AFC South prediction 2012

AFC South

I think this will be one of the earlier decided divisions, as the South consists of Houston and everyone else. The biggest question I see is how far the Texans can go in the playoffs. With a little luck on the health front, this could be as good a team as anyone else in the league.

Houston Texans: As long as the big three offensive playmakers stay healthy the Texans are as big a challenger for the Super Bowl as any team in the AFC. Matt Schaub, Arian Foster and Andre Johnson are fantastic but injury prone. The defense is top-notch as well, even with the loss of oft-injured Mario Williams. Again, the health issue is key, but this team could force a changing of the guard this season.

Tennessee Titans: This team was a quiet 9-7 in 2011 and four of those losses were by a touchdown or less. Chris Johnson is back and will have a much better year. Jake Locker is the question mark. If he plays well, the Titans could compete for a wild card berth in the playoffs.

Indianapolis Colts: Third place is a tossup. I like Andrew Luck, but there is a dearth of talent on this team with the exodus of Peyton Manning and much of the nucleus of the team that was so competitive throughout the 2000s. I think they’ll be fun to watch, but they’re not going to challenge for many wins until 2013.

Jacksonville Jaguars: If Blaine Gabbert performs up to his draft status, it’ll help the Jaguars immensely. This is a team that to me just seems stuck. It wouldn’t surprise me if they are able to jump up to third place but I don’t see them doing much more.