NFL Spin Zone
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Predicting each NFL division winner for the 2019 season

By Zach Cohen

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 21: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with wide receiver Nelson Agholor #13 after teammate tight end Dallas Goedert #88 (not pictured) scored a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on October 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 21: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with wide receiver Nelson Agholor #13 after teammate tight end Dallas Goedert #88 (not pictured) scored a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on October 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

AFC South: Houston Texans

Outlook: Before Andrew Luck’s abrupt retirement, the Colts were a strong contender to win the AFC South. With the Texans’ recent slew of moves, they get the slight nod over Indianapolis. Even if this was the toughest division to predict, it’s still one the Texans can win.

Offense: A year after finishing with the NFL’s 11th-best offense, the team only improved on that side of the ball. The addition of Laremy Tunsil might hinder Houston’s future draft capital, but it helps an offensive line that has been atrocious for a few years now. Despite losing running back Lamar Miller for the season, newbies Duke Johnson and Carlos Hyde are arguably a better investment.

Of course, the real golden egg of this offense is the lethal pairing of quarterback Deshaun Watson and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Watson faced the most pressure out of any quarterbacks last season and was still eighth in completion percentage and 12th in passing touchdowns. He also had the third-most rushing yards out of all quarterbacks. As for Hopkins, he’s the best wide receiver in the league, plain and simple.

Defensive: The loss of Jadeveon Clowney certainly hurts. However, the Texans still have defensive end J.J. Watt wreaking havoc along the defensive line. The linebackers are solid, too. Pro Bowler Benardrick McKinney, third-year linebacker Zach Cunningham and veteran Whitney Mercilus form a well-rounded bunch.

After losing Tyrann Mathieu in the secondary, Houston added cornerback Bradley Roby and safety Tashaun Gipson to a unit that gave up the fourth-fewest total points in 2018. The Texans face a tough schedule early on, with four of the first six matchups coming against teams that finished last season in the top 10 offensively. As long as the team stays healthy, they should build upon their 11-5 season a year ago.

Competition: The Colts and Jaguars should pose threats to win the division. Out of all the team’s to potentially go from worst-to-first, the Jaguars have the highest chances. Quarterback Nick Foles provides stability at a position that sorely needed it. Not to mention that Jacksonville has one of the league’s premier defenses.

As for Indianapolis, quarterback Jacoby Brissett is no Andrew Luck, but I expect the Colts to still be in playoff contention. The AFC South is a toss-up with the dice landing in Houston’s favor.

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