AFC South preseason power rankings: Colts behind rivals in deep AFC South

The Indianapolis Colts long enjoyed the benefits of playing in what many considered to be the worst division in football in the AFC South. As last year proved, the days of chalking up division wins without even thinking about it are officially dead and buried.

The Houston Texans went from a laughingstock to the next great young team thanks to their standout quarterback, the Jacksonville Jaguars have a very deep roster capable of doing some damage, and the Tennessee Titans will be a threat after spending a ton of money in free agency.

The Colts were just one game away from the playoffs last year despite the injury to quarterback Anthony Richardson. While they are poised to improve by upgrading under center, the fact the rest of the division around them continued to beef up will make their rise to the top even tougher.

The AFC South is going to be a Thunderdome this season, as there are promising young quarterbacks and playoff hopefuls eyeing some sort of breakthrough. Will Indy sneak into the postseason or be relegated to another year watching at home?

AFC South preseason power rankings

4. Tennessee Titans

The Titans may have splurged on Calvin Ridley, Tony Pollard, and a new safety duo of Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs, but they are still in a rebuild. The two most important roles on any team are head coach and quarterback. While Brian Callahan showed promise as Bengals OC, and Will Levis has a gun for an arm, both are too unproven to put Tennessee any higher.

If Levis starts the season hot in Callahan's offense, the narrative could change on a dime. Without it, there's too many question marks around the Titans.

3. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts could win the division if Richardson is everything he is cracked up to be. With a 10/10 arm and elite mobility, he has more than enough tools to be a franchise guy. With a solid group of young receivers and one of the game's best offensive minds, Indianapolis should be a much better offensive team this season.

The big issue surrounding this team is on the defensive side. Is the secondary good enough, and is Gus Bradley's scheme still relevant? Richardson is an exceptional talent, but he won't be able to lead the team to too many wins if his defense is 28th in points allowed again.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville crashed out in spectacular fashion last season, but their poor run of form coincided with Trevor Lawrence trying to play through a lower leg injury. When he was healthy, his production was solid and the Jaguars were fighting for the top seed in the AFC. Even after losing Calvin Ridley, the Jags should have an offense that will give Indianapolis fits.

Much of this season is riding on Lawrence. If he fails to take a step forward and remains in the "very good" tier, the Jags may be out of the postseason once more.

1. Houston Texans

CJ Stroud's rookie year was sensational, but can he replicate that production? Can a team that went from the No. 2 pick to winning a playoff game overnight sustain that level of production? While these questions could make it seem like a recession is coming, Colts fans may need to prepare for another strong Texans season in 2024.

Even a Stroud regression would give Houston above-average quarterback play, and DeMeco Ryans' defense should be much better this season. While they aren't untouchable, Colts fans need to consider Houston the top dog in the division until someone knocks them off.