2022 NFL Season Preview - AFC South

Team Previews

Houston Texans (2021/4-13/3rd) – This franchise has operated in chaos for the last few years, but with the Deshaun Watson fiasco in the rearview mirror, that seems to be abating. Lovie Smith was not the sexiest name on the Texans’ head coaching search but with his steady hand and veteran coaching experience he commands the respect of the locker room. The key for the offense will be whether second year QB Davis Mills makes another leap forward and whether the OL can become a more cohesive unit with the addition of rookie G Kenyon Green, a Texas A&M product. The defense was fortified, and particularly the secondary by the drafting of CB Derek Stingley and underrated S Jalen Pitre. There is still more talent needed for the front seven. Though there will be more struggles, for the first time in a while, the arrow seems to be pointing in the right direction for the Texans.

Indianapolis Colts (2021/9-8/2nd) – The Colts just barely missed the playoffs last season and are hoping to rectify that outcome in 2022. Frank Reich’s club is making another change at QB with the acquisition of former Falcons QB Matt Ryan. Ryan will be aided by RB Jonathan Taylor who had a sensational 2021 season and a seasoned OL anchored by All-Pro G Quenton Nelson. Indianapolis hopes to bolster their pass rush with the addition of DE Yannick Ngakoue. An improved defense will likely be the key to the Colts winning the division. This is a good, deep team who should present a huge challenge to the Titans at the top of this division.

Jacksonville Jaguars (2021/3-14/4th) – The Jaguars have been one of the league’s worst teams over the past few years culminating in the disastrous Urban Meyer era last season, which ended with his firing before the end of the season. Like with the Texans, Doug Pederson was not necessarily the most popular choice as head coach, but he has a Super Bowl ring from his tenure in Philadelphia. His biggest task is help engineer a turnaround for 2021 #1 pick Trevor Lawrence, who struggled mightily under Meyer. The Jaguars brought in Christian Kirk from Arizona to give Lawrence another weapon at WR, otherwise the skill position group is underwhelming. The defense will be strongest at linebacker, with the additions of #1 overall pick Travon Walker and first rounder Devin Lloyd. This franchise has a lot of rebuilding ahead to return to contention.

Tennessee Titans (2021/12-5/1st) – The Titans ran away with the AFC South title last season, but cracks in the foundation begin to show particularly in the divisional round game against Cincinnati. Mike Vrabel has based his offense around a physical offensive line and running game keyed by the terrific Derrick Henry. However, Henry was injured for much of last season, and some have wondered if the heavy workload has taken a toll on the Alabama alum. The question is if the running game is weaker, can Ryan Tannehill and the passing game pick up the slack? Tennessee had the sixth ranked defense in PPG, and that side remains strong led by DT Jeffery Simmons. The Titans are still the favorites in the division, but Indianapolis will be right there should there be a falloff.

Standings Projections

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