Week 9 AFC South predictions: Can Will Levis top his brilliant debut?

The AFC South split its games last week as the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans pulled out wins while the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts each fell to arguably lesser teams. Here are predictions for Week 8’s slate of games:

Jacksonville Jaguars (6-2): Bye week

Houston Texans (3-4) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4): After losing to the previously winless Carolina Panthers last week, the Texans should come out fired up on their home turf against the Bucs. C.J. Stroud had arguably the worst performance of his career last week (140 yards, no touchdowns) but gets a favorable matchup against Tampa Bay’s 28th-ranked pass defense.

The Bucs are riding a three-game losing streak in which they never scored more than 18 points and were held to less than 310 yards twice. The Texans are one of 12 teams to allow fewer than 100 yards rushing per game this season, so this game will likely be up to Baker Mayfield, who’s thrown an interception in four of his last five games, to win. Tampa has looked flat in each of its last three games and the Texans have the better offense.

PREDICTION: Texans 23, Buccaneers 17

Indianapolis Colts (3-5) vs. Carolina Panthers (1-6): The Colts have lost their last three games — two double-digit losses sandwiched around a one-point defeat to the Cleveland Browns — and a winnable game against a one-win Panthers team could be just what Indy needs to get back on track.

Carolina has allowed the eighth-most rushing yards this season, which bodes well for the Colts, who have a strong two-headed rushing attack led by Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss. The duo have combined for 268 yards and two touchdowns over the last two weeks, and they could have another big week against a Panthers defense that’s allowed 100 yards rushing in every game this season, including surrendering 130 yards rushing or more in six of seven games.

PREDICTION: Colts 31, Panthers 21

Tennessee Titans (3-4) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3): After torching the Falcons for four touchdowns in his NFL debut, everyone is wondering how Will Levis will follow up that performance in start No. 2. The Titans didn’t trade Derrick Henry, DeAndre Hopkins or anyone else on their roster during Tuesday’s trade deadline, which bodes well for Levis building off his impressive first start.

The Steelers have been hot and cold this season, and their chances are obviously better if Kenny Pickett starts at QB over Mitch Trubisky. Although the Steelers haven’t named a starter yet, Pickett stated he’s playing on Thursday. Tennessee and Pittsburgh’s pass defenses both rank in the bottom third of the NFL, so this one could turn into a shootout. While Levis was impressive last week, the Titans don’t have many playmakers beyond Henry and Hopkins. The Steelers have a deeper group of skill players, which gives them a slight edge.

PREDICTION: Steelers 27, Titans 23