As part of an ongoing 8-part series, the Steel City Underground team takes their stab at predicting the 2017 NFL season.

This edition focuses on the AFC South.

	Joe	Brian	Tina	Tommy	Mike	Terry
1	TEN	TEN	TEN	TEN	HOU	TEN
2	HOU	HOU	HOU	HOU	TEN	HOU
3	JAX	JAX	IND	JAX	IND	JAX
4	IND	IND	JAX	IND	JAX	IND

Here’s some commentary justifying everyone’s picks:

Joe

I might catch some flack here, but the Indianapolis Colts were already trash before Andrew Luck started the offseason on the PUP list. The longer it takes for him to get back, the more damage it does to their ability to compete in this division.

That’s basically why I put the Jaguars ahead of the Colts. The Jags still have a horrid quarterback situation, but are immensely talented and should improve with their coaching change.

The Titans kept all of their pieces from last season and added more. They’re going to be this year’s Oakland Raiders in terms of being a “surprise” team though I don’t believe they’re sneaking up on anyone. The Houston Texans aren’t stable under center yet, which is why I can’t place them as the lead in this division. However, their defense should be more than good enough to put them into Wild Card contention.

Brian

The Titans look to me to be the team to beat. They have continuity in the head coaching spot and the QB spot, and Marcus Mariota was given some more weapons to work with having added Corey Davis in the draft and Eric Decker in free agency.

The Texans will still have the divisions, and probably the leagues, best defense, but their offense still seems questionable. Maybe Deshaun Watson takes over and maybe it’s Tom Savage but I’m not sold on either of them making a huge leap this year and becoming legit franchise QBs. The Texans can still repeat as division champs if the Titans don’t perform as expected, but it’s not going to be easy.

The Jaguars always seem to be making solid moves, and then end up looking awful. Despite wide spread reporting that “the Blake Bortles era is over” he was named the starter for game 1. Does he hold on to that spot? If he does, the Jags could make a play for .500, but expecting much more seems unlikely.

The Colts are a trainwreck. Even when Andrew Luck returns, the question will be not how good he can be, but rather, how long can he stay uninjured behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league. The Colts seem to be trying to personify the book “How to destroy a franchise quarterback in 3 easy steps”. A suspect defense, a horrid offensive line, and questions at QB will put the Colts at the division bottom.

Tina

This division is a rotating door of uncertainty but the Titans appear, at least early, to be the team to move the farthest up the ladder. Mariota was given some nice toys on offense and looks to make a statement this season.

The Texans have extra motivation to excel – similar to how the Saints rebounded after tragedy struck their city – and the defense should put smiles back on the faces of Houston residents and fans. The offense may be a liability early in the season.

I have the Colts and Jaguars matched evenly at the bottom. Indy is a mess and without Andrew Luck under center, this team will struggle for an identity. Blake Bortles does not impress much and will lean heavily on Fournette on the ground. The defense for both of those teams is an unknown factor.

Tommy

The AFC South seems to be constantly changing. In 2014 and 2015 they had 2 and 3 wins, respectively. Last year they had 9. This season, I have them claiming the title and reaching double digits in the win column for the first time since 2008. Though the Texans defense should be amongst the best in the league again this year, there is too much uncertainty on that offense with a very shaky quarterback situation.

For the Jaguars, Blake Bortles was one of the worst quarterbacks in the league last season. However, Jacksonville bolstered their roster on both sides of the ball. A run game lead by Leonard Fournette and a young, improving defense will keep them from the bottom of the pack this year.

Besides an injury plagued Andrew Luck and speedster T.Y. Hilton, the Colts don’t have many players worth mentioning on their roster. Name five players on their starting defense. I dare you.

Mike

The AFC South will be won by the Houston Texans, specifically because they have a championship caliber defense. The QB situation is a bit iffy but the defense will win them a lot of games in a weaker division. The Titans are my pick to finish second and grab the second wild card. I like Marcus Marriota and I think this team is on the rise. The Colts will finish third as Andrew Luck is still a question mark and this team lacks talent. I also think Chuck Pagano is a bit of a goon. The Jaguars will finish last. When Chad Henne is your QB, you’re not good.

Terry

If my QB wasn’t Big Ben I’d want Marcus Mariota. I watch his feet, his ability to throw into small windows, his leadership and just goes about his business with no hype. I believe his breakthrough season is now barring injury. His O-line needs to protect him.

Houston with the tragedy they are dealing with during Hurricane Harvey will have an emotional season like the Saints did when Katrina hit. I believe their defense will carry them and will battle the Titans for the top spot.

The Jags and Colts might not get out of the basement with their QB situation; we hope they can at least win a few games.