Week 6 AFC South predictions: Jags, Colts to duke it out at top of division

It was a pretty another solid week for the AFC South as the Indianapolis Colts toppled the Tennessee Titans to claim their share of the division lead next to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who upset the Buffalo Bills across the pond in London. Here are predictions for Week 6’s slate of games:

Houston Texans (2-3) vs. New Orleans Saints (3-2): This game is intriguing for a number of reasons, but C.J. Stroud, who ranks third in the NFL in passing yards (1,461) and ninth in passer rating (98.4), versus the Saints defense, which ranks fourth against the pass (183 yards allowed per game) and is tied for the second-most interceptions (seven), has to be at the top of the list.

The Texans offense goes as Stroud does (he and Brock Purdy are the only QBs to start in five or more game and not thrown an interception this season), but the Saints are allowing the fourth-fewest passing yards, total yards per game and points per game. 

However, Houston has slightly more offensive firepower than New Orleans, which is one of 10 teams to average fewer than 300 yards of offense per outing. I don’t know if Stroud’s streak of games without an interception continues, but his streak of consecutive games with 245 yards passing and at least one touchdown should.

PREDICTION: Texans 22, Saints 17

Jacksonville Jaguars (3-2) vs. Indianapolis Colts (3-2): These two have already played once this year, with the Jags pulling out a 31-21 win in Week 1. Things will be much different this time with Indy turning to Gardner Minshew in place of Anthony Richardson, who was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday and will miss the next four games. The 27-year-old QB has fared well in his appearances, completing 68.7% of his passes for 553 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

The Colts also have a much-improved run game since Week 1 with Zack Moss reeling off 445 yards and three touchdowns in his last four games, including 165 yards and two scores last week in a win over the Titans. Jonathan Taylor is easing back into things, and if he sees more than the six carries he got last week, Minshew might not be asked to do much.

Conversely, the Jaguars are playing solid football right now. They’ve won two in a row and Trevor Lawrence has thrown for a combined 522 yards with a passer rating of 102 or better in both outings. Travis Etienne finally had a breakout game against the Bills last week, and Jacksonville appears to be hitting its stride. The Jags have the better offense and defense (only slightly), and the better QB, so they should be favored.

PREDICTION: Jaguars 31, Colts 24

Tennessee Titans (2-3) vs. Baltimore Ravens (3-2): This game is in London and both teams are approaching it quite differently. The Ravens are spending the entire week overseas preparing while the Titans are staying home and flying out Thursday. 

Ravens receiver Zay Flowers has had a solid start to his rookie season but Odell Beckham Jr. has been a virtual non-factor. For the Titans, WR Treylon Burks has been injured a good chunk of the season and it’s been a mixed bag for DeAndre Hopkins. This one should be a defensive battle as neither Lamar Jackson or Ryan Tannehill have put up overly impressive numbers this season. 

That said, the Titans have one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL (23rd) and Jackson is just a more explosive player than anyone on Tennessee’s offense. Not to mention Titans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly can’t seem to string together two competent game plans in a row.

PREDICTION: Ravens 30, Titans 22