The AFC South features a pair of playoff threats and a pair of also-rans and the sportsbook has released its regular season total lines for the division that features Indianapolis, Tennessee, Houston and Jacksonville.
NFL odds are out and we look at why bookmakers have set their current totals.
Indianapolis Colts
- 2021 record: 9-8
- Regular season win total: 9½ (Over -155, Under +125)
Expectations are tapered for the Indianapolis Colts after nine wins last season.
It was a poor showing given their roster but the addition of Matt Ryan has thrown a spanner in the mix.
Ryan was a quality quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, but he wasn’t being protected by his offensive line, so he should be happier with the Colts.
There is enough roster strength with the Colts to suggest they could score double-digit wins and we’re picking a 10-7 result for the AFC South contenders.
Most of the early betting online money has come for the Over 9½, which has shortened into -155.
Tennessee Titans
- 2021 record: 12-5
- Regular season win total: 8½ (Over -130, Under Ev)
Given how successful they were in 2021, bookmakers aren’t giving the Tennessee Titans much respect.
The 8½ line is much lower than we expected and the likes of Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry shouldn’t be slowing down.
We also like the addition of Austin Hooper, who will build chemistry with Tannehill as the season progresses.
“He’s a guy who has been working with us since I’ve been here, and that connection is growing,” Tannehill said of Hooper, who was signed by the team back in March. “He has some great size and strength and length and that’s definitely a help for him, and it will help us offensively.”
Hooper has similar feelings to Tannehill and we think he’s a good fit.
“I’m doing my best to make sure he feels comfortable with me. I take that very seriously,” Hooper said. “I’m rotating with four other guys, so every rep, it’s the sense of urgency you’ve got to have. It has to be multiplied exponentially.”
Our NFL predictions have the Titans performing better than bookmakers expect.
Houston Texans
- 2021 record: 4-13
- Regular season win total: 4½ (Over -105, Under -125)
It’s hard to imagine the Houston Texans having a worse season but that’s the reality of the struggling franchise.
There isn’t much to get excited about the Texans and that’s reflected in betting markets, which have their season total at 4½.
They have some solid players in Brandin Cooks and Marlon Mack, but that’s where the positives end. It should be another long season and there is nothing to get excited about if you’re a Texans fan.
Jacksonville Jaguars
- 2021 record: 3-14
- Regular season win total: 6 (Over -115, Under -115)
Bettors should expect an improved year for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who would want to improve following a three-win season.
However, there was plenty of room for improvement and it could be enough to double their season tally to six wins.
