Jaguars fall further behind in these AFC South rankings ahead of Week 9

After the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Miami Dolphins in Week 6, some (wrongfully) thought they would dispose of the Seattle Seahawks in Week 8. However, the Jags took a beating and no longer look like a young a promising team. This is especially frustrating for two reasons.

On one hand, Jacksonville had shown progress for most of the season but they suddenly looked overwhelmed against a Seahawks team that was without his best player. Also, beating Seattle would have helped the Jaguars keep up in the AFC South. Heading into Week 8, they were third behind the Indianapolis Colts and the Tennessee Titans. A win over the Hawks would have ensured they got closer to the second-place Colts. However, they couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity and stayed in the same spot.

So how does the division currently look? Here’s an AFC South power ranking ahead of Week 9.

The Jaguars avoid the cellar but that’s not something to brag about.

If the Houston Texans weren’t as bad as they currently are, the Jags would take this spot. However, it’s hard to justify ranking Jacksonville at the bottom of the division knowing the Texans have been awful in the last seven games.

Houston’s offense currently ranks 31st in points scored, and dead last in points allowed. Losing Tyrod Taylor to injury certainly hurt but it’s highly unlikely that the Texans’ overall record would be much better with him at the helm. Rookie quarterback Davis Mills showed progress early on but has come crashing down in recent weeks.

The 2021 Texans are reminiscent of the 2020 Jaguars. Just like Houston, the Jags won the season opener but went on to lose the following 15. It doesn’t look like the Texans will get much better, will history repeat itself in the AFC South in back-to-back years?