NFL Divisional Previews – 2011 AFC South Betting Breakdown
The 2011-2012 NFL season is looming but unfortunately so is the unfortunate Lockout. The eternal optimist that I am, I have compiled odds and predictions for each division in the knowledge that the owners and the players cannot be as ridiculous as they look.
The AFC South is one of the more interesting divisions in the NFL. Perennial favorite Indianapolis is in a familiar position – oddsmaker’s darling to walk away with the title.
But a consistent underachiever lurks in the division – Houston just has to be better, don’t they?
Rounding out the Division are the Jaguars and Titans – middle of the pack teams at best in the NFL. But strangely, the AFC South has slipped as an elite Division and it is totally up for grabs!
Indianapolis Colts
Odds To Win the AFC South -175
Odds To Win 2012 Super Bowl +1500
For the Colts it seems that they are always an injury or two away from imploding. Although they did a terrific job last season without their top two running backs, Dallas Clark, Anthony Gonzalez and Austin Collie health is crucial for this team. Even Peyton Manning is a huge question mark – he spent this offseason having a second neck surgery.
Defensively, the Colts are basically the same unit that was absolutely shredded against the run last season – the team decided to spend their draft picks with Offensive Lineman in efforts to ensure that their franchise is well protected. With Bob Sanders officially out of the fold, it is difficult to imagine just how Indianapolis is going to stop anyone on defense.
With little or no running game and a suspect defense, this just may be the year that the Colts finally take a back seat in the AFC South. Although we have said it before, a drop-off appears imminent for Indy. They are only one injury away (Peyton Manning) from a 2-14 finish! The Colts still have the best player in the Division but as demonstrated in the past, one player does not make a whole NFL team!
Colts AFC East Prediction: I’m expecting a 9-7 record and a second place finish in the AFC South
Houston Texans
Odds To Win the AFC South +250
Odds To Win 2012 Super Bowl +4000
Are we sick of the Texans being “that team” yet? Every year this team preaches patience and claims that they are ready to emerge. But every year plans are derailed by injury or poor execution on the field. But this season may be different. They are solid in the running game for the first time ever; they have the best receiver in the NFL and a quarterback that, if he can stay healthy, is a true stud.
Defense was absolutely dreadful last season – they were dead last in many statistical categories last year. Efforts were certainly made to shore up that situation – five defenders were selected in Houston’s first five picks in the NFL draft and Wade Philips was brought into coach the defense.
If the defense improves at all, this could be Houston’s year – the AFC South is as weak as it has been in many, many years. Indianapolis’s fall will mean that someone will emerge in the South – my guess is that team is Houston!
Texans AFC East Prediction: 10-6 wins the South – I think that it is Houston’s year. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Tennessee Titans
Odds To Win the AFC South +700
Odds To Win 2012 Super Bowl +6000
Gone are Vince Young and Jeff Fisher – two cornerstones of the franchise. A new regime preaching a new attitude may take a year or so to catch on in Tennessee. With Kenny Britt’s continued legal woes, there is only one playmaker on the team.
If Chris Johnson can find his 2009 form, the Titans may hit .500 but anything beyond that is a pipe dream!
Titans AFC East Prediction: 8-8 is likely for the rebuilding Titans
Jacksonville Jaguars
Odds To Win the AFC South +800
Odds To Win 2012 Super Bowl +6000
The Jacksonville Jaguars nearly got over the hump last season – nearly! And it is likely that they slip back to mediocrity this year. David Gerrard finally realized his potential last year, although some may argue that he overachieved (me included). Still their ground game alone will win them a few games along the way.
Jacksonville had a very confusing draft, opting to take offensive players instead of addressing their brutal defense. Their defense keeps them from taking the next step again. Second place in the AFC South is possible but third is more likely.
Jaguars AFC East Prediction: Jacksonville fans can expect another 8-8 season and a last place finish in the AFC South.
As Always Comments Are Welcome Below!!!
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One reply on “2011 AFC South Lines | NFL Preview”
“”With Bob Sanders officially out of the fold, it is difficult to imagine just how Indianapolis is going to stop anyone on defense.”” Amen to that.