The Story
NFL Postseason Preview --- Part 4: AFC South, AFC West
No, the headline is correct, and your calendar is correct. It’s only November. Regardless, from what I have seen of the 32 teams in the NFL, this is how I expect the rest of the season to shape up.
AFC South
Tennessee Titans
When the Titans lost to the Rams in the Super Bowl XXXIV, they really fell off the map, so to speak. Then along came Vince Young out of Texas. Young, while still just a slightly above average quarterback with much room for improvement, has brought some of the spotlight back to Tennessee. On top of Young, the Titans have probably the best kicker in the league right now in Rob Bironas. The Titans are no longer an “easy win” for opponents and may surprise the league with a playoff bid despite the lack of a clear number one receiver.
Record: 10-6 -- Will not make the playoffs
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville has a very solid team this year, and they should be able to slip into the playoffs with a wild card spot. Now, will they go deep in the playoffs? I doubt it. The thing with the Jags is that they seem to have difficulties scoring (ranking in the bottom half of the league in this category). It does not take a football expert to see why this would be a problem.
Record: 9-7 -- Will make the playoffs
Houston Texans
They may not have the biggest names or stars on their team, but they play well together and are no longer the laughing stock of the NFL. After using the number one pick in the draft two years ago to pick defensive end Mario Williams over Reggie Bush, many people were confused and thought that the Texans missed out on a chance of a lifetime. However, this year Williams has been playing very well, while Bush and the dismal Saints have been struggling. Maybe Houston knew what they were doing.
Record: 7-9 -- Will not make the playoffs
Indianapolis Colts
The defending Super Bowl champion Colts have only lost twice and actually have improved from last year. They have the third best offense AND defense in the NFL. So, they must be the clear favorite to repeat, right? No! They, like every other team in the NFL, are chasing that little team up in New England. The Colts will not even make it to the Super Bowl this year, that is how good the Patriots are.
Record: 14-2 -- Will make the playoffs
AFC West
Denver Broncos
The Broncos cannot be happy, regardless of the stats that quarterback Jay Cutler is pilling up and with the efficiency that the offense has had moving the football. They have shown ineptness in turning all those yards into points and their defense is below average. With the loss of running back Travis Henry looming do to drug charges, they will continue to fall off the pace and will not challenge San Diego for the division.
Record: 7-9 -- Will not make the playoffs
Oakland Raiders
Do you remember the days when the Raiders were actually a good team? They really went downhill fast after losing to Tampa Bay in the Super Bowl several years back. Finally they are once again making strides in the right direction, but they still are a lower tier team with a lot of work to do before they can start thinking about the playoffs.
Record: 5-11 -- Will not make the playoffs
San Diego Chargers
The Chargers have been another one of those disappointing teams this year. It seemed like they had all the right pieces: last years league MVP in LT, a hotshot quarterback, and a ferocious defense. Perhaps it is just taking them time to adjust to their new head coach. Whatever is the cause, it needs to be addressed in a hurry if they hope to make the playoffs.
Record: 9-7 -- Will make the playoffs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are a very strange team in my opinion. They can go out one week and play great and then the next week they will be horrible. In other words, they are a very hit or miss type of team and this is not conducive to making it into the playoffs.
Record: 8-8 -- Will not make the playoffs