The AFC South feels like a one-team division but things can change quickly in the NFL. It should be a battle between Jacksonville and Tennessee but both Indianapolis and Houston could be major threats to win some games and make life difficult. Let’s look at the odds for the AFC South this year.
Jacksonville Jaguars (-155)
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the clear favorites to win the AFC South and should do so realistically. Trevor Lawrence really progressed in Year 2 last season and adding wide receiver Calvin Ridley to the group should make the offense better. They drafted right tackle Anton Harrison in the first round and added running back Tank Bigsby to replace James Robinson’s role.
The defense has a lot of faces from last season and should continue to develop into a top contender. With the weakness of the remainder of the division, expect Jacksonville to be in contention for a bye in the AFC Playoffs.
Tennessee Titans (+350)
After being rumored to move running back Derrick Henry in the offseason, the Tennessee Titans decided to keep him and quarterback Ryan Tannehill for another season. Will Levis and Malik Willis are in the wings waiting to take over the starting QB spot and throw passes to DeAndre Hopkins and Treylon Burks. The offense should be good.
This defense did not change much either as most of their draft was focused on the offensive side of the ball. Tennessee can take a step back but it is not unrealistic to see this team win the division.
Indianapolis Colts (+600)
With Jonathan Taylor reporting back to the team next week, this team could be decent. Quarterback Anthony Richardson should do very well in his first year in the NFL and having Michael Pittman Jr, Alec Pierce and Isaiah McKenzie out wide shold help. The defense is a question mark after trading away cornerback Stephon Gilmore to Dallas. They feel like a few pieces away from contending.
Houston Texans (+800)
A whole new system down south with DeMeco Ryans taking the head coaching job in the offseason. CJ Stroud was the second selection in the draft and slotted to start at quarterback as well as having center Juice Scruggs make the starting lineup. John Metchie III, Nico Collins and Robert Woods should hold their own out wide and the offensive line is a strength. This defense might need some work but they have some good pieces, including Will Anderson Jr on the defensive line and having guys like Jalen Pitre, Derek Stingley Jr and Desmond King II in the secondary. It is hard to expect much out of them but they do not own their first round pick next year so expect them to play to win games.
