2022 NFL PREDICTIONS - AFC SOUTH

NFL / Football

Written by Joel Lefevre

More often than not, the AFC South has been seen as one of the weakest divisions in the NFL and last season, only one team, the Tennessee Titans, made the playoffs.

While Tennessee could be the team to watch out for again next year, there will be a keen interest in this division with many notable youngsters who have the potential to take that next step.

Source (Edited Photo, Background Photo): Getty Images, CBS Sports

Here is a breakdown of all teams in this division and where I see them finishing.

Tennessee Titans

Key Additions

Robert Woods (wide receiver), Austin Hooper (tight end).

Key Subtractions

A.J. Brown (wide receiver).

Biggest Strength

Tennessee has arguably the best safety duo in the entire NFL, as Kevin Byard is as good as anyone, while Amani Hooker was equally impressive.

The Titans were among the best in the league last year in pass breakups, plus they had three forced fumbles and 43 defensive stops.

Biggest Weakness

They spent lots of money on edge rushers over the offseason, and that will be an area to watch out for as Bud Dupree and Harold Landry can generate pressure, but it is hard to tell if they can be impactful.

Their pass rushing is consistent though not necessarily proven.

Projection- 1st

Derrick Henry is a dependable back and a great game breaker who will get his share of touches and help them on offence.

They should be a tough team to pass against as well, and, I expect they will come away with another division title as they are good, if not great, at almost every position.

Indianapolis Colts

Key Additions

Matt Ryan (quarterback), Yannick Ngakoue (defensive end).

Key Subtractions

Carson Wentz (quarterback), Zach Pascal (wide receiver).

Biggest Strength

The Indianapolis running game will be a nightmare for opposing defences to contain, led by Jonathan Taylor, who was a beast, leading the league in rushing yards in 2021, gaining 1,272 yards after contact, and breaking 66 tackles with over 23 breakaway runs of 15 yards or more.

Behind him, though there is Nyheim Hines, Phillip Lindsay and Ty’Son William, all of whom could contribute and shoulder some of the load that Taylor will carry.

Biggest Weakness

Matt Ryan is known for his poise and composure, and he might need to rely on that plenty of times this season as he doesn’t have as good of a receiving crew as he did in Atlanta.

Michael Pitman Jr. played well-catching passes last year, and rookie Alec Pierce has some raw talent, however, he might not be ready to even be a secondary target this early in his career.

Projection- 2nd

Their depth at the running back position is a huge asset and should make life a little bit easier for Matt Ryan, who should be able to depend on the versatility of Taylor in numerous situations.

The Colts were a win away from making the postseason in 2021, and we anticipate it could be a similar season this year, as the team’s biggest strengths and weaknesses a year later are virtually the same.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Key additions

Christian Kirk (wide receiver), Brandon Scherff (offensive lineman).

Key Subtractions

DJ Chark (wide receiver), Brandon Linder (offensive lineman).

Biggest Strength

In a division that has notoriously been among the weaker ones in NFL history, there is plenty of talent in the backfield, and the Jaguars are no exception as James Robinson, along with a healthy Travis Etienne, could be a great two-headed monster for Trevor Lawrence to give the ball too.

Both backs have a lot of flair and breakaway speed while being helpful in short yardage and pass-catching situations.

Biggest Weakness

As a whole, there are plenty of positions which are still question marks for this franchise, but their secondary is still young and is unproven for the most part, allowing an average of 7.6 yards per attempt through the air in 2021.

Travon Walker should help them get more pressure along the line of scrimmage, but it remains to be seen if they can make plays in the secondary, an area which was their biggest strength in their run to the AFC title game in 2017.

Projection- 3rd

Trevor Lawrence should have a more significant crop of receivers to make plays for him this season, while Brandon Scherff could help give the sophomore QB a little more time in the pocket to find his open receivers.

Doug Pederson should bring a lot more harmony and reason for optimism on the offensive side of the ball; although as a unit in all three facets of the game there are plenty of question marks.

There is plenty of individual talent, but as an entire unit, there are some average or below-average players on this team, who might slow them down.

Houston Texans

Key Additions

Marlon Mack (running back), Derek Stingley (cornerback).

Key Subtractions

Deshaun Watson (quarterback), Justin Reid (safety).

Biggest Strength

Houston has some defensive players who could force opposing QBs to rush their throws, as Jerry Hughes is great at pushing back offensive linemen, while Jonathan Greenard made an impact in the limited amount of time he played.

It’s uncertain if they’ll be able to generate more losses in the backfield, but they should make it a little tougher on opposing quarterbacks to find an open receiver in a timely fashion.

Biggest Weakness

The linebacking corps of this squad does not look great as Kamu Grugier-Hill allowed 82.8% of passes thrown his way to be caught, while Christian Kirksey had only six pass breakups.

Houston was 31st in run defence a season ago, while their linebacking team could be susceptible to more big gains again this year.

Projection- 4th

Without an established quarterback, along with an average defensive unit at best, it is hard to see anyone being able to carry Lovie Smith’s team or provide any spark.

Expect to see them and the Jags battle for third in the division, but the Jags get an edge because they have individual talent who can make big plays, and it’s hard to know who that kind of impact player for the Texans can be.