| Team | Projected Record |
|---|---|
| 🏈 AFC South | |
| Houston Texans | 10-7 |
| Indianapolis Colts | 6-11 |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 7-10 |
| Tennessee Titans | 6-11 |
| 🏈 NFC South | |
| Atlanta Falcons | 6-11 |
| Carolina Panthers | 7-10 |
| New Orleans Saints | 3-14 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 9-8 |
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The
episode provided a comprehensive rundown of the AFC South and NFC South
divisions, including record projections for each team, building on a previous
episode that covered the North divisions.
AFC South
• Houston
Texans
◦
Projection: Odds-on favorite to win the division again with a projected 10-7
record, likely securing the 4th playoff seed. The speaker has them winning over
their 9.5-win total.
◦
Offense: Despite trading Laremy Tunsil (an odd move given CJ Stroud was the
second most sacked QB last year), they've made moves to boost their running
back room by acquiring Nick Chubb (who could be great if he returns to 70% of
his previous form) after Joe Mixon's injury. Dameon Pierce will likely be third
on the depth chart once Mixon returns. Tank Dell is expected to miss most, if
not all, of the season due to MCL/ACL injuries. They've added veteran Christian
Kirk to pair with Nico Collins and have rookie receivers Jaden Higgins and
Jaylen Noel. Dalton Schultz is a good veteran tight end.
◦
Defense: Considered the best part of the team, expected to be as dominant or
more so than last year, credited to DeMeco Ryans. Key players include Will
Anderson, Mario Edwards, Rankins, and Denil Hunter. Their secondary is ranked
#2 in the league, featuring Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lacer (a lockdown
corner), CJ Gardner Johnson, Jimmy Ward (injured), Jalen Pitre, and Kaylin
Bullock. The defense is projected for 50+ sacks and many turnovers, ranking 3rd
in fantasy defense and front seven.
◦
Fantasy & Player Ranks: CJ Stroud is ranked #10 overall, Nico Collins #7
overall, and #6 in PPR fantasy.
◦
Noted Losses: Rams (opener), Ravens (Week 5), Titans (Week 11), Bills (Week
12), Chiefs, Cardinals (Week 15).
•
Indianapolis Colts
◦
Projection: A challenging year with a projected 6-11 record, winning only two
games outside their division. The speaker has them going under their 7.5-win
total.
◦
Offense: Lost two key offensive linemen to the Vikings. The quarterback
situation is contentious, with Daniel Jones named the starter over Anthony
Richardson. The speaker believes Richardson is significantly more talented and
should be playing to develop, drawing parallels to Eli Manning's early career.
Daniel Jones' college scouting report highlighted good size, athleticism, and
intelligence, but his NFL career has shown weaknesses in arm strength,
delivery, decision-making, durability, and inconsistent accuracy. He's averaged
only one passing touchdown per game and missed many games due to injury.
◦
Key Players: Jonathan Taylor is a top-10 running back, ranked #8 overall and #7
in fantasy. Receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce are
decent, with talented tight end Tyler Warren also highlighted.
◦
Defense: They've brought in defensive backs, and the speaker likes their
defense, but remains uncertain about the offense.
◦
Schedule: Faces a tough schedule early, including Miami, Denver, the Rams, and
the Cardinals.
•
Jacksonville Jaguars
◦
Projection: Projected 7-10 record, not expected to make the playoffs. The
speaker leans towards them going under their 7.5-win total.
◦
Offense: There's speculation about Travis Hunter potentially playing both ways;
the speaker suggests using him primarily as a corner and only sprinkling him
into offensive packages. Brian Thomas Jr., Diami Brown, Tank Bigsby, and Travis
Etienne are key offensive players. Tight end Brenton Strange is a potential
threat. New offensive coordinator Liam Cohen is expected to improve the
offense.
◦
Defense: Expected to be better than last season, with strong edge rushers like
Josh Allen and Trayvon Walker, as well as players like Eric Armstead and Devin
Lloyd.
◦
Schedule: Faces a tough year playing the entire AFC West and NFC West
divisions. The speaker predicts a surprise win against Arizona in Week 12.
•
Tennessee Titans
◦
Projection: Projected 6-11 record, including a 1-5 division record, but seen as
a potential playoff team in the near future. The speaker has them going over
their 5.5-win total.
◦
Offense: Quarterback Cameron Ward is seen as "their guy" for the
future if he performs at his college level. The speaker is not high on Tony
Pollard as a franchise back, but notes Tajae Spears' injury and the potential
of bigger backs like K. Mullins. Calvin Ridley and Ward have shown good
preseason chemistry, with Ridley appearing to be back in form. Veteran
receivers Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson provide experience. Tight end
Chigoziem Okonkwo is considered a fantasy sleeper. The offensive line is
"pretty decent," and the overall offense is expected to be
"pretty dang good," though it will need time.
