AFC South Odds

For years, the AFC South has belong to the Indianapolis Colts-and if the odds at Sportsbook.com are any indication, that will continue to be the case in 2010. Here is your 2010 AFC South preview.

The Colts (-240 odds to win the AFC South) at Bodog are licking their wounds after a tough Super Bowl loss. Nearly all of the key pieces remain in place for another run, however. As usual, Peyton Manning is the pillar on offense. Last year, he enjoyed (or was the catalyst for) the breakout of Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon. Combined with Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark, and it's almost criminal how many passing options the Colts can choose from. Joseph Addai and Donald Brown will again split time at running back.

The secondary was hit hard in free agency, as corners Marlin Jackson and Tim Jennings have both moved on. Kevin Thomas was drafted in the third round and could see some action in nickel packages. The Colts actually spent their first three picks on defense, including end Jerry Hughes and linebacker Pat Angerer. Both players should be good fits in the Colts system.

If anyone can supplant the Colts, it just might be the Houston Texans (+350 odds to win he AFC South). The Texans led the NFL in yards last season-the Colts, of course, finished second-and are primed for another year full of fireworks. The biggest key is keeping Matt Schaub healthy; he finally exploded last season, but he also managed to stay healthy for a full season.

The Houston defense was solid if unspectacular, though there was certainly emphasis put on the "D" during the draft. Cornerback Kareem Jackson was drafted in the first round to take over for Dunta Robinson, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons. Either way, with Houston's offense this unit doesn't need to be great-it just needs to keep the game relatively close.

After an absolutely disastrous start to last season, the Tennessee Titans (+450 AFC South odds) showed their mettle and finished the year strong. Only two years removed from a 13-win campaign, there's potential for a playoff appearance in 2010. Vince Young stepped in for the struggling Kerry Collins and proved he deserves another shot at starting in the NFL. If he can build on the nice progress he made last year, the offense will be just fine-especially since Young doesn't need to carry the team. That role belongs to Chris Johnson, who terrorized opposing defenses for 2006 rush yards and 16 total touchdowns.

The defense needs to make a comeback. Tennessee finished 28th in yards allowed this season; the biggest problem was stopping the pass. Losing defensive lineman Kyle Vanden Bosch won't help, but the team spent its first rounder on Derrick Morgan. The defensive end has talent and could rejuvenate the pass rush.

Finally, we have the Jacksonville Jaguars (+1800 AFC South odds). The pass rush was absolutely embarrassing last season-they racked up just 14 sacks-and if it doesn't get better, a fourth-place finish is all but assured. Management is obviously aware of this, as the team spent its top four draft picks on the defensive line, plus signed former Packers end Aaron Kampman (37 sacks from 2006-08). Unfortunately, many have labelled first-round end Tyson Alualu a massive reach.

Offensively, the heroic efforts of Maurice Jones-Drew were all but wasted. Jones-Drew produced a brilliant season, racking up over 1700 total yards and 16 scores. It didn't matter, though, as David Garrard posted his second consecutive season best described as mediocre. Garrard is "fine" but not much more than that, and he certainly isn't living up to his contract.