Here we go, continuing down the AFC lineup... Now for the AFC South.  The AFC South is a pretty interesting division this year.  The Colts are the most obvious pick, but don't discount the Titans so soon.  The Jaguars are a high risk/high reward team, and the Texans are going to suprise some people, on both sides of the ball.

First off, the Indianapolis Colts...

The Colts are always the same.  A good defense, juggernaut offense, and a great coach.  The only thing that will remain the same this season is the great coach.  As a diehard Pats fan, I hate the Colts with a passion; but that does not mean that I will not give the Colts their due in this article... Peyton Manning is a good QB in a terrific situation.  Peyton always racks up huge stats, but that is because of more than his own skill.  It helps that he has one of the best O Lines in the game at his disposal, who never let even a fly touch him. Also, one of the best WRs in Reggie Wayne, and a great running back in Joseph Addai.  For these reasons, the Colts have one of the most feared offenses in the game.  Not this year.  In my opinion, the main reason for the Colts success is their double pronged attack, passing and running.  Having one without the other is pointless.  Marvin Harrison, a future Hall-of-Famer, is getting very old and racking up many injuries.  He has been the main target of Peyton Manning over the last few years, and a big part of the Colts' success.  With him slowing down, the Colts could as well. 

Best Player- Joseph Addai

Playoffs- Yes (Possible upset)

Now, the Titans.

The Tennessee Titans could turn some heads this year.  A largely unconsidered fact:  the Titans actually beat the Colts last year, which means they can definitely compete with any team in the league.  Many people have discounted Vince Young as a huge bust, but I'm not so sure.  His numbers got better as the season progressed.  As the season moved on, he began attempting more passes and becoming more of a complete QB instead of a running back.  The last game of the year, Young set season highs in Completion % and yards per attempt.  I see promise.  Another plus is that the Titans were 5th in the league in rushing yards per game.  That is amazing, considering all they had to speak of was Lendale White.  Also, the Titans defense is one of the best in the game.  They ranked 8th in PPG last year, 5th in YPG and rushing yards allowed, and 10th in passing yards allowed.  They are young and Jeff Fisher is great at developing young linebackers, with Keith Bulluck to help mentor as well.  LenDale White (Reggie Bush's backfield mate at USC), has been progressing ever since he came into the league.  Watch for him to post better numbers than the 1,110 yards rushing and 7 TD's that he put up last year.  The WR position is in turmoil in Tennessee.  Their best receiver last year was Justin Gage, who only caught 2 TD's with an abismal 750 yards.  They must bring in another receiver to be a serious contender.

Best Player- Keith Bulluck/LenDale White

Playoffs- No (Possible upset over Colts)

Now for the Jaguars of Jacksonville...

I love the potential of the Jags this upcoming season.  They have an always stellar defense, David Garrard is a blessing in disguise, and they made some terrific moves this off-season.  They could be a serious contender to take the AFC South.  Let me explain.  Last year, their defense ranked no lower than 15th in every major catergory.  They strengthened that defense in the draft by taking DE's with their first two picks.  Derrick Harvey, 6'5" and 252, is a monster.  He will bat down tons of balls with his height and put pressure on the QB every play.  Quentin Groves, the tree-trunk DE out of Auburn, is a freakin' machine.  He finished tied for the most sacks in Auburn history, and runs the 40 in 4.5.  Talk about scary.  They also added veteran wide-out Jerry Porter from Oakland to help establish a more respected passing game.  When opponents start dropping 4 DB's back in coverage, the Jags will have the game in hand.  They have two top ten RBs, Maurice Jones Drew and Freddy Taylor.  Fred Taylor is aging, pushing 33 this year, but last year was his first pro-bowl, so he doesn't seem to be slowing down at all.  MJD is one of my favorites, with his 4.3 speed in the 40 and his bowling-ball stature (5'7", 212 lbs).

Best Player- Fred Taylor/MJD

Playoffs- Possible upset

Now, for the Texans.  Saddle Up!

The Texans made some major changes this off-season, for the better.  First of all, one change for the better out of their control, was that Andre Johnson is now healthy.  Before his injury last year, he was on pace to have the best numbers of his career.  Him and Matt Schaub has a great relationship, making them one of the more deadly combinations, especially in the redzone.  Owen Daniels was a nice suprise for the team last year, and he will continue to be a great pass catching option.  They shored up the once-weak O-Line with first round draft pick OT Duane Brown.  They also grabbed West Virginia running-back Steve Slaton in the third round, who has big potential.  They have banged-up, has been RB Ahman Green, whose best days are behind him.  Along with Slaton, they grabbed former Titans running back Chris Brown to fill the RB role.  That position is a hodge-podge of players, but I think that Chris Brown could post solid numbers because the defenses will be scared of Johnson and Daniels.  The defense has some good potential this year.  MLB DeMeco Ryans always leagds the team in tackles, and 2006 over-all first round pick Mario Williams has been steadily progressing, and last year had an over-whelming 14.0 sacks!!!  I also love Dunta Robinson, a blazing CB with huge potential to be a star in the league.

Best Player- Andre Johnson

Playoffs- No

Next time,  if I receive any positive comments about this blog, I will continue on to the AFC West.  Thanks