Jaguars stay at the bottom, Texans stumble in AFC South Week 13 Power Ranking

Week 13 could bring the 2024 season to an unceremonious end for the Jacksonville Jaguars. A loss to the Houston Texans will eliminate them from playing contention, but a win could very well just postpone the inevitable.

See, the Jags would need to win six consecutive games to have a shot at qualifying for the postseason, and even then, there would be no guarantee they would get in. Conversely, a loss at any point in the few weeks would bring their season to an abrupt halt. Then again, maybe that's what Jacksonville needs.

After all, head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke haven't done enough to turn the Jaguars into a perennial contender. Do you really want them to stay beyond 2024? That's what would happen if they make the playoffs or at the very least finish the season strong.

Perhaps the Jaguars just have to accept that they weren't/aren't very good in 2024, and cut their losses. Having said that, nobody would bat an eye if they beat the struggling Texans in Week 13 even though they're a five-point underdog. With that in mind, here's a power ranking of the AFC South.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

2024 record: 2-9

Previous ranking: 4

The Jaguars are a disjointed and puzzling team. Head coach Doug Pederson hasn't seemingly lost the locker room, as it was reported earlier this year. However, he doesn't appear to have a great rapport with his players.

In the same breath, players say they're giving their best and aren't ready to give up. Yet, their on-field performance hasn't been great. It's possible that they know change is inevitable and are bracing themselves for the worst. They're certainly playing like that's the case even if it isn't.

Granted, not everything has been doom and gloom for the Jags in 2024, but there's not much to salvage, and a lose to the Texans could ultimately make them turn their attention to the offseason.

3. Tennessee Titans

2024 record: 3-8

Previous ranking: 3

Coaches and players always speak in cliches, but you have to (begrudgingly) give credit to the Tennessee Titans for not throwing in the towel despite their underwhelming start to the season. Even though they have several glaring holes across the roster, never have they stopped fighting.

Heck, the Titans have stood by Will Levis even though he's left much to be desired. The former Kentucky Wildcat may or may not be their quarterback of the future but they're doing anything they can to ensure he's in a position to succeed.

In Week 12, Houston upset the Houston Texans, so maybe the Jags also have the chance. If they do lose though, it will show that the Titans are the team with the most heart, as cliche as that sounds.

2. Indianapolis Colts

2024 record: 5-7

Previous ranking: 2

The Indianapolis Colts went through a rough stretch early in the season. Benching Anthony Richardson certainly backfired, but they at least had the chance to rectify the mistake when Joe Flacco got hurt.

With enough time to adjust his approach, Richardson has made the most of his second chance, and Indy has benefited from it. In Week 13, they'll have a chance to narrow the gap between them and Houston with a win over the New England Patriots.

1. Houston Texans

2024 record: 7-5

Previous ranking: 1

Could the Jacksonville Jaguars bounce back and run the table? Probably not, but they aren't the only AFC South team that is struggling. The Houston Texans are in the midst of a funk and have had trouble building consistency this season. These division foes will meet in Week 13, so something has to give.

With a win, the Jaguars will keep their season alive, but Houston will do its best to prevent that from happening.

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