1. Houston
2. Indianapolis
3. Tennessee
4. Jacksonville
This division is split between the really good and the really bad.
Jacksonville and Tennessee fall into the really bad category. Yes, they both have stud running backs with the Titans Chris Johnson and Jaguars Maurice Jones-Drew. But again... what do you need in order to succeed in the NFL? A decent quarterback. Neither of these teams have that. I expect a long season in Tennessee and I wonder if folks in Jacksonville know that there is an NFL franchise in their city.
Since the AFC South's inception due to the NFL adding the Houston Texans in 2002, this division has been dominated by the Indianapolis Colts. At first it was during the Peyton Manning Era until his injury in 2011 which allowed the Texans to win their first division title. Now it could happen again with the arrival of Andrew Luck. The Colts rode Andrew Luck and their coaching staff to a playoff appearance. As I mention in my AFC East preview, the Colts should be one of five teams battling for two Wild Card spots. Playing against the NFC West this season will make a return playoff trip difficult, but I think this franchise is on the rise for the future.
Houston knows that their window for a championship is closing. In 2011, the team probably could have made a Super Bowl run if it wasn't for injuries to key starters. Last season the Texans were 10-1 after 2 overtime victories over the Jaguars and then on Thanksgiving beat the Lions on national television. Houston followed that up with a 2-3 record in December. They still made the playoffs, but as the 3-seed. Houston's season ended in New England.
This team is talented on offense with running back Arian Foster and defense with linebacker J.J. Watt. Houston will win the AFC South, but to be considered a championship squad this team needs play with a level of urgency in December. Again they looked like a Super Bowl team at 10-1 and then 11-1. I think Monica Roberts was planning on a road trip to New Orleans at that point and then the Patriots curb stomped them on Monday Night in Week 14.
You don't get too many opportunities in the NFL and if Houston is to make their first Super Bowl appearance they must take advantage of them.
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