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2019 NFL season: Final win-loss predictions before Week 1

By Maurice Moton

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 16: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears awaits the snap against Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on December 16, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 16: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears awaits the snap against Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on December 16, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – AUGUST 17: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans scrambles in the first quarter against the Detroit Lions during the preseason game at NRG Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – AUGUST 17: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans scrambles in the first quarter against the Detroit Lions during the preseason game at NRG Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

AFC South

  • Houston Texans: 11-5
  • Tennessee Titans: 8-8
  • Indianapolis Colts: 6-10
  • Jacksonville Jaguars: 5-11

The Texans sent Clowney to the Seattle Seahawks and acquired Tunsil in separate deals Saturday. Houston’s pass rush will take a significant hit. On the other hand, quarterback Deshaun Watson should have extended time in the pocket, which means more points on the scoreboard. Don’t underestimate the loss of running back Lamar Miller (torn ACL and MCL), but Duke Johnson Jr. and Carlos Hyde can fill his void in the backfield.

Houston will win the division because of Luck’s decision to walk away from the game. With him, the Colts would’ve listed first in the AFC South. Now, they’re a 6-10 team that must rally around quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Indianapolis showed faith in him, inking the 26-year old to a two-year, $30 million extension, but he hasn’t played meaningful games since the 2017 campaign.

The Tennessee Titans will also benefit from Luck’s retirement, but quarterback Marcus Mariota hasn’t shown enough production in four years to suggest he’s ready to take advantage of the opportunity to steal the division crown. Head coach Mike Vrabel‘s defense will keep this club in most contests, but the offense isn’t explosive enough to reap the benefits.

The Jacksonville Jaguars sit in the AFC South cellar with head coach Doug Marrone likely on his way out of the door. The front office acquired quarterback Nick Foles, but he’s yet to play through a 16-game slate. He’s a Super Bowl MVP, but the 30-year old has started just five or fewer regular-season games in each of the last three years. We have no idea what to expect from him in a full-time starting role.

Like last year, the Jaguars finish with a top-10 defense, but Foles must acclimate himself to driving the offense for an entire season as opposed to playing reliever late in the term.

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