Jaguars make at last progress in Week 15 AFC South ranking after win vs. Titans

The Jacksonville Jaguars haven't had many reasons to celebrate this season, but they got one when they beat the Tennesee Titans in Week 14. While the victory moved them away from the first overall pick, it gave them a morale boost, something the locker room sorely needed.

Granted, the win may not be as meaningful because the Jags have already been eliminated from playoff contention, but it could ultimately give them a reason to finish their season. They'll next face off against the 3-10 New York Jets, so there's a chance they'll get their second win in a row. This begs the question, how's the rest of the AFC South doing? With that in mind, here's a power ranking of the division ahead of Week 15.

4. Tennessee Titans

2024 record: 3-10

Previous ranking: 3

The Tennessee Titans don't have much to hang their hat on this season. Then again, you will be hard-pressed to find someone who thought they were going to make a playoff push in 2024. While they showed promise in recent weeks, they failed to get their offense going against Jacksonville. It will be interesting to see how much time Will Levis will get to prove he's the long-term answer at quarterback.

The Tennessee defense, on the other hand, limited the Jaguars to just 10 points, but that was mostly because Mac Jones has struggled behind center. Then again, they have a pretty good front seven, so they have at least something to build on next year.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

2024 record: 3-10

Previous ranking: 4

With four weeks left in the season, speculation about head coach Doug Pederson continues, with many fans wondering when he will get the boot. At this point, firing him in the upcoming weeks seems unlikely. If owner Shad Khan does pull the trigger, it will probably be until the offseason. Heck, the Jags were embarrassed against the Chicago Bears in Week 13 and nothing happened to either Pederson or general manager Trent Baalke.

One thing is certain, the Jaguars won't be hiring Bill Belichick as he took a job at North Carolina. That means they'll have to set their sights on someone else to replace Pederson. It's this writer's opinion that they should do whatever they can to court Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

2. Indianapolis Colts

2024 record: 6-7

Previous ranking: 2

Unlike last year, there's been a two-team race in the AFC South last year, and it looks like the Indianapolis Colts still have a chance to knock the Houston Texans out of first place. Working in Indy's favor is that their remaining schedule is relatively easy. Then again, beating the ascending Denver Broncos may turn out to be a tall order.

In the end, though, there's a chance that the Colts miss out on the playoffs, and nobody will bat an eye if they do.

1. Houston Texans

2024 record: 8-5

Previous ranking: 1

Like the Indianapolis Colts, the Houston Texans are coming off their Bye, which is good when you take into account that a gauntlet awaits them to end the season. They'll face the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs in back-to-back weeks after playing the Miami Dolphins. They'll then finish the year against the Tennessee Titans.

How the Titans finish the year will show just how ready for the playoffs they are, but it's fair to say that they weren't the threat they were thought to be ahead of the regular season.

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