AFC South Division Preview

AFC South Team Previews

It’s AFC Week! More specifically, it’s AFC South Day. We’re going team-by-team through the AFC South, previewing the 2023 season for the Jaguars, Colts, Titans, and Texans. We’ve got everything from personnel and coaching changes, depth charts, draft picks, schedules, fantasy football advice, and more.

Jacksonville Jaguars Team Preview

Team Info

Division:                                   AFC South
2022 Finish (Record):           1st (9-8-0)

Head Coach:                          Doug Pederson
Offensive Coordinator:         Press Taylor
Play Caller:                            Doug Pederson

 

2022 Top PPR Scorers and Team Tendencies

(Team Tendencies Source Data from NFELO)

Key Changes & Need to Know

• London Bound – Jacksonville will play back-to-back games in London this season, in weeks 4 and 5
• Calvin Ridley return – Ridley will play his first meaningful football for nearly two years so the question will be how quickly he gets up to speed
• Cam Robinson Suspension – Robinson is facing a multi-game suspension for violating the performance-enhancing drug policy, which will put a rookie at LT

2023 Draft Picks

• 1.27 – Anton Harrison OT
• 2.30 – Brenton Strange TE
• 3.25 – Tank Bigsby RB
• 4.19 – Ventrell Miller LB
• 4.28 – Tyler Lacy DE
• 5.01 – Yasir Abdullah LB
• 5.25 – Antonio Johnson SAF
• 6.08 – Parker Washington WR
• 6.25 – Christian Braswell CB
• 6.31 – Erick Hallett DB
• 7.09 – Cooper Hodges OT
• 7.10 – Raymond Vohasek DT
• 7.23 – Derek Parish EDGE

Free Agency

Notable New Players

• Calvin Ridley – Wide Receiver
• D’Ernest Johnson – Running Back

Notable Players who have left

• Marvin Jones – Wide Receiver
• Jawaan Taylor – Offensive Tackle
• Chris Manhertz – Tight End

Top Ranked Players – 2023

• Travis Etienne RB10
• Christian Kirk WR27
• Calvin Ridley WR30
• Trevor Lawrence QB8
• Evan Engram TE7

See The Complete Rankings Here

Positional Depth Charts

Quarterback

• Trevor Lawrence
• C.J. Beathard

Position Rank: 8th

Running Back

• Travis Etienne Jr.
• Tank Bigsby
• D’Ernest Johnson
• JaMycal Hasty
• Snoop Conner

Position Rank: 12th

Wide Receiver

• Calvin Ridley
• Christian Kirk
• Zay Jones
• Jamal Agnew
• Parker Washington
• Tim Jones
• Kendric Pryor

Position Rank: 7th

Tight End

• Evan Engram
• Brenton Strange
• Luke Farrell
• Jacob Harris

Position Rank: 7th

Offensive Line

• LT – Cam Robinson
• LG – Ben Bartch
• C – Luke Fortner
• RG – Brandon Scherff
• RT – Anton Harrison

Position Rank (PFF): 26th

2023 Projections

Projections Created Using The 2023 Projections Template

Fantasy Football Studs

• Trevor Lawrence
• Travis Etienne

Fantasy Football Values

• Zay Jones

Fantasy Football Avoids

• None

Our Targets

• Evan Engram
• Travis Etienne
• Christian Kirk

 

2023 Schedule

 

Week 1	@	Indianapolis Colts
Week 2	v	Kansas City Chiefs
Week 3	v	Houston Texans
Week 4	LONDON	Atlanta Falcons
Week 5	LONDON	Buffalo Bills
Week 6	v	Indianapolis Colts
Week 7	@	New Orleans Saints
Week 8	@	Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 9	BYE
Week 10	v	San Francisco 49ers
Week 11	v	Tennessee Titans
Week 12	@	Houston Texans
Week 13	v	Cincinnati Bengals
Week 14	@	Cleveland Browns
Week 15	v	Baltimore Ravens
Week 16	@	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 17	v	Carolina Panthers
Week 18	@	Tennessee Titans

