Yesterday I previewed in these pages the NFC South and how I saw the Division while predicting each teams finish and whether or not they will be a playoff participant. Today, I will preview the AFC South but with a new twist. Not only will I preview their place in the division but will predict their game #1 results. Keep in mind that these predictions could and probably will change somewhat as we get closer to game time.

First Place

Jacksonville Jaguars --That's right, you saw it hear first! Last season the Jaguars ended 8-8 abut outgained 12 of their 16 opponents. Only San Diego did a better job and look how they faired. In addition, they had a top 10 defense and added S Reggie Nelson and LB Justin Durant in the draft. First Game Prediction: The Jaguars are 19-9 ATS when laying single digits at home while the SU winner in this series is 22-2 ATS. Take the Jaguars in this one.

Second Place

Indianapolis --Even though the Colts won the Super Bowl they didn't waste anytime as they made 9 selections in the NFL draft. Their top pick was WR Anthony Gonzalez from Ohio State to add just another weapon for Manning. However, defending Super Bowl Champs tend to have a target on their back and struggle on the road in non-divisional road games going 49-69-1 ATS since 1980. It wouldn't surprise me to see them drop to 9-7 and squeak into the playoffs. First Game Prediction: Defending Super Bowl Champs are 3-11-1 ATS in their first game of the year if they won 16 or more total games the season before. Take the Saints and the points in this one.

Third Place

Tennessee Titans --This finish is up for grabs even though Tennessee finished at 8-8 last season. Most of that was due in part to the sometimes unbelievable play of Vince Young. This season however will be a different story as the Titans lost veterans Drew Bennett and Bobby Wade while replacing them with a boat load of unproven rookies. Their defense took a hit as well with Pacman Jones is out for the year. The NFL adjusts quickly from season to season and expect defenses to have the answer to Vince Young while he struggles to find help. First Game Prediction: Unfortunately the Titans take on the Jaguars here and you can see the lopsided numbers above. Go against the Titans in this one.

Fourth Place

Houston Texans --Toward the end of last season the Texans did show some life winning their last two in a row. In the off season they jettisoned QB David Carr and replaced him with Matt Schaub. In addition, they acquired veteran RB Ahman Green and got DT Amobi Okoye in the draft. They finished 6-10 last season and I don't see much changing this season. They will be lucky to hit that 6 win mark this season. First Game Prediction: Houston is 3-12 Su and 4-11 ATS in games one through three of the regular season the last 5 years while the Kansas City coach Herm Edwards is a terrible 2-10 SU and ATS when playing a non-divisional opponent on the road. If you must take Houston in this one and hope that their 2 game winning streak of last season carries into this season.