AFC SOUTH: Regular and Postseason Predictions

The season is drawing near, so naturally it is time to look ahead to the playoffs. No? This eight-part series takes a look at each division and discusses the outlook for every team in the NFL -- in both the regular season and playoffs.

AFC SOUTH

TEAM: Colts

RECORD: 15-1 ; Win Division

REASON: The Colts have only gotten better since last season when they went to the Superbowl so why not 15-1? Some will bring up the fact that Bill Polian will just rest players the last two games if he can afford to which he may not be able to do. Thought is that since they will have to play division games at the end of the season that they will no matter their record have to play there starters or at least most of them. There are two big additions that can really help them more this season; The first is Bob Sanders their Safety, and if he stays healthy would give a huge boost to the whole defense helping their Run defense the most. On offense they obviously have manning but he then has his targets in Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Austin Collie, Pierre Garçon, and returning after a season ending injury last year first round pick Anthony Gonzalez. There weakness is def. the offensive line and this will be a big area of concern for the team and fans thought the season.

TEAM: Texans

RECORD: 10-6 Win the Wild Card (Texans get in because they one one more division game than the Jags).

REASON: The texans have been a team on the rise in the AFC South for the last few year but unable to get over the hump and make it into the playoffs. Last year they had their first winning season in their franchise history, but still missed the playoffs. The easy answer for them getting into the playoffs is doing better within their own division, but it will not be easy to accomplish. For one they must start by beating the Colts and then also they can't get swept by anyone in their division but sweep someone themselves. Outside of that though there first obstacle of the year is having Brian Cushing one of their top Line Backers suspended for four games. Two things that they have going for them this season that can really help, One is their run game with running back Arian Foster who is expected to have a break out year. The second is their deep wide receiver corps and having players like Jacoby Jones having productive year.

TEAM: Jaguars ; No playoffs (just barely missing)

RECORD: 10-6

REASON: The Jaguars going 10-6 really relies on two areas. There defensive line with the help of there additions, they need  to get more pressure and more sacks on the quarterback. This hopefully will take pressure off their arguably greatest weakness on the defense in there safeties.  Maurice Jones-Drew is still a top five running back and they will need it meaning the offensive line needs to do a better this season. In order for that to happen though Garrard will need to be consistent in getting the short yardage completions as he throws to Marcedes Lewis, Mike Sims-Walker, and Mike Thomas. If they can get that consistent play our of there Receivers and quarterback they should be able to get 10 wins.

TEAM: Titans

RECORD: 4-12 ; No Playoffs

REASON: For the titans your first thought is four wins even with Chris Johnson? Yes, They do have a good running game with him being one of the top two backs in the league and there is no doubt about that. So we also can gather from that that their offensive line will continue to get the job done on that end however it only means so much of their quarterback Vince Young doesn't show up to play. Although people like to make jokes about them, titans fans do have something to look forward to since Vince Young's targets have gotten a little better since his rookie year and he has taken a step forward in his accuracy in the passing game. However, we will have to wait and see on if Vince Young can show what he did much of last season for a full season. Now last year there was no doubt there weakness was there defensive but it is looking like there Defensive line at least will be better this season with the acquisitions of Derric Morgan and Jason Babin, along with a healthy Jason Jones. They still find their weakness on the defensive side of the ball this year though, but mostly in the very questionable secondary. Expect there defense to be the key to their season.