2008 AFC South Preview: Can the Colts finally be knocked off the throne?

     The AFC South was considered by many the toughest conference in 2007. That notion will likely not change in 2008 with every AFC South team improving.

1. Indianapolis Colts (2007 Record:13-3)

     The Colts have been the dominant team of this division for a while now, and 2008 seems to look the same. The offense returns one of the best receiving corps in the NFL with Reggie Wayne, Marvin Harrison, and Dallas Clark. Third-year running back Joseph Addai looks to rebound off of an average 2007 season. If he can return to the form he had his rookie season, this team will be dangerous. Not to mention they have a guy named Peyton Manning, who will once again put up MVP numbers.

    The defense also stayed solid, despite losing LB Rob Morris to free agency. Defensive playmakers such as DE Dwight Freeney and LB Gary Brackett remain the leaders of the defense. The only weakness this Colts defense may have is its inexperienced secondary. Keiwan Brackett has the most experience with 4 years under his belt. The defense won't be eye-opening, but will still be good enough to protect the team's  stellar offense.

Biggest Strength: Passing Game

Biggest Weakness: Secondary

AFC SOUTH PREDICTION: 12-4; 1st Place

2. Tennessee Titans (2007 Record: 10-6)

     The Titans surprised a lot of people by grabbing the last AFC Wild Card spot last season. That can greatly be attributed to their stout run defense that ranked 5th in the NFL. But can Vince Young put the offense over the hump? The Titans took a big step towards getting over that hump by adding 7-year veteran Alge Crumpler. He will be a good target for Young if he gets into trouble. The running game expects to be strong with third-year man Lendale White and rookie playmaker Chris Johnson. The receiving corps is still very weak, which once again has no clear-cut #1 receiver.

     The defense will still be one of the best in the league as long as Albert Haynesworth can play to his potential. Kyle Vanden Bosch will be a force at defensive end. If newly acquired DE Jevon Kearse can return to his "Freak" form from his first go-around with the Titans, this defensive line will be one of the best in the league. The secondary is strong, but not very deep. Nick Harper and Chris Hope will be the leaders of the secondary.

Biggest Strength: Defensive Line

Biggest Weakness: Wide Receivers

AFC SOUTH PREDICTION: 10-6; 2nd Place

3. Houston Texans (2007 Record: 8-8)

     The Texans have slowly improved since their expansion year. The 2008 season may be the year where they get to the next level in a very tough division. However, there are still many questions lingering with the Texans. The offense is depending on second-year starter at QB Matt Schaub to take them to the next level. If Schaub can improve from 2007, then the offense will be up there with the Colts. Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter lead a very impressive core of receiver who should help Matt Schaub to a good year. There are questions at running back with Ahman Green still under-performing and veteran Ron Dayne leaving out of free agency. They did pick up former Tennessee Titan Chris Brown.

     The defensive line remains pretty much the same from 2007, with Mario Williams leading the way. The group at linebacker underwent dramatic changes. If new linebackers Kevin Bentley and Chaun Thompson can adjust to the new scenery, then this will be a solid defense paired with a pretty good offense. A lack of speed and experience plagues the secondary that will need to grow up fast to solidify the defense.

Biggest Strength: Wide Receivers

Biggest Weakness: Running Game

AFC SOUTH PREDICTION: 9-7; 3rd Place

4. Jacksonville Jaguars (2007 Record: 11-5)

     The 2007 Jacksonville Jaguars would have been division champs in many other divisions. Unfortunately, they were in the monstrous AFC South. With every other AFC South team improving somewhat more than the Jags in the off-season, there is a cause for concern in Jacksonville. First we start with the offense, which was average at best in 2007. The quarterback position is still promising with David Garrard coming off a breakout season. But can that performance be duplicated after losing top receiver Ernest Wilford? They added Jerry Porter from the Raiders, which could end up either disastrous or great. The best part of their offense will once again be the two-headed monster of Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor.

     The defense won games for them last year, and will need to again this year. That will be harder to do this year with key off-season losses of DT Marcus Stroud and SS Sammy Knight. Expect newly acquired Drayton Florence from San Diego to lift this secondary up. They also still have Rashean Mathis which will be good for at least six interceptions. This team will remind you of AFC South rival Tennessee, but the x-factor seems the be the weakness at defensive line for Jacksonville. With Houston improving greatly, and Indianapolis still a powerhouse, a rough year may be looming for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Biggest Strength: Secondary

Biggest Weakness: Wide Receivers

AFC SOUTH PREDICTION: 7-9; 4th Place