Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL power rankings: Breaking down the league’s toughest divisions

By Peter Panacy

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 16: Charcandrick West #35 of the Kansas City Chiefs is tackled by Malcolm Smith #53 of the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 16, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 16: Charcandrick West #35 of the Kansas City Chiefs is tackled by Malcolm Smith #53 of the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 16, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – JANUARY 01: Greg Mancz #65 of the Houston Texans lines up to snap the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – JANUARY 01: Greg Mancz #65 of the Houston Texans lines up to snap the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Yes, the AFC South could be a bit better in 2017. After all, the Tennessee Titans should be an improved team and added a plethora of receiving help to make quarterback Marcus Mariota even more potent.

It wouldn’t be a shock to see Tennessee wind up with the division crown either. The only team standing in its way is the Houston Texans.

Sure, the Texans defense is about as elite as it gets. But there are still questions under center, and how long will it be before Houston fans are clamoring for their first-round draft addition, quarterback Deshaun Watson?

The Jacksonville Jaguars, despite a plethora of talent on the defensive side of the ball, are likely going to be bad as long as Blake Bortles is under center.

And the Indianapolis Colts? Well, they don’t have a defense, their offensive line is a mess and quarterback Andrew Luck’s status for Week 1 remains in doubt.