AFC SOUTH GAME BY GAME PREDICTIONS

HOUSTON TEXANS

Here’s a game-by-game prediction of how the 2018 season might go:

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 9, at New England Patriots, 1 p.m. ET

The Texans will start the season with one of their toughest games of the year in what could be a fun rematch from 2017. Last September, quarterback Deshaun Watson had his coming-out party, throwing for 301 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He gave the Texans a chance to win with less than three minutes remaining before Tom Brady led the Patriots on a game-winning touchdown drive. This game will be close, but it'll have the same result. Record: 0-1

Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 16, at Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m. ET

Houston will see a familiar face early in the season with former defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel on the opposing sideline as the Titans' head coach. This will be another close game, but Tennessee will take the win at home as the Texans get off to a slow start. Record: 0-2

Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 23, vs. New York Giants, 1 p.m. ET

The Texans should get back on track in their home opener with a victory over the Giants. Although New York is a talented club that hopes to bounce back in 2018, much like the Texans, Houston will pull it out at home. Record: 1-2

Week 4: Sunday, Sept. 30, at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET

The Colts will be a tougher test with the return of Andrew Luck, but a healthy Texans defense should get Houston to .500 after a tough start. Record: 2-2

Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 7, vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:20 p.m. ET

The Texans’ first prime-time game of the season comes in Week 5 when they host the Cowboys. Dallas recently released wide receiver Dez Bryant and has had an otherwise quiet offseason. The teams haven’t played since 2014 when the Cowboys won in overtime at home. This game at NRG Stadium will go the other way, though, and Houston will have its first winning record of the season. Record: 3-2

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 14, vs. Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. ET

Buffalo and Houston haven’t played since 2015, but the Texans have won three of the past four games between the teams. Outside of running back LeSean McCoy, the Bills don’t present much of a threat offensively and the Texans will win their third game at home. Record 4-2

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 21, at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET

The Texans are 6-2 against the Jaguars under head coach Bill O’Brien, and both of those losses came in 2017 when Jacksonville went from worst to first to win the AFC South. This game won’t be as ugly as Houston’s season-opening debacle last season, but the Jaguars will continue the trend and come out on top. Record: 4-3

Week 8: Thursday, Oct. 25, vs. Miami Dolphins, 8:25 p.m. ET

Miami will get Ryan Tannehill back but he probably is not enough to bring the Dolphins back to the playoffs. Watson gets hot and leads the Texans to a big win. Record: 5-3

Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 4, at Denver Broncos, 4:05 p.m. ET

The Texans will face their former quarterback Case Keenum, who signed with the Broncos in free agency after an impressive season with Minnesota. Keenum spent parts of three seasons in Houston, going 2-8 as a starter, but he won’t beat his former team. Record: 6-3

Week 10: BYE

Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 18, at Washington Redskins, 1 p.m. ET

This game could be a tough test, depending on how Alex Smith is doing with his new team. Coming off a bye, though, Houston will continue its winning streak. Record: 7-3

Week 12: Monday, Nov. 26, vs. Tennessee Titans, 8:15 p.m. ET

This game probably won’t be a repeat of the 57-14 trashing the Texans put on the Titans at home a year ago. At this point in the season, though, Houston will get an important division win. Record: 8-3

Week 13: Sunday, Nov. 2, vs. Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m. ET

Cleveland should be better than the 0-16 team it was last season, regardless of what it does with two of the first four overall picks in the draft, but Watson and the Texans should be able to handle the Browns and continue their win streak. Record: 9-3

Week 14: Dec. 9, vs. Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET

O’Brien always emphasizes winning within the division as a key to taking the AFC South. To go from worst to first this season, the Texans will need to take advantage of the Colts and win both games against them. Record: 10-3

Week 15: Saturday, Dec. 15, at New York Jets, TBD

A late-season trip to MetLife Stadium will be the Texans’ fourth and last prime-time game of the season, and the only one on the road. The Texans will continue this long stretch of success with a victory against the Jets. Record: 11-3

Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 23, at Philadelphia Eagles, 1 p.m. ET

This could be a shootout between two talented, young quarterbacks in Watson and Carson Wentz, but the Eagles’ defense will prevail and the defending Super Bowl champions will beat the Texans in what could be a thriller if Houston remains healthy. Record: 11-4

Week 17: Dec. 30, vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET

The Texans should be much improved from a year ago, but they will still get swept by the defending AFC South champions for the second year in a row. But, if the Texans can go 11-5, they'll be in a great position to reach the playoffs and potentially win the division. Record: 11-5

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

The Indianapolis Colts have stumbled recently, missing the playoffs the last three seasons and finishing 4-12 a year ago. Will Andrew Luck return healthy from his surgically repaired shoulder and get the Colts back to their playoff form, or will the Colts miss the postseason again?

