Where do the Texans Sit in AFC South Division Round Up Moving to Bye Week?

Sitting third at 2-5, Houston lags behind Jacksonville in the AFC South, but a soft second-half schedule keeps its playoff hopes alive.

by Sahil Goswami

Oct 30, 2026

Houston Texans

Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

The AFC South has struggled to keep pace with the rest of the NFL. Through seven weeks, the Jacksonville Jaguars are the only team with more than two wins. The Jaguars lead the division at 4-2, while the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans are tied at 2-5. The Tennessee Titans sit in last place at 1-6.

Houston’s recent form has offered mixed signals. Back-to-back victories over the Titans and Jaguars briefly suggested that DeMeco Ryans’ team was finding its rhythm. However, the 27-21 overtime defeat to the New York Giants exposed familiar problems, particularly missed tackles, penalties and inconsistent execution. The bye week gives Houston a chance to regroup before its November 8 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.

4. Tennessee Titans (1-6)

Tennessee Titans cornerback Joshua Williams (25) enters the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.

Tennessee remains at the bottom of the AFC South after another frustrating start under head coach Robert Saleh. The Titans have scored just 108 points and allowed 156, struggling to find consistency on both sides of the ball.

Their Week 7 loss to the Cleveland Browns, despite Tony Pollard’s three rushing touchdowns, summed up their season. They travel to face the Cincinnati Bengals (4-2) on Sunday, November 1, before heading into their Week 9 bye.

3. Indianapolis Colts (2-5)

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) practices before a game.

Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Indy has endured a difficult stretch, losing three consecutive games. Daniel Jones’ declining form, offensive inconsistency and injuries have hurt the Colts, who have scored 154 points while allowing 180. Their 16-10 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7 added to the frustration.

The Colts now travel to Jacksonville on Sunday for a crucial divisional matchup. Jonathan Taylor’s production will be important if Indianapolis hopes to end its losing streak and keep its playoff hopes alive.

2. Houston Texans (2-5)

Although Houston scored 165 points, the most among AFC South teams, its 2-5 record tells a different story. The Texans showed promise with consecutive wins over Tennessee and Jacksonville, only to lose 27-21 in overtime to the Giants. The inability of its defense to close out tight games remains a major concern.

The Texans are on their Week 8 bye and will return on November 8 against the Chargers. C.J. Stroud and DeMeco Ryans will have an important opportunity to reset before the second half of the season.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2)

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) reacts to his reception during the first quarter of an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla.

Jacksonville remains the AFC South leader despite a recent 31-34 defeat to Houston in Week 6. The Jaguars have scored 154 points and allowed only 104, giving them the division’s best defensive record and a +50-point differential. Their 4-2 start puts them in the strongest position in the division.

The Jaguars return from their Week 7 bye to host the Colts on Sunday. A victory would strengthen their division lead and put further pressure on their struggling rivals.