Since the NFL season is just kicking off (pun intended), I am going to do a breakdown of each division, leading up to a post that will predict who will make the playoffs in each conference and who I think will be in the Super Bowl. The second division I am going to talk about is the AFC South.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars - This team was one quarter away from being in the Super Bowl last year and they seem poised to make a return deep in the playoffs. The Jaguars are returning most of the team from last season, albeit for a few pieces here and there. First off, their defense is unbelievable. Led by sack master and stout run defensive lineman Calais Campbell, the Jaguars are not a defense to be trifled with. Along with Campbell, they return Cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye and Linebackers Myles Jack and Telvin Smith. They also have key solid starters in Malik Jackson and Barry Church. On offense is where we see the most change, even though it is not much. They return Quarterback Blake Bortles and Running Back Leonard Fournette. They lost Wide Receiver Allen Robinson (who was on injured reserve last season) and Receiver Allen Hurns. They replaced them with Donte Montcrief from the Colts. They also have holdovers Marquis Lee and Keenan Cole. I don't expect the Jaguars to have the same record as last season, for the division will be much improved with injured stars coming back this season, but I still expect them to win the division with supreme defense. They will go 11-5.
2. Texans - This team goes as Deshaun Watson goes. The Texans started off the season hot last year when they decided to start Watson. He had them within a play of defeating both the Patriots and the Seahawks, only to be let down by the defense. Even though he is coming back from a serious knee injury (torn ACL), I fully expect him to come back raring to go. Also coming back from injury for this team is three key contributors, two of which are important cogs. J.J. Watt, Whitney Mercilus and Receiver Will Fuller. They also have running backs Lamar Miller and D'onte Foreman to form a one-two punch, speed and power. Even though the defensive front can be a force with a healthy Watt, Mercilus and Jadeveon Clowney, their cornerbacks are still suspect. However, I feel Watson will more than make up for their deficiencies and lead them to a wildcard birth at 10-6.
3. Tennessee Titans - It's a new era in Tennessee. Gone is head coach Mike Mularkey and in comes former New England Patriots Linebacker Mike Vrabel. Vrabel was known as being a hard-nosed player and has continued that mantra as a positions coach, ultimately leading to his promotion to head coach with the Titans. Returning to the Titans is QB Marcus Mariota, Running Back Derrick Henry, Pro Bowl Lineman Taylor Lewan and Tight End Delanie Walker. On defense, the Titans made a big free agency pickup in cornerback Malcolm Butler. They also return Linebackers Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan. They recently lost starting Safety Jonathan Cyprien to a season ending injury, which will hurt them, but Logan Ryan has shown playmaking ability, so expect him to pick up the slack. The Titans have always had a penchant for being in the playoff chase, but never taking the next step to an elite team. I expect them to be in the playoff hunt again, finishing with a 9-7 record.
4. Indianapolis Colts - Their QB has finally returned! Andrew Luck is finally healthy and it has been a long time coming. He has missed the majority of two seasons with injuries to his shoulder, back and ribs. Due to his perceived toughness, Luck played through many injuries two seasons ago, ultimately leaving him as a walking infirmary. Last season he had to miss because of the chronic shoulder issue. But from all reports, looks good. They return Wide Receiver T.Y. Hilton and up-and-coming running back Marlon Mack. They also added Tight End Eric Ebron from the Lions to pair with Tight End Jack Doyle. Additionally, they drafted consensus top college lineman in Quenton Nelson from Notre Dame. On defense, the only conceivable star they have is safety Malik Hooker. He was injured early last year, so he didn't play a full season, but flashed potential. Other than him, the only name of mention is Defensive Lineman Jabaal Sheard, who had reasonable success with the Patriots. The offense will be much improved, but they are going to have serious struggles on defense. Even though Luck is back (just the person, they won't have much luck this season), I expect the Colts to finish 6-10 or 5-11.
That concludes the breakdown of the AFC South. Stay tuned for my next breakdown, which will detail the AFC West.
One love,