Summary

The Jaguars recovered quickly from the disastrous Urban Meyer era. In the first year under Doug Pederson, the Jaguars saw quarterback Trevor Lawrence take a huge step forward, and the team win a playoff game. Now the expectations are high. The team added wide receiver Calvin Ridley and spent a first round pick on a tackle which will only help Lawrence’s continued development. They are the clear favorites to win a weakened AFC South division. If Lawrence ascends to the next tier of quarterbacks and the team around him follows suit, the Jaguars could be a dark horse pick to win the conference.

Overall Team Rank: 5th

Projected AFC South Finish: 1st

 

Tennessee Titans Team Preview

Team Info

Division:                                   AFC South
2022 Finish (Record):           2nd (7-10-0)

Head Coach:                          Mike Vrabel
Offensive Coordinator:         Tim Kelly *NEW*
Play Caller:                            Tim Kelly

Tim Kelly Last 3 Roles

• Tennessee Titans (2022) Passing Game Coordinator
• Houston Texans (2019-2021) Offensive Coordinator
• Houston Texans (2017-2018) Tight Ends Coach

 

2022 Top PPR Scorers and Team Tendencies

(Team Tendencies Source Data from NFELO)

Key Changes & Need to Know

• New Offensive Coordinator – Tim Kelly, promoted from Passing game Coordinator and former OC for the Texans under Bill O’Brien
• Offensive Line – The Titans have looked to strengthen in free agency and drafting Skoronski with the 11th pick in the draft
• Will Levis – They traded up in round 2 to draft Levis as the heir apparent to Ryan Tannehill. Will he get on the field in 2023 and how much?

2023 Draft Picks

• 1.11 – Peter Skoronski G
• 2.02 – Will Levis QB
• 3.18 – Tyjae Spears RB
• 5.12 – Josh Whyle TE
• 6.09 – Jaelyn Duncan OT
• 7.11 – Colton Dowell WR

Free Agency

Notable New Players

• Chris Moore – Wide Receiver
• Daniel Brunskill – Offensive Tackle
• Andre Dillard – Offensive Tackle
• DeAndre Hopkins – Wide Receiver

Notable Players who have left

• Robert Woods – Wide Receiver
• Chris Conley – Wide Receiver
• Dennis Daley – Offensive Tackle
• Austin Hooper – Tight End
• Nate Davis – Guard

Top Ranked Players – 2023

• Derrick Henry RB5
• DeAndre Hopkins WR18
• Treylon Burks WR37
• Chigoziem Okonkwo TE15

See The Complete Rankings Here

Positional Depth Charts

Quarterback

• Ryan Tannehill
• Will Levis
• Malik Willis

Position Rank: 31st

Running Back

• Derrick Henry
• Tyjae Spears
• Hassan Haskins
• Julius Chestnut

Position Rank: 18th

Wide Receiver

• DeAndre Hopkins
• Treylon Burks
• Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
• Kyle Philips
• Chris Moore
• Mason Kinsey

Position Rank: 21st

Tight End

• Chigoziem Okonkwo
• Josh Whyle
• Trevon Wesco
• Kevin Rader

Position Rank: 13th

Offensive Line

• LT – Andre Dillard
• LG – Peter Skoronski
• C – Aaron Brewer
• RG – Daniel Brunskill
• RT – Nicholas Petit-Frere

Position Rank (PFF): 32nd

2023 Projections

Projections Created Using The 2023 Projections Template

Fantasy Football Studs

• Derrick Henry

Fantasy Football Values

• None

Fantasy Football Avoids

• None

Our Targets

• None

 

2023 Schedule

 

