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2008 AFC South Predictions & Season Preview

Check out Jimmy Boyd's 2008 AFC South predictions for a quick rundown of the division. For a more in depth look at each team, consult his individual team predictions by clicking on the links below.
 

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1st – Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have captured five straight division titles and if they can remain healthy, they'll make it six. Unlike previous years, Indy managed to stay away from losing key players in free agency. They kept their well-oiled offense intact by resigning star tight end Dallas Clark and spent seven of 10 draft picks on the offense to add depth. Manning is clearly one of the top two QB's in the NFL, along with Tom Brady, and as long as he continues to be an iron man for this team, Indy can chalk up at least 12 wins.

2nd – Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville has put very good teams on the field two of the last three years, but the Colts have stood in their way each time. The Jags know that they aren't going anywhere if they can't get past their division rivals. Peyton Manning and company have defeated the Jags in nine of 12 meetings since the 2002 realignment and swept them last season. Jack Del Rio did everything he could in the offseason to try to improve his pass rush. He mortgaged four draft picks to make trades for two of the drafts best pass rushers – Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves. The QB spot should no longer be an issue with Leftwich out and Garrard inked into a six-year deal. The Jags are also taking chances with veteran receivers Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson. Rarely are pass rushers instant success stories in the NFL so I don't think the Jags will be ready to challenge Indy quite yet.

3rd – Tennessee Titans

Most teams draft a star QB and then try to put playmakers around him right away. You might say the Titans are going about things ass backwards. After Vince Young wowed in his rookie season, he struggled in 2007 as the Titans didn't bring in any weapons to take the pressure off of him. They did do a lot of work to the defense however, and the result was a 10-win season and the playoffs. The Titans now know that they need to add to the offense, but they refused to do enough again. The only offseason acquisition that could pay off is tight end Alge Crumpler. The Titans have no deep threat to stretch the field though. Another poor offensive year will keep the Titans from moving up in the South.

4th - Houston Texans

The Texas finished at .500 for the first time in franchise history last season and they did it while battling through a host of injuries. There are still questions on the offensive line and on defense, but it Houston appears to have a team capable of putting together a winning season. Adding Chris Brown in free agency and the speedy Steve Slaton in the draft adds depth to a running game which failed them when Ahman Green got hurt. There's still work to be done, but Houston is moving in the right direction.

June 26th, 2008