AFC South Power Rankings

Three weeks into the regular season, we peek into the Peyton Manning-less AFC South. By Hunter Simon


1. Houston Texans

 Houston leads this division by a landslide. The Tennessee Titans are tied with Houston at 2-1, but quarterback Matt Schaub and the defensive under coordinator Wade Phillips have the Texans looking for its first division title. With no Peyton Manning this year, Schaub seems to be the only competent quarterback in the division. Matt Hasselbeck? Blaine Gabbert? Curtis Painter? Yeah, we didn’t think so. However, Houston faces a tough test this weekend against the Pittsburgh Steelers. If they pull out the victory against the reigning AFC Champions Sunday, it could mean a playoff berth is on the horizon.


2. Tennessee Titans

Although running back Chris Johnson has only 98 yards in three games for Tennessee, the Titans find themselves tied atop the division with Houston. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck gave life to the team’s passing game, guiding them to two victories, including an impressive win over the Baltimore Ravens. But star wideout Kenny Britt is now on the injury reserve after tearing up his knee, leaving Hasselbeck without his favorite target. It will be a long season for the Titans going forward, especially if CJ continues his mediocre play.


3. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jags have now turned to rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert after Luke McCown’s abysmal performance against the New York Jets in Week 2. Jaguar fans can expect plenty of growing pains and, most likely, no playoffs—not that it was realistic possibility for the Jags anyway. Running back Maurice Jones-Drew can only carry so much of the offensive load (he already has over 300 yards). Overuse will make MJD wear down as the season continues. 


4. Indianapolis Colts

This team is built around one player and one player only— QB Peyton Manning. Yes, they have Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis as pass rushers on the defensive side, but that defense is used to relying on big leads entering the fourth quarter. Those leads are long gone with quarterback Curtis Painter under center. Although they impressed by giving a scare to Pittsburgh last Monday, hope for the season is all but gone. This week’s game against Tampa Bay shouldn’t help.