The AFC South was a division controlled by the Indianapolis Colts last season, as they won by a hefty four games over the Tennesse Titans. This year, it seems the Colts have struggled to regain their form and the rest have gotten increasingly better. This division could be up for grabs once again.
Team-Team Quick Notes
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts struggled last season on the offensive line, but didn’t do much fix that issue. Trent Richardson and a healthy Ahmad Bradshaw will try to carry the load in a running game that struggled in 2013. Issues aside, with Andrew Luck at quarterback, anything is possible.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans struggled to get consistent offensive output out of Jake Locker and Chris Johnson last year. With Johnson gone and Locker more experienced, it should give the Titans a look at the future. Alterraun Verner will also prove to be a big loss in the secondary.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Blake Bortles has had a strong preseason, his first since being drafted third overall by the Jaguars. However, he’ll sit behind Chad Henne for the start of the season. The Jaguars added offensive pieces like Toby Gerhart, Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson and beefed up the defensive line with Chris Clemons and Ziggy Hood.
Houston Texans
The Texans will try to erase the terrible memories of 2013, and having Jadeveon Clowney in the fold will certain help. Matt Schaub is gone and Ryan Fitzpatrick will take over at quarterback. Ben Tate is now a member of the Cleveland Browns, so Arian Foster must stay healthy this season.
Ranking the Quarterbacks
1. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
Luck will have hold of this position for as long as he chooses to play, as he’s one of the league’s best quarterbacks. Over 60 percent completions last year with 23 touchdowns and nine interceptions; that’s efficient.
2. Jake Locker, Tennessee Titans
The quarterback position takes a drop after Luck, but Locker could very well have a breakout season this year. He ranked 10th in quarterback rating in the preseason, but he’ll need to translate that into the regular season.
3. Blake Bortles/Chad Henne, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaugars’ quarterback competition has brought out the best in both quarterbacks in the preseason. Bortles ranks sixth in passing yards in the preseason, while Henne has completed 65.8 percent of his passes.
4. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Houston Texans
There’s a reason Fitzpatrick has played for four teams in eight years: he’s just average enough to play but not good enough to stay. He has 93 interceptions in those years. The Texans will welcome Ryan Mallett.
Ranking the Running Backs
1. Arian Foster, Houston Texans
Foster has been the best back in the AFC South since he joined the league in 2009. He has three 1,000-yard seasons since then, and will look for more with the majority of carries today.
2. Trent Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
Richardson gets the spot based on potential, not last year’s results. When Richardson came out of Alabama, his ceiling was high. He can be a 1,000-yard back in the Colts line can improve from last season.
3. Toby Gerhart, Jacksonville Jaguars
Gerhart is very unproven, but his strong north-to-south running style should fit him well with the Jaguars. With a shaky quarterback unit, he’ll be looked at to run often.
4. Bishop Sankey, Tennessee Titans
Sankey led all of the AFC South in rushing in the preseason, with 155 yards on the ground. His agility will be put to use to complement Shonn Greene.
5. Shonn Greene, Tennessee Titans
Greene just hasn’t shown to be impressive in in his years backing up Chris Johnson. Can he find success as a starter? Not likely.
Ranking the Receivers
1. Andre Johnson, Houston Texans
Johnson may not want to play for the Texans much longer, but you can’t deny his ability. Five 1,000-yard seasons in his last six? That’s pretty good.
2. T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts
Hilton has been Luck’s most reliable receiver for the past two seasons and he looks to be that again. He may even grab 10 touchdowns this year.
3. Kendall Wright, Tennessee Titans
Wright is the most reliable receiver on the Titans’ roster, and he will likely catch upwards of 100 passes this season. He needs to find a way to grab touchdown receptions this season, though.
4. DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans
With 802 yards and a touchdown in his rookie season, Hopkins is poised to take command of the No. 2 receiver spot on the Texans roster. He could gain upwards of 1,000 yards this season.
5. Hakeem Nicks, Indianapolis Colts
Nicks struggled last year, not even catching a touchdown en route to a disappointing Giants’ season. However, at his prime, Nicks can break 1,000 yards receiving a over 10 touchdowns.
6. Marqise Lee, Jacksonville Jaguars
Lee was drafted to be the next big receiving threat for the Jaguars, but here’s not there yet. With a less-than-average quarterback, Lee may not blossom right away.
Ranking the Tight Ends
1. Coby Fleener, Indianapolis Colts
Fleener was already comfortable with Andrew Luck and it showed in his second season. With another full season to go, expect Fleener to be among the best tight ends in the league.
2. Delanie Walker, Tennessee Titans
Walker had a breakout season in 2013, catching six touchdown passes and gaining over 500 yards. With another year of chemistry with Locker, he should improve on those numbers.
3. Garrett Graham, Houston Texans
With 545 yards and five touchdowns last season, Texans fans are expecting Graham to fill the hole left by Owen Daniels nicely.
4. Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars
Had this been a few years ago, Lewis would be higher on this list. However, coming into his ninth season with a weak quarterback won’t help his numbers.
Ranking the Rookies
1. Jadeveon Clowney, Houston Texans
2. Bishop Sankey, Tennessee Titans
3. Marqise Lee, Jacksonville Jaguars
4. Taylor Lewan, Tennessee Titans
5. Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars
6. Xavier Su’a-Filo, Houston Texans
7. Allen Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars
8. Donte Moncrief, Indianapolis Colts
9. Louis Nix III, Houston Texans
10. Zach Mettenberger, Tennessee Titans
Ranking the Offensive Lines
1. Tennessee Titans
2. Houston Texans
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
4. Indianapolis Colts
Ranking the Defensive Lines
1. Houston Texans
2. Tennessee Titans
3. Indianapolis Colts
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
Ranking the Linebackers
1. Houston Texans
2. Indianapolis Colts
3. Tennessee Titans
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
Ranking the Secondaries
1. Houston Texans
2. Tennessee Titans
3. Indianapolis Colts
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
Overall Offensive Rankings
1. Indianapolis Colts
2. Tennessee Titans
3. Houston Texans
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
Overall Defensive Rankings
1. Houston Texans
2. Tennessee Titans
3. Indianapolis Colts
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
Final NFC West Power Rankings
1. Indianapolis Colts
Yes, the Colts look bad on defense. Yes, the offensive line is suspect. However, with quarterback Andrew Luck at the helm and a strengthened wide receiving unit, the Colts will be back on top the AFC South this year.
2. Tennessee Titans
The Titans will be in a battle all season for this No. 2 spot, but the defense and offense are both experienced enough now to compete for a division title. Locker needs to step up, though.
3. Houston Texans
The Texans seem to have it all: a great defense stacked with Pro Bowlers and receivers and backs. However, Ryan Fitzpatrick will hold the team back of being successful.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are finally starting to make steps in the direction of winning, but they are a few years from reaching their goal. Look for a more competitive team this season, though.