2012 AFC South Preview: NO MORE MANNING!!!

Come on out other teams of the AFC South, Peyton Manning's reign is over.

Since the AFC South was formed, Manning and the Colts had won all but two of the division titles through 2010 (and finished 2nd in those other two seasons). Last season the trend bucked as they finished 4th due to the fact that Manning missed the entire season. Now that Manning is gone, the Colts are left in rebuilding mode with Andrew Luck as their new overseer. The Colts will be focusing on his development for the entire season practically leaving them out of the mix.

Despite the absence of Manning, two other teams in the AFC South still won't be able to claim the division this year. The Jaguars and the Titans are going to be developing their young QBs as well as going after a possible Wild Card seed so getting 2nd place in the division will be a priority for both clubs. While the overall edge goes to the Titans, don't count out the Jags as their early season schedule seems much easier than Tennessee's.

In absence of the QB king, the power void in the AFC South obviously gets filled by the Texans. This team was very good last year, even when Matt Schaub was injured. Their offense is great along with the defense. They are a sure lock for that division. There doesn't seem to be that many weaknesses on that team.

This has to be the Texans year and it could their time as rulers of the AFC South. But they can't take that for a sure thing and best put all the chips on the table now.