Week 1	@	New Orleans Saints
Week 2	v	Los Angeles Chargers
Week 3	@	Cleveland Browns
Week 4	v	Cincinnati Bengals
Week 5	@	Indianapolis Colts
Week 6	LONDON	Baltimore Ravens
Week 7	BYE
Week 8	v	Atlanta Falcons
Week 9	@	Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 10	@	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 11	@	Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 12	v	Carolina Panthers
Week 13	v	Indianapolis Colts
Week 14	@	Miami Dolphins
Week 15	v	Houston Texans
Week 16	v	Seattle Seahawks
Week 17	@	Houston Texans
Week 18	v	Jacksonville Jaguars

Summary

The Titans enter 2023 with the lowest expectations they’ve had in several seasons. They added DeAndre Hopkins to a wide receiver corps that was desperate for talent. It still lacks depth but at least quarterback Ryan Tannehill will have a few competent options to throw to in Hopkins and Treylon Burks. Tight end Chig Okonkwo was an early favorite as the next breakout tight end, but the addition of Hopkins squashed those dreams considering the low-volume of the passing offense. We can’t even get too excited about Derrick Henry as he’s now 29 years old and running behind the NFL’s worst offensive line. Things could get ugly quick in Tennessee if they experience a rash of injuries or unexpected underperformance from a couple key players.

Overall Team Rank: 23rd

Projected AFC South Finish: 2nd

Indianapolis Colts Team Preview

Team Info

Division:                                   AFC South
2022 Finish (Record):           3rd (4-12-1)

Head Coach:                          Shane Steichen *NEW*
Offensive Coordinator:         Jim Bob Cooter *NEW*
Play Caller:                            Shane Steichen

Shane Steichen Last 3 Roles

• Philadelphia Eagles (2021-2022) Offensive Coordinator
• Los Angeles Chargers (2020) Offensive Coordinator
• Los Angeles Chargers (2016-2019) Quarterbacks Coach

Jim Bob Cooter Last 3 Roles

• Jacksonville Jaguars (2022) Passing Game Coordinator
• Philadelphia Eagles (2021) Consultant
• New York Jets (2019-2020) Running Backs Coach

 

2022 Top PPR Scorers and Team Tendencies

(Team Tendencies Source Data from NFELO)

Key Changes & Need to Know

• New Head Coach – Shane Steichen, former OC for the Eagles under Nick Sirianni, and long time Chargers Quarterbacks coach
• New Offensive Coordinator – Jim Bob Cooter, long time OC for the Lions (under Jim Caldwell), Running Backs coach for the Jets and passing game coordinator for the Jaguars in 2022

2023 Draft Picks

• 1.04 – Anthony Richardson QB
• 2.13 – Julius Brents CB
• 3.16 – Josh Downs WR
• 4.04 – Blake Freeland OT
• 4.08 – Adetomiwa Adebawore DT
• 5.03 – Darius Rush CB
• 5.23 – Daniel Scott SAF
• 5.27 – Will Mallory TE
• 5.41 – Evan Hull RB
• 6.34 – Titus Leo EDGE
• 7.04 – Jaylon Jones CB
• 7.19 – Jake Witt OT

Free Agency

Notable New Players

• Isaiah McKenzie – Wide Receiver
• Gardner Minshew – Quarterback
• Breshad Perriman – Wide Receiver

Notable Players who have left

• Matt Ryan – Quarterback
• Matt Pryor – Offensive Tackle
• Parris Campbell – Wide Receiver

Top Ranked Players – 2023

• Johnathan Taylor RB8
• Michael Pittman Jr. WR28
• Anthony Richardson QB13
• Jelani Woods TE25

See The Complete Rankings Here

Positional Depth Charts

Quarterback

• Anthony Richardson
• Gardner Minshew II
• Sam Ehlinger

Position Rank: 18th

Running Back

• Jonathan Taylor
• Zack Moss
• Evan Hull
• Deon Jackson
• Kenyan Drake

Position Rank: 29th

Wide Receiver

• Michael Pittman Jr.
• Alec Pierce
• Josh Downs
• Isaiah McKenzie – Slot
• Ashton Dulin
• Amari Rodgers
• Juwann Winfree
• Mike Strachan
• Breshad Perriman
• Malik Turner

