AFC: Titans, Patriots
A HEALTHY MARCUS MARIOTA MAKES TENNESSEE A POPULAR CHOICE TO KNOCK OFF THE TEXANS
Tennessee could challenge the Texans in AFC South but New England is tops.
The key for coach Mike Mularkey is to keep thirdyear QB Marcus Mariota healthy. He’s yet to play an injury-free season. Last season, he had 26 touchdown passes, nine interceptions and a 95.6 rating. He’s blessed with one of the three-best offensive lines in the NFL. Receivers Corey Davis and Taywan Taylor, drafted in the first and third rounds, give Mariota more weapons. Led by DeMarco Murray’s 1,287 yards, they ranked third in rushing. They ranked 20th in defense and excelled against the run, finishing second (88.3 yards). They added CB Adoree Jackson in the first round and CB Logan Ryan and S Jonathan Cyprien in free agency. They were 2-4 in the division, and they were swept by the Colts. After bouncing back last season with 4,240 yards, 31 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a 96.4 rating, Andrew Luck underwent surgery on his right shoulder and missed training camp and the preseason. The Colts must have a healthy Luck, or they’re destined to be one of the league’s worst teams. They don’t want another start like last season’s 1-3. They also were 1-5 against playoff teams. Leading rusher Frank Gore (1,025 yards) is 34. Rookie Marion Mack might be able to take some pressure off Gore in the running game. T.Y. Hilton had 91 catches for 1,448 yards and remains a premier deep threat. Coach Chuck Pagano is hoping safety Malik Hooker, the first-round pick, and a group of free agents can improve a defense that finished 30th. Another disastrous season resulted in Tom Coughlin returning to head the football side. Doug Marrone was hired full time as coach. They’ll have a physical running game with rookie Leonard Fournette, a 240-pound load between the tackles. QB Blake Bortles is playing in a make-orbreak season. He has to improve on last season. He had 23 touchdowns, 16 interceptions and a 78.8 rating during their three-win season. When OT Branden Albert retired before camp, it meant rookie Cam Robinson is expected to start on the left side. The Jaguars are loaded with talent on defense. They signed CB A.J. Bouye and DE Calais Campbell to a defense that finished sixth. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey give them a terrific pair of talented corners.