AFC South department preview
2024 predicted order of end, file
Houston Texans (11-6)
Get the suitable coach-QB combo and you’ll be able to cross puts. Houston did that remaining yr with DeMeco Ryans and C.J. Stroud and are in high place to make it 2-for-2 this season.
Jacksonville Jaguars (10-7)
Jacksonville wasted a season with a December/January cave in. It has to rebound this yr or questions abound if newly re-signed Trevor Lawrence is truly the QB to take them puts.
Indianapolis Colts (9-8)
Indy got here very on the subject of incomes a playoff spot in opposition to steep odds remaining yr. Can its franchise QB, Anthony Richardson, last longer than 4 video games this yr?
Tennessee Titans (7-10)
A brand new trainer (Brian Callahan) and second-year QB (Will Levis) give this workforce a corridor move for now whilst the league turns into aware of seeing Derrick Henry in a brand new uniform (and department). However there is ability in this roster. Get off to a quick get started, even though, and who is aware of?
–AFC South MVP applicants
Texans QB C.J. Stroud
If 2023 used to be any indication, historical past would possibly guffaw loudly on the Carolina Panthers for passing Stroud with the highest pick out to take Bryce Younger. Stroud used to be the whole lot Houston can have sought after and extra in a quarterback, appearing the adulthood and talent to win huge video games down the stretch. There is not any reason why to be expecting a sophomore jinx, given his center of attention and the reality the workforce added Joe Mixon and Stefon Diggs at operating again and receiver, respectively.
Colts RB Jonathan Taylor
With a tender quarterback that has simply 4 video games of NFL revel in, it stands to reason why that Indianapolis will want to construct its offense round a man who can raise a workforce if wholesome. If is the query right here as he is neglected 13 video games the remaining two years. However must Taylor publish for all 17 video games, he figures to get a number of probabilities to compare or surpass the 1,811 yards he rushed for again in 2021.
Titans QB Will Levis
There have been some Ryan Leaf-type vibes round this pick out in the second one spherical remaining yr but if Levis were given the beginning task in past due October, he confirmed a big-league arm, plus a number of poise and moxie whilst taking part in at the back of an offensive line composed most commonly of turnstiles and papier-mache. Get exact blockading in entrance of him and Levis simply could be the franchise QB this workforce’s sought since Steve McNair.
–AFC South breakout avid gamers
Texans CB Kamari Lassiter
Guys that pop out of the Georgia program at the present time appear able to play proper out of the gate. Lassiter is the most recent to suit that mould in a secondary with an abundance of under-the-radar ability.
Texans WR John Metchie III
The man beat an ACL tear and most cancers sooner than taking part in in an NFL recreation. After 16 catches in restricted time remaining yr, he would possibly give Stroud a big-play danger down the sphere.
Jaguars RT Anton Harrison
After a shaky get started as a rookie, Harrison were given higher because the yr advanced, now not permitting a sack in his remaining 9 video games. He must have the ability to construct on that finishing for 2024.
Jaguars WR Gabe Davis
A loose agent acquisition from Buffalo, Davis has averaged greater than 16 yards according to catch over the past 4 years. Getting out of Stefon Diggs’ shadow may imply extra receptions for him.
Colts QB Anthony Richardson
Yeah, that is low-hanging fruit. However taking into account he performed simply 4 video games remaining yr by which he confirmed huge attainable, it is simple to mention he is this franchise’s breakout man in 2024 – if he remains wholesome.
Colts WR Adonai Mitchell
The rookie out of Texas has a possibility to turn into a go-to man on a workforce with only one broad receiver that moves any kind of concern in defenses – Michael Pittman.
Titans RB Tyjae Spears
After serving an apprenticeship of varieties remaining yr at the back of Derrick Henry, Spears will a minimum of break up time with Tony Pollard and can be a danger operating and catching the ball.
Titans LG Peter Skoronski
Skoronski had an up-and-down rookie season however he confirmed promise and had huge offseason through turning into a scholar of recent OL trainer Invoice Callahan. He additionally added weight going into this season after taking part in most commonly out of doors for Northwestern.
–Week 1 outlook
Bears vs. Titans, 1 p.m. ET
A deliberate grand unveiling of recent franchise quarterback Caleb Williams and his array of receivers in opposition to first-year trainer Brian Callahan of the Titans, who’d like not anything greater than to shift the collection into Will Levis’ popping out birthday party. A shootout is not out of the query however the Bears’ protection used to be dominant the overall six video games of the 2023 season and could be due extra consideration.
Texans vs. Colts, 1 p.m. ET
Those groups performed a barnburner to finish remaining yr and Houston gained to earn the AFC South identify, because of a 4th-down drop that sealed Indianapolis’ destiny. It is simple to overlook that after the groups performed remaining September, Anthony Richardson used to be the most efficient participant at the box within the first part of a very easy Colts’ win sooner than leaving with an harm. The ramifications from this end result may well be felt the entire approach into January.
Jaguars vs Dolphins, 1 p.m. ET
This would be the first take a look at of Jacksonville’s retooled offensive line and made over protection. The ones weaknesses in 2023 have been high causes for a late-season fade development that price the Jaguars a department identify and playoff spot. It’s going to be an extremely tricky take a look at for the protection and its younger secondary in opposition to the Dolphins’ explosive offense. And will Trevor Lawrence get again to the usual of play he flashed on the finish of 2022?
–Box Stage Media