Position Rank: 30th

Tight End

• Jelani Woods
• Mo Alie-Cox
• Kylen Granson
• Will Mallory
• Pharaoh Brown

Position Rank: 23rd

Offensive Line

• LT – Bernhard Raimann
• LG – Quenton Nelson
• C – Ryan Kelly
• RG – Will Fries
• RT – Braden Smith

Position Rank (PFF): 10th

2023 Projections

Projections Created Using The 2023 Projections Template

Fantasy Football Studs

• Jonathan Taylor

Fantasy Football Values

• Michael Pittman

Fantasy Football Avoids

• None

Our Targets

• Anthony Richardson (in 1QB leagues only)

 

2023 Schedule

 

Week 1	v	Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 2	@	Houston Texans
Week 3	@	Baltimore Ravens
Week 4	v	Los Angeles Rams
Week 5	v	Tennessee Titans
Week 6	@	Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 7	v	Cleveland Browns
Week 8	v	New Orleans Saints
Week 9	@	Carolina Panthers
Week 10	GERMANY	New England Patriots
Week 11	BYE
Week 12	v	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 13	@	Tennessee Titans
Week 14	@	Cincinnati Bengals
Week 15	v	Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 16	@	Atlanta Falcons
Week 17	v	Las Vegas Raiders
Week 18	v	Houston Texans

Summary

The Colts start the Anthony Richardson/Shane Steichen era. Richardson is the favorite to start at quarterback in Week 1, though would not be a shock to see Gardner Minshew start the first few weeks. Richardson is inexperienced but has all the talent to develop into an elite fantasy quarterback with time. Whenever he does get his opportunity, Richardson will be an intriguing option, given his rushing ability. He could make an immediate fantasy impact. It’s a bit more difficult to project his receiving options. Michael Pittman has had to deal with subpar quarterback play thus far in his career, but has WR1 upside if he ever gets to enjoy a quality passer. Tight end Jelani Woods is a breakout candidate. After that, there’s not a lot of clarity between Alec Pierce, Isaiah McKenzie, and Josh Downs. At running back, Jonathan Taylor is likely to continue to be one of the top options in fantasy football, but his contract situation and current holdout (hold in), has brought about some uncertainty.

Overall, this Colts team is on an upward trajectory for the long term. There’s a lot of optimism around the new coaching staff coming over from Philly, a specimen of a quarterback, and a killer 2023 draft class. This season may not be fun, but 1-2 years down the line, this team will be competing with the Jaguars for division titles.

Overall Team Rank: 31st

Projected AFC South Finish: 3rd

Houston Texans Team Preview

Team Info

Division:                                   AFC South
2022 Finish (Record):           4th (3-13-1)

Head Coach:                          DeMeco Ryans *NEW*
Offensive Coordinator:         Bobby Slowik *NEW*
Play Caller:                            Bobby Slowik

DeMeco Ryans Last 3 Roles

• San Francisco 49ers (2021-2022) Defensive Coordinator
• 49ers (2018-2020) Inside Linebackers Coach
• San Francisco 49ers (2017) Defensive Quality Control

Bobby Slowik Last 3 Roles

• San Francisco 49ers (2022) Offensive Passing Game Coordinator
• 49ers (2021) Offensive Passing Game Specialist
• San Francisco 49ers (2019-2020) Offensive Assistant

 

2022 Top PPR Scorers and Team Tendencies

(Team Tendencies Source Data from NFELO)

Key Changes & Need to Know

• New Head Coach – DeMeco Ryans, former defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers, worked exclusively under Kyle Shanahan
• New Offensive Coordinator – Bobby Slowik former passing game coach at San Francisco, worked under Kyle Shanahan. Previously a defensive assistant at Washington under Mike Shanahan
• John Metchie return – John Metchie sat out his rookie season due to Leukemia, so this is effectively his rookie campaign in 2023

