No AFC South team has managed a perfect 4-0 start, but the division has a clear leader. The Jacksonville Jaguars sit first at 3-1, followed by the Indianapolis Colts at 2-2. At the other end, the Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans are both 0-4. Jacksonville has created some early separation, while the middle of the division remains wide open.
The Texans entered the season with far greater expectations, but Sunday’s 34-30 loss to Dallas dropped them to 0-4. Houston led 30-27 late before the Cowboys marched 74 yards for the winning touchdown. The Texans now have to turn their season around quickly, with Tennessee next.
An 0-4 start does not mathematically eliminate a team, but NFL history offers almost no comfort. Regardless, here’s a look at where each of the Texans’ divisional rivals stands heading into Week 5.
Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1)
Jacksonville took another important step in Week 4, beating the Cincinnati Bengals 22-17 on the road. It was not a dominant performance, but the Jaguars did enough in the biggest moments. Trevor Lawrence completed 18 of 23 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown, while Jacksonville’s defense intercepted Joe Burrow twice. The victory was the Jaguars’ second straight after their impressive 35-6 win over New England.
The Jaguars have now recorded eight takeaways through four games. Foyesade Oluokun’s fourth-quarter interception stopped the Bengals from potentially taking control, while Jourdan Lewis also picked off Burrow before halftime. Jacksonville has shown it can win even when the offense is not at its best.
The Jaguars will face another major test in Week 5 when the Philadelphia Eagles arrive in London, on Sunday. At 3-1, Jacksonville has already established itself as the AFC South team to beat. A win over Philadelphia would make the Jaguars’ early-season run much harder to dismiss.
Tennessee Titans (0-4)
Tennessee is still searching for its first win after falling 24-18 to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4. The Titans had chances but hurt themselves with turnovers, including an interception on their opening possession. They also failed to capitalize on an early first-and-goal opportunity.
Quarterback Cam Ward completed 20 of 31 passes for 222 yards, one touchdown and one interception against Baltimore. Wide receiver Carnell Tate also provided a major bright spot with nine catches for 145 yards. But Tennessee could not finish the comeback, even after Lamar Jackson left the game with an injury and did not play in the second half.
The Titans could not have asked for a more important Week 5 matchup. Tennessee hosts the 0-4 Houston Texans on Sunday, October 11, putting two winless AFC South teams directly against each other.
Indianapolis Colts (2-2)
Indianapolis responded to its uneven start with a convincing 30-13 victory over the Washington Commanders in London. The Colts fell behind 6-0 early but took control as the game progressed. The win moved them back to 2-2 and kept them within one game of Jacksonville in the AFC South.
Jonathan Taylor was the difference-maker. He carried 20 times for 95 yards and two touchdowns, scoring twice on five-yard runs. Daniel Jones had a shaky passing day, throwing for 143 yards with an interception, but he added a rushing touchdown. Indianapolis also got three field goals from Spencer Shrader, including a 52-yarder.
The Colts now head into another difficult matchup, traveling to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5. A second straight victory would put the Colts firmly back in the AFC South race.
