The Indianapolis Colts have been the AFC South champions every year since 2003. It’s time for someone to dethrone them. The Houston Texans are too young to get the job done, and the Tennessee Titans don’t seem capable of capturing the glory yet. The Jacksonville Jaguars are ready to roar and are my choice to top the AFC South in 2008.

The Jaguars almost defeated the New England Patriots last year in the divisional round of the playoffs, and if they had some luck on their side, they MAY have been playing in the Super Bowl. Their new defensive end draft picks, Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves, are going to put down a beating on divisional rival quarterbacks Peyton Manning, Vince Young and Matt Schaub.

The Colts have a much tougher schedule this year than last and have many obstacles they must overcome. Manning is out for the pre-season, and they are no longer playing at the RCA Dome. Playing the host to the Patriots at Lucas Oil Stadium in the middle of the season is not an easy task. The Colts will not sweep the Jaguars this season and have to play at Green Bay, Pittsburgh and San Diego as well.

Young and the Titans are just a season or two away from being a major threat. First-round draft pick Chris Johnson, a running back and return specialist, improved greatly in his senior year for East Carolina and should become a star in the years to come.

The Texans went 8-8 last season to complete their first non-losing season in franchise history. You can expect the same this year, especially since quarterback Schaub is highly prone to injuries.

Projected AFC South standings:
Jacksonville Jaguars 12-4
Indianapolis Colts 11-5
Tennessee Titans 10-6
Houston Texans 8-8

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