NFL Outlook: AFC and NFC South

AFC South

Houston Texans

The Texans have been rebuilding since they entered the league. It’s time to finish the job. David Carr and Domanick Davis are out; Matt Schaub and Ahman Green are in. Mario Williams and Andre Johnson will have to prove themselves this season. Amobi Okoye, DeMeco Ryans, and Danny Clark should help. This could be the year the Texans finally get to .500.

Strength: Offseason boosts

Weakness: Uncertainty of a remade roster

Season Outlook: 8-8


Tennessee Titans

Vince Young proved he was worth the hype in 2006. Drew Bennett is gone, so V.Y. will have to find a new go-to guy. It’s also gut-check time for LenDale White, who’ll be sent packing if he doesn’t produce. Keith Bulluck and David Thornton are hoping to fill the void left by Pacman Jones. Expect the Titans to make a run at the Colts.

Strength: Young’s athleticism

Weakness: Lack of playmakers; Loss of Pacman

Season Outlook: 9-7


Jacksonville Jaguars

It’s simple for Jack Del Rio and the Jags: Get back to glory. In 2006, Fantasy sensation Maurice Jones-Drew proved himself a capable complement to Fred Taylor. Matt Jones and Reggie Williams are potential threats at receiver, and size and speed on defense should keep the Jags alive throughout the season. In a talented division, the D will have to be on top of its game.

Strength: Run offense; Run defense

Weakness: Byron Leftwich’s performance; Lack of big plays

Season Outlook: 9-7

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts lost a good chunk of their Super Bowl roster—but they’re thinking about repeating, not rebuilding. Anthony Gonzalez is a suitable replacement for the departed Brandon Stokley. Joseph Addai will get more carries, and Bob Sanders is fully healthy. If the Colts can fill in the gaps, they’ll hoist Lord Lombardi’s trophy once more.

Strength: Offensive core

Weakness: A lot of holes to fill

Season Outlook: 12-4 (Division Champs)


NFC South

Carolina Panthers

After going 8-8 and cleaning house, the Panthers have nothing left to lose. Steve Smith is a sure thing at receiver. DeShaun Foster has to take it up a notch, and the defense needs to do the same. Expect Thomas Davis and Julius Peppers to bring the noise. To get back to the promised land, Jake Delhomme needs to forget about last season and focus on the future

Strength: Peppers and Smith

Weakness: Beating themselves

Season Outlook: 7-9


Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Cadillac Williams will be better than he has been, but it’s the acquisition of Jeff Garcia that has the Bucs buzzing. With Gaines Adams and now Cato June on the ball, the Bucs will be dangerous on defense. Add Brian Kelly, Ronde Barber and Phillip Buchanon, and you’ve got yourself a prime-time unit. Offensively, the play of Michael Clayton and Alex Smith will be crucial.

Strength: Signings of Garcia and June

Weakness: Offensive consistency

Season Outlook: 9-7


Atlanta Falcons

With Joe Horn and Bobby Petrino on their way to Hot-lanta, things were looking up for the Falcons this offseason. And then Michael Vick got called into court. Backup QB Joey Harrington has failed to prove himself in the NFL. Defensively, Keith Brooking and DeAngelo Hall need to show that they’re worth keeping around. If they don’t, the Vick-less Falcons are dead on arrival.

Strength: A strong foundation built by Jim Mora Jr.

Weakness: Loss of Vick

Season Outlook: 5-11


New Orleans Saints

After a Cinderella season, the Saints are tougher than ever before. Drew Brees and Reggie Bush are a perfect one-two punch. With Deuce McAllister and Marques Colston in the mix, the Saints can run with anyone in the league. The additions Brian Simmons, Jason David, and Kevin Kaesviharn on defense have the folks in New Orleans thinking Super Bowl or bust.

Strength: Offense and defense

Weakness: Fear of a Cinderella hangover

Season Outlook: 13-3 (Division Champs)