AFC South Heating Up: Jaguars, Colts, and Texans Locked in a Three-Team Race After Week 13
The AFC South has officially turned into one of the most compelling division races in football. With just five weeks left in the regular season, three teams are neck-and-neck, all fighting for the crown-and Sunday’s results only tightened the screws.
The Houston Texans kept their playoff hopes burning with a clutch win over the Colts in their first meeting of the season, while the Jacksonville Jaguars looked every bit like a contender in a dominant showing against the Titans. That win moved Jacksonville into first place in the division for the first time since Week 1, and with the Colts stumbling down the stretch, the race is wide open.
Here’s where things stand after Week 13:
AFC South Standings (Through Week 13)
| Rank | Team | Record |
|---|
| 1 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 8-4 | | 2 | Indianapolis Colts | 8-4 |
| 3 | Houston Texans | 7-5 | | 4 | Tennessee Titans | 1-11 |
Let’s break it down.
Jaguars: Back on Top and Gaining Momentum
Jacksonville has quietly put together a strong second half. After a midseason lull, they’ve won three of their last four and now sit atop the AFC South thanks to a better divisional record.
What’s working for them? Balance.
The offense is clicking, the defense is creating turnovers, and they’ve got a favorable stretch coming up. But the key to their division hopes?
Two remaining games against the Colts-one at home this week, and another in Indy in Week 17. Those two matchups could very well decide the division.
And while the Jags do have a tough road trip to Denver looming, they also get to host the Jets and Titans-two teams that have struggled mightily all season. If Jacksonville takes care of business in the games they should win, they’ll be in prime position to lock up the South.
Colts: From Front-Runners to Fighting for First
Not long ago, the Colts looked like they were in control of the division. But three losses in their last four games have thrown them into a dogfight. Sunday's loss to Houston was a gut punch, and now they’ve got to regroup quickly-with a brutal schedule ahead.
Indy faces five straight playoff contenders to close the season. That includes two games against the surging Jaguars, a prime-time showdown with the 49ers, a road trip to Seattle, and a potentially massive Week 18 finale in Houston.
This is a team that still has the talent to win the division-but they’ll have to earn it the hard way. Every game from here on out feels like a playoff game, and if they want to reclaim the top spot, they’ll need to play like it.
Texans: The Dark Horse No One Wants to Face
Don’t look now, but the Texans are one of the hottest teams in the league. Winners of five of their last six and seven of their last nine, Houston is surging at just the right time. They’re playing with confidence, and more importantly, they’re winning close games.
The schedule ahead is no cakewalk-they’ve got road games against the Chiefs and Chargers-but they also get two winnable home games against the Cardinals and Raiders. And if they’re still in the hunt come Week 18, they’ll get to host the Colts in what could be a winner-take-all showdown for the division.
Houston’s formula has been simple: play fast, stay aggressive, and lean on a young core that’s growing up quickly. If they keep riding this wave, don’t be surprised if they crash the AFC South party late.
Titans: Season Slipping Away
It’s been a rough ride in Tennessee. At 1-11, the Titans have already clinched last place in the division and are the only team in the NFL with just one win. Injuries, inconsistency, and a lack of explosiveness on both sides of the ball have defined a forgettable season.
Their remaining schedule includes a finale against the Jaguars, but at this point, they’re playing for pride-and potentially for draft position.
What’s Next: Key Matchups to Circle
Here’s a look at what each contender has left on the schedule:
Colts Remaining Schedule
- 12/7: @ Jaguars
- 12/14: @ Seahawks
- 12/22: vs. 49ers
- 12/28: vs. Jaguars
- TBD: @ Texans
This is as tough as it gets. Four of their final five games are against teams with playoff aspirations. If the Colts are going to win the South, they’ll have to earn it against some of the league’s best.
Jaguars Remaining Schedule
- 12/7: vs.
Colts
- 12/14: vs.
Jets
- 12/21: @ Broncos
- 12/28: @ Colts
- TBD: vs.
Titans
The Jaguars have a chance to control their own destiny. Win the games they’re favored in, split with the Colts, and they might just ride into the playoffs as division champs.
Texans Remaining Schedule
- 12/7: @ Chiefs
- 12/14: vs. Cardinals
- 12/21: vs. Raiders
- 12/28: @ Chargers
- TBD: vs.
Colts
Houston’s path is tricky but manageable. The Chiefs and Chargers will test them, but if they can steal one of those and hold serve at home, that Week 18 game against Indy could be huge.
Final Thoughts: A Three-Way Sprint to the Finish
The AFC South has transformed into a three-team race with real stakes and real drama. The Jaguars have the edge right now, but the Colts and Texans are right there, waiting for a slip-up. With head-to-head matchups still to come, this division won’t be decided until the final whistle of Week 18.
Get ready-this one’s going down to the wire.