Quietly, the Houston Texans’ AFC South is one of the NFL’s toughest divisions. On Sunday, NFL Week 8, the division proved that; nobody lost.
The AFC South outscored their opponents 98 to 75 on Sunday, with three winning at home and another winning away. In turn, the divisional race is as close as can be with not even the leader of the pack safe. Let’s take a gander at each team’s win from Sunday.
Colts beat the Broncos in a nail-biter
The Denver Broncos almost had the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. In an ugly game between both sides, it came down to 46-year-old kicker Adam Vinatieri doing what he does best: drilling game-winning field goals. He did just that, hitting a 51-yarder to narrowly defeat Denver.
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett cooled off on Sunday, as he threw for 207 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions on the day. Indianapolis’ lone touchdown came by way of running back Marlon Mack.
In the end, the Colts ground out an offensive struggle to remain on top of the division with a 5-2 record as they won 15-13. Next week, they travel to Pennsylvania to battle with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Ryan Tannehill remains hot as the Titans defeat the Buccaneers
In what was supposed to be a battle between the No. 1 and No. 2 picks in the 2015 NFL Draft, Ryan Tannehill was the one to outduel Jameis Winston on Sunday, as Marcus Mariota is now firmly entrenched on the bench.
The Tennessee Titans played host for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and ultimately won 27-23. While Tannehill threw for three touchdowns and 193 yards, it was Tampa Bay’s mistakes that ruled the day. The Titans were able to get two interceptions on Winston. On their side, they played, mostly, mistake-free football.
It doesn’t hurt that a blown call favored Tennessee.
The Titans are rejuvenated and have won two in a row with Tannehill as the starter. At 4-4, they have a way to go join the playoff hunt. Next week, the Carolina Panthers will host them.
Gardner Minshew continues to win over the hearts of Duval County
Despite signing him to a lucrative contract, the Jacksonville Jaguars may not need Nick Foles. His backup, Gardner Minshew, isn’t playing like a backup. Nor is he playing like a rookie sixth-round selection. He is playing like a starter in the NFL — a good one.
In the rain, Minshew made light work of the New York Jets defense. The mustached quarterback went 22 of 34 for 279 yards and three touchdowns to no interceptions. Behind his right arm, the Jaguars handily won and should be taken seriously.
The Jaguars are now 2-0 since trading Jalen Ramsey. They are 4-3 with Minshew as the starter. As of now, they are tied with the Titans for third in the division with a 4-4 record. Next week, they will “host” the Texans in London.
Deshaun Watson leads an injury-ravaged Texans to a win over the Raiders
The Houston Texans were down for most of Sunday’s bout with the Oakland Raiders. They lost defensive end J.J. Watt for the season, played without three starters in their secondary, watching a hobbled Chris Clark struggle to block consistently, and witnessed an injury to Laremy Tunsil.
Yet, they won. Houston can thank quarterback Deshaun Watson for that statement. Despite injuries ravaging the roster around him, he willed his team to a comeback victory on Sunday. He went 27 of 39 for 279 yards and three touchdowns to no interceptions in the process.
Next week, Watson and the Texans will travel across the pond to face the Jaguars. They are second, behind the Colts, in the AFC South standings with a 5-3 record.