◦
Defense: Their defense was top 5-10 in many categories last season and is
expected to be just as good this year. Key additions include Quandre Diggs, and
players like Xavier Woods, Amani Hooker, and the returning L'Jarius Sneed (injured).
Cody Barton, Draymont Jones, and Justin Simmons are also mentioned.
NFC South
• Atlanta
Falcons
◦
Projection: Projected 6-11 record, with the division not expected to be closely
contested. The speaker has them going under their 7.5-win total.
◦
Offense: Significant injuries to both their starting and backup left tackles
create a major blindside concern for left-handed quarterback Michael Penix Jr..
Penix Jr. is described as "all right" and capable of winning some
games. Bijan Robinson is a top-three running back. Drake London and Darnell
Mooney are good receivers, and Kyle Pitts is expected to have a much larger
role (including in the slot) this year, with potential to be a top-five tight
end in the right system.
◦
Defense: Their defensive backs, including AJ Terrell Jr. and Jessie Bates, are
considered decent. There's hope for the defense to improve from last season,
noting the recent signing of Justin Simmons (who had a decent season) and
Matthew Judon (who didn't perform as expected).
•
Carolina Panthers
◦
Projection: Projected 5-12 record, but the speaker believes they could surprise
people and hopes they win more. The speaker has them going over their 6.5-win
total.
◦
Offense: Bryce Young showed significant improvement late last season, giving
strong teams like the Chiefs, Eagles, and Broncos tough games. Their running
back room is loaded with talent, including Jonathan Brooks (injured), Trevor
Etienne, Rico Dowdle, and Chuba Hubbard. Receivers include Xavier Legette (who
had a phenomenal year), and rookie McMillan (considered the best receiver in
the draft). The offense is expected to be "pretty good" under new
offensive coordinator John Evero.
◦
Defense: Expected to be better than last year.
◦
Overall: Carolina is highlighted as a team to watch closely this year due to
Young's late-season progress and potential for surprise.
• New
Orleans Saints
◦
Projection: Projected 3-14 record, with the speaker stating there's "not a
lot to talk about" positively. The speaker has them going under their
4.5-win total.
◦
Coaching: Kellen Moore is the new head coach, seen as a potentially great coach
in the long term, with a successful offensive coordinator background.
◦
Quarterback: Spencer Rattler won the starting job, but the speaker suggests
they need a better quarterback.
◦
Team Issues: The team faces ongoing injury problems and significant salary cap
issues, which were a factor in Sean Payton's departure.
◦
Key Players: Chris Olave is a talented receiver but has a history of
concussions. Alvin Kamara is a great dual-threat running back. Taysom Hill,
their "Swiss Army knife," is currently injured.
◦
Defense: Their defense is "pretty decent," with players like Cam
Jordan, Pete Wernern, Demario Davis, and Chase Young. The offensive line is
described as middle-of-the-pack.
• Tampa
Bay Buccaneers
◦
Projection: Projected 9-8 record, winning the division again for the fifth or
sixth straight season, and potentially reaching 10 wins. The speaker has them
going over their 9.5-win total.
◦
Offense: Chris Godwin might not be at full strength until mid-season. A rookie
receiver is expected to have a significant target share, complementing Mike
Evans, who is a savvy veteran with a streak of 1,000+ receiving yards every
season and could break Jerry Rice's all-time record. Bucky Irving had an
"incredible, phenomenal" rookie season and is considered the best
running back they've had in over a decade. Tight end Cade Otton is a fantasy
sleeper with good hands. The offensive line performed well last year, contributing
to strong rush and pass offenses.
◦
Defense: Their defense is considered underrated, featuring players like Vita
Vea, YaYa Diaby, Lavonte David, Anthony Walker Jr., and Antoine Winfield Jr..
◦
Division Performance: Despite losing both games to the Falcons last year, they
still won the division due to Atlanta's struggles and turnovers.
In
summary, while the Houston Texans are expected to lead the AFC South, the other
teams in both divisions face significant challenges, with coaching, quarterback
play, and injuries being major factors.
Think of
it like a chess game where some players have a strong opening (Texans, Bucs)
and a clear strategy, while others are trying to figure out their next few
moves with pieces missing or in unexpected positions (Colts, Saints), and a few
are dark horses slowly building up their attack (Panthers, Titans).
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