Next on the agenda is the AFC South. This division has had some changes in big areas. Specifically, to the QB and HC positions for 2 teams. The Jags surprised a lot of folks by winning the division last year and Tennessee had a bad, bad year. Well, I should say that they had a terrible 2nd half, losing 7 straight games to end the season. I really don’t anticipate things changing too much in the AFC South, but who knows? There could be another shakeup within the division. I won’t waste any more time with an intro though, let’s see what the AFC South is all about this season.

1: Tennessee Titans (11-6)

People are seriously sleeping on the Titans. This team isn't much different than the team back in 2021 that received a first-round bye. Last year, I said if I had to make a bet, I would pick the Titans to win the division. I think I’m renewing that belief. If this team can stay mostly healthy, then they’re easily a 10-win team. Not that I think they will the Super Bowl, but they’re around 100/1 odds at most casinos. That is down there with the Commanders, Cardinals, Colts, Texans, and Buccaneers. Does Vegas seriously think they’re that bad? I got news for them, they’re not. Their defense is underrated. The only concerns I have with this team, besides health, are depth beyond the starters and the O-Line. I am perfectly content with everything else. Peter Skoronski was a massive addition to the O-Line and Andre Dillard was as well. Taylor Lewan was a big departure, but at the same time, he never played. It is difficult to help a team when you’re on the bench mending injuries constantly. Aside from Lewan. Nate Davis and DeMarcus Walker were honestly the only value pieces that the Titans lost this offseason. I personally think they gained it back and then some. Chig Okonkwo proved to be an absolute steal in the 4th Round last year and I expect him to be a big part of the offense this season. Oh, did I mention DeAndre Hopkins is on the team? He will take a lot of pressure off of Treylon Burks, who is just ready to break out, if his knee holds up. Tannehill finally has a good receiving core to throw to. Speaking of Tannehill, he isn't losing that starting QB job. Not this year anyway, so just get that out of your head. Derrick Henry is still Derrick Henry. Tyjae Spears is an interesting addition to the backfield and hopefully he can take some pressure off of Henry. I think Jeffery Simmons will have a monster year with Harold Landry back on the field. Arden Key was a good addition to the LB crew as well as Azeez Al-Shaair. This team is a playoff team. I have no doubt in my mind about it. But I kind of like the fact that they’re being forgotten about. It will make them play even harder.

Difference Maker: DE/OLB, Harold Landry III

I have to put Landry down as the difference maker for this team. He missed all of last season after tearing his ACL in practice prior to the regular season opener. That was a big hit to the defense before Week 1. Landry and Jeffery Simmons are the stars of the defense and when both of them are on the field, it is bad news for the opposing offense. I think it isn't out of the question for Landry to reach 15 sacks this year. I think he is definitely capable. He was the missing piece for the Titans last season, so don’t forget those Titans. Remember them.

2: Jacksonville Jaguars (10-7)

Was last season a fluke for the Jacksonville Jaguars? The experts don’t think so and neither do I. I think they will have another solid year. After a somewhat shaky rookie season, Trevor Lawrence proved the doubters wrong last season. He appears to be the answer to Jacksonville’s QB problems. Even if I do think they were quick to give up on Blake Bortles and Gardner Minshew. Along with Lawrence, he has some solid targets to throw to and hand the ball off to as well. Travis Etienne broke out in his first NFL season. Christian Kirk proved that he was somewhat worthy of the big contract that he signed, and Evan Engram had his best season since his rookie year with the Giants back in 2017. Oh yeah, they also added Calvin Ridley. With that being said, they were fairly quiet in the offseason. The lost star OT Jawaan Taylor to the Chiefs and Arden Key to their division rival Tennessee Titans. Their O-Line will have some issues this season and their defense could be streaky. Don’t get me wrong, I think they will be decent this year, but I just don’t think they are ready to take control of the division. Tennessee gave away the division last year after losing 7 straight to end the year. The absolute ceiling for the Jags is probably 11 wins. The floor I think could be 5 wins. I think they will obviously be better than 5 wins, but 1 big injury could take the whole offense down.

Difference Maker: WR, Calvin Ridley

This choice was clear cut. Calvin Ridley is the obvious choice for the Jaguars difference maker this season. There are obviously concerns about him though. We know he is a great player, but can he adjust to the Jaguars offense and be productive? Can he be the same player that he was in Atlanta? Time will tell, but I think there is a good shoot that the Jaguars got a steal for him. A. 5th Rounder and a conditional draft pick next season. He is tasked with replacing Marvin Jones and I think he will fit right in.

3: Houston Texans (5-12)

The Texans will not be very good this season, but they will have a shot to disrupt some games this year. After spending the last two seasons as defensive coordinator of the 49ers, DeMeco Ryans is making his Head Coaching debut this season for the Texans. Along with a new staff, the Texans will have a new leader of the offense. CJ Stroud will be QB1 this season unless something drastically changes within the next couple of weeks. Like the next team I will preview, having a rookie QB isn't exactly an ideal thing. They need at least a season or two to fully adjust the NFL gameplay. CJ Stroud will not light it up this season, nor should the Texans expect him to. Having players like Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary in the backfield will be a massive help. Their O-Line isn't really terrible either, so this offense should get some opportunities to shine. They added Robert Woods as Stroud’s main target and they also added some targets from the Cowboys. Noah Brown and Dalton Schultz will debut as Texans this season. Many experts say that the Texans probably had the best draft after taking Stroud at 2 and moving up to take Will Anderson Jr. with the 3rd pick. They also drafted well in the later rounds. Their defense will not likely be too stout this season and it would shock me if they were actually competitive in this division. 6 wins is their absolute ceiling. I do, however, think they will improve upon their 3-13-1 season in 2022

Difference Maker: WR, John Metchie III

The Texans 2022 2nd Rounder didn’t play last season after undergoing treatment for leukemia, but I think he could make an impact in this new-look offense. He is currently listed as a backup, but I think he will be a starter before the season is done. He could be a total wildcard, but I also think he is someone that is flying under the radar. Don’t expect too much from Metchie, but then again, don’t overlook him.

4: Indianapolis Colts (3-14)

Like the Texans, the Colts have a new HC and a new QB leading the offense. Also, like the Texans, don’t expect them to be good this year. Shane Steichen will make his head coaching debut this season after spending the last two seasons in Philly. With a new coaching regime, you really have no idea how to predict the outcome of a season, but from the roster alone, it isn't impressive. Anthony Richardson was announced as QB1 and I think that is a mistake. He could end up being a solid QB, but it is not like he had a lot of seat time as a starter at Florida. Even still, he didn’t light it up in college. I fully expect Gardner Minshew to be starting by Week 6. Also, there is a lot of drama with Jonathan Taylor. He says he isn't injured, yet he is placed on the injury report. He wants a deal and the Colts seem unwilling to budge. He requested a trade and if he goes, they can kiss the 2023 season goodbye. Other than RB, at the moment, there isn't a strong point at all on the roster. Every position is weak. D-line and O-Line are OK, but not above average by any means. The Colts are a max, 5-win team. Don’t expect anything more out of them.

Difference Maker: CB, Kenny Moore II

I went with Kwity Paye last season, so I didn’t want to pick him again. While he is a guy that could make a bigger leap again this season, I am going to go with a guy that has been on the team since 2017. Moore had a down year last season. He missed 5 games and he really didn’t perform well while he played. He will look to bounce back this year and be a cornerstone piece yet again for the Colts secondary.

Yacs

2023 AFC South Preview