Preseason Win-Loss Predictions for Every Team: AFC South Edition

Our series continues with my preseason win-loss predictions for every NFL team this season.  Please note that I will bravely [?] refuse to change any of my projections based on the meaningless said preseason games to come, so if I look crazy later, I'm just lazy.  This time, we take a look at the AFC South:

Houston Texans
Predicted Record: 13 - 3

In A Sentence: After seeing what Houston was able to do with a plague of injuries and a third-string quarterback in 2011, the Texans could be near-unstoppable and uber-balanced if they stay healthy this season... and maybe even if they don't.

Playoff Chances: There is no reason the Texans shouldn't rule the AFC South this year.  Avoid catastrophic injuries and they'll be enjoying a first-round by as well.

Best Game: Given that they technically happen within a week of each other, there are two bouts worth noting on my list: 1) the home game face off with Green Bay in Week 6 could surely be a classic; then 2) the Texans get to avenge their first-ever playoff loss when Baltimore comes to town in Week 7.

Upset Pick: I predict a temporary chilling effect on this explosive offense when the Texans visit the Bears in Week 10.

Tennessee Titans
Predicted Record: 8 - 8

In A Sentence: Like ripping off a Band-Aid, sooner or later the Titans will need to put Jake Locker under center this season, which will mean short term mediocrity and hopefully long term growth for a developing team.

Best Game: I like the Week 14 matchup between the Titans and the Colts.  By that time, Jake Locker and Andrew Luck will have gotten their sea legs in the pros and will be jockeying for other good things to come in the AFC South in 2013.

Upset Pick: The Titans finally put an end to that nasty Terrible Towel curse when the Steelers come to town in Week 6.

Indianapolis Colts
Predicted Record: 4 - 12

In A Sentence: I have few doubts that Andrew Luck will dazzle in 2012, but even Peyton Manning had to deal with a rookie learning curve and a subpar supporting cast before he got on the right side of 0.500 in Indianapolis.

Playoff Chances: Pretty slim for now, but still better than Jacksonville

Best Game: For old time rivalry's sake, Week 11 between the Colts and the Patriots could be fun if totally lopsided.  Andrew Luck can learn a lot from former 199th draft pick Tom Brady.

Upset Pick: While I think these teams will split the series, which may not qualify as an upset, I think Indy shows it has more promise in the immediate future than Tennessee in Week 14.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Predicted Record: 2- 14

In A Sentence: Hoo boy, you don't often pick records this drastically bad in preseason speculations, but consider this a no-confidence vote for questionable OC-to-head coach choice Mike Mularkey, ever-skittish and -inaccurate Blaine Gabbert, and DUI-prone draftee Justin Blackmon.

Playoff Chances: Zero... unless this is an Air Bud movie I haven't seen (which is actually all of them).
 
Best Game: The Jaguars should have the upper hand in a Week 3 matchup with the fledgling Colts, especially if MJD can find the will to live.

Upset Pick: To give the Jaguars' defense the credit it deserves, they may be able to shut down a lot of teams' production this season even if they can't outscore them. For that reason, I think they can topple the Jets in the midst of QB controversy in Week 14.