With matchup vs. Texans looming, Colts very much in the mix in AFC South race

Somehow, the Indianapolis Colts are just one game out of first place in the AFC South. Yes, after a terrible start to the season and just a 2-3 record through five games, the Colts are very much in the mix in the division race.

In other words, the AFC South is the gift that just keeps on giving.

Next week, the Colts will travel to Houston for a huge Sunday Night Football matchup with the Texans. If Houston wins, they remain in first place. If Indianapolis wins? They’ll move into a tie for first place, but have the edge due to the head-to-head tiebreaker. So in a week, it’s entirely possible that the Colts will be atop the AFC South again.

It won’t be easy, though, mainly because nothing will be for this Colts team this year. They’re not a good team, but with Andrew Luck and the offense (plus Adam Vinatieri) they’ll be competitive in a lot of games, giving them chances to pull out wins. If they can do that on the road against a Texans team that got beat handily today in a 31-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, they’ll be right back atop the AFC South.

The Jaguars had a bye week this week, but here’s what the current standings in the division look like.

1. Houston Texans (3-2)

2. Tennessee Titans (2-3)

3. Indianapolis Colts (2-3)

4. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3)

So yeah, next week’s game is a pretty big one, because it’s a pivotal point in the AFC South race this season.