AFC South Futures Pick
It’s early days, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t value early on these NFL divisional futures! Here’s my breakdown and pick for this year’s AFC South Winner:
Indianapolis Colts @ +115
Houston Texans @ +280
Jacksonville Jaguars @ +430
Tennessee Titans @ +650
Indianapolis currently stand as the AFC South’s future favorite, sitting around even money, up to +115. It’s not a bad price given the hype from their performances last season, and that Andrew Luck can once again be relied upon under center. They seem to have made the right improvements in the off-season, and many are talking about their Super Bowl chances now that the Colts have had a full season to work on their cohesiveness as a win football team.
A team that I’m very high on is the Texans. Houston sit as the second favorites to reclaim their AFC South crown, but with the buzz around the Colts, they’re not getting nearly as much love as their well-rounded team deserves in my opinion. Last year they went 11-5, and although their schedule may be a little tougher, their team hasn’t gotten any weaker.
Jacksonville could be in for a big year once again should their new QB Nick Foles reproduce some of the magic he’s conjured up for Philly over the past few seasons. There’s no telling how much of an improvement Foles may be to Blake Bortles, but with their insane defense, they’ll always have a shot to claim difficult wins both home and on the road.
The Titans have been a peculiar team these part three season. Each year they seem to over achieve by going 9-7, yet at the same time they also underachieved as they they’ve missed the playoffs twice, having come so close. Sadly for Tennessee however, this fluky winning record seems to be over. Mariota has been fragile at QB, and even at full health he appears to be a liability as he’s nowhere near the level of Luck or Watson. I think the Titans could still make it to .500 if they ‘titan-up’ a few holes, but I wouldn’t recommend anyone making a play on them at +650.
I know I’ve spoken very highly of the Colts’ chances, but I’m very happy to stand with the Texans to defend their AFC South divisional title. They’re a great team at defense, and now with Watson back and healthy, I feel like they’re being slept on. I certainly shan’t be passing them up at +280 in this spot.
1.25u – Houston Texans to Win the AFC South @+280