New Additions Below The Mason-Dixon – 2024 AFC South Preview

Someone who knows me well is spreading rumors about the hearts I’ve broken in my time. From Indianapolis down to Houston, Texas they’re talking about my Mason-Dixon lines.

My Texas drawl just kills them in Jacksonville, In Nashville my Indy flow is fine. North or South I got two different ways of coming on, that’s why they call it my Mason-Dixon lines.

2023 saw what was once considered a top heavy division become of the most competitive divisions in the NFL overnight.

The Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans all made additions in 2023 that changed the landscape of the AFC South. They didn’t stop in 2024 and now these franchises enter the season in what many would say is a dead heat.

 

Houston Texans

Record in 2023-24: 10-7

Key Player:  Tank Dell – Wide Receiver 

Player to Watch: Kamari Lassiter – Cornerback

Houston surprised a lot of people in 2023 as they came out the gate firing. They now enter 2024 with all of the optimism and favor on their side as they return one of the most complete units in the division with plenty of new additions.

The offense is lead by second-year man C.J. Stroud and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, who looked like a match made in heaven in 2023. Houston also added All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs via trade this offseason, who will join incumbent young stars Nico Collins and Tank Dell. The backfield is also a threat as veteran halfback Joe Mixon will be the feature back for Texans in 2024. This offense looked good last season and will now boast one of the most potent attacks in the NFL.

The defense for Houston was a very stingy unit in 2023 and that shouldn’t change this season. They added some key rookies to the backend, highlighted by former Georgia Bulldog Kamari Lassiter. They also attacked free agency and added veterans Danielle Hunter, Denice Autry and Azeez Al-Shaair to an already potent front. Barring injury this could end up being the best unit in the AFC South by season’s end.

Houston has all the tools to be in the AFC Conference contenders conversation and winning the division is almost a forgone conclusion for this team. Prediction: 11-6

 

Indianapolis Colts

Record in 2023-24: 9-8

Key Player: Anthony Richardson – Quarterback

Player to Watch: Jaylon Jones – Cornerback

Indianapolis showed that they are still one of the best teams in the league in 2023. Their season didn’t go as they wanted after an early season injury caused their first-round pick Anthony Richardson to miss the rest of the season. They now enter this year with everything they need to complete what they started and compete for the division.

Head Coach Shane Steichen seemingly revived this offense in 2023, getting the most out of this young unit. Young players like Josh Downs and Alec Pierce flourished, and will now get some help in the form of rookie receiver Adonai Mitchell, whom the team drafted this year. With Richardson back under center, the Colts should see a new level of success in 2024.

The defense is the most improved side of the ball for this unit that returns one of the best front sevens in the league. The team made some key additions in the form of pass rusher Laiatu Latu and veteran interior defensive lineman Raekwon Davis. If the young players can catch up with the veterans this will be a robust defense in 2024.

Indianapolis could potentially be one of two playoff teams to come out of the AFC South this season. Prediction: 10-7

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Record in 2023-24: 9-8

Key Player: Brian Thomas Jr. – Wide Receiver

Player to Watch: Jarrian Jones – Cornerback

Jacksonville had an epic collapse in 2023 after a hot start that seemed like they would run away with the division. They will now have an uphill battle as the rest of the division has seemingly caught up.

The Jaguars offense had plenty of up and downs after injuries to Trevor Lawrence and others. Offensive coordinator Press Taylor will enter 2024 with a slew of new weapons at his disposal and a healthy Lawrence at the helm.

Rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and new addition Gabe Davis look to be potent deep threats while Christian Kirk mans the slot. They will also boast a solid two-back system that will feature Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby. Jacksonville is a very dangerous team when healthy and this offense has the potential to be as good as any in the league.

The defense for the Jags is the most interesting as they retooled the unit this offseason. The added veteran defensive lineman Arik Armstead to an already potent group. Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker will have another season to progress as well after solid campaigns last year. New defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen will bring his eight years of NFL experience to this unit and hopefully unlock the potential of this young group and help them over the hump.

Jacksonville will be in a prove it year for a team trying to find its way back to the division throne. The only thing holding them back is the continuity that the two top teams possess. Prediction: 9-8

 

Tennessee Titans

Record in 2023-24: 7-10

Key Player: Will Levis – Quarterback

Player to Watch:  Jha’Quan Jackson – Wide Receiver

Tennessee had a season full of disappointment and uncertainty in 2023. They now ether 2024 with a new coaching staff, starting quarterback, and some interesting new additions to the roster that could see them surprise a lot of people.

The offense got an extreme makeover, only returning five holdovers as starters this year. New head coach Brian Callahan brings with him a new outlook on offense from his father Bill Callahan, one of the NFL’s true position gurus.

Second-year man Will Levis will enter the season with new weapons like Tony Pollard, Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd joining the team. The offensive line will also boast four new starters that will include first-rounder JC Latham who will man the left tackle position. On paper this is one of the most improved units in the league and could see a massive leap in the coming season.

The defense will be lead by new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson whom Tennessee brought in from the Baltimore Ravens. Tennessee also added veterans L’Jarius Sneed, Quandre Diggs, Chidobe Awuzie and Jamal Adams to their secondary that looks to be the most improved unit in all of football from last season.

That secondary will be bolstered by a strong front seven that boasts Jeffery Simmons, Harold Landry III, Kenneth Murray Jr. and rookie T’Vondre Sweat. This unit will play a physical brand of football reminiscent of the early days of the franchise.

Tennessee looks like a major threat to the rest of the division on paper and very well could be when the season starts. The only hold up for this roster is the newness of its additions which could rear its head early in the year. Prediction: 7-10