Message Board Season Predictions - AFC South

[Gof the Gij]

Part 3 of 21

Peyton Manning, Tony Dungy, and the Colts have dominated the AFC South for years, but last season Tennessee won the division on the power of their dominant defense and running game. With the Colts' upheaval and Haynesworth's departure, this division is up for grabs. The Texans look to win their first division crown on the power of their extremely potent offense and Mario Williams' pass rushing. Jacksonville looks to bounce back from a season when they went from preseason championship favorite to huge disappointment.

Results so far:
AFC North - Pittsburgh 75.00%
AFC East - New England 84.21%

[Gof the Gij]

This is, in my opinion, the best division in football. I could really see any of these teams winning it. But my pick is Houston. I feel like they finally have all the pieces in place for a good run. They have the best receiver in the game, a good young o-line, and a good young defense. All this team is really missing is a playmaking safety, and as long as Matt Schaub stays healthy I think they could go deep in the playoffs.

[beasley for pres]

man, I really can't put faith in any of these teams... I'll put my bet on the Colts though.

[Ness]

This is, in my opinion, the best division in football. I could really see any of these teams winning it. But my pick is Houston. I feel like they finally have all the pieces in place for a good run. They have the best receiver in the game, a good young o-line, and a good young defense. All this team is really missing is a playmaking safety, and as long as Matt Schaub stays healthy I think they could go deep in the playoffs.

The entire Texans secondary seems suspect though. I think that is what is holding that defense back. Fred Bennett didn't really live up to expectations, and Dunta Robinson needs to prove he can come back from his injuries. And of course there is the big question on who will be able to play either safety spot well. Plus Matt Schaub can't seem to stay healthy for more than 11 games per season. I think it can go either way. Houston can put the pieces together and make a big run, or they'll fall flat on their face.

[JtoNic16]

Titans

[JohnGalt]

Texans!

IF and this is about as big of an IF as you can get. but IF Schaub stays healthy I believe the Texans will be the team to beat. I still argue that the Colts will suffer much more then people believe from the coaching changes. The titans will be strong but without a consistent QB they will fall short once again. The jags will be replacing their coach about mid-way through the season IMO.

[SF1981bornfan]

dam Gof I had a whole post on why the Texans are still a suspect pick and my work comp crashed. :(

anyways the D will hold them back from 10+ gms. I think more like 8 or poss 9 wins...and Indy can still win the div @ 10-6. Collins will have a big drop off IMO this yr and will hold Ten back as well as missing big Al in the middle.

[NinersFanatic]

The "surprise" team everyone hypes up pre-season rarely lives up to the hype.

I'm gonna have to think about this one, but I don't think it will be Houston. :thinking:

[pickelweasel]

I want to pick Houstan, but I'm gonna have to go Colts.

[airbornetexan]

Houston Texans. I think the 8-8 days are behind them...

[Gof the Gij]

anyways the D will hold them back from 10+ gms. I think more like 8 or poss 9 wins...and Indy can still win the div @ 10-6. Collins will have a big drop off IMO this yr and will hold Ten back as well as missing big Al in the middle.

I think their defense will be hugely improved this year. Antonio Smith is a huge upgrade over Anthony Weaver across from Mario Williams, as Weaver had 0 sacks the last two years. I also love Connor Barwin coming in as a third down end. Adibi-Ryans-Cushing could become one of the best young linebacking corps in the game if they stay healthy. They'll be getting Dunta Robinson back from injury, and that along with Eugene Wilson coming on at safety toward the end of last season could mean a much improved defense.

[kingshmegland]

Boy this is a tough one. I think the Colts, with all of the coaching changes will affect them just enough that they will end up 10-6. I guess I'll go with the Titans. Very good coaching staff that helps their team get an extra game or two. Boy do I sound convincing or what?

[Trap_Star]

our division is pretty tough. i think this year the last place team may be at 8-8 so its a tough go around. it may come down to the last week to determine the winner. the homer in me wants to say us but maybe 2nd place and a wild card is more realistic. 11 wins may win this division. colts take another step back and its hard to bet against jeff fisher.

[Max_Power]

our division is pretty tough. i think this year the last place team may be at 8-8 so its a tough go around. it may come down to the last week to determine the winner. the homer in me wants to say us but maybe 2nd place and a wild card is more realistic. 11 wins may win this division. colts take another step back and its hard to bet against jeff fisher.

So I'm pretty sure that's the coolest sig of all-time.

[Wikedjug]

It's never a good bet to go against Peyton Manning in the regular season... For that reason alone I say the Colts. If the Texans have a good year.. and I think they will if they stay healthy I see them in the wildcard at the least and the Titans not making the playoffs. Jaguars are a step away from needing to rebuild the ship... I don't see them as even being in the discussion.

[RedskinsFan86]

So I'm pretty sure that's the coolest sig of all-time. Definitely agreed.

[New-Era]

Manning is still one of the best gun slingers in the league, so I had to go with the Colts.

[BrentJones84]

Colts! Colts! Colts!!!

I think the Titans are in for a let down, and will regret re-upping Kerry Collins (not that they had a less worse option).

Jaqs just consistently under perform for their talent levels.

Texans should be much improved, and could easily take 2nd place.

But the Colts still have too much firepower to over take.

[DangerousRFC]

I think this is THE division for 2009 and we'll see 3 teams from this division all heading into the Post season, Indy, Tennessee AND Houston! It's going to happen!

Read my preview here...

http://www.footballdiner.com/fourdowns74.html

[Sivraj]

Remember the titans?

[titanfan24]

C'Mon guys...

When in doubt, always pick the team that can run the ball and stop the run.

That team is the Tennessee Titans.

Arguably the best OL in the league and at worst, the second best running back tandem.

Add to the fact that Jeff Fisher will always field a quality defense, and they are the smart choice.

And as mentally brittle as Vince Young is.......he's taken Tennessee to the playoffs before, so the season isn't over if something happens to Collins.

I can see Houston making a run, though. They are close to having all the pieces.