The AFC South is tilted toward Jacksonville
The post-Urban Meyer Jacksonville Jaguars surprised in 2022 by taking the AFC South crown and they have are the choice to do the same this season. The latest NFL odds, per BetUS, have the Jaguars as heavy favorites to win the division at -165.
The Vegas NFL odds indicate that the Titans are viewed as the only threat to the Jags with Nashville’s finest being next in line with +325 odds to win the AFC South. NFL expert picks are largely pounding the table for Jacksonville to repeat as division champs.
just a reminder that Calvin Ridley’s receiving total is currently set at 900.5 yards at various places you can wager actual money at https://t.co/h567TU9TIM pic.twitter.com/vv0D80JxI1
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) August 28, 2023
Both the Colts (+600) and Texans (+850) are viewed as longshots judging by the NFL futures market for the AFC South. Can Trevor Lawrence and Jacksonville repeat as division champs?
Here is a look at my NFL predictions for the AFC South.
Titans Offer Best Value in the AFC South Odds
Smart money is on the Jaguars to win the division, but I want no part of Duuuuuuvaaallll with just -165 odds. The Titans offer the best value and are a real threat to sit atop the AFC South.
There are plenty of questions about the Titans quarterback situation as Tennessee has drafted a signal-caller early in two consecutive drafts. Ryan Tannehill should benefit from the additions of star receiver DeAndre Hopkins and rookie playmaker Tyjae Spears, even if this could be his last season in Nashville.
I like the Titans to top 7.5 wins at -135 and sprinkling a little bit of money on Tennessee to win the division with +325 odds.
My NFL picks for the AFC South finishing order: No. 1 Jaguars, No. 2 Titans, No. 3 Texans and No. 4 Colts.
Keep an Eye on the Texans
Drafting both C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson should be a culture changer for Houston. The question is how soon the Texans can turn the corner to compete in the AFC South.
Great angle of the Will Anderson Jr. Sack and Forced Fumble: pic.twitter.com/kySP9z9CDs
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) August 20, 2023
Not only did the Texans crush the draft, but the front office was aggressive in free agency. On offense, Stroud will reap the rewards from the signings of former Cowboys standout tight end Dalton Schultz and veteran receiver Robert Woods.
Don’t be surprised if wideout Tank Dell ends up being one of the top performing rookies this season.
Houston also made moves on defense by adding former Pro Bowl corner Shaquil Griffin, veteran defensive linemen Sheldon Rankins, safety Jimmie Ward and linebacker Denzel Perryman.
The Texans should be in striking distance to top the 6.5 win total, which offers +120 odds.
Patience a Virtue for Colts Fans
Colts fans may want to consult the Gators faithful on what to expect from the Anthony Richardson experience.
Throwback to last years Florida-Utah game when Anthony Richardson pulled this off
— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 31, 2023
Richardson’s upside as a total athlete is undeniable, but his career 53.8% completion rate in college should be cause for concern. The rookie has a chance to emerge as the team’s franchise quarterback, but I think there are going to be growing pains in 2023 as Richardson gets the reps needed to improve.
There Will Be No Sneaking Up on Teams for the Jags in 2023
It will be worth watching to see how the Jags perform this season with high expectations and no longer playing with house money.
One name to watch in Duval is wide receiver Calvin Ridley who Jacksonville traded for at the 2022 deadline. Ridley battled injuries in 2021 and then landed a season-long suspension in 2022, meaning the wideout has not seen significant NFL snaps for the better part of two years. Christian Kirk playing alongside Ridley should give Lawrence plenty of offensive ammo this season.
