Posted on: August 28, 2023, 09:20h. Last updated on: August 28, 2023, 09:20h.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Strongest Bet to Win AFC South Again
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dominating force in the weak AFC South division once more. With -155 odds, they are the favorites to clinch the division title for the second consecutive season.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence and head coach Doug Pederson are strategizing their game plan at TIAA Bank Field. The Jaguars had a 2021 to forget, marked by their failed experiment with former head coach Urban Meyer. However, they rebounded in 2022, clinching their first ever AFC South title and securing a home playoff game.
Fans are optimistic about the Jaguars’ chances against strong AFC rivals like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals. With +3000 Super Bowl odds and a 9.5 o/u win total for the 2023 season, the Jaguars are ready to take the next leap forward.
Tough Schedule Awaits the Defending Division Winners
As the defending division winners, the Jacksonville Jaguars face a challenging schedule. They have four home games against 2022 playoff teams, including matches against the Chiefs in Week 2, San Francisco 49ers in Week 10, Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13, and Baltimore Ravens in Week 15.
The Jaguars also have a special connection with London, earning them the nickname “London Jaguars.” As part of the NFL’s international series, they will be playing back-to-back games in London against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3 and the Bills in Week 4.
Trevor Lawrence Benefits from a Proper Mentor
After a difficult rookie season, Trevor Lawrence now has a reliable mentor in head coach Doug Pederson, who replaced the tyrannical Urban Meyer. Wide receiver Calvin Ridley returns to the field after serving a gambling suspension, and the Jaguars boast an underrated rushing attack with talents like Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby, and JaMycal Hasty.
The Jaguars are In a Strong Position
With nine victories in 2022, the Jacksonville Jaguars were the only team in the AFC South to end the season with a winning record. Their division rivals, the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts, are not considered strong contenders for the Super Bowl, with higher odds against them. The Jaguars find themselves in the middle of the pack at +3000 to win the Super Bowl and +1400 to win the AFC Championship.
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Tennessee Titans: Quarterback Drama Puts Pressure on the Team
The Tennessee Titans previously dominated the AFC South, winning the division title in 2020 and 2021 with double-digit victories. However, they stumbled in 2022 with a losing season at 7-10.
The team signed wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins after his release from the Arizona Cardinals, hoping to complement their star running back Derrick Henry. The quarterback situation remains uncertain, with trade rumors surrounding veteran Ryan Tannehill. Despite a successful career record, Tannehill struggled with a 6-6 season in 2022 and faced an ankle injury.
Rookie quarterback Malik Willis had a rocky start as a starter, leading to the Titans drafting Will Levis to provide competition. With a +350 odds to win the AFC South and a modest 7.5 o/u win total, the Titans’ outlook is not very promising.
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Indianapolis Colts: Rebuilding Year with Rookie Quarterback
The Indianapolis Colts last clinched the AFC South title in 2014, when quarterback Andrew Luck led them to the AFC Championship game. Since Luck’s premature retirement, the Colts have struggled to find stability in their quarterback position.
They experimented with quarterbacks like Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and Matt Ryan in recent seasons. Head coach Frank Reich was fired mid-season, and rookie head coach Shane Steichen was brought in to rebuild the team.
The Colts drafted quarterback Anthony Richardson in hopes of finding their franchise quarterback. Running back Jonathan Taylor seeks a trade after contract extension negotiations fell through. With a rookie quarterback and a first-time head coach, the Colts face a rebuilding year, reflected in their +600 odds to win the AFC South and a 6.5 o/u win total.
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Houston Texans: New Head Coach Aims to Improve Team’s Fortunes
The Houston Texans have faced turmoil since the passing of team owner Bob McNair in 2018. His son, Cal McNair, took over the franchise, but the team has struggled under his leadership.
After consecutive one-and-done coaches, the Texans appointed DeMeco Ryans as their new head coach. Ryans, a former top defensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers, brings hope to the Texans.
With only three wins in 2022, the Texans selected quarterback CJ Stroud from Ohio State as their starter. Although they face long odds at +800 to win the AFC South and a 6.5 o/u win total, the Texans aim to improve and avoid another last-place finish.
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