The Daily Philadelphian

The royalty of the division has a totally new coaching staff, one team is on the brink of finally achieving something, and two others have shaky quarterback situations at best. Welcome to the AFC South.

Mario Williams and the Houston Texans eye their first playoff appearance in team history.

Houston (11-5). After years of hoping and wishing in Houston, the Texans will take a big step forward and win this division. Matt Schaub, when healthy, is a very good and accurate quarterback and he has weapons around him in wide receiver Andre Johnson and running back Steve Slaton. The defense, led by Mario Williams, will be good enough to get the job done this year. Houston, get ready to host an NFL playoff game for the first time since the Oilers left town.

Indianapolis (11-5). After years of stability, the Colts enter the season with a a new head coach and new assistants. Jim Caldwell is in for Michael Vick mentor retired coach Tony Dungy. The defense is getting older. They will still be a playoff team simply because of the weapons on offense, but they will not run away with the division. Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Joseph Addai and Co. will score a ton of points as usual. Add in the fact that rookie back Donald Brown provides depth in the backfield the team hasn’t had since its Super Bowl season, and the Colts will still be a force that gives opposing defensive coordinators nightmares.

Tennessee (8-8). A year removed from an improbable run to the top seed in the AFC, the Titans will come back to the pack this season. The team has no real quarterback threat. Kerry Collins had a superb year handing off to running backs Lendale White and Chris Johnson last season. But, how long can that last? And, should anything happen to the aging Collins, does anyone trust Vince Young under center? On the other side of the ball, the defense will miss DT Albert Haynesworth who bolted for Washington.

Jacksonville (6-10). David Garrard is not a playoff-caliber quarterback. The team lost depth in the backfield when Fred Taylor was sent packing. The receivers are nothing to speak about, even with the addition of Torry Holt and his walker. The defense will be solid as usual, however, it won’t be enough to save Jack Del Rio’s job, much to the delight of Hugh Douglas.