Jacksonville Jaguars’ 7-4 Record Ties for Top in AFC South

In the NFL’s AFC South, where divisional titles have been decided by a single game in three of the last five seasons, every win carries extra weight—and the Jacksonville Jaguars have just cemented their place in the thick of the race with a milestone: Jacksonville Jaguars’ 7-4 Record Ties for Top in AFC South. Following their Week 12 overtime victory over the Arizona Cardinals, the Jaguars climbed to 7-4, matching the Houston Texans’ record atop the division. This marks the latest point in a season the Jaguars have been tied for first place since 2022, when they won the AFC South with a 9-8 record. For a team that narrowly missed the playoffs last year, the 7-4 mark is a validation of their offseason moves, from retaining key veterans to drafting young talent that’s already contributing. It also sets up a crucial stretch of divisional matchups—including two games against the Texans—that will likely decide who claims the divisional title and the automatic playoff spot that comes with it. As the Jaguars look ahead, their 7-4 record isn’t just a number—it’s a sign that they’re back in contention for the top spot in one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions.

Jacksonville Jaguars’ 7-4 Record Ties for Top in AFC South is a result of balanced play across all three phases of the game, with the Jaguars avoiding the inconsistencies that plagued them in 2023. On offense, quarterback Trevor Lawrence has emerged as a true leader, throwing for 2,800 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions through 11 games—career-high numbers in completion percentage (68.2%) and passer rating (102.3). Running back Travis Etienne Jr. has been equally impressive, rushing for 950 yards and 7 touchdowns, including four 100-yard games. The offense ranks 10th in the NFL in points per game (25.1) and 12th in total yards (365.2 per game), a significant improvement from last season’s 18th-ranked offense. Defensively, the Jaguars have been just as strong: they rank 12th in points allowed (19.8 per game) and have forced 16 turnovers, including 9 interceptions. Edge rusher Josh Allen has been a force, recording 9 sacks and 15 quarterback hits, while the secondary—led by cornerbacks Darious Williams and Tyson Campbell—has held opposing wide receivers to an average of 11.2 yards per catch, the 8th-lowest mark in the league. Even special teams, which struggled early, has stabilized: kicker Brandon McManus has made 82% of his field goals, and punt returner Trey Harrell has averaged 12.5 yards per return, good for 6th in the NFL. This balance is why the Jaguars have won six of their last eight games—and why they’re now tied for the top of the AFC South.

To fully understand the significance of Jacksonville Jaguars’ 7-4 Record Ties for Top in AFC South, it’s important to contextualize it within the AFC South’s competitive landscape. The Texans, who also sit at 7-4, have been a surprise contender this season, led by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud (the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year front-runner) and a defense that ranks 5th in sacks (34). The Indianapolis Colts (6-5) and Tennessee Titans (4-7) round out the division, with the Colts still in striking distance of the top spot. What makes the Jaguars’ 7-4 record even more impressive is their strength of schedule: they’ve played five games against teams with winning records, going 3-2 in those matchups—including wins over the Buffalo Bills (7-4) and Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5). The Texans, by contrast, have played just three games against winning teams, going 1-2. This means the Jaguars have already proven they can beat top competition, a trait that will be crucial in the upcoming divisional showdowns. For Jaguars fans, the tie for first place is a reminder of how far the team has come: just two years ago, they finished 3-14, the worst record in the NFL. Now, they’re neck-and-neck with the Texans for the divisional crown, and the next month will likely determine whether they take the next step toward a playoff berth.

Jacksonville Jaguars’ 7-4 Record Ties for Top in AFC South has also shifted the team’s mindset, with the Jacksonville Jaguars now focusing on seizing control of the division rather than just fighting for a Wild Card spot. Head coach Doug Pederson has emphasized the importance of divisional games in recent team meetings, reminding players that wins against the Texans, Colts, and Titans carry extra weight in the standings. “We’re tied for first, but that’s not our goal,” Pederson said in a press conference. “Our goal is to win the AFC South, and that means we have to be ready to play our best football in the next four weeks—especially against the Texans.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ next two games are against non-divisional opponents (the Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens), but the team is treating them as opportunities to build momentum before their Week 15 showdown with the Texans in Houston. Lawrence, who has yet to win a road game against the Texans, is eager for the challenge. “Playing the Texans in Houston is going to be a big game,” Lawrence said. “We know what’s at stake, and we’re going to be ready. This division is ours for the taking, and we don’t want to let this opportunity slip away.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the 7-4 record is a starting point—not an endpoint—and they’re focused on turning the tie for first place into a sole lead in the coming weeks.

Another key aspect of Jacksonville Jaguars’ 7-4 Record Ties for Top in AFC South is the role of the team’s depth, which has kept them competitive even when key players have been injured. In Week 10, wide receiver Christian Kirk missed the game with a knee injury, but rookie wide receiver Parker Washington stepped in and caught 6 passes for 75 yards and a touchdown. In Week 12, running back Travis Etienne Jr. left briefly with an ankle injury, but backup JaMycal Hasty rushed for 45 yards and helped keep the offense on track. On defense, cornerback Darious Williams missed the second half of the Cardinals game with a shoulder injury, but backup Jarrian Jones held his own, breaking up two passes. This depth is a product of the Jaguars’ offseason strategy, which focused on signing reliable backups and drafting players who could contribute immediately. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, having depth isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity, especially in the NFL’s long and grueling season. “Depth wins championships,” said general manager Trent Baalke. “We’ve invested in building a roster where every player can step up when called upon, and that’s exactly what we’ve seen over the last few weeks. Our 7-4 record is a testament to that depth, and it’s going to be crucial as we head into the stretch run.”

Looking ahead, Jacksonville Jaguars’ 7-4 Record Ties for Top in AFC South positions the team for a potential divisional title and a home playoff game—something the Jaguars haven’t had since 2017. If they can win their upcoming games against the Rams and Ravens, they’ll enter the Week 15 matchup with the Texans with momentum and a chance to take sole possession of first place. A win against the Texans would give the Jaguars the head-to-head tiebreaker, which could be decisive if the two teams finish with the same record. Even if they stumble in the next few weeks, the Jaguars are still in a strong position to make the playoffs as a Wild Card—their 7-4 record gives them a 78% chance of making the postseason, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the 7-4 record is more than just a milestone—it’s a sign that they’re a legitimate contender. After years of rebuilding, the Jaguars have finally put together a team that can compete with the best in the NFL, and the next month will show just how far they can go. “We’re not satisfied with being tied for first,” Pederson said. “We want to win the division, and we want to make a deep playoff run. This 7-4 record is a good start, but we have a lot of work left to do.” As the Jaguars prepare for the stretch run, one thing is clear: they’re back in the hunt, and the AFC South better be ready.