Looking over all eight of the NFL divisions, it’s easy to see that the AFC South is the biggest unknown right now.
With Peyton Manning’s Injury And David Garrard’s Release, AFC South Is Very Wide Open
The Indianapolis Colts have QB Peyton Manning's injury. The Tennessee Titans are breaking in a new coach and quarterback. The Jacksonville Jaguars just named a new starting quarterback five days before the start of the season. The Houston Texans are once again the popular pick to finally get over the playoff hump, something they've never done.
How will the AFC South shake out?
It starts with Manning’s injury. If he misses just a game or two early in the season, I think you have to still consider them the division favorites. Manning’s been too consistent for too long to count him out if he gets back on the field. However, if Manning more than just a couple games, and if he’s affected by his injury when he does return, this division is completely up in the air.
The Titans seem like they could be a solid team with QB Matt Hasselbeck and, of course, RB Chris Johnson. When you have one of the top 2-3 running backs in the game, you're always going to be in contention.
The Texans seem to have it all once again. They’re a popular pick to win the division and while, on paper, I would agree with that, this is the same line of thinking we’ve had for about three seasons now -- and they haven’t been able to get over the hump.
The Jaguars seemed like a dark horse candidate to take the AFC South when Manning’s injury popped up but it’s incredibly difficult to predict that now knowing they’ll have a new starting quarterback with less than a week to prepare for the season opener.
So how will the AFC South shake out?
I have no clue, and I don’t think anyone else does either.
See More:
