2017 NFL Preview: AFC South

Houston has won the AFC South with single digit wins in consecutive seasons, but the division as a whole has taken advantage of the NFL’s parity structure, and is on the rise. Neither Tennessee nor Jacksonville has made the playoffs since 2007, that could easily change in 2017 since both teams have assembled talented and deep rosters.

It would not be surprising if one of the up-and-coming teams in the South takes advantage of cross-conference scheduling against the NFC West to secure a wildcard. Most of these teams still play the rugged style of football from the old AFC Central, but intra-division games will pit a pair of capable quarterbacks against fierce defenses. The AFC South is another highly competitive division with little separating the rivals. Final division standings projection:

1. Houston Texans

It all starts on the defensive front for Bill O’Brien’s Texans. The incredible J.J. Watt is expected to be healthy, providing Houston with a ferocious trio of sack artists, including Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus. Benardrick McKinney is one of the better middle linebackers in the league and rookie Zach Cunningham is another rangy linebacking option. However, the loss of shutdown corner A.J. Bouye may cause a step back in coverage unless former first round pick Kevin Johnson picks up the slack.

Their big move on offense was drafting quarterback Deshaun Watson to replace the disappointing Brock Osweiler. If Watson can beat out Tom Savage for the starting job, he could bring efficiency to the offense with his mobility. Receiver DeAndre Hopkins is one of the most physically gifted receivers around, while Lamar Miller provides a decent rushing attack behind a mediocre line. Their outstanding pass rushers should carry Houston to the division title for the third straight season.

2. Tennessee Titans

The Titans bandwagon is nearing maximum capacity this offseason. Many are anticipating Marcus Mariota to take the next step with new receivers Eric Decker and Corey Davis. Nevertheless, Mike Mularkey’s offense is still predicated on a bruising ground attack, with DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry punishing defenses behind bookend tackles Taylor Lewan, Jack Conklin and two-way tight end Delanie Walker.

Defensive tackle Jurrell Casey, along with veteran edge rushers Derrick Morgan and Brain Orakpo lead Tennessee’s defense. Free agent acquisitions Logan Ryan, Jonathan Cyprien and draft pick Adoree’ Jackson are expected to upgrade the secondary, yet it may take some time for the new pieces to gel. Overall, the Titans have some clear team strengths, but they will need a couple more defensive playmakers to emerge over the course of the season in order to make a deep postseason run.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars continue luring top free agents with lucrative contracts. A year after breaking the bank on defensive tackle Malik Jackson and safety Tashaun Gibson, Jacksonville continued adding veteran talent, namely end Calais Campbell, A.J. Bouye and Barry Church this offseason. Now with these proven performers added to the young core of star corner Jalen Ramsey, pass rusher Dante Fowler Jr and their speedy linebackers, Jacksonville should legitimately have one of the best defenses in the NFL.

The offense is different story. Powerful rookie back Leonard Fournette may struggle to find running room behind a middling line. Allen Robinson, Marquise Lee and Allen Hurns do comprise a nice trio of receivers. The Jaguars could make the playoffs or be drafting in the top-10 again, it all rests on the shoulders of inconsistent quarterback Blake Bortles.

4. Indianapolis Colts

Defensive specialist Chuck Pagano and the front office concentrated on upgrading the defense this offseason. Jabaal Sheard and Johnathan Hankins were signed to bolster the defensive front. Ballhawk Malik Hooker and big corner Quincy Wilson were the Colts top two draft picks. They could form a strong secondary with Vontae Davis, if the veteran can regain his best form.

Andrew Luck’s lingering shoulder injury is cause for concern on offense. Luck has proven he can carry the team when healthy. Potent receivers T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief return. Their blocking unit is nothing special and ancient running back Frank Gore is destined to fall off soon. Indianapolis is yet another team with a wide range of possibilities for the upcoming season.