AFC South Preview

As our good friend Bill Simmons proved last year by making weekly picks along with his wife, and losing- none of us really know what we are talking about. Merrill Hoge and Ron Jaworski can break it down all they want for us, but personally I don't believe them. Clearly some teams are better than others over the course of the season, but if the NFL has proven anything it's that it's unpredictable. I feel like there is at least one surprise team every year in the NFL. The Browns last year? Are you kidding me?

Keeping this in mind, I plan on avoiding a traditional, thorough, and well thought out analysis. I'm just going with my gut. Though I haven't been the most informed in NFL matters this summer, as I'm living without the benefits of the NFL Network, normal ESPN, and the latest copy of Madden (oh it matters), I still watched enough football last season to know what I'm talking about.

Anyways... your AFC South preview.

Division Winner- Jacksonville Jaguars (13-3)

This is the year the Jaguars really put it together. They have added a boat load (a small boat) of wide receivers to their crew, including Jerry Porter and former first round pick Troy Williamson, in hopes of bolstering a somewhat mediocre unit with no true number one type receiver. Though pieces of their receiving corps are still on their way back from injury, I believe that the trio of David Garrard, Maurice-Jones Drew, and Fred Taylor can keep them in games until their receivers return. Also it wouldn't hurt the offense if Matt Jones stopped smoking weed, and starting eating Wheaties. (say the last sentence in a Jim Rome voice)

Though the loss of Marcus Stroud will be felt, I believe the Jacksonville defense will continue its strong play. Add all of this to the fact Jacksonville faces a favorable road schedule, and I believe Jacksonville finally get its division crown, and posts a 13-3 record. (And ultimately lose to the Pats in the AFC championship game)

Just not good enough- Indianapolis Colts (10-6)

This probably isn't a well advised prediction, but I don't care. I hate the Colts. I hate the Mannings. The only reason I could attempt to use to justify this falling off is Marvin Harrison's age, but they were pretty fine without him last year. This is my gut. I say they go 3-3 in division play losing to each the Texans, Jaguars, and Titans once.

Peyton shoots too many commercials, and ends up throwing some costly picks. Including 4 to Brandon Meriweather (not really).

You've got heart Vince, but Lendale White is too slow- Tennessee Titans (8-8)

Tennessee was fairly impressive in 2007, reaching the playoffs in just Vince Youngs second year. I think Tennesse is still improving, and Vince Young still has a ways to go. I have heard that Vince has made strides this off season, and believe he will be more on target this year, but unfortunately for the Titans, I don't think that will be enough. Their defense will keep them in most every game, but they play in what I consider the second toughest division in football (after the NFC East).

Maybe next year Vince. (8-8)

Competive Forth Place Finish- Houston Texans (7-9)

I really like this Texans team. I think this will be the most competitive year in the expansion team's history. Unfortunately for Houston I don't believe a Tampa Bay Rays type of run is in the cards, the division is just too strong. (Though I could say the same for the Rays) Houston's D-line should be one of the best in the NFL this year with Mario Williams starting to live up to his no. 1 draft pick expectations, and Amobi Okoye improving on a strong rookie campaign last year.

The Texans will be competetive, and give some of their division rivals a scare, but I still want to see Matt Schaub quaterback a full season before I'm fully conident in him. (7-9)



While writing this preview I changed my about four times on what I thought the final standings would be. The Colts will definitely be in the top two at the end of the season, but I wouldn't be shocked if either the Titans or Texans posted winning records and snuck into the playoffs as a wild card.