The Jacksonville Jaguars are currently the best team in the AFC South but the Houston Texans would like to join the conversation. After an 0-2 start, the Texans are beginning to hit their stride, winning four of their last six games. Before their BYE, the Jags had a three-game lead in the division but Houston is doing their best to narrow the gap.
But what abou the Indianapolis Colts and the Tennessee Titans? How do they stack up against the rest of the divison ? With that in mind, here's an AFC South Ranking heading into Week 10:
4. team in the AFC South in Week 10: Tennessee Titans (3-5)
While it's hard to see the Tennessee Titans getting hot the rest of the way, this isn't necessarily a wasted season. For one, they can see if Will Levis is their quarterback of the future. With Ryan Tannehill nursing an ankle injury, Levis, a second-round pick in this year's draft, got the starting nod in Week 7.
The former Kentucky Wildcat has flashed the last two games but he's also shown that he's still got a long way to go. This led the Titans to announce that he'll remain under center and Tannehill will be the backup moving forward. Barring injury to his rookie counterpart, there's a chance Tannehill played his last snap as a Titan.
Ryan Tannehill will be a free agent after the season, completing his 4-year, $118M contract. He originally came in as the backup, took over as the starter and led some memorable moments in Tennessee, including multiple playoff appearances.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 7, 2023
But now it’s officially Will Levis… https://t.co/ykuzYZyOpz
If Levis makes progress, Tennessee can then turn their attention to other parts of the roster. Their defense remains stout even after trading All-Pro safety Kevin Byard but most position groups on offense could use some reinforcements. In particular, their wide receiver corps and the offensive line could use a boost.
Next on the Titans' schedule are the Tampa Bay Buccaners. It will be another opportunity to assess Levis' long-term viability and the rest of the roster.
3. team in the AFC South Power in Week 10: Indianapolis Colts (4-5)
The Indianapolis Colts have lots of roster holes and Anthony Richardson is out for the year with a shoulder injury. Yet, they have managed to stay competitive and head coach Shane Steichen deserves credit for that. You could argue that they just beat the worst team in the league, the Carolina Panthers, but a win is a win and owner Jim Irsay celebrated accordingly.
Hold up, wait a minute, ya’ll thought we were finished. - Meek Mill (and also me) 🏈🕺 pic.twitter.com/itIc8xcNF0
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) November 6, 2023
Leaving aside Irsay's dance, the Colts have reasons for optimism, even if a playoff berth doesn't seem feasible right now. Their defense has talent at all three levels. Cornerback Kenny Moore II had two pick-sixes against the Panthers and the defensive front has been able to create havoc at the line scrimmage even without defensive tackle Grover Stewart, who's serving a suspension for violations to the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy.
The offense has also done its part. In fact, they rank seventh in the league in points scored and 12th in total yards. One big reason is the return of All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor, who started the season on Injured Reserve. But even without Taylor, the running game was clicking due to the presence of Zack Moss.
One thing that could help Indianapolis finish the season strong is that they have a favorable schedule in the second half of the season. They already beat the Baltimore Ravens earlier this year and the toughest team remaining on their slate is the Cincinnati Bengals. Maybe, just maybe, the Colts do have a shot at making the playoffs.
2. team in the AFC South in Week 10: Houston Texans (4-2)
Could the Texans be this year's version of the 2022 Jaguars? Perhaps not but it shouldn't be ruled out either. Last season, the Jags started 2-6 but won seven of their last six games to win the AFC South and qualify for the postseason. Move forward to 2023, and Jacksonville is No. 1 in the division heading into Week 10. However, Houston has managed to keep up with them, beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to get to despite the fact that they lost kicker Ka'mi Fairbairn.
This is noteworthy because it was a close game. If running back Dare Ogunbowale hadn't come up in the clutch and nailed a field goal, there's a chance Houston might've lost. Leaving aside Ogunbowale's heroics, C.J. Stroud continues to have a banner year, throwing for a rookie-record 470 passing yards and five touchdowns, giving him 14 for the season.
Stroud isn't the only first-year player showing out for the Texans though. Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. has only logged two sacks but leads all rookie edge rushers in total pressures with 29. It's fair to say that he and Stroud give Houston a couple of foundational pieces to build around.
The Texans are set to face the Jaguars in Week 12. If they find a way to win the next two games, things could get interesting. They already beat them in Week 3, so this could turn out to be a pivotal game for both clubs.
1. team in the AFC South in Week 10: Jacksonville Jaguars (6-2)
The Jaguars had a fruitful first half to the 2023 season, posting a 6-2 record, the best one they've posted since 1999. Also, they're the only team in the league to remain undefeated on the road. Led by Trevor Lawrence, their offense ranks 10th in points scored while the defense ranks eighth in points surrendered.
That said, the Jaguars must improve in a couple areas in the upcoming weeks. In particular, their third-down efficiency leaves a lot to be desired. Their 36.4 percent completion rate ranks 25th in the league and is one of the reasons their drives don't always lead to points. The fact that they're set to have a tough slate of opponents won't make things any easier for Jacksonville.
Following their bout against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10, they'll have a couple of divisional games. They'll then play three potentitial contenders in the Baltimore Ravens, the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. How they fare in that six-week stretch will show what kind of team the Jaguars truly are.
This isn't to say the Jags are a slouch. Far from it. They have lots of depth and talent across the roster. They also have a head coach in Doug Pederson that will demand the best from his players but will also put them in a position to succeed.
The bottom line is that the Jacksonville Jaguars have fared well so far. But the NFL is not about how you start but rather how you finished. They'll have a prime opportunity in the second half of the season to show their 6-2 record is no fluke.