2024 AFC South Division Preview

Will the Houston Texans repeat as AFC South Champions? They added big weapons to their offense to try to do so. Will Jacksonville get the superstar they thought they were getting when they drafted Trevor Lawrence? Can Anthony Richardson stay healthy and play the whole season for the Colts? What will the Tennessee Titans offense look like without Derrick Henry? This division is wide open, and anyone can take the AFC South crown.

Houston Texans

2023 Team Record: 10-7

Key Additions:

• WR – Stefon Diggs
• RB – Joe Mixon
• DE – Danielle Hunter

Key Departures:

• LB – Blake Cashman
• DE – Jonathan Greenard

The Houston Texans had some big departures on defense with the departures of Blake Cashman and Jonathan Greenard, but they picked up key players in cornerback Azeez Al-Shaair and defensive end Danielle Hunter. They also added big names on the offensive side of the ball in Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon, hoping these weapons will help take the pressure off second year QB C.J. Stroud. Will C.J. be able to avoid the sophomore slump? The Texans were 1st in the division last year, and I expect them to improve their overall record from last year with these new additions.

Jacksonville Jaguars

2023 Team Record: 9-8

Key Additions:

• DT – Arik Armstead
• CB – Ronald Darby
• WR – Gabe Davis

Key Departures:

• WR – Calvin Ridley

The Jaguars lost Calvin Ridley, although some would argue that this was not a major loss for them. They did end up bringing in Gabe Davis from Buffalo to replace him. Davis will be a nice addition for Trevor Lawrence to throw to. The Jaguars also used their 1st round pick in this year’s draft to bring in LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr. Giving Lawrence more weapons will help take the pressure off of him and RB Travis Etienne Jr. Can rookie WR Brian Thomas Jr help the Jags improve their record this year compared to last year’s 9-8 campaign? Time will tell….

Indianapolis Colts

2023 Team Record: 9-8

Key Additions:

• QB – Joe Flacco
• DE – Laiatu Latu*

Key Departures:

• RB – Zack Moss
• QB – Gardner Minshew

Honestly, I do not think the Colts had any major additions or major departures for the upcoming season. The Colts wanted to maintain their roster and gave multiple guys an extension. The biggest departure is RB Zack Moss. I like the addition of Joe Flacco to be the backup to Anthony Richardson. The Colts know more than anyone how important it is to have a steady backup who can play when called upon. Flacco proved last year that he can still play at a high level in the right system. With Richardson missing most of last season, it was vital for them to get a quality backup QB. The Colts can improve their record this season if Anthony Richardson stays healthy. Their improvement will also rely on the availability of star RB Jonathan Taylor. Will Taylor get back to his MVP form?

Tennessee Titans

2023 Team Record: 6-11

Key Additions:

• WR – Calvin Ridley
• RB – Tony Pollard
• CB – Chidobe Awuzie

Key Departures:

• RB – Derrick Henry
• LB – Azeez Al-Shaair

This Titans team will look completely different than last season. The biggest departure is star RB Derrick Henry. Gone are the days of pounding the ball on the ground. He has been the staple of the offense for the past several years. The Titans brought in Tony Pollard, but Pollard did not have a great year as the Dallas Cowboys lead back last year. The Titans will now most likely use an RB by committee with Pollard and Tyjae Spears. They will pass more and see what they have in QB Will Levis. The addition of Calvin Ridley will give Levis a solid WR to throw to, and they drafted J.C. Latham to protect him. Will new Head Coach Brian Callahan bring out the best in Will Levis? Going from QB Joe Burrow to Will Levis will have its challenges for Callahan, but it should not be too hard to improve from a 6-11 record.

2024 AFC South Prediction

1. Houston Texans
2. Indianapolis Colts
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
4. Tennessee Titans

*Drafted Player from 2024 NFL Draft