NFL Picks Week 5: Predicting AFC South Results

Before the 2011 NFL season started there were clear favorites in most divisions.

The AFC South was not one of those divisions.

The Colts have clearly been on top for a long time. Now, the race is completely open due to the absence of Peyton Manning.

Houston and Tennessee lead and are clearly favorites, but it's too early to count out any teams in the division.

Here are predictions for Week 5 in the AFC South.

Houston Texans vs. Oakland Raiders

With Peyton Manning missing in Indianapolis, many believed that this would be the year that the Texans would finally emerge in the division to make the playoffs.

They are well on their way after a 3-1 start, with the only loss coming at the hands of the New Orleans Saints.

This weekend the Texans look to continue their hot start against a team that has shown some promise in the Oakland Raiders.

The difference between the teams is how well-rounded Houston has been. The Raiders have relied much too heavily on the run.

Prediction: 34-20, Houston

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cincinnati Bengals

The battle for the bottom of the division has been between the Jaguars and Colts.

After a rough start to the season, Jacksonville has made the move to start rookie Blaine Gabbert at quarterback.

The growing pains have been a little rough so far.

Through four games the Jaguars have managed only 39 points on offense. That amount is the worst in the NFL.

This weekend they face the Cincinnati Bengals, who surprisingly boast the top defense in yards allowed.

In a struggle between two lesser teams, defense will prevail.

Prediction: 17-10, Cincinnati

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans may be the No. 1 dark horse in the league as of right now.

Tennessee has not had high expectations, allowing them to fly under the radar.

Their defense is allowing just 14 points per game—the lowest in the league. Matt Hasselbeck has 104.7 quarterback rating, which is fourth among starting quarterbacks.

When Chris Johnson kicks it into gear, this could be a dangerous team.

This weekend, the Titans could pull off one of the bigger upsets against a struggling Pittsburgh team.

Prediction: 20-17, Tennessee

Indianapolis Colts vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Indianapolis Colts have been horrific without Peyton Manning under center.

Wouldn't it be something if one awful season without Manning led to the Colts picking up another franchise player in Andrew Luck?

Lucky for Luck wouldn't even begin to describe it.

This weekend will be a real test for the Colts. They face the Kansas City Chiefs, who many believe are just as bad, if not worse than the Colts.

This may be the ugliest game of the week, but in the long run it could be one of the most important in the race for Luck.

Prediction: 17-14, Indianapolis