AFC South division preview
2024 predicted order of end, file
Houston Texans (11-6)
Get the best coach-QB combo and you will go locations. Houston did that final yr with DeMeco Ryans and C.J. Stroud and are in prime place to make it 2-for-2 this season.
Jacksonville Jaguars (10-7)
Jacksonville wasted a season with a December/January collapse. It has to rebound this yr or questions abound if newly re-signed Trevor Lawrence is absolutely the QB to take them locations.
Indianapolis Colts (9-8)
Indy got here very near incomes a playoff spot towards steep odds final yr. Can its franchise QB, Anthony Richardson, final greater than 4 video games this yr?
Tennessee Titans (7-10)
A brand new coach (Brian Callahan) and second-year QB (Will Levis) give this group a corridor go for now whereas the league turns into accustomed to seeing Derrick Henry in a brand new uniform (and division). However there’s expertise on this roster. Get off to a quick begin, although, and who is aware of?
–AFC South MVP candidates
Texans QB C.J. Stroud
If 2023 was any indication, historical past may guffaw loudly on the Carolina Panthers for passing Stroud with the highest choose to take Bryce Younger. Stroud was every thing Houston might have needed and extra in a quarterback, displaying the maturity and ability to win massive video games down the stretch. There isn’t any cause to anticipate a sophomore jinx, given his focus and the actual fact the group added Joe Mixon and Stefon Diggs at operating again and receiver, respectively.
Colts RB Jonathan Taylor
With a younger quarterback that has simply 4 video games of NFL expertise, it stands to cause that Indianapolis might want to construct its offense round a man who can carry a group if wholesome. If is the query right here as he is missed 13 video games the final two years. However ought to Taylor publish for all 17 video games, he figures to get loads of probabilities to match or surpass the 1,811 yards he rushed for again in 2021.
Titans QB Will Levis
There have been some Ryan Leaf-type vibes round this choose within the second spherical final yr however when Levis received the beginning job in late October, he confirmed a big-league arm, plus loads of poise and moxie whereas enjoying behind an offensive line composed principally of turnstiles and papier-mache. Get precise blocking in entrance of him and Levis simply is perhaps the franchise QB this group’s sought since Steve McNair.
–AFC South breakout gamers
Texans CB Kamari Lassiter
Guys that come out of the Georgia program as of late appear able to play proper out of the gate. Lassiter is the most recent to suit that mildew in a secondary with an abundance of under-the-radar expertise.
Texans WR John Metchie III
The man beat an ACL tear and most cancers earlier than enjoying in an NFL recreation. After 16 catches in restricted time final yr, he may give Stroud a big-play risk down the sector.
Jaguars RT Anton Harrison
After a shaky begin as a rookie, Harrison received higher because the yr progressed, not permitting a sack in his final 9 video games. He ought to be capable of construct on that ending for 2024.
Jaguars WR Gabe Davis
A free agent acquisition from Buffalo, Davis has averaged greater than 16 yards per catch over the past 4 years. Getting out of Stefon Diggs’ shadow might imply extra receptions for him.
Colts QB Anthony Richardson
Yeah, that is low-hanging fruit. However contemplating he performed simply 4 video games final yr during which he confirmed huge potential, it is simple to say he is this franchise’s breakout man in 2024 – if he stays wholesome.
Colts WR Adonai Mitchell
The rookie out of Texas has an opportunity to develop into a go-to man on a group with only one huge receiver that strikes any form of worry in defenses – Michael Pittman.
Titans RB Tyjae Spears
After serving an apprenticeship of kinds final yr behind Derrick Henry, Spears will a minimum of cut up time with Tony Pollard and could possibly be a risk operating and catching the ball.
Titans LG Peter Skoronski
Skoronski had an up-and-down rookie season however he confirmed promise and had massive offseason by changing into a pupil of recent OL coach Invoice Callahan. He additionally added weight going into this season after enjoying principally exterior for Northwestern.
–Week 1 outlook
Bears vs. Titans, 1 p.m. ET
A deliberate grand unveiling of recent franchise quarterback Caleb Williams and his array of receivers towards first-year coach Brian Callahan of the Titans, who’d like nothing greater than to shift the gathering into Will Levis’ popping out social gathering. A shootout is not out of the query however the Bears’ protection was dominant the ultimate six video games of the 2023 season and is perhaps due extra consideration.
Texans vs. Colts, 1 p.m. ET
These groups performed a barnburner to finish final yr and Houston gained to earn the AFC South title, because of a 4th-down drop that sealed Indianapolis’ destiny. It is easy to overlook that when the groups performed final September, Anthony Richardson was the most effective participant on the sector within the first half of a simple Colts’ win earlier than leaving with an harm. The ramifications from this outcome could possibly be felt all the way in which into January.
Jaguars vs Dolphins, 1 p.m. ET
This would be the first check of Jacksonville’s retooled offensive line and revamped protection. These weaknesses in 2023 have been prime causes for a late-season fade sample that price the Jaguars a division title and playoff spot. It will likely be an particularly powerful check for the protection and its younger secondary towards the Dolphins’ explosive offense. And might Trevor Lawrence get again to the usual of play he flashed on the finish of 2022?
–Discipline Degree Media
