AFC South Preview & Predictions

1. Houston Texans

Projected record 11-5
The Texans will win the division, almost running away with it. Yes the Colts will challenge but they aren't ready to take the next step. Most think that adding Ed Reed would put the Texans over the top but not so fast. He's still on the PUP list and the Texans have no idea when he'll be back but when he does come back he will be the leader that they have been lacking in the secondary. The biggest addition in my eyes is the rookie on the other side of Andre Johnson, DeAndre "Nuke" Hopkins. His big play ability along side Johnson's will make the Texans passing attack more explosive. The biggest concern the Texan fans should have is the health of Arian Foster. He's been banged up a lot in the past but the addition of Greg Jones from the Jags should help that. The Houston Texans will make a run in the playoffs but can they get over their past demons?


2. Indianapolis Colts

Projected record: 9-7
Andrew Luck's second season in the NFL will a tough test. After throwing for 4000+ yards with 23 TD's and 18 INT's, the #1 overall pick is hoping to drop the number of picks he threw last year. The Colts upgraded their offensive line with the signings of Donald Thomas and Gosder Cherilus, in hopes of becoming a more run heavy team. They also added Ahmad Bradshaw to the stable of backs they already possessed to add to their play action heavy offense. Adding Darrius Heyward-Bey gives the Colts the deep threat receiver they missed last year and it will help Luck find his beloved tight ends. The Colts also improved their defense with the signings of Erik Walden, LaRon Landry, Ricky Jean Francois and Aubrayo Franklin. The Colts will challenge the Texans for the division title but will fall short because of the inexperience of the team. They might be a year away from a division title.  


3. Tennessee Titans 

Projected record 6-10.
The Titans are hoping for a resurgent year from CJ2K after his big talk in the off-season. Bringing in Shonn Greene as a compliment should help Johnson get back to form. Also with the addition of Chance Warmack and Andy Levitre to the offensive line should help open up holes for Johnson and keep Jake Locker off of his back. Adding Delanie Walker and drafting Justin Hunter will help Locker stretch the field for some big plays in the passing game and Hunter's speed can be used in the return game as well. The Titans defense will be better this year with new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and the addition of hard hitting safety Bernard Pollard. The Titans look to take a step forward this season to hopefully contend for a playoff spot. Johnson will have a good year but can Jake Locker bounce back from his forgettable season last year?

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

Projected record 3-13
No surprise here. The Jags are just bad and it starts with the quarterback position. Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne. Not the ideal quarterback situation which is why the Jags will rely on Maurice Jones-Drew and new addition Justin Forsett. Adding Mohamed Massaquoi and Jordan Shipley should help the passing game and give MJD more room to work. Also drafting Denard Robinson will make them more explosive offensively and especially in the return game.   Defensively the Jags have boosted each level with the signings of Roy Miller, Sen'Derrick Marks, Kyle Love, Geno Hayes, Alan Ball and Marcus Trufant. Look for the Jags to be picking in the top 3 of next years draft, most likely picking a quarterback. 




Leave comments below let me know what you think.


-Juice