2010 AFC South Division Predictions; NFL Picks

I always get criticism when my division predictions turn out to reflect the previous years standings, but I cannot see the results reflecting any other scenario in the AFC South. Many would flip-flop the Titans and Texans, but I think the Texans are a much stronger defensive team and have what it takes to edge out the Titans for the last Wildcard spot.

Indianapolis Colts 11-5
The Colts will have a very similar team, but I would argue with anyone that would say they are improved. Their division on the other hand, has gotten much better. The Colts will return NFL MVP Peyton Manning who still has a couple of MVP's and Super Bowls left in the tank. Running back will be played by both Addai and Brown. The one 'improvement' may simply be that Anthony Gonzalez should be healthy which will give them a lift, and as long as they get production out of their young rising receivers, the offense will be just fine. I like the Colts to win 11 games and the AFC South.

Houston Texans 10-6
The Texans are taking the appropriate steps to becoming an AFC power, although they lack a playoff appearance in their franchise history. Matt Schaub had an incredible year with nearly 5,000 passing yards, while Andre Johnson had 101 receptions for 1,569 yards and 9 touchdowns. Their problems were in the rushing department where they failed to have one running back recird over 450 yards! Drafting Ben Tate out of Auburn and getting Steve Slaton back to full health should help this aspect of their game tremendously. Their defense played great at times and just average at others, but look to have another great year despite losing Cushing for four games due to violating the league drug policy. Look for the Texans to finally make the playoffs via a wild card spot.

Tennessee Titans (9-7)
Too many questions on this team to put them in the playoffs after a fantastic second half of 2009. Fisher has already said that Chris Johnson will get far less carries, which doesn't make me any more comfortable about the teams future outlook. Second year back Javon Ringer will have to fill the void that is left by the trade of Lendale White when Johnson is resting on the bench. The receiver position is still weak and I don't see draft pick Damian Williams contributing much this season. Derrick Morgan was drafted to fill the hole at defensive end, but I think of him as project and not an instant game changer. Best case scenario is the 9-7 projected here.

Jacksonville Jaguars (7-9)
The Jaguars did not improve enough over the offseason with a terrible draft. I see this season much like the last, a lot of promise at the beginning and nothing but disappointment at the end. David Garrard, Jones-Drew, and Sims-Walker should continue to be bright spots on a good but not great offense. Defense was not a strong point as they were unable to get to opposing quarterbacks. The sack leader on the team was John Henderson with only 3 sacks. I see the Jaguars putting up an identical 7-9 record as they did last year.

See Other 2010 NFL Division Predictions:

AFC East- http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2985734/2010_afc_east_division_predictions.html?cat=14

AFC West-http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2987280/2010_afc_west_division_predictions.html?cat=14.

AFC North-http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2987264/2010_afc_north_division_predictions.html?cat=14

NFC East-http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2980060/2010_nfc_east_division_predictions.html?cat=14

NFC West-http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2985728/2010_nfc_west_division_predictions.html?cat=14

NFC North-http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2980002/2010_nfc_north_division_predictions.html?cat=14

NFC South-http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2985676/2010_nfc_south_division_predictions.html?cat=14