2023 NFL Standings Prediction: AFC South
The NFL regular season is less than a week away, so it’s time to put rubber to the road and officially make predictions for the 2023 NFL standings.
Today, we move over to the AFC South where we may see one team completely outclass the others this year.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars (14-3)
- W @ IND
- L vs. KC
- W vs. HOU
- W vs. ATL
- L @ BUF
- W vs. IND
- W @ NO
- W @ PIT
- BYE
- L vs. SF
- W vs. TEN
- W @ HOU
- W vs. CIN
- W @ CLE
- W vs. BAL
- W @ TB
- W vs. CAR
- W @ TEN
This year feels like the true “coming out party” for QB Trevor Lawrence. The Jaguars got off to a dreadful 2-6 start in 2022, but after their bye, Lawrence passed for 1779 yards, 12 TDs, and just 2 INTs over Jacksonville’s final seven games and helped them get to a final record of 9-8 and a ridiculous playoff comeback victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
This year, Jacksonville has the benefit of playing in a division where all three other offenses may be playing rookie QBs by the midway point of the season. They also play against the NFC South, which could be one of the weaker NFC divisions once again this year.
The loss of Cam Robinson due to suspension could hurt them, but the Jaguars added Anton Harrison in the first round of the 2023 Draft. They also get to implement Calvin Ridley into their offense, who in his last full season of 2020, totaled 90 receptions for 1374 yards and 9 TDs with the Falcons. If they get even a semblance of this player, Jacksonville could steamroll their way towards a top record in the AFC.
2. Indianapolis Colts (6-11)
- L vs. JAX
- W @ HOU
- W @ BAL
- W vs. LAR
- L vs. TEN
- L @ JAX
- W vs. CLE
- L vs. NO
- L @ CAR
- L @ NE
- BYE
- W vs. TB
- L @ TEN
- L @ CIN
- W vs. PIT
- L @ ATL
- L vs. LV
- L vs. HOU
The Jonathan Taylor saga dampens some of the hopes for Indianapolis this season. Overall, though, this remains a rather intriguing team around fourth overall pick Anthony Richardson. Alec Pierce, Michael Pittmann, and Jelani Woods form a respectable pass-catching trio while rookie RB Evan Hull could make some noise out of the backfield.
The defensive front is stout as well with Adetomiwa Adebawore, DeForest Buckner, Shaq Leonard, and Kwity Paye on the roster. Second-round pick Julius Brents adds some much-needed help to the secondary as well.
There will certainly be bumps and bruises along the way for Indy in Richardson’s rookie season, but they will win a couple more games than they did last year.
3. Houston Texans (4-13)
- L @ BAL
- L vs. IND
- L @ JAX
- L vs. PIT
- L @ ATL
- L vs. NO
- BYE
- L @ CAR
- L vs. TB
- L @ CIN
- W vs. ARI
- L vs. JAX
- L vs. DEN
- L @ NYJ
- W @ TEN
- L vs. CLE
- W vs. TEN
- W @ IND
The Houston Texans made big moves in this spring’s draft by drafting both C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson, giving them cornerstones to build around on each side of the ball.
However, when looking at who Stroud is going to be throwing the ball to during his rookie season, it becomes tough to see this team scoring enough points to keep up with many teams. Tank Dell has made strides this summer, but outside of him, Houston goes into the season relying on Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz, and Robert Woods.
4. Tennessee Titans (4-13)
- L @ NO
- L vs. LAC
- L @ CLE
- L vs. CIN
- W @ IND
- L vs. BAL
- BYE
- L vs. ATL
- W @ PIT
- L @. TB
- L @ JAX
- W vs. CAR
- W vs. IND
- L @ MIA
- L vs. HOU
- L vs. SEA
- L @ HOU
- L vs. JAX
The prediction here entails the end of Derrick Henry’s reign as king of running backs in the NFL. The past two seasons have been filled with injuries and inefficient, force-fed running for the veteran running back.
It doesn’t help that it really doesn’t seem like Tennessee knows where they want to go at the QB position. Ryan Tannehill and Malik Willis are still there, and they selected Will Levis 33rd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
It’s tough to bet against a Mike Vrabel defense, but this feels like a year where the Titans take a noticeable step back in the AFC.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.
