2022 AFC South Predictions and Betting Odds

by Sean Barnard - 8/26/2022

AFC South predictions Matt Ryan Indianapolis Colts

As football inches closer to the start of the season, each team is putting out their optimistic quotes and preparing for the regular season. Expectations are beginning to mount, and this is no different in the AFC South. The division certainly won’t be expected to have a high level of competition, but there is still reason for optimism.

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Indianapolis Colts: -125

The Colts made a major move this offseason by trading for Matt Ryan. The Carson Wentz experiment was short-lived, and the franchise clearly made an effort to move on from him. They traded him to the Commanders for significantly less than it took to land the quarterback the previous offseason and are now looking at Matt Ryan to take the reins. The 37-year-old will look to be the game manager the organization hopes for, as the core around him is strong. The Indianapolis defense remains elite, and they have a top-tier running back in Jonathan Taylor. They also added Stephon Gilmore and Yannick Ngakoue this offseason as well.

Tennessee Titans: +170

The Titans made news this offseason by trading AJ Brown to the Eagles, he has had over 1,000 yards receiving in two of his three seasons in the NFL. In order to replace him, they have brought in Robert Woods and rookie Treylon Burks. Ryan Tannehill will head into his third season as the starting quarterback and showed progress last year. Tennessee also drafted QB Malik Willis, which will put some pressure on Tannehill. The Titans exceeded expectations last year by going 12-5 and earning the top seed in the AFC. They were knocked out of the playoffs by the Bengals in the Divisional Round, where Tannehill threw three interceptions. Whether last season was a fluke or if the team is the real deal will be found out this season.

Jacksonville Jaguars: +700

The Urban Meyer era did not go well, and the franchise moved on to Doug Pederson as head coach. The former Super Bowl champion coach is expected to rejuvenate the growth of Trevor Lawrence in his second season. They made some notable additions on the defensive side of the ball, including top-pick Travon Walker and Devin Lloyd. Expect the Jaguars to take a step forward this season, but it will certainly be a year of transition for the organization.

Houston Texans: +3000

There is much less room for optimism for the Houston Texans. They are tied for the lowest projected win total, with their over/under for wins set at 4.5. They are sticking with Davis Mills as the starting quarterback as he heads into his second season. He had a solid rookie year, and the franchise is pretty reliant on what type of leap Mills can make for how far they can go. Realistically, the team has a better chance at securing the first overall pick rather than winning the AFC South.

Prediction:

The pick should be the Colts at -125. Indianapolis has a complete roster and has the intention of contending this season. Their defense is the real deal and improved again this offseason. The Colts clearly were frustrated with the erratic decision-making of Wentz and paid up to replace him. The organization believes that a game-managing quarterback is all they need for success. Ryan has been one of the best game managers for the past decade and should fill this role well. At 37-year-old, there is a concern about how much more he has left in the tank, but this is further indication the Colts are going for it this year. Given the legitimate concerns with the three other teams in the division, -125 is great value for the Colts to come out of the AFC South.

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Start:	November 29, 2022 @ 7:00 PM
Expert:	Doug Upstone
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2022 AFC South Predictions and Betting Odds

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