If you have seen my earlier article, I will give predictions of every division with my reasonings. In this article, I will break down the AFC South division and tell who I think will take the division. This one is hard since I am a Houston Texans fan, but I will try to take my bias out of it.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Starting with the reigning division champions, the Jacksonville Jaguars, have a tough test ahead of them. Some of the divisional teams are slowly improving and then adding playing other first-place teams, creates more difficulties for the Jaguars to win back-to-back division titles for the first time in franchise history. Free agency was a huge splash like the year before but Jaguars are adding depth to an already star-powered team. During the draft, it seems they had the same mindset, just adding a couple of missing pieces on the starting front. I just have a feeling it isn’t going to be an easy road like most think. The AFC North is still a great task for any team in the division but like I said earlier the real test will be playing the other first-place division teams, such as the Chiefs, 49ers & Bills. I do see the Jaguars sweeping the NFC South and the Titans again this season. It will be an interesting one for Jaguar fans.
Predictions: Division Champs 10-7
Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans, in my opinion, are in worse shape than what others think. With newly named general manager Ran Carthon, the Titans released a lot of veterans on the team to clean up some space on the cap. That would be fine if they would replace the cuts in free agency. Not saying good moves weren’t made, just not enough to replace the losses. I have mixed feelings about their draft, day one was really strong and then was left scratching my head on some others. Trading up to the 33rd pick to draft Will Levis marks a line in the sand with second-year quarterback Malik Willis, and then draft a running back with no ACLs in Spears to lessen the load for aging Derrick Henry. In the schedule aspect, I think the Titans will win most games against the NFC South but will be swept by the AFC North. The division games, on the other hand, are a different story. Don’t be surprised if the Titans get swept by the Texans & Jaguars and split the Colts. Tennessee Titans fans are going to have a tough time watching this season.
Predictions: Last place 4-13
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are interesting to me. They didn’t do much in free agency, except sign a kicker to a big deal,
but the draft is what intrigues me. Adding the first time Shane Steichen has a head coach and pairing him with an athletic beast in Anthony Richardson, can be a recipe for success. Yes, Richardson was inaccurate in college, but offensive guru Steichen can help Richardson progress pretty quickly. Then add Jonathan Taylor to the equation, just improves the odds of winning. The concern in my eyes is the defense. Last year was Gus Bradley’s first year with the team and it wasn’t very impressive. Hopefully, more time with the defense will improve the progression of the young players. Going to the schedule, Just like the Titans & Jaguars, the Colts get swept by the AFC North. When it comes to the NFC South, it is a toss-up to whoever has the ball left. Division-wise, the Titans split with the Titans & Texans but get swept by the Jaguars. If the Colts play the cards right, it won’t be a rebuild, just a quick break.
Predictions: Second or Third place 6-11
Houston Texans
Another interesting team is the Houston Texans. After getting head coach Demeco Ryans from all the other teams who needed a head coach, the Texans knocked out the off-season. During the free agency period, Texans focused on fixing some major holes in their roster. Adding Shaq Mason and Dalton Schultz on the offense and then bringing in Denzel Perryman and Sheldon Rankins on the defense, lets the Texans focus elsewhere in the draft. A couple of experts weren’t fans of the Texans draft, on the other hand, loved it. First, went out and drafted the quarterback that was well-needed, then afterward aggressively traded up to get an X-factor defensive player. Overall though, the Texans draft filled several holes that needed to be addressed. Last Season, the Texans were on the verge of winning 6-7 games but due to horrible schemes and terrible quarterback play, stopped them to 3 wins total. With the new scheme, Texans should improve more than people would think. Now when it comes to the schedule, I still think the Texans will follow suit the rest of the division and get swept by the AFC North and it will be a coin flip when it comes to the NFC South division. The Houston Texans’ divisional games will be exciting for the fans. I see the Texans sweeping the Titans and splitting with the Jaguars & Colts. Fans of the Houston Texans should be excited for what’s to come.
Predictions: Second or Third place 6-11
Make sure to comment your thoughts and opinions. Look out for my next article when I predict the divisional teams of the AFC East!
