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Andrew Luck (12) and new coach Frank Reich have the Colts surging into playoff contention after a slow start.
Photo: Sam Riche, TNS

Tennessee's game against the Texans on Monday night at NRG Stadium could be the catalyst to the Titans making the playoffs.

The Titans need to beat the Texans to sweep the AFC South series and join Indianapolis in second place with 6-5 records, one game behind the Texans.

After the Titans play the Texans, they close the season with four of their last five games at home. After the Texans, the Titans' next three opponents — Jets, Jaguars and Giants — have a combined record of 9-24.

The Texans are mourning the death of owner Bob McNair, and if they win, they'll have a team-record, eight-game winning streak, an 8-3 record and a three-game lead over the Titans. Tennessee would fall to 5-6 and into third place behind the Colts.


Indianapolis pulled out a three-point victory at home over Miami for the Colts' fifth consecutive victory. Jacksonville lost by three points at Buffalo, its seventh consecutive defeat.

Indianapolis 27, Miami 24

Record: Colts 6-5

Adam Vinatieri kicked a 32-yard field goal with no time remaining to defeat the Dolphins and elevate their winning streak to five games. Miami led by 10 in the fourth quarter, but quarterback Andrew Luck helped the Colts score the last 13 points. Luck threw three touchdown passes. That gives him at least three in eight consecutive games. He was sacked once. He had gone five games in succession without being sacked. The Colts were able to overcome two Luck interceptions and a lost fumble to escape with their winning streak intact. As usual, Luck's favorite targets were wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (seven catches, 125 yards) and tight end Eric Ebron (two touchdown catches). Running back Marlon Mack, who rushed for 85 yards on 15 carries, left in the fourth quarter with a concussion.

Next up: at Jacksonville

The Colts defeated the Jaguars 29-26 at Lucas Oil Stadium on Nov. 11. Their last road loss was Oct. 14 against the Jets when they fell to 1-5. They'll try to increase their winning streak to six in a row at Jacksonville.

Buffalo 24, Jacksonville 21

Record: Jaguars 3-8

Before the season, Jacksonville cornerback Jalen Ramsey called rookie quarterback Josh Allen "trash" and a bad pick for the Bills. Allen returned to the starting lineup to throw one touchdown pass and run for another to help the Bills extend the Jaguars' losing streak to seven games after their 3-1 start. Allen finished with 160 yards passing and 99 rushing. Jacksonville running back Leonard Fournette ran for 95 yards and two touchdowns before getting ejected in the third quarter for fighting defensive end Shaq Lawson. At the time of their ejections, the score was 14-14. The Jaguars lost despite rushing for 226 yards. Blake Bortles threw for only 127 yards. He was 12-of-23 with one touchdown and two interceptions. His rating was 46.8. Jacksonville's pass rush that was so dominant in 2017 didn't record a sack.

Next up: Indianapolis

The Jaguars started the season with a 3-1 record. They're trying to avoid an eight-game losing streak one year after they reached the AFC Championship Game and lost at New England. Changes have come, with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett fired and Blake Bortles losing his starting QB job to Cody Kessler. The Jaguars are capable of beating the Colts at home, but this game features teams going in opposite directions, and Indianapolis should win.