'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Although we haven't even reached training camp yet, it's never too early to project record outcomes for any NFL team. In this case, I'll be predicting each AFC South's team record for the 2019 NFL season, based on each teams strength, depth, and schedule. Here's how I believe each AFC South team will fare this coming season.
#1 Indianapolis Colts: 12-4
This was almost too easy of a selection for me, and it has to do with a lot more than just being a longtime Colts fan, too. After seeing what the Colts did in 2018 behind a magical season from star QB Andrew Luck, the NFL's best offensive line (statistically), and masterful play calling from head coach Frank Reich, there is no reason why this team can't climb their way to another division title, and possibly a top seed in the AFC, too.
Indianapolis could've easily won 12 or 13 games last season, had it not been for an ugly 1-5 start. Remember, this was a team that was supposed to be in a 'rebuilding' mode, and instead ended the 2018 season with a 10-6 record, the best version of Andrew Luck (arguably) we've seen in a long time, two All-Pros in Quenton Nelson and Darius Leonard and a defense that hasn't even reached its maximum potential yet.
This team is young, loaded, and hasn't even scratched the surface of what it's capable of. With the improvements made during the offseason, including adding wideout Devin Funchess, pass rusher Justin Houston and drafting an incredibly promising group of players, don't be surprised to see the Colts as a front-runner for one of the top seeds in the AFC in 2019.
#2 Houston Texans: 10-6
Despite starting off last season 0-3, the Texans clawed their way to nine straight wins, and ultimately ended their 2018 season with a 11-5 record. However, despite having great success last season, Deshaun Watson was sacked a league-high 65 times, and Houston didn't do much to address that problem this offseason. Adding tackles Tytus Howard and Max Scharping through the draft should help their offensive line woes. But that's still asking a lot of two rookie tackles.
This new offensive line certainly has their work cut out for them this upcoming season, as they'll face a plethora of elite pass rushers throughout the upcoming season. Besides the glaring offensive line issues, I also have major concerns with their receiving corps. Yes, they have DeAndre Hopkins. But he can't do it all. Can Will Fuller stay healthy and emerge as a true #2 wideout? And who is their go-to tight end?
For me, there are just too many question marks surrounding both their offense and defensive secondary, which is why I have them only winning 10 games this season. And, if I'm being honest, that number of wins may even be a little generous.
#3 Jacksonville Jaguars: 8-8
No, I'm not a 'Jaguars hater,' I'm simply someone who calls it as I see it. And, as I see it, the Jags haven't done enough this offseason to compete with the Colts and Texans. My main issue isn't with their defense, which is still one of the league's premier units, it's with their offense.
Similar to Houston, I'm not sure how talented the Jaguars' receiving corps is. Can Marquise Lee, who's coming into 2019 after suffering a season-ending knee injury last season, become a top target for newcomer Nick Foles? Have Keelan Cole, DJ Chark, or Dede Westbrook showcased enough to become reliable targets for Foles? What about Leonard Fournette's health? He hasn't exactly lived up to being the fourth overall selection in 2017.
But my biggest problem with Jacksonville resides at the QB position. It's not that I don't think Nick Foles is an upgrade over Blake Bortles, we just don't know how well he'll play outside Philadelphia. The Eagles' offensive line, wide receiving corps, and offensive staff are much better than Jacksonville's. So, before we put the Jags back in the AFC Championship game, let's wait and see what version of Nick Foles is brought to Duval County.
#4 Tennessee Titans: 7-9
After having three straight 9-7 seasons, the Titans don't seem to be much better than they were in 2018. Yes, I did just recently give their 2019 draft an 'A,' and they deserved it. But they still have major question marks at the QB position. Can Marcus Mariota, the former #2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, live up to what the Titans and their fan base expect him to be?
As many sports experts and fans know, the best ability is availability. And Mariota hasn't played a full 16-game season since being drafted in 2015. His 11:8 TD:INT ratio and 2,528 passing yards in 2018 are mediocre at best. Ryan Tannehill, whom the Titans traded for back in March, is not exactly an adequate replacement (or starter), for that matter.
Although I do like the a lot of the additions they made this offseason, which include wideout Adam Humphries, defensive end Cameron Wake, left guard Rodger Saffold, and a great 2019 draft class, I'm still not sold on Mariota being the long-term solution at QB for the Titans. Until Tennessee can resolve their QB dilemma, they'll continue to be at the bottom of the AFC South barrel.
