Jaguars getting comfortable at the bottom in AFC South Week 12 Power Ranking

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in the midst of a funk. They've lost four straight games, and it's hard to see them accomplishing much in what's left of the season. Heck, fans are just waiting for head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke to get the boot, which may or may not happen in 2024. That said, not everything is doom and gloom.

Even if the 52-6 score didn't reflect it, players haven't given up just yet. Sure, it didn't have an impact on the outcome of the Week 11 game, but they deserve props for not throwing in the towel even though they could. Another positive on the team's four-game losing streak is that Jacksonville just realized just how valuable Trevor Lawrence is.

The former Clemson Tiger is dealing with a shoulder sprain. He's trending in the right direction, and maybe he'll return after the BYE. For the time being, his absence has loomed large. So just how awful has the offense been without him? They managed to score a combined 13 points in the games No. 16 sat out.

There was always going to be a dip in production from Lawrence to Mac Jones but nobody would've thought it was going to be that steep. This begs the question, how do the underwhelming Jaguars stack up against other teams in the AFC South? Glad you asked, here's a power ranking of the division ahead of Week 12.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

2024 record: 2-9

Previous ranking: 4

At this point, it's hard to expect much from the Jaguars. It was reported that they could move on from Doug Pederson if they got blown out by the Chicago Bears. That's what happened and the head coach remains in place.

If anything fans should be rooting for Jacksonville to lose as many games as possible, as much as it may hurt. After all, the likelihood of Pederson returning will increase if the Jaguars finish strong. Similarly, they will miss out on the first overall selection in 2025 if they rack up a few extra wins the rest of the way. Basically, they're better off embracing the tank.

3. Tennessee Titans

2024 record: 2-8

Previous ranking: 3

Although the Tennessee Titans and the Jags have nearly identical records, you could make the case that the latter is in a better position right now. Sure, Jacksonville has a long-term answer at quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, but the Titans seem like a promising team on the rise that could contend for a playoff spot next year if they have a productive offseason.

The truth is that it's disappointing that the Jaguars are in the cellar of the division when the Titans were projected to finish last in 2024. Nobody would blame Jags fans if they feel like punching a wall while watching Tennessee do better.

2. Indianapolis Colts

2024 record: 5-6

Previous ranking: 2

You have probably heard that sometimes you need to take a step back to take a few forward. That appears to be the case with Anthony Richardson and the Indianapolis Colts. After all, it wasn't long ago that head coach Shane Steichen got lots of flak for rolling with quarterback Joe Flacco because he thought he gave Indy a better chance of winning than his sophomore counterpart.

Fast forward to Week 11, and Richardson got his job back. He made the most out of it, completing 66.7 percent of his throws for 272 yards with one touchdown. As Lions head coach Dan Campbell said, the Colts have taken the cuffs off the former Florida Gator. It will be interesting to see how he fares against the team that put up 52 points on the Jaguars in Week 11.

1. Houston Texans

2024 record: 7-4

Previous ranking: 1

At last, the Houston Texans stopped the bleeding. Having lost three of their last four games, they beat the Dallas Cowboys in Week 11 to get their seventh win of the season. Nobody thought they would go undefeated but it was a bit surprising to see them struggle.

In Week 12, the Texans will have a chance to start a winning streak against the rival Tennessee. One game later, they'll face the Jaguars for the second time this season.

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