2017 AFC South Preview

Happy Labor Day! Come celebrate with another NFL division preview!

I took a break over the weekend, and in the interim I'll be back with a look at college football in the morning, but for now, we're continuing our trip around the country going division by division to preview the entire league. So far, one wild card in each conference has been claimed. We'll see if the second AFC one goes today or not.

With three days until the season starts, you're almost out of time to join in the fun of picking games against the spread. Adam Quinn and I will be doing this weekly, and you can compete against us here.

Without further ado, here are today's predictions.


AFC South

Common opponents on schedule: AFC North, NFC West

1. Houston Texans
2016: 9-7 (1st), lost in AFC Divisional Round

Leaving aside the chaos that Hurricane Harvey caused that will likely pose some problems for the Texans in terms of home games (not to mention the widespread destruction in general... stay strong Houston), the Texans are in decent shape this year. They've got some decent weapons on offense in Lamar Miller and Will Fuller, but the problem is that Tom Savage is your quarterback, something that I'm sure strikes fear into the hearts of every defensive coordinator. Deshaun Watson waits in the wings, though who knows how good he will be. Defensively, Houston should get a full year out of JJ Watt, which improves their fortunes significantly, and that's without getting to Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus. This defense will wreak havoc to the tune of another AFC South title.
2017 Prediction: 10-6

2. Tennessee Titans
2016: 9-7 (2nd), missed playoffs

If healthy, Eric Decker brings a decent receiver into the fold to help Marcus Mariota If He Stays Healthy. If he actually does, the Titans will be a threat to win the division. He's got a good supporting cast, including Demarco Murray at running back. I'm not particularly sold on their defense though; they're average, but nothing to write home about. But in a weak division with a pretty soft schedule, it should be enough to get them back to the postseason.
2017 Prediction: 9-7, Wild Card

3. Indianapolis Colts
2016: 8-8 (3rd), missed playoffs

It's kind of weird to think that just a few years ago the Colts were on the rise and in the AFC Championship Game. But they've been an average team since, and they're likely going to be without Andrew Luck for at least the early going. Scott Tolzien is a capable backup, but he's nothing to write home about in an offense with an aging Frank Gore and T.Y. Hilton as their best receiver. The offensive line is bad, and so is the defense. And yet, given the division they play in and their schedule, any time they do get out of Luck might be enough to push them to a respectable record that isn't really threatening for playoff contention.
2017 Prediction: 8-8

4. Jacksonville Jaguars
2016: 3-13 (4th), missed playoffs

It seemed like Jacksonville was everyone's sexy sleeper pick out of the AFC South, but I had them last, and for good reason it would appear. Blake Bortles is trending bust, and the defense, which was supposed to be Gus Bradley's forte, hasn't been particularly good; they were solid in yardage allowed, but gave up a ton of points. I don't know how much help is on the way there, but the offense got a boost from the drafting of Leonard Fournette, who should be a good piece out of the backfield, but with Bortles under center, I don't see this team going anywhere.
2017 Prediction: 5-11