Top 5 Performances for the AFC South

#1 CJ Stroud

What a coming-out party for Stroud. Following the solid play from Week 2, the former Ohio State alumnus shined the following week against the Jags. He passed for 280 yards, completed 20/30 passes, and threw for 2 touchdowns as well. It’s early in the season, but it looks like Houston has their franchise quarterback for years to come.

#2 Zack Moss

I can confidently say that I wasn’t expecting this result. This game was impacted by the weather, there was rain all throughout the day in Baltimore. Knowing this, the Colts decided to attack with the run game. Another factor impacting this decision was the start of Gardner Minshew, this was due to Anthony Richardson being concussed. Moss was the main rushing attack on Sunday, he was given 30 carries and produced 122 yards. Moss has an opportunity to expand on this week’s performance due to reports saying Jonathan Taylor may not play for the Colts when activated off the PUP list. If this is true, Moss may be the starting back for the rest of the season.

#3 Tank Dell

Another emerging star for Houston? Not only did CJ Stroud look great, but so did Tank Dell. Similar to Stroud, he was also coming off a decent week prior against the Colts. He followed this with a stellar stat line against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Dell caught 5 passes, had 145 yards, and scored 1 touchdown. The Texans are focused on developing Stroud, but having Dell develop into a potential number-one receiver is something they won’t mind at all.

#4 Colts Defense

What a game from the Colts defense. At times the unit did allow big plays and looked weak against the run, but overall they did their job by holding the Ravens to 19 at home. The Colt’s defense held Lamar Jackson to just 178 passing yards, had 5 sacks, and forced and recovered two fumbles. If it wasn’t for this defense, the Colts wouldn’t have won the game.

#5 Gardner Minshew

When the Colts needed him most, he delivered. Gardner Minshew was called into duty to start last Sunday against the Ravens. With Anthony Richardson being out, the Colts needed their backup to do his job, and that he did. Minshew threw for 227 yards, threw 1 touchdown, and completed 27/44 passes while having 0 turnovers too. Minshew proved me out of all people wrong, I assumed since he was starting that the game would be an easy win for the Ravens. At times Minshew can be a frustrating watch, but those performances don’t change the fact that he is one of the best backup quarterbacks in today’s league.