AFC South power rankings: Who sits at the top ahead of Week 1?

When you think of the top teams in the AFC, probably the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills are the first two that come to mind, and rightfully so. After all, these clubs faced off against each other in last year’s Conference championship and they both should return to the playoffs in 2022 but what about the teams in the AFC South? Are they any good?

Last year’s division champions, the Tennesee Titans, were one and done in the postseason. On the bright side, the AFC South figures to be stronger in 2022 with Matt Ryan joining the Indianapolis Colts and the Jacksonville Jaguars makings several important moves in the offseason. So how do the teams in the division stack up against each other ahead of the season opener? Glad you asked.

No. 4 team in the AFC South ahead of Week 1: The Houston Texans

4. Houston Texans

The Houston Texans finished third in the AFC South last year and beat the Jaguars twice. However, they weren’t as aggressive in adding players in free agency as their divisional foes. Moreover, Trevor Lawrence has more upside than Davis Mills and a Super Bowl-winning head coach in Doug Pederson.

There’s a good chance Houston will exceed expectations but it’s hard to envision them winning more than six games in 2022. Their rookie class has the potential to be really good but they weren’t able to address all their needs in the offseason.

On the bright side, the Texans could be picking in the top 5 next year and they’re set to have nearly $50 million in cap space next year, which they can use to acquire a few difference-makers in free agency. Having said that, don’t expect Houston to do much in 2022.