AFC South Power Rankings After Week 14: Texans Take Control, Colts Reeling
The AFC South has been one of the NFL’s most unpredictable divisions this season, and Week 14 only added more fuel to the fire. With Daniel Jones now sidelined by a torn Achilles, the playoff picture has shifted dramatically. What once felt like a wide-open race is quickly narrowing into a two-team sprint between the Texans and Jaguars, though the Colts-despite their recent slide-aren’t entirely out of the mix just yet.
Let’s take a closer look at how things are shaping up in the AFC South with just a few weeks left in the regular season.
4. Tennessee Titans (Last Week: 4)
Yes, the Titans managed to knock off the Browns in Week 14, but let’s be honest-this is still a team deep in the middle of a rebuild. A win’s a win, but it doesn’t change the fact that Tennessee is playing catch-up when it comes to roster talent, especially compared to the rest of the division.
That said, rookie quarterback Cam Ward has shown some intriguing flashes. He’s raw, but there’s something there.
The arm talent is real, and he’s starting to look more comfortable with each passing week. Still, the Titans are a few drafts away from seriously competing in the AFC South.
For now, they remain firmly in the basement.
3. Indianapolis Colts (Last Week: 2)
What a brutal turn of events for the Colts. Daniel Jones’ Achilles injury isn’t just a tough break for the quarterback-it’s a gut punch to a team that was 7-1 not long ago and looked like a lock for the postseason. Now sitting at 8-5, Indy’s playoff hopes are hanging by a thread.
Jones was in the middle of a quiet breakout campaign, playing efficient football and putting himself in position for a long-term deal. That’s all in jeopardy now. The injury likely forces him into another short-term, prove-it scenario next year, and for the Colts, it’s a massive setback at the worst possible time.
To make matters worse, the team is already without Sauce Gardner, who they gave up two first-round picks to acquire. The defense has taken a hit, and without Jones, the offense loses its rhythm. The Colts aren’t mathematically eliminated, but they’re trending in the wrong direction fast.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (Last Week: 3)
The Jaguars are 9-4, and while it hasn’t always been flashy, they’re finding ways to win. That’s a testament to coaching, composure, and a roster that’s starting to believe in itself. First-year head coach Liam Coen deserves credit-his team plays with discipline and doesn’t fold under pressure.
Jacksonville might still be a year away from being a serious postseason threat, but there’s no denying the progress. They’ve gotten contributions across the board, and the defense has made timely plays in big moments. The offense isn’t always explosive, but it’s efficient and balanced.
Are they ready to win a playoff game this year? That’s debatable. But the Jaguars are clearly building something sustainable, and with a 9-4 record, they’re right in the thick of the AFC South title race.
1. Houston Texans (Last Week: 1)
After starting the season 0-3, the Texans have ripped off eight wins in their last ten games and are now 8-5. That’s not just a turnaround-that’s a full-on resurgence. Their latest statement came on Sunday Night Football, where they took down the Kansas City Chiefs in front of a national audience.
The offensive line is finally gelling, giving the quarterback time to work through his reads and make plays downfield. The defense?
Still nasty. They’re flying to the ball, creating turnovers, and setting the tone every week.
With Daniel Jones out in Indy and Jacksonville still a bit green, Houston now looks like the most complete team in the division. The Texans are playing with confidence, swagger, and a sense of urgency that’s hard to ignore. If they keep this up, it won’t be long before they officially take over the top spot in the AFC South-and maybe even host a playoff game come January.
Bottom Line:
The AFC South has gone through a full-blown transformation over the past month.
The Colts are reeling, the Jaguars are growing, and the Texans are charging hard toward the finish line. With just a few weeks left, every game matters-and with a home playoff game on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Buckle up.