NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Despite being idle in week 10, the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans gained ground on the Titans and Jaguars, both of whom lost on Sunday. There isn't much to update with half the division on a bye week, but here's the brief rundown of what you need to know about the AFC South.
Indianapolis Colts (6-3)
The Colts remain in first place following their Week 10 bye and have a two-game lead over the Texans, who remain in second place.
Week 11 Matchup: vs. Patriots – 7:30 p.m. CT
Andrew Luck. Tom Brady. Sunday Night Football. Enough said.
Houston Texans (4-5)
The Texans made a quarterback change during their bye week, benching Ryan Fitzpatrick in favor of Ryan Mallett. The third-year QB was drafted in the third round by the New England Patriots in 2012 and was traded to Houston prior to the start of this season. It will be the first start of Mallett's NFL career.
Week 11 Matchup: at Cleveland Browns – 12:00 p.m. CT
Mallett's first start will come on the road against Brian Hoyer and the leaders of the AFC North. Just two games out of first place, the Texans will need this one if they have any hopes of catching the Colts.
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Jacksonville Jaguars (1-9)
The Jags were the only other team active in the AFC South besides the Titans. Jacksonville met the Dallas Cowboys across the pond in London, falling 31-17 to America's Team.
Jacksonville took an early 7-3 lead on a 32-yard Denard Robinson touchdown run, but the Jaguars struggled to move the ball otherwise. Blake Bortles finished with 290 yards, no touchdowns and one interception as he continues to struggle with his accuracy. Bortles has thrown a whopping 14 interceptions (at least one per game) to his eight touchdowns this season.
Cecil Shorts led the Jaguars with five catches for 119 yards, with Allen Robinson also recording five catches for 60 yards. The loss came at a heavy price as well with the Jaguars announcing Tuesday that Robinson will miss the remainder of the season due to a foot injury.
Dez Bryant had his way with the Jaguars defense in the second quarter, catching all of his six passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns in 15 minutes. Tony Romo returned to the field after missing one game with a back injury and completed 20-of-27 passes for 246 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions for a rating of 138.8.
Demarco Murray logged another 100-yard game, landing exactly on the century mark on 19 carries. Murray now has nine 100-yard rushing performances in nine of the Cowboys' 10 games this season.
Week 10 Star: Denard Robinson – RB
Robinson continues to be a pleasant surprise for the Jaguars and the team's most consistent offensive performer. "Shoelace," as Robinson is nicknamed, ran the ball 15 times for 60 yards and two touchdowns.
Week 11 Matchup – Bye
As the only team in the division to have played 10 games, Jacksonville will finally take its bye in week 11.
