Kansas City Chiefs: 2016 NFL Preview And Predictions

AFC South

Houston Texans: 9-7 in 2015 (1st in AFC South)

The last we saw of the Texans, they were taking a shellacking in their home stadium from the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs.  That has surely lit a fire somewhere in this team.  However, it takes more than just a fire to win in the NFL.  The Texans made some curious moves in the offseason, and it is tough to tell if this team will be better than it was in 2015.  The Texans sent lackluster quarterbacks Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett packing, but brought in an unproven replacement in Brock Osweiler.  There was some shuffling on the offensive line, and the addition of rookie wide receivers, but a lot remains unseen with this team so far.  The Texans look to still be built around JJ Watt.  Watt is a great player, but a 3-4 defensive end isn’t usually a good cornerstone.

Prediction: 10-6 (1st in AFC South)

Indianapolis Colts: 8-8 in 2015 (2nd in AFC South)

The Indianapolis Colts are getting quarterback Andrew Luck back, which could help improve off of a disappointing 2015.  However, the Colts (once again) have failed to truly address their problems on the offensive line and defense.  The Colts will also be relying heavily on the 33 year old Frank Gore at running back.  WHO IS RUNNING THIS FRANCHISE?!!!!  It is almost impossible to fathom how the Colts expect Andrew Luck to lead them anywhere with the supporting cast he has been given.  However, Luck is an excellent quarterback and somehow manages to find a way.  That will put the Colts in position to win some games…as long as Andrew Luck can stay healthy.  There are a lot of warts on this team, mostly in the leadership department.  However, there is just enough talent on the roster to keep the wrong people employed in decision-making positions.

Prediction: 8-8 (3rd in AFC South)

Jacksonville Jaguars: 5-11 in 2015 (3rd in AFC South)

On paper, the Jacksonville Jaguars are one of the most talented teams in football.  Quarterback Blake Bortles has quietly become one of the better passers in the league.  Bortles will have a lot of options in the passing game with Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, and Julius Thomas.  The Jaguars defense is the real question here, but that unit is looking improved.  Do not be surprised when the Jags make a run at the division.  Looking at their schedule, it is hard to find very many games where the Jags would be major underdogs.  This has been a rebuild long in the making, but Jacksonville looks poised to finally break out and win some games.  This is a strong pick for a surprise team to make the playoffs.

Prediction: 10-6 (2nd in AFC South)

Tennessee Titans: 3-13 in 2015 (4th in AFC South)

It has been slow going for the Tennessee Titans, but this team is building itself up in the right way.  The Titans are focusing on the future with their young quarterback.  The Titans have added what should be a strong pair of running backs to their offense, which should bring some balance.  There is still a lot of work for the Tennessee front office to get done over the next couple of years, but it is hard to not admire the work that has been done so far.  Unfortunately, that isn’t going to pay off on the field for the Titans, and fans can expect another double digit loss season.  Such is the life of a rebuilding team.  Look for some good individual performances this year from this roster, but overall the team just is not good yet.  The Titans are progressing, but it takes some time to build a strong team in the NFL.

Prediction: 4-12 (4th in AFC South)

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