Every year, the NFL power rankings are an excellent way to see which teams could compete for a championship. For many years, the AFC was one of the worst divisions in the NFL. Not only did the teams have poor rosters, but there were few superstars for fans to enjoy.
The division is now one of the strongest in the league. The Jaguars were just a few plays away from winning the AFC last year. The Colts have one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL with Andrew Luck. The Titans beat the Chiefs in a playoff game last year, but questions remain about the roster. Most analysts have the Jaguars winning the division, but all of the teams will compete this year.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have one of the most reliable defensive units in the league. Not only is the defensive line strong, but Jalen Ramsey is one of the most athletic corners available. The Jaguars have a young roster that should compete for championships for the foreseeable future.
The team signed one of the best offensive linemen available after the season last year. This signing should bolster an already strong offensive line.
The Jaguars lost the team’s top receiver from last year to an injury. Although Blake Bortles looked better at quarterback at the end of the season, he has struggled throughout his career. The biggest question facing this roster is the passing game.
Houston Texans
Deshaun Watson took the NFL by storm last year. Although he only played in a few games, he was nearly impossible to stop. The offense was completely different with him at the quarterback position. However, a significant injury sidelined him for the season.
In the prior draft, the Texans traded multiple picks to draft Watson. As a result, the Texans did not select a player until the third round of the draft. The team will have to rely on veteran players to compete for a division title.
If Watson can remain healthy, the Texans are as talented as any team in the NFL. However, injuries have plagued the roster over the past few seasons.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts were one of the most consistent teams in the NFL while Peyton Manning was leading the team. After he left the roster, the Colts struggled to find success. The team selected Andrew Luck several seasons ago. When healthy, he is a tough quarterback to stop.
However, he has not played in over a year due to injuries. Some people believe he will never be the same quarterback. If he does return healthy, the team must prioritize pass protection. The team struggled to protect him when he played.
The Colts drafted a talented offensive lineman out of Notre Dame this year. He is projected as an immediate starter, and this move should improve the pass protection for Luck.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans made the playoffs last year for the first time in several seasons. The team also won a playoff game for the first time since 2003. Despite this accomplishment, the team fired the head coach. Mike Vrabel was hired to take the team to a new level.
Marcus Mariota is the most important player on the roster. When healthy, he is a dynamic quarterback who can run and throw. He has struggled with injury issues in the past. Dion Lewis was the most prominent free agent the team signed last year. He should make a significant difference in the running game.
The defense was solid last year, but Vrabel hopes that the unit is more consistent this season. Although many analysts have the Titans low in the NFL power rankings, others believe the team can win the division.
