The AFC South is a division with one sure thing and a lot of question marks. One team has a quarterback that had one of the best rookie seasons in the history of the NFL, but can he duplicate those efforts? Two teams have great running backs, but not much else. This division will be won by process of elimination and only one team will make the playoffs. Here is how the AFC South will shake out.
Houston Texans: 11-5
With two games against Jacksonville, Indianapolis, and Tennessee it should be fairly easy for Houston to win 11 games. Although Arian Foster's health is a concern the Texans offense still has some potency with Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, Owen Daniels, and DeAndre Hopkins. Couple that with a top 5 defense and Houston has the makings of a Super Bowl contender.
Jacksonville Jaguars: 6-10
Blaine Gabbert is better than he was last year, but he's still not very good. It doesn't help that his most explosive receiver (Justin Blackmon) is suspended for the first 4 games of the season and appears to be a head case. Maurice Jones-Drew is healthy and in the last year of his contract so the Jags will have a punchers chance in most games. They don't have enough talent to win consistently though.
Tennessee Titans: 7-9
I expect Chris Johnson to have a bounce back season now that the offensive line is improved and the Titans will have more of a commitment to the run. The problem is Jake Locker is not very accurate and costly turnovers may force them to abandon their game plan trying to come from behind. I wouldn't be surprised if Ryan Fitzpatrick is the starter by week 10.
Indianapolis Colts: 9-7
The Indianapolis Colts were able to catch teams by surprise and feed off the emotion of their coach last season. This year they have the NFL's undivided attention and no one will underestimate them. Andrew Luck is a star in the making and TY Hilton is quickly becoming the heir apparent to Reggie Wayne, but the Colts won 6 games by 4 points or less last year. I don't think they can do that again.
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