2023 Draft Picks

• 1.02 – C.J. Stroud QB
• 1.03 – Will Anderson Jr. EDGE
• 2.31 – Juice Scruggs C
• 3.06 – Tank Dell WR
• 4.07 – Dylan Horton EDGE
• 5.32 – Henry To’oTo’o LB
• 6.24 – Jarrett Patterson C
• 6.28 – Xavier Hutchinson WR
• 7.31 – Brandon Hill SAF

Free Agency

Notable New Players

• Shaq Mason – Guard
• Dalton Schultz – Tight End
• Devin Singletary – Running Back
• Mike Boone – Running Back
• Noah Brown – Wide Receiver
• Andrew Beck – Full Back
• Robert Woods – Wide Receiver

Notable Players who have left

• Brandin Cooks – Wide Receiver
• Jordan Akins – Tight End
• Phillip Dorsett – Wide Receiver
• O.J. Howard – Tight End

Top Ranked Players – 2023

• Dameon Pierce RB20
• Dalton Schultz TE13
• John Metchie WR63
• Nico Collins WR68
• CJ Stroud QB29

See The Complete Rankings Here

Positional Depth Charts

Quarterback

• C.J. Stroud
• Davis Mills
• Case Keenum

Position Rank: 28th

Running Back

• Dameon Pierce
• Devin Singletary
• Mike Boone
• Dare Ogunbowale

Position Rank: 27th

Wide Receiver

• Nico Collins
• John Metchie III
• Robert Woods
• Tank Dell
• Xavier Hutchinson
• Noah Brown
• Steven Sims Jr.

Position Rank: 29th

Tight End

• Dalton Schultz
• Brevin Jordan
• Teagan Quitoriano
• Andrew Beck
• Mason Schreck
• Eric Tomlinson

Position Rank: 16th

Offensive Line

• LT – Laremy Tunsil
• LG – Kenyon Green
• C – Juice Scruggs
• RG – Shaq Mason
• RT – Tytus Howard

Position Rank (PFF): 25th

2023 Projections

Projections Created Using The 2023 Projections Template

Fantasy Football Studs

•  None

Fantasy Football Values

• John Metchie

Fantasy Football Avoids

• Dameon Pierce

Our Targets

• None

 

2023 Schedule

 

Week 1	@	Baltimore Ravens
Week 2	v	Indianapolis Colts
Week 3	@	Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 4	v	Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 5	@	Atlanta Falcons
Week 6	v	New Orleans Saints
Week 7	BYE
Week 8	@	Carolina Panthers
Week 9	v	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 10	@	Cincinnati Bengals
Week 11	v	Arizona Cardinals
Week 12	v	Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 13	v	Denver Broncos
Week 14	@	New York Jets
Week 15	@	Tennessee Titans
Week 16	v	Cleveland Browns
Week 17	v	Tennessee Titans
Week 18	@	Indianapolis Colts

Summary

The Texans begin a new era (again) in 2023. With former Texans player DeMeco Ryans as the new head coach and No. 2 pick C.J. Stroud at quarterback, there is renewed hope that the franchise can get back to winning. Unfortunately, Texans fans will have to practice patience as this team is in no condition to be any sort of playoff contender this season. This will be a season of growing pains and evaluation of their young players. It would be a surprise to see them finish anything better than last place in the AFC South. As for fantasy, it’s mostly a stay away team. John Metchie could be a bright spot in the late rounds. Perhaps Dalton Schultz can command some volume. Otherwise, we’re hoping for a Nico Collins breakout and a repeat of last season from running back Dameon Pierce.

Overall Team Rank: 30th

Projected AFC South Finish: 4th

Who do you think will win the AFC South in 2023? Jump in our Discord and join the discussion!

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