State of the AFC South: Week 3

After having only one team win in Week 1, the AFC South bounced back in Week 2.  The Texans were the only team to lose, and they played the Titans in a divisional matchup.  The Jaguars took down the defending AFC Champion Patriots and the Colts went to Washington and came out with a win. This week includes another huge divisional matchup, a game against the world champions, and two teams looking for their first win.

Current Standings

Jacksonville 2-0, 0-0 in division

Tennessee 1-1, 1-0 in division

Indianapolis 1-1. 0-0 in division

Houston 0-2, 0-1 in division

Indianapolis Colts at Philadelphia Eagles

The Colts were able to get a big first win over the Redskins last week, but now they face a much better NFC East opponent.  The Eagles lost last week to the surprising Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but without their franchise quarterback.  Carson Wentz returns Sunday but will be missing a lot of his weapons.  The defense was carved up by Ryan Fitzpatrick and Wentz may not be himself quite yet after tearing his ACL.

The Colts looked good Sunday and this Eagles team isn’t full strength, but even so, Philadelphia should pull this out at home.  The Colts defense is not good outside of a few bright spots like linebacker Darius Leonard.  The offense doesn’t have much of a run game and outside of T.Y. Hilton is thin on weapons for Andrew Luck.  Philly should get back on track at home before going to Nashville to face the Titans.

Prediction: Eagles 31 Colts 14

New York Giants at Houston Texans

The battle of 0-2 teams looking to avoid their third straight loss. Both teams struggled last week after honorable efforts in Week 1.  The Texans were a dark horse Super Bowl pick for many before the season and looked to have a great roster outside of their offensive line.  The Giants also seemed to be prepared to contend for a playoff spot after working on their offensive line and adding Saquon Barkley in the draft.  However, both are still winless heading into Sunday.

The Texans are at home and should be able to get their first win on Sunday.  The Giants were awful in Dallas and probably won’t be much better against the other team from Texas.  Houston’s pass rush has more weapons than Dallas’s did so it could be another long day for Eli Manning.

Prediction: Texans 21 Giants 13

Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars

The AFC South has a battle for the early lead on Sunday.  The Titans could get to 2-0 in the division and get a big win in Duval County, just like they did early in last season.  The Jaguars will be looking to build off of their big win over New England last week and get to 3-0.  This is a hostile rivalry matchup.  Over the past two years, these fans have grown to hate each other, and the players have gotten into it too. This game should be physical and the winner will get a big edge in the division race.

The Titans are banged up on the offensive side of the ball and with the Jaguars’ elite defense, they won’t be able to put up a ton of points if Marcus Mariota can’t start at quarterback.  Blaine Gabbert was just good enough to win last week, but another start would probably not end well.  We will assume Mariota gets the nod, but even so, the Jaguars hot start continues with a third consecutive win and a two-game lead in the division.

Prediction: Jaguars 27 Titans 23