According to a recent report, the Jacksonville Jaguars may soon be surpassed in the division rankings by an AFC South competitor.

The AFC South has long been one of the more unpredictable divisions in the NFL, and a recent report is shaking up expectations for the future of the division. The report suggests that the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have seen a surge in success in recent seasons, might soon be overtaken in the division standings by one of their rivals. This revelation has sparked speculation and debates among fans, analysts, and players alike, as it raises questions about the future power dynamics of the division and what it means for the Jaguars’ position as the top team in the AFC South.

In this article, we will explore the context behind this report, examine the possible AFC South competitors that could overtake the Jaguars, analyze how the Jaguars got to this point, and assess what steps the Jaguars may need to take to maintain their dominance. With the future of the division potentially up for grabs, it’s an exciting time for fans of the AFC South.

The Jaguars’ Rise to Prominence: A Recap of Recent Success

Before diving into the potential threat to the Jaguars’ reign in the AFC South, it’s important to acknowledge how far the franchise has come in recent years. For much of the 2000s and early 2010s, the Jaguars were in the basement of the division, struggling with mediocrity and failed rebuilding efforts. However, a turning point came when Doug Pederson was hired as the team’s head coach in 2022.

Pederson’s arrival signaled a new era for the Jaguars, and in his first season, he led the team to an impressive turnaround. Under Pederson’s leadership, the Jaguars not only made the playoffs for the first time since 2017, but they also managed to win the AFC South division in a dramatic fashion. Key to the turnaround was Trevor Lawrence, the young quarterback who had shown flashes of brilliance but struggled in his rookie season under the tumultuous tenure of former coach Urban Meyer. Under Pederson’s tutelage, Lawrence blossomed into one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL, and his growth was instrumental in the Jaguars’ success.

In 2022, the Jaguars managed to win the division with a record of 9-8, narrowly edging out the Tennessee Titans, who had dominated the division for several years prior. Despite the Jaguars’ relatively modest regular-season record, they emerged as a team to watch, especially in the playoffs, where they mounted an incredible comeback victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card round.

With a franchise quarterback in place and a strong supporting cast on both sides of the ball, the Jaguars appeared poised to continue their rise in the AFC South and the AFC as a whole. Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, and Evan Engram bolstered the Jaguars’ passing game, while the defense, led by playmakers like Josh Allen and Tyson Campbell, improved significantly. In many ways, the Jaguars became the team to beat in the AFC South, and the other franchises in the division began to look up at them.

However, the recent report that an AFC South rival may soon surpass them raises important questions about how sustainable the Jaguars’ success is and whether their grip on the division could be threatened.

Who Could Overtake the Jaguars in the AFC South?

The report in question didn’t identify the specific rival expected to overtake the Jaguars, but several AFC South teams are vying for a spot at the top of the division. Below, we will examine the primary contenders in the AFC South who could pose a challenge to the Jaguars’ dominance.

1. Tennessee Titans: The Experienced Contender

The Tennessee Titans have been one of the most consistent teams in the AFC South in recent years, despite a significant decline in their performance in 2022. The Titans were the division champions for three consecutive seasons from 2019 to 2021 and have maintained a competitive edge for much of the past decade. While the Titans fell short of the playoffs in 2022, there are signs that they could be in the process of retooling their roster and gearing up for another push for the division crown.

At the heart of the Titans’ success in recent years has been Derrick Henry, one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history. Henry has consistently been the focal point of the Titans’ offense, and when he’s healthy, he is capable of carrying the team on his back. However, the Titans’ offense has been somewhat predictable and limited by the inconsistent play of their quarterbacks, including Ryan Tannehill, who struggled with injuries in 2022.

In an effort to improve their roster, the Titans made several moves during the offseason, including adding new talent through the draft and free agency. With a solid defense anchored by Jeffery Simmons and Kevin Byard, the Titans have the potential to rebound and challenge the Jaguars for the top spot in the division. However, whether their offense can take the next step with new pieces—particularly at quarterback—will determine if they can mount a serious challenge to the Jaguars’ growing dominance.

