Last year, the AFC South was arguably the toughest division in all of football.  It was the only division with three 10 win teams.  The Colts, Jaguars, and Titans all made the playoffs from this division, and the Texans also had a solid 8-8 season.  Heading into this season, who looks to top the division?  Will the Colts win the division for a sixth straight year?  Will the Jaguars live up to the hype and take it?  Will Tennessee improve to take it?  Could the Texans sneak in and take it?  Here's what I think will happen from this division.

4th, Houston Texans
The Texans have a young defense which looks be a very tough force in the future.  Young stars like Mario Williams, Amobi Okoye, and DeMeco Ryans look to anchor the Houston D for a long time.  This years' D still has some questions, especially in what appears to be a pretty flawed secondary.  Can Fred Bennett be a #1 corner?  How good is Jacques Reeves?

Offense is the teams biggest concern.  They have an average at best offensive line, as well as no real running game.  The often injured Ahman Green and Chris Brown are their choices.  Yikes.  And while Andre Johnson is great, they don't have any other offensive weapons to ultilize. 

They also have a very tough schedule to start.  The first five games are @ Pittsburgh, Baltimore, @ Tennessee, @ Jacksonville, and Indy.  It would be a success to go 2-3 through that stretch.  And while they do have the Bears, Lions, and Dolphins, the rest of the games are either close or against them.  I can't see this team getting to .500.  I say they go 6-10.

3rd, Tennessee Titans
Defense once again is the key to the Titans success.  Last year, they had a very good defense, and this years' isn't a whole of a lot difference.  They lost a few pass rushers, but they did re-sign Jevon Kearse.  The question is about Headstompin' Haynesworth's health.  When he was injured last year, the D seemed to go with him.  His rookie year was the only one where he played all 16 games, and he's gotten in trouble for shenanigans as well.

The offense was pretty awful last year, and this year doesn't look to be too much improved.  They lost both starting guards, and Kevin Mawae is getting pretty old.  They still have nothing at wide receiver, and an over-the-hill Alge Crumpler won't make too much of an impact.  Vince Young also showed little improvement.  They will need LenDale White and rookie Chris Johnson to run the ball very well to have any offensive success.

They luck out in the fact that most of their toughest non-division opponents have to come Tennessee.  Minnesota, Green Bay, the Jets, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland are all home games for the Titans, which makes beating them a much easier task.  With that said, I see them still being no more than a borderline playoff team.  My prediction: 9-7.

2nd, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars return most of the same group defensively.  They did lose Marcus Stroud and Sammy Knight, however they played half of the season minus Stroud without issue.  The addition of Drayton Florence strengthens the secondary, and allows former corner Brian Williams to move to safety where I think he'll be successful.

The offense has been the Fred and Maurice show for the Jaguars. Behind a solid offensive line, they've been great at running the ball. However, Taylor is now 32, an age where many running backs hit a big decline.  If that happens, what happens to this offense?  How efficient can David Garrard be if that running game isn't 100%?  They still have jack squat for receivers.  (And you're kidding yourself if you really think Jerry Porter is the answer)

Like Tennessee, they do get some of their tougher opponants at home.  Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Green Bay, and Cleveland each have to come to Jacksonville.  Looking at it, there doesn't seem like many losses for them.  With their talent and schedule, it certainly isn't unrealistic to say they have a very good shot at the division.  However, I think they fall short, but make the playoffs at 12-4.

1st, Indianapolis Colts
Defensively, this team really hasn't changed.  Health will be the concern for this team as a whole, as they're dinged up.  Defensively, with Dwight Freeney returning, they've got a strong front seven with the likes of himself, Ed Johnson, Robert Mathis, and Gary Brackett.  However, the outside linebackers still have questions.  The secondary is very strong, provided that Bob Sanders stays healthy.

Offensively, once again health is the concern.  How healthy is Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison?  Center Jeff Saturday is banged up, but they still have a strong offensive line.  They have a good running game with Addai, and a strong receiver group with Wayne and Clark.  If they are healthy, there is no reason for them not to remain one of the leagues' best offenses.

The schedule for the Colts is brutal.  They play road games against Minnesota, Green Bay, San Diego, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland.  Not to mention, the annual matchup against against the Patriots, even in Indy, isn't an easy task.  This team at full strength really might be the best Colt team they've had in all of these strong years.  I think the schedule will hurt, but I believe they finish 12-4 like the Jaguars, and win the division on a tiebreaker.

Well, that's what I foresee in the AFC South.  What do you think?

FanIQ Prediction System

Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tennessee Titans
Houston Texans