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Alastair Talbot

NFL Thanksgiving Week Grades AFC South: Can CJ Stroud lead the Texans to Back-to-Back division titles or will anyone else make a late playoff push?

The AFC South has been much less cuthroat in 2024 than it was last season, with the Houston Texans emerging as the clear front-runner. After a strong 7-4 start, the Texans are looking poised to repeat as division champions, while the rest of the division struggles to stay relevant.

The Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans are all dealing with their own issues, from injuries to turnover problems. It’s shaping up to be a one-team race for the AFC South title as we head into the final stretch of the season.

GOAL evaluates each team's performance so far, considering both their results and expectations for the final stretch of the season.

  • Tennessee Titans v Houston TexansGetty Images Sport

    Houston Texans (7-5)

    After a tough 1-3 stretch, the Texans rebounded with an impressive 34-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Despite injuries to key wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins, they remain in contention for back-to-back AFC South titles and aim to improve on their 11-5 record from last season.

    DeMeco Ryans' squad has shown resilience, with second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud continuing to lead the team to success despite dealing with a sophomore slump.

    Despite the unexpected loss to the Titans over the weekend, the Texans look to finish strong and stay firmly in playoff contention.

    Grade: B-

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  • Detroit Lions v Indianapolis ColtsGetty Images Sport

    Indianapolis Colts (5-7)

    After a solid 9-8 finish in 2023, the Colts' 2024 campaign has been a rollercoaster. Second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson has to build off his promising rookie season that was cut short due to injury.

    In an unexpected attempt to boost their playoff hopes, the Colts temporarily benched Richardson in favor of veteran Joe Flacco although the switch only lasted for a handful of games.

    However, the Colts' defense has been porous, and the team has been plagued by turnovers, with 17 takeaways but also 18 giveaways.

    Grade: C-

  • Tennessee Titans v Houston TexansGetty Images Sport

    Tennessee Titans (3-8)

    The Titans' quarterback situation has been a mess, with Will Levis and Mason Rudolph combining for 17 turnovers.

    While running back Tony Pollard has been a reliable presence in the backfield and wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been a consistent target for the offense, the defense, despite leading the league in fewest yards allowed for most of the season, has only managed nine takeaways.

    The special teams play has also been an ongoing issue, further hampering the team's chances. With turnover problems and a lack of big plays, Tennessee has struggled to find consistency or success.

    Grade: D

  • Jacksonville Jaguars v Detroit LionsGetty Images Sport

    Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)

    The Jaguars have taken a dramatic step backward this season after a 9-8 record last year, with their 2-9 they are currently in a three-way tie for the No.1 overall pick in April's draft.

    Head coach Doug Pederson's job is at risk as the team faces consistent struggles. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has had one of the worst seasons of his promising young career and recently picked up a shoulder injury, and Mac Jones, who has been forced into the starting lineup, has struggled to shake off his issues from New England.

    In Week 11, Jones threw for just 138 yards and an interception in a humiliating 52-6 loss to the Detroit Lions, adding to his total of three interceptions in two games.

    Grade: F