The NFC East was the worst division in the NFL last season.
The Washington Football Team became the third NFL franchise to win their division with a losing record.
Their 7-9 record was one game ahead of the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys, which both finished at 6-10.
Coming in last were the Philadelphia Eagles with a 4-11-1 slate.
Taylor Heinicke went full superman for this TD in last season's playoffs!@WashingtonNFL pic.twitter.com/26AdM8tgCb
— NFL UK (@NFLUK) June 30, 2021
A year later, it seems like the NFC East is passing the infamous distinction to another division.
It’s a division that started in 2002 and has one Super Bowl victory.
Welcome to the AFC South, wherein “Abandon all hope ye who enter here” is more fact than fiction.
In 2020, the division produced two playoff teams, namely the Tennessee Titans and the Indianapolis Colts.
Both had an 11-5 record, but Tennessee won because of a better record within the AFC South.
Live look at the AFC South: pic.twitter.com/i4BlQmjj7W
— TXN (@JRLTU) September 19, 2021
Unfortunately, they both didn’t go deep into the playoffs after losses to the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills, respectively.
Derrick Henry had less than 100 rushing yards in their defeat to Baltimore, while Indianapolis came up short against the Bills, 27-24.
A year later, Tennessee and Indianapolis see themselves on both ends of the standings.
The Titans lead the AFC South with a 2-1 record after defeating the Colts, 25-16.
However, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year continues to be their barometer for success.
Couldn't hold him back for long.
Derrick Henry breaks free for a 60-yard TD! #Titans
📺: #TENvsSEA on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/ySpgSGl0rB— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2021
Tennessee will likely win if Henry rushes for at least 100 yards, and he had 113 on 28 carries against Indianapolis.
In Week 2, they needed all of his 182 yards and three touchdowns to defeat the Seattle Seahawks, 33-30.
In contrast, the bruising running back only had 58 yards in their 38-13 defeat to the Arizona Cardinals.
It’s easier said than done, but neutralizing Henry is the only key to victory against Tennessee.
The AFC South Circus
Meanwhile, the Colts are still winless after three games.
They nearly defeated the Los Angeles Rams if not for Matt Gay’s field goal and Jalen Ramsey’s succeeding interception.
The Colts had high hopes coming into the season with a practically intact roster.
The team’s faithful hoped that Carson Wentz’s familiarity with Frank Reich’s system would sustain Indianapolis’ contender status.
But the Colts are averaging just 18.7 points per game which is 25th this season.
Worse, Quenton Nelson’s injury may throw a wrench at the Indianapolis offensive line, causing more scoring woes.
Quenton Nelson has been carted off the field with an ankle injury
Prayers up 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ixaeCSXKMS
— PFF (@PFF) September 26, 2021
On the other hand, the Jacksonville Jaguars are yet to win a game despite having top overall selection Trevor Lawrence.
He has his moments of brilliance, but he also makes head-scratching decisions that lead to interceptions.
He led the Jaguars to a 13-7 halftime lead against the Cardinals in Week 3.
But it was all Arizona in the second half, and Lawrence finished with two interceptions.
Urban Meyer has been given a reality check about the NFL.
Likewise, the growing pains for Lawrence will continue throughout his rookie season.
Trevor Lawrence has now thrown an NFL-high 6 interceptions. pic.twitter.com/aOv7UyIzGa
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 26, 2021
Finally, it’s hard to see the Houston Texans winning with Davis Mills under center.
He had 19 completions for 168 yards and a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers.
However, his numbers were a far cry from the 304 yards that Sam Darnold had.
The injured Tyrod Taylor gave them the best chance to win.
Without him, they look like a mess.
It’s a depressing fall from grace for a team that won a playoff game two seasons ago.
These storylines make other NFL teams salivate when they face one of these teams.
It’s like a college football powerhouse facing a cupcake squad.
NEXT: Steelers May Be Worst Team In The AFC North