State of the AFC South: Week 12

The state of the division hangs in the balance in Week 12. After the Colts dismantled the Titans last week and the Texans won their seventh straight, Houston could take control this week. The Titans and Colts sit two games back of Houston with just six games to play. Tennessee and Houston will battle this week and with a win, the Texans could run away with the division even after starting 0-3.

Current Standings

Houston Texans 7-3, 2-1 in division

Indianapolis Colts 5-5, 2-1 in division

Tennessee Titans 5-5, 2-1 in division

Jacksonville Jaguars 3-7, 0-3 in division

Jacksonville Jaguars at Buffalo Bills

The Jaguars have lost seven of their last eight and have been basically eliminated from playoff contention. The Bills also are looking forward to next year creating a matchup of teams who can improve their draft pick with a loss. The Jaguars have been awful this year, but the Bills may just be worse.

Even coming off of a bye, the Bills’ offense won’t be able to compete with the Jaguars defense that is still one of the better groups in the league. The Jaguars stop their skid, but also hurt their draft position.

Prediction: Jaguars 20 Bills 7

Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts

This matchup could be an elimination game in the AFC Wild Card race. The Colts started 1-5, but have won 4 straight to get back in the race while the Dolphins have faltered after a strong start. The Colts beat the Tennessee team that was looking like a contender a week ago handily last week and proved they’re not to be taken lightly.

The Dolphins are coming off of their bye, but the Colts have been hot and are a very good team at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis moves above .500 for the first time this year and holds their place in second in the division.

Prediction: Colts 34 Dolphins 27

Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans (Monday)

The Titans seem to be able to play up and down to their opponents. Tennessee has knocked off the division leading Texans, Cowboys, and Patriots plus the defending champion Eagles. However, they also have lost to the Bills, Ravens, and Dolphins. The Texans are not the same team the Titans beat in Nashville in Week 2, but they aren’t invincible. Their 7 game win streak is impressive, but they haven’t played any true contenders. The Titans will be trying to prove that they can contend in this division and the AFC on Monday night.

The Titans will be in desperation mode because a loss Monday all but eliminates them in the division race. Houston has won their last two games because the other team missed game-winning field goals. They’re due to finally lose one, and the Titans will stay alive and bring the division lead back to one game.

Prediction: Titans 31 Texans 30