AFC South: One Quarter Left
By Josh McSwain
The Houston Texans recent skid has gotten them tied with the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans in the AFC South. Who will emerge victorious in the division race? I break down the last month for each team:
Houston Texans
Remaining schedule: @Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Cincinnati, @Tennessee
Division record: 3-0
This team has been hard to figure out all season. They started the season 6-3 despite the ineptitude at quarterback, that has affected the receiver play in turn. Lamar Miller has been worth every penny that he was worth in free agency, as he has carried the offense this season. The only other bright spot on offense is the fact that the tight ends (C.J. Fiedorowicz and Ryan Griffin) have become a real threat in the passing game.
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Defensively, without J.J. Watt and many other important players, the defense has been okay but not up the standard of last year. The run defense has been inconsistent and the pass rush is almost non existent without Watt for most of the season and John Simon for stretches. The secondary has been under fire recently with the depth back there being decimated.
Fortunately, they are still on top in the division and they have three divisional games left. So they still control their own destiny. Unfortunately, two of those games are on the road, and both the Colts and Titans played well in Houston. Meanwhile, the Bengals come to Houston and while they are out of the playoff race, they are still a talented team playing for pride late in the season–they haven’t thrown in the towel.
The Texans have just one road win and on the flip side just one home loss. So my prediction on what happens in the future should be no surprise (particularly considering they have their two easiest opponents at home).
Predicted final record: 8-8; win at home and lose on the road
Predicted final place: Second