State of the AFC South: Week 9

I'm coming to you this week from enemy territory, as well as the place I call home. Wisconsin, land of the Packers. But I'll touch more on the Colts next opponent a bit later in the article. Let's get to the teams as a whole this week. The South went 2-2 this week, again featuring an inter-division matchup.

Houston Texans (5-3)

Looking Back: The Texans picked up a win in a game I didn't expect them to. They were able to outlast the Lions, holding Matthew Stafford and the offense to only 13 points. It was the Texans running game that kept them going, as late in the game they were able to bleed the clock quite a bit. This win came amidst rumors that Brock Osweiler has lost confidence in his ability to play QB. Not exact what you want to hear about your $72 million player. Still, Houston got the win, and had a comfortable lead in the division going into the bye.

Looking Ahead: The Texans are on the bye.

Tennessee Titans (4-4)

Looking Back: After a missed opportunity against the Colts, the Titans turned around on a short week and thumped the Jaguars. The score was 27-0 at halftime, and I think that's when most of us turned our attention to the World Series (if you hadn't done that already). The Titans rolled against the Jaguars and certainly looked like a much better team than the squad that played the Colts. The win kept the Titans alive and well in the division.

Looking Ahead: After a 10 day rest, the Titans travel to the west coast to take on the Chargers. This game could realistically take on the shape of the Titans game against the Colts, as the Chargers are a similar team. San Diego has shown an ability to get ahead, but find a way to blow a game. Unfortunately, the Titans are not built to fall behind and pull out a comeback. If the Titans defense can contain Rivers, then maybe they have a chance.

Prediction: I think the Chargers will get their points, and the Titans won't be able to keep up.

Indianapolis Colts (3-5)

Looking Back: The Colts were dreadful against the Chiefs. Dreadful. The defense was predictably bad, and the offense followed their lead. To add injury to insult, it looks like Vontae Davis will be unavailable for the Colts this Sunday. Throw in TY Hilton's hamstring, and suddenly two impact players might be out. It wasn't a good Sunday.

Looking Ahead: It doesn't get any easier for the Colts. They travel to Green Bay where the Colts haven't won since 1988. They'll be facing Aaron Rodgers, which doesn't really give me confidence that they will get the win. The Colts have been torched by QBs not even close to the class of Rodgers. With no pass rush, it could get ugly.

Prediction: I honestly don't see any way the Colts win unless they score on literally every drive.

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5)

Looking Back: The Jaguars were ripped apart by the Titans last Thursday, and looked dreadful in the first half. Which was a sad reminder that the Colts did, in fact, lose to them. The team proceeded to fire their offensive coordinator, which doesn't look good for the long term future of Gus Bradley. This is a team with high expectations that might be worse than they were last year. Maybe.

Looking Ahead: The Jaguars join the other two teams in the division by going on the road. Jacksonville is headed to Kansas City to face a Chiefs team that dominated the Colts. It's possible that the Jaguars offense could be improved with a new coordinator, but Blake Bortles still needs to cut down on his mistakes. Against a Chiefs defense that is fantastic at taking away the ball, it doesn't look good (on paper) for the Jaguars.

Prediction: The Chiefs will win this one. No doubt. So yes, looks like I have the South getting swept this week.