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 9, vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 1:00 p.m. ET

The Colts will open the season with a victory for the first time since 2013 with or without Luck as their starting quarterback. Record: 1-0

Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 16, at Washington Redskins, 1:00 p.m. ET

The last time Alex Smith faced the Colts he only had six incompletions while throwing for 223 yards and two touchdowns as the starting quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith beats the Colts again, only this time he's the starter in Washington. Record: 1-1

Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 23, at Philadelphia Eagles, 1:00 p.m. ET

Reich returns to the city where he spent the previous two seasons as offensive coordinator, including playing an important part in helping the Eagles win the Super Bowl last season. It's not going to be a great trip to Philadelphia for Reich and the Colts. Record: 1-2

Week 4: Sunday, Sept. 30, vs. Houston Texans, 1:00 p.m. ET

The Colts got two of their four victories against the Texans last season. Indy will make it three straight over their AFC South foes. Record: 2-2

Week 5: Thursday, Oct. 4, at New England Patriots, 8:20 p.m. ET

This game has double significance. This will be the Colts' first trip to Gillette Stadium since they were embarrassed the Patriots in the AFC Championship game which resulted in Deflategate in January 2015. And then there's Josh McDaniels. He agreed to be the Colts' coach in February, only to change his mind in the 11th hour to return to the Patriots as offensive coordinator. The rivalry may be back on GM Chris Ballard's eyes, but the Colts fall to 0-6 against New England since selecting Luck in 2012. Record: 2-3

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 14, at New York Jets, 1:00 p.m. ET

The Colts could get be getting a look at the quarterback the Jets selected in the draft as a result of the two teams swapping picks -- the Colts moved down to No. 6 and Jets moved up to No. 3. Record: 3-3

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 21, vs. Buffalo Bills, 1:00 p.m. ET

Former teammates T.Y. Hilton and Vontae Davis squaring off will be the marquee matchup. There won't be a blizzard in Lucas Oil Stadium like last December in Buffalo. And there also won't be a Buffalo victory. Record: 4-3

Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 28, at Oakland Raiders, 4:05 p.m. ET

The last trip to Oakland ended the Raiders' chances of making a run deep in the playoffs, but not because the Colts won the game. Raiders quarterback Derek Carr broke his leg while being taken down by former Colts linebacker Trent Cole in December 2016. The Raiders will beat the Colts again. Record: 4-4

Week 9: Bye

Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 11, vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1:00 p.m. ET

The Jaguars beat the Colts by a total of 47 points in the two meetings last season. There won't be a shutout this time in Indianapolis, but the Colts will struggle moving the ball against the stellar Jaguars defense. Record: 4-5

Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 18, vs. Tennessee Titans, 1:00 p.m. ET

Like the Jaguars, the Titans swept the Colts in 2017. It'll be three straight victories for the Titans by the end of the game. Record: 4-6

Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 25, vs. Miami Dolphins, 1:00 p.m. ET

Running back Frank Gore and Luck will both be playing in this game. The difference is they won't be teammates for the first time since 2014. Luck shows Gore the type of quarterback he could have been when healthy, which Gore didn't see too often his Colts' tenure. Record: 5-6

Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 2, at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1:00 p.m. ET

The Colts have lost three straight games to the Jaguars in Jacksonville. No reason to believe the losing streak will stop. Record: 5-7

Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 9, at Houston Texans, 1:00 p.m. ET

J.J. Watt, who -- like Luck -- has battled injuries the past couple seasons, gets reunited with the quarterback in the backfield. And Deshaun Watson is back to his pre-injury form while picking the Colts apart. Record: 5-8

Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 16, vs. Dallas Cowboys, 1:00 p.m. ET

The Colts keep their faint playoff hopes alive by containing Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas running game. Record: 6-8

Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 23, vs. New York Giants, 1:00 p.m. ET

The Colts could be facing the No. 2 pick in the draft in this one. It could be running back Saquon Barkley, pass-rusher Bradley Chubb or a quarterback. Indianapolis beats that rookie and the Giants. Record: 7-8

Note: The NFL will decide no later than after Week 8 whether the Giants-Colts will be played on Saturday (Dec. 22) or Sunday (Dec. 23). If the game is played on Saturday, it will be at either 4:30 p.m. ET or 8:20 p.m. ET on the NFL Network; if the game is selected for Sunday, it will be 1 p.m. ET.

Week 17: Sunday, Dec. 30, at Tennessee Titans, 1:00 p.m. ET

The Colts are playing for nothing but pride while the Titans are playing for playoff seeding. Tennessee sweeps the Colts for the second straight season. Record: 7-9

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jaguars were the surprise team in the NFL last season, going from three victories in 2016 to the AFC South championship and a surprising run to the AFC title game. They’ve got everybody’s attention now, though, and depending on how things shake out in New England, the Jaguars could very well be the AFC favorite by the time the season kicks off in September.

