ve seen in practice.”
Jordan’s been grinding on the practice squad, waiting for his shot. And when it came, he delivered - something Ryans emphasized as a defining moment.
“It shows, again, whenever your number is called, are you ready for that opportunity? No one knows until you get that moment,” Ryans said. “It’s about you taking advantage of that moment and not looking back - and I thought Jawhar handled it very well.”
As for Woody Marks, Ryans noted the rookie tweaked his ankle early in the game and could’ve returned, but with Jordan and Dare Ogunbowale running well, the Texans opted to play it safe.
“Just wanted to keep rolling with those guys to make sure Woody is good as we continue to go into the week,” Ryans added.
Injury-wise, linebacker E.J. Speed missed Week 15 with a knee issue but is expected back for Week 16 - a welcome return for a defense that’s been dealing with its share of attrition.
Looking Ahead
With three games left in the regular season, the AFC South is heating up. The Colts are clinging to postseason hopes with a veteran QB back in the saddle.
The Jaguars are riding a wave of momentum behind a red-hot Trevor Lawrence. And the Texans may have unearthed a new offensive weapon at just the right time.
December football is all about who can stay healthy, stay hot, and stay focused. And right now, all three teams have something to play for - and something to prove.