Houston Texans
Last year I really thought the Texans were going to overtake the Indianapolis Colts and win the division. I think it actually happens this year. The Texans are strong on offense and their defense will be better with the addition of former Bear Danieal Manning and Jonathan Joseph.
Once again the Texans open against the Colts at home and I look for them to win that game. Especially now since the Colts look to go under center with Curtis Painter or Kerry Collins. The Texans beat the Colts in last years season opener BUT unlike last year, they will take this years win as just a win.
They put too much emphasis on that opening day win last year. The Texans will finish 10-6 and that will be good enough to win the south.
Peyton Manning could be sidelined for awhile with his neck injuries.
Indianapolis Colts
Injuries are the headline for this team. Last year it was the wide receivers going down one after another. Due to Peyton Manning, the Colts made it to the post season. This year, the injury at the beginning of the season is to Manning. Sure, there may be other injuries too, but Manning’s overshadows all of them.
I don’t think there is another team in the NFL who is so dependent upon one player like the Colts. As of this writing, he’s waiting for nerves to regenerate. Sounds pretty serious and I don’t think you go to bed one night and wake up with nerves that grew overnight. Even if Manning comes back, I see this season as a lost one and the Colts going 7 -9 and missing the playoffs.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags are one of those teams that can beat you if you’re not on your best game. While I don’t see them as a threat to win the south, they may spoil a few teams chances at the post season, most notably the Colts. Maurice Jones-Drew again will be the offense on this team. Mike Sims-Walker is gone.
I just don’t think this team made the moves necessary to contend in the south. I think they go 6-10 this season and a new coach will be in place next year.
Tennessee Titans
You want to build a franchise around a quarterback. Who you gonna’ call? Matt Hasselbeck. Hmmmm, is he the answer in Tennessee? Nope, but he’s an upgrade to what they had last season. Chris Johnson must stay healthy for this team to be competitive.
Hell, Chris Johnson must first report and then stay healthy. On the defensive side of the ball, they are a wild card at best. This team, a couple years back, was on the precipice of being a powerhouse. I see the Titans finishing 4-12.