AFC South Recap Week 8: Indianapolis Colts on the Way Up

Week 8 was a fun week for two AFC south teams, but a miserable one for the other two division teams. One team may be on the rise.

The four AFC South teams went 2-2 on Sunday (and Thursday), including a team losing its fourth straight game, and a team winning its fifth straight game. Let us dive in to the division recap from this week and the Indianapolis Colts‘ chances of winning the division.

1. Houston Texans (5-2)

The Houston Texans have been on fire since starting out 0-2. Deshaun Watson has been building connections with his top targets DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller, since tearing his ACL last season. Houston’s defense has played at an elite level, and the Texans are possibly the hottest team in football – not to mention they just added Demaryius Thomas.

Week 8: Defeated Miami Dolphins 42-23

Week 9: @ Denver Broncos

2. Tennessee Titans (3-3)

The Titans are coming off a bye week after losing in London in week seven to the Los Angeles Chargers after their decision to go for two, down by one point, with less than a minute left in the game. The Tennessee offense really does not have an identity, with the inconsistent health and play of Marcus Mariota. The defense plays well, but when the offense cannot score, it is hard to win. I see a downward curve for the Titans for the rest of the year.

Week 8: BYE

Week 9: @ Dallas Cowboys

3. Indianapolis Colts (3-5)

The Indianapolis Colts are finally at full strength on offense, which should scare the rest of the division. In the team’s first game at full power, they put up just short of 500 yards, along with 42 points against the Oakland Raiders. The defense, led by rookie phenom Darius Leonard, gets better each week. The Colts may be starting to trend upward; their ceiling is limitless.

Week 8: Defeated Oakland Raiders 42-28

Week 9: BYE

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

What a fall from glory. The Jaguars were one defensive stop away from representing the AFC in the super bowl last year. They are currently dead last in the division after losing four straight. The vaunted Jacksonville defense has looked vulnerable all year long, and Blake Bortles‘ ineffectiveness does not help matters. This Jaguars team is one of the biggest disappointments in the league.

Week 8: Lost to Philadelphia Eagles 18-24

Week 9: BYE

The division is still up for grabs midway through the season, although it looks like Houston’s to lose. The Indianapolis Colts have four division opponents in their next five games, and that stretch will be a huge test for the team if they want to make a case to win the AFC South.