Week 2 of the NFL rolls around as we see not one, but two AFC South Interdivisonal clashes. With only the Tennesee Titans emerging victorious in week one, the other three contenders in a closely fought divison will be looking to asset their authority moving forward.
Jaguars @ Texans
Of the 2 games being contested in the AFC South this weekend, this is the game that captures my attention the most. This is wholly due to the fact that I will be attending the game for my first NFL experience on US soil.
Both teams will be looking to bounce back and notch up a win following disappointing opening week losses.
The Jaguars will be without free agent marquee signing Nick Foles. Gardner Minshew and his marvellous moustache will start under centre. He looked calm and composed in his NFL debut but with time to think about this one maybe nerves will get the better of him. However, the Texans struggled to pressure Drew Brees in their losing effort on Monday night and will have to step up their game in this one.
Worryingly for the Jaguars was that the Chiefs were able to march the ball down the field at will. Patrick Mahomes was able to rack up over 300 yards through the air in the first half, and Sammy Watkins feasted upon a lacklustre Jaguars secondary. If they are not careful, DeShaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins and Co could have a field day on Sunday.
With LT Laremy Tunsil given another week to familiarise himself with the Texans playbook, one would suspect DeShaun Watson will be better looked after than he has in the recent pass. JJ Watt will also be looking to improve on a career worst performance in week 1. I feel the Texans will have too much for the Jaguars to handle on both sides of the ball
Prediction: Jaguars 17 Texans 35
Colts @ Titans
Opening with two roads games is never easy, but that’s exactly what the Colts will have to contend with to begin the 2019 season. Following a narrow over time loss to the Chargers, they will be looking to bounce back against divisonal rivals, The Titans. However, the Titans will be no pushovers following their thumping win over media darlings, the Cleveland Browns.
Colts QB Jacoby Brisett will have to be on his game with ball security a major focus. Ball hawks Kevin Byard and Malcolm Butler will be looking to build on their impressive week 1 showing.
However, this one may come down to whose running backs will show up, and take some of the pressure off their signal callers. In Marlon Mack of the Colts and Derrick Henry of the Titans, we have two running backs who performed well on the opening weekend. They were certainly both very fruitful selections for fantasy team owners.
Although the Colts improved on their pass rushing against the Chargers, the Titans prevented the Browns from getting to Mariota and I think the same will apply. The Titans may also have too much in the defensive front for the Colts and Brisset’S lack of mobility may hinder him.
Prediction: Colts 13 Titans 24
With only 2 games to preview, that concludes the AFC South interdivisonal clashes preview. Although early in the season, these hotly contested clashes could help shape the division moving forward.