2014 AFC South Predictions

AFC SOUTH PROJECTIONS

Houston Texans (10-6) : The Texans went from 12-4 to 2-14 at the drop of a hat, but most feel at it's core this team is closer to a 12-4 team than a 2-14 one. They will still be elite defensively, especially with Jadeveon Clowney and JJ Watt controlling the line of scrimmage, but offensively they will probably go through some growing pains. After passing on a QB in the draft they will have to rely on Ryan Fitzpatrick after signing him off the junk heap, but they will probably continue to have a good running game so it might not be so bad. Rookie head coach Bill O'Brien is known more for his passing, their success may depend on his ability to reform a passing attack that was 15th overall in 2013. Schedule is very favorable with games against Oakland, Buffalo, and Cleveland.

Absolutely terrifying.

Indianapolis Colts (9-7) : This is more about the overall weakness of the division than the strength of the Colts, especially on defense. With the way Luck has asserted himself and played beyond his years it's very likely that the Colts claw their way back to an AFC South title, but it won't be easy. They have some brutal games (like traveling to Denver for their first game, and a visit from the Patriots) but dates with Dallas, Cleveland, and Washington will give them chances to stay ahead of their rivals. Injuries and suspensions have also limited the Colts' ceiling.

Could Luck-Hilton be the next Manning-Harrison?

Tennessee Titans (7-9) : Ken Wisenhunt takes over a team that has the potential to be very exiting, but also could fall flat on it's face. This team is going to be very dependant on Jake Locker, if Wisenhunt can work his magic they could be pretty good right away, but if Locker gets injured (again) things will go south really quickly. Schedule is decent with an opening game at vaunted Arrowhead and a late-season gift in the form of a visit from the Jets.

Locker and the Titans under Wisenhunt could surprise.

Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10) : The Jags are hard to read, after years of drafting high they have a lot of young talent but continue to stumble on the field. Jacksonville started 2013 0-8 before going 4-4 in the second half while looking like a completely different team. To be fair, two of those wins were against the Texans, but they showed enough to give fans hope. They will have a brutal late-night west coast game at San Diego, but they will get Cleveland, Dallas, and the NY Giants at home. They also dodge the Patriots with their AFC East match up against the Dolphins. Probably a year or two away from being decent, a lot of young talent is bound to sneak up on a team or two (or six).

Henne is probably a better fantasy option than a real QB.