Our AFC South Preview 2019 notes that before Andrew Luck retired, we may have picked the Indianapolis Colts to finish first. But with Luck gone, we’re going with the Houston Texans. We do acknowledge that the Tennessee Titans certainly have the potential to be a contender. This AFC South Preview 2019 observes that the one thing that puts the Texans above every other team in the South is the fact that they are strong on both side of the ball. The Titans possess a fine D, but the team’s offense is lacking. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett will need to perform consistently over the long haul for the Colts to succeed. The Jacksonville Jaguars, like Tennessee, look to have a solid defense, but their offense is lacking. Will the newly signed Nick Foles make a difference? Here’s how we anticipate the AFC South going in 2019.
AFC South Preview 2019 – Teams
Houston Texans
QB Deshaun Watson was sacked a league-high 62 times last season. The Texans decided to stop the carnage by making two of their top three picks offensive linemen. With Tytus Howard from Alabama State and Max Scharping from Northern Illinois in their ranks, it’s hoped that the O-line will offer better protection in 2019. The defense is as solid as can be and features three-time defensive player-of-the-year J.J. Watt. Still, if Watson is pummeled, 2019-2020 will be a very long and frustrating season for the Texans.
Indianapolis Colts
Last year, this team earned 10 wins and made is back to the postseason for the first time since 2014. Without Luck taking snaps from center, you have to wonder exactly how much the Colts can bring to the table this year? GM Chris Ballard is in his third season with Indy, and he needs to find a solid solution to the fact that this team is Luckless. Head coach Frank Reich starts his second season with this team. There have been improvements on both sides of the ball, but are these enough for this team to at least match, if not exceed, last season’s number of wins?
Jacksonville Jaguars
Our AFC South Preview 2019 notes that if Foles goes down this team could be in trouble. That’s because they don’t possess a proven backup. Rookie Gardner Minshew, a sixth-round 2019 draft pick, is second in line. Although there’s not much behind Foles, if anything, a Bortles-less Jaguars team may perform better. The Jag’s offensive line is problematic, while their D-line is the best unit on that side of the ball. Last year, Jacksonville was weak against the rush and strong in terms of limiting passing yardage. This year we may see the opposite unfold. This team is a hodgepodge for sure.
Tennessee Titans
It certainly helped that last season this team allowed opponents under 19 points per game. But the only averaged just over 19 PPG. This team needs offense badly. It a big year for QB Marcus Mariota. He must create points and make fewer mistakes. WR Adam Humphries comes to Tennessee after making 76 receptions for Tampa Bay in 2018, while averaging 10.7 YPC and scoring five times. He should help. WR Corey Davis, who had 65 catches for 891 yards and four touchdowns, is Tennessee’s top returning receiver. RB Derrick Henry has a nose for the goal line. The guys in front have to step up.
AFC South Preview 2019 – Prediction
Take note of our AFC South Preview 2019 order of finish projections below. The Texans, who have won the division three of the last four years, could do it again. Tennessee needs to find an offense for them to stay relevant throughout the season.
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