2011 AFC South Preview: What a Pain in the Neck

One man controls the fate of the entire AFC South almost every year and especially this year: Peyton Manning. He's been the most productive QB in the last decade and he has been extremely durable... until now. Manning had neck surgery during the off season and, because of the lockout, he couldn't receive proper medical care from team doctors. That or this neck injury is a real pain. Whatever the case, Peyton Manning has been told by his doctors not to practice. It now seems very doubtful that Manning will start this Sunday's game at Houston.

With Manning's recovery seemingly stalled, I can't in good conscious pick the Colts to win the AFC South this year. That means one of the other three teams have a chance to claim the division. Of those three, the Texans look the most likely. Even though Arian Foster is hurt and might not start Week 1, they still have a Pro Bowl caliber QB in Matt Schaub and a top 5 WR for him to throw to in Andre Johnson. That and some additions to the defensive backfield give the Texans the best shot to win the AFC South this year.

As for the other two teams mentioned, don't count them out. The Jags and the Titans could also claim the division title. Maybe the Titans more or less. They have Matt Hasselbeck as QB and Chris Johnson, who just signed a new deal with the team, as HB. Though, he should be concerned with his hamstring in the first week or so due to him not practicing all month. As for the Jaguars, they might do well but recent seasons suggest that they can't finish the end of the season well. Also, David Garrard will have more pressure to produce wins as the team might change over to Blaine Gabbert depending on how they are doing a couple months in.

To sum up, I pick the Texans as they look the most complete and Peyton Manning might be out for a while. Also when Manning does come back, it might take him a few weeks to find his Pro Bowl rhythm just like last year. He's good but he needs reps just like everyone else.

P.S. I guess Matt Hasselbeck might be under pressure to perform too as to not be replaced by Jake Locker but Hasselbeck has had a better career than Garrard and will have a bigger lease. Plus, he has a better HB behind him.