2. Indianapolis Colts: A Rebuild with Hope

The Indianapolis Colts have undergone a dramatic shift in recent years, and they’re one of the most intriguing teams in the AFC South. After a disappointing 2022 season, the Colts decided to move on from Frank Reich as head coach and hired Shane Steichen, the former offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles, in hopes of bringing a new offensive identity to the team.

A major part of the Colts’ future hopes rests on their quarterback situation. In 2023, the team selected Anthony Richardson as the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft, signaling the start of a new era at quarterback. Richardson, a dynamic and athletic quarterback, has the potential to become one of the most exciting players in the league if he develops into a consistent passer. The Colts have a solid offensive line, and their defense—led by linebacker Shaquille Leonard and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner—remains one of the most formidable in the league.

If Richardson reaches his potential, the Colts could quickly rise up the standings and challenge the Jaguars. However, the team is still in the midst of a rebuild, and Richardson’s development will be critical to their long-term success. The Colts are definitely a team to watch as they look to bounce back from years of underachievement and take advantage of an opening in the AFC South.

3. Houston Texans: A Long-Term Rebuild, But Building the Right Way

The Houston Texans have been at the bottom of the division for quite some time, but the franchise is starting to make significant strides toward becoming a competitive team again. Under the leadership of new head coach DeMeco Ryans, who was previously the defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers, the Texans have a chance to reshape their identity and build a strong foundation for the future.

The Texans made a big splash in the 2023 NFL Draft by selecting C.J. Stroud with the second overall pick. Stroud, a talented quarterback from Ohio State, is viewed as one of the best young prospects in recent years, and he’s expected to be the centerpiece of the team’s rebuild. Alongside Stroud, the Texans have several promising young players, including wide receiver Nico Collins and defensive lineman Will Anderson Jr., who was selected third overall.

While the Texans are still in the early stages of their rebuild and won’t likely challenge for the division title in the short term, their long-term potential is evident. Ryans is known for his ability to develop strong defenses, and if Stroud becomes the franchise quarterback the Texans hope for, they could quickly become a force in the AFC South.

Why the Jaguars Might Be Overtaken

As the Titans, Colts, and Texans continue to evolve, the Jaguars face a few challenges that could allow one of these teams to overtake them in the division rankings. Here are a few reasons why the Jaguars could lose their top spot:

1. Inconsistent Play from Trevor Lawrence

While Trevor Lawrence has been a revelation for the Jaguars, young quarterbacks often face challenges with consistency. Lawrence made significant strides under head coach Doug Pederson in 2022, but as defenses adapt to his playstyle, there will be growing pains. If Lawrence is unable to consistently perform at an elite level, it could hinder the Jaguars’ chances of remaining the top team in the division.

2. Vulnerabilities in the Roster

While the Jaguars have a talented roster, they do have weaknesses that could be exposed over the course of the season. The offensive line, although improved, still has question marks, particularly with injuries and depth. Additionally, the Jaguars’ defense, while improving, is not yet elite. If the defense fails to live up to expectations or if the offense becomes one-dimensional, the Jaguars could falter in a competitive division.

3. Increased Competition

The rise of the Titans, the potential development of the Colts with Anthony Richardson, and the promising future of the Texans all present increased competition for the Jaguars. While the Jaguars have established themselves as the team to beat, maintaining that position will require continued growth and success. A team like the Titans, with their established running game and strong defense, or the Colts, with a rapidly developing quarterback, could pose a serious challenge if the Jaguars falter in any area.

The AFC South Remains Wide Open

While the Jacksonville Jaguars are currently atop the AFC South, the division remains incredibly competitive, and the recent report about an AFC South rival potentially surpassing them is a reminder that success in the NFL is never guaranteed. The Titans, Colts, and Texans are all looking to challenge the Jaguars for supremacy, and the next few seasons will be critical in determining the future power dynamics of the division.

For the Jaguars to remain at the top, they will need to continue developing Trevor Lawrence, strengthen their roster where needed, and maintain their offensive and defensive balance. However, the increasing competition in the AFC South makes it clear that the division race is far from over, and any slip-ups could result in a new contender claiming the throne. Fans of the AFC South should be excited for what’s to come, as the race for supremacy in this unpredictable division heats up.