AFC South 2017 predictions: Time to take division, and the Titans, seriously
Keep joking about the AFC South at your own risk. According to projected win totals, it’s no longer the NFL’s worst division. And one team, maybe even a couple, could do real damage in the playoffs this season.
The two-time defending division champion Texans have a promising rookie passer and what could become the league’s best defense. The Titans have real pieces around their young star quarterback. The Jaguars (on paper, at least) improved significantly on defense. The Colts have Andrew Luck.
Even if the AFC South is not great, it’s competitive. Don’t be surprised if a team not named Indianapolis or Houston wins the division for the first time since 2008.
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AFC South: 2017 predictions
Houston Texans
As we’ve noted before, we're not buying what the Texans are selling in regard to their starting quarterback. Tom Savage is not the player who can lead Houston deeper into the playoffs, so Deshaun Watson’s development as a rookie will be key throughout 2017.
For a defense that fields the NFL’s best three-man attack in a single front seven — J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus — the addition of rookie inside linebacker Zach Cunningham for depth should help in run support.
MORE: Should Watson start at QB?
Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis is no secret. The Colts go as Andrew Luck goes, and Andrew Luck goes as his own availability goes. The quarterback’s long-term health needs to be the priority in a season he’s entering on the PUP list.
New GM Chris Ballard’s first two draft picks, safety Malik Hooker and corner Quincy Wilson, are welcome additions to a defense that ranked 30th in yards allowed last season.
MORE: Immediate improvement in Indy
Jacksonville Jaguars
Blake Bortles was entering a pivotal year in 2017 regardless. Now Jacksonville has Tom Coughlin running the show, and the team's new football czar might not be as patient with the quarterback who has thrown 51 interceptions in three seasons.
The defense needs to help with the turnover margin, too, which is why corner A.J. Bouye and safety Barry Church were signed in free agency. Not to mention Calais Campbell, a new menacing force for the defensive line.
MORE: Leonard Fournette can't be stopped
Tennessee Titans
The Titans last year experienced just their second winning season in the eight years since they last won the division. With a head coach-quarterback combo firmly in place, regression this time would be a surprise.
The offensive line and running game are strong. Marcus Mariota has a couple more tools on the perimeter. The shaky defensive secondary of 2016 has been overhauled to compliment a strong front seven. Tennessee is in a good place for 2017.
MORE: Mariota's ranking among NFL QBs
AFC South: 2017 picks
1. Tennessee Titans (10-6)
2. Houston Texans (9-7)
3. Indianapolis Colts (7-9)
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)
The Titans, thanks to a great offseason of free-agency acquisitions and draft picks, suddenly are the most complete team in the division. The Texans aren't settled at the game's most important position. The Colts are settled only at the game's most important position. The Jaguars are too unpredictable.
A stretch of sports success in the city of Nashville, on the heels of the Predators' run to the Stanley Cup Final, continues with a playoff berth for the Titans.