Jaguars fail to spurn momentum in the AFC South Week 7 Power Rankings
What a difference a game makes. Coming off a win over the Indianapolis Colts, it looked like the Jacksonville Jaguars could spurn momentum and potentially steer the ship in the right direction. Alas, it wasn't meant to be, and the Jags were pummeled by the Chicago Bears in Week 6.
Next, Jacksonville will face the New England Patriots in what seems to be a must-win game. This begs the question, are the Jags' division foes faring much better six weeks into the 2024 season? With this in mind, here's an AFC South power ranking.
4. Tennessee Titans
Previous ranking: 4th place
2024 record: 1-5
The Tennessee Titans thought they were farther in their rebuild than they really were. Otherwise, they wouldn't have signed wide receiver Calvin Ridley and traded for cornerback L'Jarius Sneed in the offseason. However, their underwhelming record in 2024 shows that they still have a long way to go.
One of their biggest issues this season has been their quarterback play. The Titans are giving sophomore Will Levis the chance to prove he's the long-term answer behind center, but he's come up short. To make matters worse, they don't have any better alternatives, with Mason Rudolph being not much more than a journeyman at this stage of his career.
It's not hyperbole to say that what seemed like a promising season for Tennessee has quickly gone off the rails.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
Previous ranking: 3rd place
2024 record: 1-4
The Jacksonville Jaguars aren't doing much better than the Titans but at least got the quarterback position sorted out. Then again, they're bracing themselves for what appears to be a busy offseason in 2025. Head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke are (or should be) on the hot seat. And barring a turnaround, both of them must be gone next year.
The silver lining is that the Jags were able to make the playoffs in 2022 after starting 3-9 that year. Maybe Pederson will work his magic once again, but he's quickly running out of time to make it happen.
2. Indianapolis Colts
Previous ranking: 2nd place
2024 record: 3-3
Despite dealing with lots of injuries, the Indianapolis Colts have managed to stay afloat for the second straight year. Sure, they could finish the season with an 8-9 record. That wouldn't be great but would still be better than the Jaguars if they keep the same pace.
Moreover, Indy could make a playoff push if Anthony Richardson manages to stay healthy and shows promise. The former Florida Gator flashed as a rookie but he's had trouble staying healthy. If he can shake the injury bug and develop, the Colts could — big emphasis on could — become a threat to the Houston Texans in 2024. Speaking of...
1. Houston Texans
Previous ranking: 1st
2024 record: 5-1
It's hard to see any AFC South dethroning the Houston Texans anytime soon. There was chatter about a potential sophomore C.J. Stroud but the second-year quarterback has picked up where he left off in 2023, and that's despite the fact that they placed star wide receiver Nico Collins on the Injured Reserve.
Without any significant opposition, Houston may coast to their second straight division championship, which should infuriate you if you're the Jags. After all, it was just two years ago when they had a strong grasp of the AFC South. Now? They're on pace to clinch a top-10 pick in the 2025 draft.
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