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NFL: Predicting each division winner for 2018

By Chris Wilson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Injured quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles holds the Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Injured quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles holds the Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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NFL 2018 AFC South
JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 17: Malik Jackson #97 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates a sack during the first half of their game against the Houston Texans at EverBank Field on December 17, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) /

AFC South: Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ elite defense — paired with an average offense — nearly led the team to a Super Bowl matchup with the Eagles last season. Realizing they have a narrow window of opportunity, Jacksonville’s front office decided to spend top dollar on short-term offensive solutions — although there’s a strong argument that the Jaguars merely overpaid without improving their offense.

The Jaguars paid handsomely for top guard Andrew Norwell, unproven receiver Donte Moncrief and below-average quarterback Blake Bortles, yet allowed the NFL’s top free-agent wide receiver Allen Robinson — as well as fellow wideout Allen Hurns — to walk. If Jacksonville’s defense plays near last season’s level, the division is theirs; but if their defense takes a significant step back, don’t expect their offense to shoulder the load.

The remainder of AFC South will be determined by the teams’ respective quarterbacks. With all three teams held back by poor quarterback play last season, their 2018 fortunes will depend on the return — or the resurgence — of their franchise QBs.

The Tennessee Titans are the most talented team of the bunch — and added talent over the offseason — but will need quarterback Marcus Mariota to bounce back from a disappointing third season in order to win the division. If quarterback Deshaun Watson returns to his pre-injury form, the Houston Texans will be immediate contenders, and even the lowly Indianapolis Colts could vie for the top spot if oft-injuried QB Andrew Luck finally recovers from his 2016 shoulder injury.