State of the AFC South: Week 5

For the fourth week in a row, the four teams in the AFC South did not combine for a winning record. Of course, this week, that was nearly impossible since all games were within the division. Let's take a look to see how all of the teams did.

Houston Texans (3-1)

Looking Back: After getting blown out in New England, and losing JJ Watt for the season, it was safe to wonder what direction the Texans might go. Fortunately, Houston had a home game against the Tennessee Titans to try and get back on track. And that they did, with a 27-20 win over their division rivals. Still, it was not an overly impressive game, as Brock Osweiler threw a couple more interceptions, and the Texans let the Titans hang around a little too long. But the important thing for the Texans is that they got the win, are now 1-0 in the South, and two games up on all other teams. Oh and Will Fuller was AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

Looking Ahead: The Texans have a tough draw this week. They travel north to take on the undefeated Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings boast one of the league's best defenses, and an offense that is coming into its own. This is a team that forces a lot of mistakes from opposing offenses, and the Texans offense has been prone to making mistakes.

Prediction: Vikings should win this one fairly easily, I think

Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3)

Looking Back: The Jaguars didn't impress in London against the Colts, but they got the win nonetheless. It marked the first time that the Jaguars defeated Andrew Luck as well. And it's very possible that this win bought Gus Bradley at least a few more weeks as the coach. Unfortunately for Jacksonville, they lost Luke Joeckel for the season, which hurts an already sub-par line. Like I said, it wasn't impressive, but a win is a win, and it could get the ball rolling for a young, but talented, team.

Looking Ahead: The Jaguars are on the bye this week after their London trip.

Tennessee Titans (1-3)

Looking Back: As noted, the Titans lost to the Texans this weekend. Honestly, this Titans team isn't as bad as I suspected they would be. Their problem, though, is Marcus Mariota, or rather how he is being used. The Titans don't seem to be using Mariota to his full potential, and it definitely seems to be hampering him. You would notice for the Titans (especially against the Raiders and Lions) Mariota looks great in the hurry-up offense, but the Titans are primarily playing power football during the rest of the game. Sound familiar?

Looking Ahead: The Titans head to Miami to take on the Dolphins this Sunday. Probably. With a hurricane set to hit the East Coast, this game could definitely have a shifted time or day. The NFL has played in a hurricane before (Dolphins-Steelers in the early 2000s comes to mind), so this could go on as planned. It will likely be raining, and that favors a slow game, which the Titans play. The Dolphins haven't been good this year either, so this could be a rough one.

Prediction: You know what? Give me the Titans to take the win.

Indianapolis Colts (1-3)

Looking Back: As you are all very aware, the Colts lost in London on Sunday. It was bad. And we've basically revisited everything we talked about last year. No pass rush, no pass protection, no running game, bad coaching, fire everyone, blah, blah, blah. You all know the drill.

Looking Ahead: Unlike the Jaguars (and every other team that has played a London game) the Colts will play again this Sunday. They'll return to Lucas Oil Stadium to take on the Chicago Bears, who have also been unimpressive this season. It is likely that the Colts old friends (from his Texan days) Brian Hoyer will get the start.

Prediction: Everything tells me that the Colts should really beat the Bears. They're better than the Bears. They also haven't beaten the Bears in 12 years (we'll visit that on Throwback Thursday tomorrow). I think they should win. But this team is bad enough that they could lose to Chicago. I'll still take the Colts.