AFC South Week 3 power ranking: Jaguars keep descending while Texans stay at the top

Two weeks into the NFL season, it's hard to get hyped up about the Jacksonville Jaguars. Following a disappointing end to 2023, they spent the offseason making upgrades to both sides of the ball. However, you could make the case that didn't do nearly enough to address what truly were their biggest needs.

For instance, their offensive line was underwhelming in 2023 but the only big move they made was signing center Mitch Morse in free agency. While he's fared mostly well, the front office shouldn't have stopped with him. Instead of re-signing Ezra Cleveland, they could've looked for an upgrade at left guard in free agency or the draft. The same is true for the other guard spot.

So far, the Jags have given up 10 hits and seven sacks, many of them at crucial times. And without good protection, Trevor Lawrence has struggled mightily.

Now, the Jags find themselves in search of answers while the Houston Texans have built a two-game lead in the AFC South. This begs the question, how does the division look ahead of Week 3? Here's a look two games into the season.

4. Tennessee Titans

2024 record: 0-2

Previous ranking: 4

Like the Jags, Tennessee has struggled in the offensive trenches. The difference is that the latter made several moves in the offseason to upgrade the group. The biggest ones were going after center Lloyd Cushenberry III in free agency and later using a first-round selection on offensive tackle JC Lathman. Add the presence of 2023 first-round selection Peter Skoronski and the Titans were supposed to have a stout offensive line. That hasn't been the case.

Against the New York Jets in Week 2, Tennessee allowed 17 total pressures. Nicholas Petit-Frere led the way with nine, the most in a single game since 2018. Will Levis certainly deserves criticism for his inconsistent play but it's fair to wonder how much better he would be if had decent blocking up front.

Now, Tennessee is set to face a familiar face in Malik Willis when they face the Green Bay Packers in Week 3.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

2024 record: 0-2

Previous ranking: 3

Nobody will blame you if you're disappointed at how the Jaguars' season has started. They were expected to challenge the Houston Texans for the division crown but instead find themselves in a 0-2 hole. Jacksonville certainly has the pieces to turn things around, but as Travis Etienne said, what they need is hard workers, implying that not everyone is giving their best.

Doug Pederson should already be feeling the heat. Owner Shad Khan issued a mandate before the season, pointing out that this was the best Jaguars team ever and expected them to win.

The good news is that there's plenty of time to turn the corner but Doug P must work his magic. Otherwise, calls to bring Bill Belichick will get louder.

2. Indianapolis Colts

2024 record: 0-2

Previous ranking: 2

Based on how every non-Houston Texans team in the division stacks up, it feels like they're doing their best not to win football games. The truth is that the AFC South isn't really that good right now. Remember when analysts predicted there would be a three-way battle for the top spot in 2024? Guilty as charged.

One reason the Colts were expected to contend for the division crown was the return of Anthony Richardson to the lineup after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in 2023. In theory, he flashed as a rookie would pick up where he left off last year, but that hasn't been the case.

The fourth overall pick in 2023 has struggled in two games. The fact that the Colts' defense cannot stop opposing teams from running the ball hasn't helped matters. The silver lining is that Jonathan Taylor managed to register his first 100-yard game of the season in a frustrating loss to the Green Bay Packers.

1. Houston Texans

2024 record: 2-0

Previous ranking: 1

The Texans won't be taking their foot off the gas pedal anytime soon. Against the Chicago Bears in Week 2, they logged seven sacks. All those investments on the defensive trenches have paid off. On the other hand, C.J. Stroud was somewhat hampered by a leaky offensive line that is beginning to show its cracks.

Add the fact that Stefon Diggs hasn't been the player the Texans expected when they traded for him, and they'll continue to lean on their sout defensive front to win games.

Then again, Houston is still the team to beat in the AFC South despite their flaws because good teams find ways to win football games in spite of their shortcomings. They did in Week 2.

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