One of the biggest matchups in Week 12 of the 2023 NFL season was the Jacksonville Jaguars going on the road to face the Houston Texans. Whoever came away victorious would take control of the AFC Division.
After losing the first matchup of the season in Week 3 at home, the Jaguars were able to exact some revenge against the Texans on their home field in Week 12. Jacksonville came away victorious, 24-21.
This is a rivalry that is going to get heated in the coming years as both franchises have excellent young quarterbacks. Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and C.J. Stroud, the No. 2 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, should be leading their respective teams for years to come.
Lawrence had a good game on Sunday, completing 23-of-38 passes for 364 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Stroud was excellent as well, completing 26-of-36 for 304 yards and two touchdowns.
That is something that football fans are excited about as their games in the future will be must-see TV. However, that isn’t something that the Jaguars star is looking forward to. He offered a hilarious quote after the game when asked if he is looking forward to having to face Stroud twice a season in divisional matchups.
“No, I want the teams in our division to be as bad as possible,” Lawrence said.
That quote certainly got a few chuckles out of people in the room, but Lawrence is right. The Jaguars want as easy of a path to the playoffs as possible, but the Texans are going to make sure that is not the case.
Houston isn’t the only team in the division with a high-upside young quarterback, either. The Indianapolis Colts have looked good this season with first-year head coach Shane Steichen and that is without Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Tennessee Titans also have a young quarterback of their own with Will Levis and are undefeated at home, presenting challenges to the Jaguars as well. For a few years, this division was a laughing stock, but the AFC South could become the most competitive one soon with the great young quarterbacks and head coaches present.
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