Niner Noise
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NFL power rankings: Breaking down each division heading into 2018

By Peter Panacy

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 24: The Atlanta Falcons play the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 24: The Atlanta Falcons play the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 17: Keelan Cole #84 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs with the football in front of Johnathan Joseph #24 of the Houston Texans during the first half of their game at EverBank Field on December 17, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 17: Keelan Cole #84 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs with the football in front of Johnathan Joseph #24 of the Houston Texans during the first half of their game at EverBank Field on December 17, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

The AFC South is going to be an interesting division to watch this season, and there are plenty of X-factors here. That’s why this division can’t be ranked any higher than sixth in our divisional NFL power rankings.

The Jacksonville Jaguars rode a top-tier defense and stout running game deep into the playoffs last year. Their window is open. But just like the Broncos revealed after winning Super Bowl 50, top-tier defenses are difficult to keep together for long. And with quarterback Blake Bortles under center, the Jags better hope 2017’s formula works again.

Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts are going through a major transition under first-year head coach Frank Reich. Colts general manager Chris Ballard has done a good job infusing young talent, this year upgrading the offensive line with Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson.

Nelson will be tasked with protecting someone under center. Hopefully it’s Andrew Luck, but he hasn’t thrown a meaningful pass since when? Even if he’s back in Week 1, it will take time to shake off the rust.

The Tennessee Titans have also done nice things with first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, mostly bringing aboard defensive talent. Cornerback Malcolm Butler will help matters a lot here.

But our predicted AFC South division winner goes to the Houston Texans.

Hopefully, painfully so, the Texans remain injury free. Quarterback Deshaun Watson comes back, and so do defenders J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus. Let’s hope they stay on the field for all of 2018.

If they do, look for Houston to win the division this year.