The AFC South has some interesting matchups going into Week 1.
With the AFC South set to begin, a look at the contests of each team that’s in the division is in store. Now two of our cover players won’t be playing in these games (Gardner Minshew was traded to the Eagles, Watson is benched). Ryan Tannehill and his Tennessee Titans begin their season with a matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
AFC South matchup #1: Tennessee Titans vs. Arizona Cardinals
There was going to be the chance for a potential “revenge game” for Cardinals Malcolm Butler (who spent last year with the Titans) but he suddenly decided to retire over a personal issue that has not really been disclosed yet.
Meanwhile, the Titans have been struggling with COVID all throughout last season and into this year’s training camp. Tennessee did not have a lot of practices with all of their starters- something that may play a role in this game.
For this matchup, Arizona will limit Derrick Henry a little bit. Tannehill will expose rookie corner Tay Gowan by getting Julio Jones 3 touchdowns in his Titans debut.
AFC South matchup #2: Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
This is a matchup that we’ve written about extensively here at Toro Times, and we remain confident that the Houston Texans are going to win this game. Click here for the three reasons why the Texans will prevail over the Jaguars and get a crucial divisional win.
Yes, expectations aren’t high for Houston but beating divisional opponents is a great step in the rebuilding process.
AFC South matchup #3: Indianapolis Colts vs. Seattle Seahawks
This could be the highest-scoring matchup of the three games listed. Jonathon Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr. had started to really emerge as weapons down the stretch for the Colts last season.
Seattle went through the Russel Wilson trade drama this offseason, which resulted in the Seahawks not doing anything to upgrade their defensive secondary or their offensive line, arguably their two biggest holes on the roster.
Seattle grinds one out on the road, thanks to a late go-ahead score by Wilson to D.K. Metcalf to give Seattle the win.
Recap of the AFC South after Week 1:
- Houston Texans (1-0)
- Tennessee Titans (1-0)
- Indianapolis Colts (0-1)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)
Texans take first place as divisional wins take precedence over non-divisional games.
It’s a long season, but a win would help make Texans fans feel a bit better about all of the changes in the offseason. What are your picks? Did we get them right? Comment below, we’ll be sure to check on them!