AFC South Roundup: Week 8

Tennessee Titans (5-1)

Score this week: Lost to the Steelers 24-27.

The Titans lost a really good game against the undefeated Steelers. Derrick Henry was stifled throughout the game as Pittsburgh’s defense constantly forced the ball into Ryan Tannehill’s hands. A.J Brown continued his hot stretch and, with the departure of DeAndre Hopkins in the offseason, he is now inarguably the best wide receiver in the division. The Titans defense continued struggling in the red zone, as they are the worst defense inside their own 20 in the NFL, which bodes well for a Colts team that has been struggling on offense in that area.

Injuries: Rookie cornerback Kristian Fulton questionable for Week 8 with a knee injury.

The Titans secondary is dealing with injuries to both Kristian Fulton and Adoree Jackson. The Colts witnessed in first hand just how dangerous the Bengals passing attack can be if it gets going, so it will be worth monitoring the status of both Titans’ cornerbacks.

Looking ahead: @Bengals

The Titans will face the Bengals next week. On paper, it seems like an easy game for the Titans, but the Bengals can be a tough matchup for a team struggling in the secondary. Tennessee should easily win this one, but crazier things have happened.

Houston Texans (1-6)

Score this week: Lost 20-35 to the Packers

Now sitting at 1-6, it is safe to say that the Texans are entirely out of the playoff picture. Houston’s lackluster defense was torn up by Aaron Rodgers and backup running back Jamaal Williams, and All-Pro receiver Davante Adams went off, racking up over 100 yards and two touchdowns, showing Houston the value of having an elite receiver on the squad. The Texans’ offense is solid, but having to play catch-up all game long is never a good recipe, and Deshaun Watson’s play has taken a little bit of a step back as he is still adjusting to life without Deandre Hopkins.

Injuries: Starting guard Max Scharping tested positive for COVID-19.

Looking ahead: Bye week

The Texans will have a chance to get all their players healthy and perhaps work out some new wrinkles for the defense during their bye week, as they get ready for an easier schedule looking ahead.

Jacksonville Jaguars (1-6)

Score this week: Lost 29-39 to the Los Angeles Chargers

The Jags lost a surprisingly exciting game against the Justin Herbert-led Bolts. James Robinson looked really good against a tough Chargers’ front, but Minshew was not efficient and the defense could not find an answer to rookie sensation Justin Herbert. The Jags have now lost 6 in a row and are right where they were supposed to be entering the season.

Injuries: Wide receiver Dede Westbrook placed on IR with a torn ACL.

Westbrook was just a depth receiver, so his loss does not exactly hurt a Jaguars’ passing attack that surprisingly has a surplus of weapons right now for Minshew.

Looking ahead: Bye Week

The Jaguars get a chance to rest before facing a really tough schedule including games against the Colts, Titans, Browns, Packers, Steelers, and Ravens. I honestly would not be surprised if the Jaguars end the season with a 1-15 record, and get the top pick over the New York Jets. Looking at the bright side, at least Trevor Lawrence will likely get the Colts more primetime division games.