A SERIES
#4 Houston Texans 3-14
Houston is a hot mess of an NFL Franchise – read my prior post here. The Deshaun Watson drama is just the tip of the iceberg. Bill O’Brien’s questionable decisions have proven costly including trading DeAndre Hopkins for washed-up David Johnson. The Texans also traded the farm for Dolphins OT Laremy Tunsil, a move that has not been profitable. The Texans had no first-round picks in 2020, and with the Deshaun Watson accusations, things are dicey. It remains to been seen who will start at QB, either veteran Tyrod Taylor or 3rd round rookie Davis Mills. But they will have their work cut out.
#3 Jacksonville Jaguars 5-12
New coach Urban Meyer and rookie QB Trevor Lawrence are one of the most hyped tandems in the NFL. Jacksonville does have some weapons for Trevor: WR’s DJ Chark and Laviska Shenualt and RB’s James Robinson and draft pick Travis Etienne. But the biggest story is tight end Tim Tebow. Tebow has not played in an NFL game since 2016 and that was preseason with the Eagles. Tebow will be a good locker room presence, and as a bonus, none of the Jag TE’s have over 50 career catches.
#2 Tennessee Titans 10-7
The Titans could be #1 sans the Colts. Tennessee has one of the best offenses, led by Derrick Henry, the man who ran for 2,000 yards in 2020. In addition, AJ Brown has emerged as one of the NFL’s top receivers. Plus, Ryan Tannehill had a good 2021 campaign, throwing career highs in passing yards completions and touchdowns. However, the defensive side of the ball is not as strong. Over the last few years, the Titans have experienced pass rush issues. But the future is looking brighter with corner Caleb Farley, a first round snag, and will be paired with Kevin Byard in the secondary.
#1 Indianapolis Colts 12-5
The Colts have capitalized this off-season. Phillip Rivers’s retirement was expected; Rivers’s lack of arm strength handicapped the Colts’s playoff run. The Colts recovered quickly and traded for Carson Wentz. Wentz, benched for Jalen Hurts, has prior experience with head coach Frank Reich while in Philly. A definite headstart for the Colt! Meanwhile, the Colts made a great 2020 second round pick for Johnathan Taylor. After a slow start to the season, Taylor had four straight games with 100 yards. The Colts’s defense is still strong with Darius Leonard leading the charge along with rookie Kwity Paye. Colts should finish #1.
