AFC South Preview: Rise of the Titans

By
Josh Culp
 – September 7, 2010

The AFC South is still the Colts division to lose. They have won the AFC South six of the last seven years. The Titans look strong this year, as they continue to improve offensively. The Texans look like their usual selves, the average 8-8 team. Then there are the Jaguars, who continue to disappoint. In the end, the Colts will prevail as the division winners, yet again.

1. Indianapolis Colts

Projected Record: 10-6
Fantasy Sleeper: Pierre Garcon – WR
Cliff Notes: I am not as high as most on the Colts in 2010. I still think they are the favorites to win the division, but I think their tough schedule and the new ref rules may limit Peyton Manning’s no-huddle offense. I say their streak of 12+ wins, which is currently at seven, ends this year.

2. Tennessee Titans

Projected Record: 9-7
Fantasy Sleeper: Javon Ringer – RB
Cliff Notes: It is really tough, nearly impossible, to stop on the Titans ground game. That is why they are in every game, and will definitely be above .500 in 2010. Chris Johnson is a workhorse, but you have to start being smart at some point, and limit his carries. That is where Javon Ringer, out of Michigan State, comes in and becomes fantasy relevant.

3. Houston Texans

Projected Record: 7-9
Fantasy Sleeper: Arian Foster – RB
Cliff Notes: The Texans are exciting to watch, but I refuse to get my hopes up until they prove they have a Pass Defense. Any team with a respectable pass game can shred this defense, which leaves Texans’ fans waiting for next year, yet again.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

Projected Record: 6-10
Fantasy Sleeper: Mike Sims-Walker -WR
Cliff Notes: Remember the 2007 Jaguars that won 11 games? They were exciting to watch, and had one of the best defenses in the league. Then fast forward to 2010 and they have only won 12 games the previous two seasons. Their defense is now one of the worst, and their offense is also sub-par. I expect Jack Del Rio to be the first head coach fired in 2010. The Jaguars will be trailing late in a lot of games this year, which makes their #1 target, Mike Sims-Walker a great value pick.