NEOSI Previews the NFL’s AFC from Top to Bottom Heading Into 2016

AFC South

1.) Jacksonville Jaguars 9-7

The Jacksonville Jaguars are my surprise team this year. They improved a lot and play in the arguably weakest division in the NFL. The offense was good enough to be a playoff team but the defense allowed the second most points in the NFL. Signing two former Pro Bowlers in free agency to go along with the draft picks of Dante Fowler (missed all 2015), Jalen Ramsey, and Myles Jack might be enough to make that defense into a top ten caliber defense. I think they will be a very competitive bright young team that sneaks their way into the playoffs.

2.) Houston Texans 9-7

The Texans should certainly compete in the South. I’m interested to see how the new offense blends together. They spent big money to bring in Brock Osweiler at QB and Lamar Miller at RB. DeAndre Hopkins looks to be a stud at WR so if they can all play like they are supposed to then the division is theirs. Jadeveon Clowney is the player to watch though. If he stays healthy and plays like his first overall potential, then the duo of him and Watt can turn the Texans into serious contenders. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them back in the playoffs.

3.) Indianapolis Colts 8-8

The Colts still have some ways to go as a team. While they have Andrew Luck, the rest of their drafting hasn’t gone so great. They had the worst offensive line in the NFL and protecting their star QB was the offseason priority. While they can keep him upright, they still lack a running game and the defense still has question marks. The Jaguars and Texans made big strides this offseason and the Colts might have to end up being the third wheel.

4.) Tennessee Titans 3-13

The Titans are still young and need to grow. Mariota enters his second year but looks like he can be the QB in Tennessee for a long time. They went and got DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry to have two big backs that can run the ball. They have limited targets for the passing game and an offensive line that allowed the most sacks in the NFL last year. Defensively they are still towards the bottom. Competition should be a word to look for in Tennessee and the wins will come eventually.

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