NFL 2016 Divisional Reviews – AFC South

The AFC South was the poorest of the four divisions in the American Conference, with the winners only finishing with a 9-7 record. That was the Houston Texans, who saw off competition from the Colts, Jaguars and Titans.

Texans (9-7)

Colts (8-8)

Jaguars (5-11)

Titans (3-13)

 

Houston Texans – 9-7 (#4 seed)

Wild Card Weekend – L 30-0 to Texans

The Texans came into the season as the favourites for the division title, with star man J.J. Watt looking to cause problems on the defensive line. However, they started the season poorly, going 3-5 through their eight games before the bye week. Three wins in November saw them move to 6-5 before a second run of three victories at the end of the season was enough for them to win the AFC South with a 9-7 record.

They went into the playoffs as the lowest seeded side in the AFC, and had to go up against the Kansas City Chiefs, who themselves had won 10 straight games to get to the playoffs. It was the Chiefs who won, shutting out the South champions, the Texans. Houston could not get going and failed to score in the game.

The Texans will have the 22nd pick in the 2016 draft.

 

Indianapolis Colts – 8-8

The Colts were always second favourites to the Texans, despite having Andrew Luck as their starting QB. The Colts, unbelievably did not go win-lose-win or lose-win-lose throughout the season, always having a streak of some sort. Two defeats were followed by three straight wins, but another three losses saw them level with the Texans at 3-5. Three straight wins saw them move to the top of the division, but another three straight defeats gave the Texans the chance they needed. Indianapolis finished with two wins to finish at .500 for the season.

The Colts will have the 18th pick in the draft in April.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars – 5-11

The Jaguars’ 2015 season saw them travel to Wembley once again. However, that came after a run of four defeats, which saw them concede an average of 34 points per game in the process. They beat the Bills in London, starting a runoff three wins in four, but that run was to end in Week 12 with defeat. Five defeats in their last six put pay to their playoff chances, but they can be pleased with the offensive side of the ball, and could challenge for the AFC South next season.

The Jags will have the 5th pick in the draft, after having the easiest schedule of the three 5-11 teams.

 

Tennessee Titans – 3-13

It is hard to believe that the Titans started the season with a victory. And despite Marcus Mariota’s best efforts at QB, including the longest TD run by a QB all year (87yds), just two more victories followed over the course of the year. A run of six straight defeats left them at 1-6, before three defeats in November, and four more in December saw them finish with the worst record in football.

Their 3-13 record means they have the first pick in the 2016 draft, after having the second pick last year.