Source: Sporting News
Summary
The AFC South is expected to be competitive in 2024, with the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans all in the mix. Nick Wright, Danny Parkins, and Chris Broussard made predictions for the division. Wright predicted the Texans to win with C.J. Stroud as a key factor, the Jaguars to finish second, the Colts third, and the Titans last. Broussard placed the Texans first, the Jaguars second, the Colts third, and the Titans last. Parkins put the Colts first, the Texans second, the Jaguars third, and the Titans last. All three analysts highlighted the importance of quarterback performance and team rebuilding efforts.
Our Reading
The game followed a familiar script.
Texans top the division, but Stroud’s health remains a question.
Jaguars have talent, but Lawrence’s consistency is in doubt.
Colts have Jones back, but Steichen’s job is on the line.
Titans are in a rebuild, but Saleh’s first year is a gamble.
Author: Evan Null
Division Dynamics
The AFC South is shaping up to be one of the NFL’s most unpredictable divisions this season. The Houston Texans have held the crown for years, but can they reclaim the division with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ young core not going away any time soon?
With a healthy Daniel Jones back for the Indianapolis Colts and veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen now in the fold, the Colts could make some real noise. Over in Tennessee, the arrival of Robert Saleh puts a rebuilding Titans team in a prime position to play spoiler down the stretch.
Co-Host Predictions
If you want to know how the AFC South will unfold, the “First Things First” group of co-hosts were all over it. On Thursday’s show, Nick Wright, Danny Parkins, and Chris Broussard broke down the AFC South. They didn’t stop at general commentary, either. The trio made their definitive predictions for how the division will shake out.
The Titans are entering a full rebuild under head coach Robert Saleh, but Nick Wright still sees potential for growth. With offensive additions like Carnell Tate and Wan’Dale Robinson, Wright believes a six-win season is well within reach.
Colts Concerns
When it comes to the expectations for the Colts, all eyes shift towards Jones and his recovery from the season-ending Achilles injury. Wright’s concerns aren’t about Jones specifically, but they’re focused squarely on head coach Shane Steichen. After failing to meet expectations, Wright believes Steichen should be firmly on the hot seat.
“Daniel Jones [is] quickly coming back from the Achilles injury, but how mobile is he actually going to be,” Wright said. Also, I worry about Shane Steichen, and I worry about the instant hot seat.”
Jaguars and Texans
When it comes to the Jaguars, they’re not so easy to predict. After winning 13 games last season and winning the division, they could be a team that’s not just on the rise, but could be competitive for years to come.
Wright made sure to highlight the Jaguars’ young core in quarterback Trevor Lawrence and two-way standout Travis Hunter. “13 wins like last year,” Wright said. “There’s no way they don’t get at least a little more out of Travis Hunter this year. They’re not going to get less. Year two of Trevor Lawrence and [Liam] Coen…I like that. They have, far away, the best quarterback in that division.”
Titans and Predictions
The Houston Texans topped Wright’s predictions. He highlighted that the performance of quarterback C.J. Stroud will be a large factor in Houston’s success this season.
“I think they will be fighting for the No. 1 seed all year,” Wright said. “I think they go 12-5. If CJ Stroud is average, they can win 11 games. If he’s above average, they can win 12 games. If he’s good, you can argue they’re the best team in the league.”
