AFC South Preview & Predictions: Week 2

By Joanne Kong

Twitter: @kongfu4u  AFC SouthPackers v. Seahawks

Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans

Week 1 – Tennessee Titans (42) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (14)

The Titans were the only team in the AFC South to win their season opener, thus they currently hold first place in the division.  In week 2, the Titans face-off against the Cleveland Browns, who announced Johnny Manziel as their starting quarterback.  Manziel (182 yards, I TD, 1 interception, 2 fumbles and 35 rushing yards) replaced quarterback Josh McCown in the first quarter during week 1 game after suffering a concussion.

Week 2 Preview/Fantasy Predictions – Tennessee Titans @ Cleveland Brown

In week 1, quarterback Marcus Mariota put up 209 yards, 4 passing TDs and 6 rushing yards, good for third among quarterbacks for fantasy points behind Tom Brady and Carson Palmer.  Bishop Sankey also looked solid after a disappointing rookie season.

Mariota looked comfortable in his week 1 start.  The confidence is certain to carry over into week 2.  If Mariota doesn’t force passes and doesn’t turnover the ball, he should have similar success in week 2.

Wide receiver Kendall Wright had 101 receiving yards and 1 TD.  With Browns Pro-Bowl cornerback Joe Haden covering him, you can be certain that Wright won’t have the same numbers in week 2.  Of course, Haden can’t be everywhere.  Instead, Mariota will look to Harry Douglas, Justin Hunter and Delanie Walker (if he starts).

With Wright covered, Mariota will most likely manage a run heavy game.  Bishop Sankey should have another good fantasy week.

The Browns looked lost during week 1, and Manziel did little to improve this after taking over for McCown.  The defense also looked disorganized, sniping an interception but allowing 31 points from the New York Jets in week 1.  The Browns defense theoretically should make some adjustments during the week, but it won’t lead to a win.  The Titans defense will come out strong against Manziel and the Browns, taking advantage of their weak offensive line.  Expect the Titans defense to score a TD.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 1 – Carolina Panthers (20) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (9)

The Jacksonville Jaguars offense played as expected – terribly.  The only touchdown was a 1 yard pass by quarterback Blake Bortles to rookie wide-receiver Rashad Greene.  Bortles had the 6th lowest number of passing yards of any quarterback in week 1 with 40 attempts and 183 yards, which was actually the 7th most passing attempts.  The Jaguars biggest pick-up during the off season, Julius Thomas, is currently out with an injured finger, continuing to leave their offense without significant playmakers.

Week 2 Preview/Fantasy Predictions – Miami Dolphins @ Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars offense against Miami defense equals a second loss for the Jaguars in week 2.

I don’t see Bortles getting any better with limited options on offense.

For fantasy owners who own any Jaguars players, consider benching them if you have any other options (did you really need that advice).  With no byes yet, you’ll probably have better players than anyone on the Jaguars.

Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts

Week 1 – Indianapolis Colts (14) @ Buffalo Bills (27)

Was there a bigger surprise than the Bills taking care of the much hyped Colts?  The Bills looked well-polished at their game opener, but we all knew their defense would be formidable with off season pickups and Rex Ryan at the helm.  The New York Jets, taking on the Brown’s, also looked good with their revamped offense and defense.

Week 2 Preview/Fantasy Predictions – New York Jets @ Indianapolis Colts

Chris Ivory was a big part of the offense in week 1 with 91 yards and 2 TDs.  Currently, Ivory is listed as questionable, but you can guarantee he’ll take the field Monday Night.  Ivory will be a major part of the offense in week 2 (again), totaling close to a hundred yards and 1 rushing TD.

Running back Frank Gore didn’t put up significant numbers in week 1, and the Colts have little depth behind him.  So Gore should continue to see significant playtime in week 2, scoring a rushing TD.

Ryan Fitzpatrick surprised himself in week 1 win against the Cleveland Browns.  Don’t be surprised when he has 2 passing TDs and throws for over 200 yards.

In a surprise loss to the Bills, Andrew Luck is looking for some redemption.  Luck was ranked the number 1 quarterback in the draft and in week 2 he’ll show you why he deserves it.  They have the home field advantage and Luck is looking to turn the tables.

If TY Hilton does play, which is unlikely, he still won’t see much time on the field – bench him.   Instead look towards Donte Moncrief and Phillip Dorsett.  Tight ends were huge contributors in week 1.  Dwayne Allen should have 1 TD on Monday Night’s game.

This will be a high scoring game with a lot of points for your fantasy team.

Houston Texans

Houston Texans

Week 1 – Kansas City Chiefs (27) @ Houston Texans (20)

The Kansas City defense was formidable with 5 sacks in week 1.  The Texans weren’t terrible on defense either with 2 sacks (both by J.J. Watt) in week 1.  Unfortunately, Alex Smith was in sync with preseason darling TE Travis Kelce and the pair’s offensive outburst was too much for Houston.

Week 2 Preview/Fantasy Predictions – Houston Texans @ Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers had 5 sacks in week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Luckily for the Texans offense, Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly, who leads the NFL in tackles (480) since 2012, will be out for Sunday’s game due to a concussion.  It will be the first game Kuechly will miss in his career.

If the offense can hold and give quarterback Ryan Mallett some time, Mallett and the Texans can see a win in week 2.

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton completed 18 of 31 passing attempts, throwing for only 175 yards.  Newton likes to run, having the second most rushing yards in week 1, after running back Johnathan Stewart, and scoring a rushing TD.  You can be certain the Texans defense will not allow Newton to have a rushing TD in week 2.

Panthers defense will have a hard time covering Nate Washington, DeAndre Hopkins and Cecil Shorts III.  I’m predicting the Texans wide receiving core will have a successful week.  Play’em if you have’em.  Hopkins will have close to a hundred yards (again) and will have at least 1 TD.  Shorts will also have a TD.

It might be hard to believe, but expect Texans quarterback Ryan Mallett to have at least 3 passing TDs.

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