Midseason Division Breakdown: AFC South

 Next up in my midseason division breakdown is the AFC South. This division was not expected to be one of the strongest in the NFL, and overall, it’s been a below-average division at best. The combined record is 13-18, and none of these teams have easy schedules in November. 

Division-Leading Texans

Let’s start with the Houston Texans. Almost everyone around the NFL was predicting the Texans would win the division. So far, it’s looking like they were correct. They lead the division by two games with a 6-2 record.

The Texans were the surprise of the NFL last season. They went from picking second in the draft to making the playoffs. They were led by rookie quarterback CJ Stroud who had one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history.

Despite the 6-2 record, everything has not gone smoothly. They were blown out by the Vikings in Week three, 34-7. Despite losing by just two points in Green Bay, the Texans were dominated on both sides of the ball. Stroud threw for under 100 yards in the game. The only reason the game was close was because of three Packer turnovers.

The Texans offense has not been the same since losing star wide receiver Nico Collins to a strained hamstring. They need him back sooner rather than later especially with fellow wide receiver Stephon Diggs out for the season with a torn ACL. With a healthy Collins, the Texans should win this division and compete for a Super Bowl.

Read More: The Houston Texans’ Wide Receiver Stefon Diggs Out for Season: Explanation and Updates

Second Place Colts

The Colts started 0-2, losing to Super Bowl contenders Houston and Green Bay. Then they won four out of five before losing again to the Texans this past Sunday. If the Colts had won one of those games against Houston, they would be tied for the division lead. 

After another poor performance from Richardson, the Colts decided to make a change. Veteran Joe Flacco will now start this Sunday at Minnesota. This should not come as a surprise. When Richardson missed two games with injury, the offense looked much better with Flacco under center. Richardson can now work on his accuracy issues while the Colts turn to Flacco as they try to stay in the division race.

It’s not going to be an easy stretch, however. Their four November games are against the Vikings, Bills, Jets, and Lions. The Colts could easily lose all four. I could also see them grinding out two victories if Flacco plays well. If they can do that, the Colts will be 6-6 and could be still in the division race.

Read More: “Franchise Moving Backwards” Indianapolis Colts Bench Anthony Richardson, and Fans Erupt

Two Win Jaguars

The Jaguars have had all kinds of issues this season. They paid their quarterback Trevor Lawrence $55 million a year for the next five seasons. While he has shown flashes of being a franchise quarterback, he has not played up to that contract. He is not a top-10 QB in the NFL but is being paid like one.

Lawrence is not the only issue. The Jaguars defense has struggled mightily. They rank 29th in yards allowed and 31st against the pass. If you watch their 47-10 loss to Buffalo, you will see Jaguar’s defenders miss assignments multiple times. This led to big plays by the Bills and a lopsided score.

It’s not a total lost season. Rookie wide receiver and first-round pick Brian Thomas Jr already is their best playmaker. The offense has looked good at times. But the defense is one of the worst units in the league and showing no signs of getting any better. The duo of general manager Trent Baalke and head coach Doug Pederson does not seem to be working. If the Jags don’t turn it around, they could both be out of a job at the end of the season.

Read More: Devastating Blow: Ex-Eagles Calls Trevor Lawrence’s $55 Million Deal ‘Garbage’

Last Place Titans

Finally, we have the Tennessee Titans. I don’t think anyone expected the Titans to be a playoff team. But I do think their fans expected them to at least compete in the division. That has not happened, and the Titans are currently 1-6 and in last place. The last time they won the division was in 2021 and it’s not likely to change anytime soon.

The problem for the Titans is on the offensive side of the ball. Second-year quarterback Will Levis has been well, pretty awful if I am being honest. He has a knack for giving the defense turnovers at inopportune times. When Levis has missed time with various injuries, the offense has looked better with backup Mason Rudolph.

Levis is not the only problem with the offense. The Titans offensive line is a mess. The unit has struggled to pass block and the Titans are 31st in passing yards per game. In a lot of their games, Levis is running for his life. The Titan’s offseason will have to focus on fixing both the offensive line and the QB situation.

It’s not all bad for the Titans despite only having one win. Their defense is first in the NFL in yards allowed and first in passing yards allowed. If they can overhaul the offense this team has a chance to compete in the division next season. They will likely get a top-five draft pick where they can target either an offensive lineman, a playmaking wide receiver, or possibly a QB to replace Levis.

Read More: Tennessee Titans: Colt Anderson May be the Most Hated Special Teams Coordinator in the Country

Final Thoughts

The AFC South is not a strong division overall. You have one legit contender in the Texans. The Colts have a talented roster, but they are still trying to figure out the quarterback situation. The Jaguars and the Titans won’t contend in the division this season. Both of them do have a chance to turn it around next year. The Jaguars need to fix their defense, and the Titans need to fix their offense. It’s possible that the AFC South could be a much improved and entertaining division in 2025. 

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