2014 NFL Divisional Predictions: The AFC South

The last time we looked at the Divisional Predictions series, the AFC North was the group of choice. Now we take a look at the AFC South, which has been one of the more disappointing divisions in the past couple of years.

1. Indianapolis Colts: 12-4

The Colts have quietly put together a roster that compares to the teams that had number 18 at the helm.  Donte Moncrief and Hakeem Nicks complete the Colts' already capable receiving corps and Arthur Jones gives their front seven another force outside of Robert Mathis.  Newly acquired D'Qwell Jackson also figures to help out an ailing group of linebackers.  If the offensive line can keep Andrew Luck off of his back, watch out.  The Colts take the third seed in the AFC by a loss of tiebreaker.

2. Tennessee Titans: 8-8

Year after year the Titans are a team that seems content with an average season and doesn't make many splashes in both free agency and the draft.  They let the face of their franchise in Chris Johnson walk this offseason and replaced him with second-round pick Bishop Sankey, which is respectable.  However, 2013 Pro Bowl selection and second-team All Pro cornerback Alterraun Verner was not replaced and Jake Locker has been given yet another chance.  One of the top offensive lines in the NFL and a young group of offensive weapons will try to give the Titans the success they are looking for, but they will fall short of the playoffs once again and management will finally look elsewhere at quarterback.

3. Houston Texans: 7-9

Drafting Jadeveon Clowney with the first overall pick in the draft might qualify the Texans as a playoff team once again for some, but a lot of work is still left to be done on the offensive side of the ball.  There are virtually zero offensive weapons left outside of Andre Johnson and Arian Foster and Ryan Fitzpatrick is the quarterback by default.  JJ Watt, Brian Cushing, Johnathan Joseph, and the aforementioned Clowney make this Texans defense deadly, but they won't be able to save the offense week after week.  Another offseason and draft could make this team perennial playoff contenders.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: 5-11

The Jaguars are one of the more young, inexperienced teams in the NFL right now and that will prove to be a problem in 2014.  Adding Red Bryant and Chris Clemons to the defense will help out, but the group isn't very special at all outside of them and Paul Posluszny.  I really like the additions of wide receivers Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson through the draft, but I am still questioning the selection Blake Bortles, who according to Jaguars' management isn't even going to be the starter in 2014.  Like the Cleveland Browns, the Jags have a few pieces on their roster to work with, but the holes currently outweigh the good.  It will take a couple of years to get this squad running at full speed.

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Who do you think will win the AFC South in 2014?