Jaguars' downward spiral continues in Week 5 AFC South Power Rankings

The Jacksonville Jaguars are quickly losing control of the 2024 NFL season. Things have gotten so bad that reports about head coach Doug Pederson losing the locker room surfaced after their Week 4 loss to the Houston Texans.

The silver lining is that several players, including Trevor Lawrence, have gone on the record to refute the report. But even if Pederson hasn't lost the locker room, that's just the beginning of their troubles.

Currently, the Jags are the only winless team in the NFL. And while not everything is gloom and doom, their mistakes have outweighed everything they have going for them. This begs the question, how does Jacksonville stack up against their division foes right now? With that in mind here's an AFC South ranking ahead of Week 5.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

2024 record: 0-4
Previous ranking: 4

It's hard to get hyped up about the Jaguars when they've been plagued by self-inflicted wounds. Looking back, their losses to the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns in Weeks 1 and 2, respectively, look even worse when you take into account that neither team has been impressive this season.

Similarly, falling to the Houston Texans after having a legitimate chance to win stings badly. The good news is that Jacksonville did just enough in the loss to make you think that they can beat the Indianapolis Colts if they cut down on the mistakes and put it all together.

Whether the Jags pull it off remains to be seen, but the last thing they want is to embarrass themselves the same day Tom Coughlin will be inducted into the Pride of the Jaguars.

3. Tennessee Titans

2024 record: 1-3
Previous ranking: 3

You have to give it to the Tennessee Titans, who racked up their first win of the season when they beat the lowly Miami Dolphins in Week 4. You could make the case that the Phins aren't currently doing great, but they're the same team that beat Jacksonville in the opener. That said, the Titans have a long way to go.

Sure, their running game was clicking, but they had trouble reaching the end zone. Fortunately for the Titans, kicker Nick Folk nailed five field goals, two of them from 50+ yards out. On the other hand, Will Levis will be out for an indefinite period of time after suffering a shoulder injury. Still, they got their first win of the season, a feat that's still evading the Jags entering Week 5.

2. Indianapolis Colts

2024 record: 2-2
Previous ranking: 2

The 2024 Indianapolis Colts resemble their last year's counterpart. Despite losing Anthony Richardson and other key contributors, they've managed to stay afloat. Then again, they're going to face the bane of their existence in Week 5: the 0-4 Jaguars.

Usually, teams wouldn't be afraid of Jacksonville. The trouble is that Indy has had trouble winning at EverBank Stadium. Heck, the last time they beat the Jags as visitors was in the distant year of 2014. Not even in 2020 or 2021, when the Jaguars were at their lowest, were the Colts able to leave the Bank with a win.

Not surprisingly, head coach Shane Steichen is taking the divisional bout seriously, even if the Jags haven't done enough to make you keep the streak alive.

If the Colts manage to get the win, Jaguars fans will deservedly feel the need to take the figurative pitchforks out.

1. Houston Texans

2024 record: 3-1
Previous ranking: 1

After losing their first game of 2024 against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3, the Houston Texans bounced back nicely against the Jacksonville Jaguars. With their back against the ropes, they managed to squeeze a win by scoring the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Granted, the Texans looked vulnerable but still managed to win in Week 4. Heck, the Jaguars should feel frustrated about letting the win slip through their fingers. Had they won, Houston would only have a one-game lead over the Jags. The gap has now widened even more.

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