AFC South Preview

It's rare that I post on a Saturday lately, but in order to make sure that I get everything posted on time for this season, I have to scramble and post today and tomorrow as well as into this next week. College football might also prompt a couple posts on Thursday. We'll see.

As for today, I'm looking into the AFC South, which should be one of the more fun divisions this season. Maybe not to the same extent as it was last year, but it will be a fun battle for the top. And probably also a fun battle for the bottom.

Common opponents on schedule: AFC West, NFC West

1.  Houston Texans
Last year: 12-4 (1st), lost in AFC Divisional Round
The offense largely stood pat, which in the grand scheme of things isn't necessarily a bad thing. As long as Arian Foster can keep putting up good numbers, it takes pressure off Matt Schaub, who is a really good, but not great, quarterback. The defense though... even though he's old, when you add Ed Reed to your secondary you're in good shape. It only helps a defense already anchored by J.J. Watt. People like him are why I didn't play football in high school (and I mean that out of utter respect for his physical skills. Dude's an athletic freak.)
2013 Prediction: 12-4

2. Indianapolis Colts
Last year: 11-5 (2nd), lost in AFC Wild Card
The Colts were the big surprise of the 2012 season, becoming a major storyline with head coach Chuck Pagano being diagnosed with leukemia during their bye week, seeing Bruce Arians fill in and then the Colts stepped it up for their ailing coach, winning games they had no business winning, with any appearances by Pagano or shaving of cheerleaders' heads at the 50 yard line between quarters serving as catalysts for #Chuckstrong magic. That kind of magic isn't something you will see every year, so there's bound to be at least some regression. I don't think there will be too much though; not with Andrew Luck under center. They'll still be good, just maybe not to the same degree.
2013 Prediction: 10-6, Wild Card

3. Tennessee Titans
Last year: 6-10 (3rd), missed playoffs
It's Year 3 of Jake Locker, who is still developing, but the team is his to run now with Matt Hasselbeck having moved on. Chris Johnson can help a little bit, but the question is whether Nate Washington and Kenny Britt If He Stays Healthy can be productive. Defensively... not impressed. The Titans don't play the Patriots, so Simmons doesn't have to worry about Bernard Karmell Pollard.
2013 Prediction: 5-11

4. Jacksonville Jaguars
Last year: 2-14 (4th), missed playoffs
I think they're certainly better than 2-14, if nothing else. Luke Joeckel will help solidify the offensive line, and Denard Robinson can certainly add an element of uncertainty to that offense, but this team isn't going to go anywhere with Blaine Gabbert at quarterback. Chad Henne would be a bit of an improvement, though it's certainly possible that Gabbert can improve in Year 3. I'm not counting on it though.
2013 Prediction: 3-13

Tomorrow is a rare Sunday where I'm not working, but I'll still have a preview post for you as we move to arguably the strongest division in the NFL.