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 9, at New York Giants, 1 p.m. ET

Surely Jaguars executive VP of football ops Tom Coughlin has this game circled on his calendar. He was fired in 2015 after 12 years with the Giants and this will be the first time he’s faced them since then. That storyline might threaten to overshadow the one-on-one battle between cornerback Jalen Ramsey and receiver Odell Beckham Jr.; that matchup alone should have made this a prime-time game. Record: 1-0

Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 16, vs. New England Patriots, 4:25 p.m. ET

The rematch of the AFC Championship Game surprisingly wasn’t one of the Jaguars’ two prime-time games. It might feel like the Super Bowl to the Jaguars, though, after what happened in Gillette Stadium last January. Tom Brady's third-and-18 conversion, which led to the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter, still stings, as does the early whistle on linebacker Myles Jack's fumble recovery. The Jaguars are just 1-11 all-time against the Patriots (including 1-4 in the postseason) and have never beaten Brady. That last part changes. Record: 2-0

Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 23, vs. Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m. ET

The Titans swept the season series in 2017, the first time either team has done that since the Titans did it in 2008. The biggest issue was turnovers: The Jaguars were plus-15 against every other team in turnover margin but minus-5 in two games against the Titans. Record: 2-1

Week 4: Sunday, Sept. 30, vs. New York Jets, 1 p.m. ET

The Jaguars lost in overtime in New Jersey last season and haven’t beaten the Jets since 2009. They haven’t beaten them in Jacksonville since 2006. With the Jets expected to draft a quarterback third overall it could be a long day against Jacksonville's defense for the rookie. Record: 3-1

Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 7, at Kansas City Chiefs, 1 p.m. ET

The Chiefs are turning the team over to second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who started the 2017 regular-season finale and threw for 284 yards and no touchdowns with one interception in a victory over Denver. If he’s as good as he’s projected to be, the Chiefs could have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. The Jaguars’ defense might be the best one Mahomes faces all season. Record: 4-1

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 14, at Dallas Cowboys, 4:25 p.m. ET

This will be a pretty good matchup of the Jaguars’ defensive front and the Cowboys’ offensive line. This is a game where Jacksonville might miss recently retired middle linebacker Paul Posluszny the most. The Cowboys want to pound the ball with running back Ezekiel Elliott, and Posluszny thrived against the run. Record: 4-2

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 21, vs. Houston Texans, 1 p.m. ET

The Jaguars swept the Texans last season by a combined 74-14, which included a 45-7 romp in December in Jacksonville. That snapped the Jaguars’ six-game losing streak in the series. Quarterback Deshaun Watson, defensive end J.J. Watt and linebacker Whitney Mercilus didn’t play in that second game, and they all should be back on the field for the opener, which makes the Texans contenders for the division title again. Record: 5-2

Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 28, vs. Philadelphia Eagles in London at Wembley Stadium, 9:30 a.m. ET

The Jaguars have won three in a row at Wembley Stadium, but the defending Super Bowl champs will be the toughest opponent they’ve faced overseas since they began playing there annually in 2013. It’ll be interesting to see how the loss of offensive coordinator Frank Reich affects quarterback Carson Wentz, but it’s hard to see Philly's offense slowing down much. Record: 5-3

Week 9: Bye

Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 11, at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET

The Jaguars outscored the Colts 53-10 in the two meetings last season, the first time they’ve swept the series since the 2011 season. That was the year before Andrew Luck's arrival, and Luck didn’t play in either game last season. His (expected) return will make the offense better, but he can’t do much to help a defense that ranked 30th in yards allowed and scoring. Record: 6-3

Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 18, vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:20 p.m. ET

The Jaguars make their first appearance on Sunday night football since Oct. 5, 2008 (a 26-21 loss to the Steelers). The Steelers are still steaming about losing twice to the Jaguars at Heinz Field last season, and this series again feels like it did when the Jaguars and Steelers were in the old AFC Central. Running back Leonard Fournette was really good against the Steelers both times: 181 yards and two touchdowns in October and 109 yards, three TDs in the divisional playoff in January. Record: 7-3

Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 25, at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. ET

This will be Doug Marrone’s first trip to Buffalo as Jaguars head coach, and it’s sure to be a meaningful moment for him. The Jaguars beat the Bills 10-3 on QB Blake Bortles' fourth-down TD pass and Ramsey’s game-clinching interception in a wild-card playoff game at EverBank Field last season. Bortles actually had more yards rushing (88) than passing (87) in that game and the Bills feel they let one get away. Record: 8-3

Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 2, vs. Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET

The Jaguars have never beaten the Colts more than three consecutive times, but that streak will end. Since Ramsey entered the league in 2016, Colts receiver T.Y. Hilton has done little against the Jaguars. Hilton averaged 89.3 yards receiving in eight games against Jacksonville before Ramsey’s arrival. That number dropped to 53.4 yards per game over the past four meetings. Record: 9-3

Week 14: Thursday, Dec. 6, at Tennessee Titans, 8:20 p.m. ET

This game could be the one that eventually decides the AFC South. The Titans finished second last season by only a game, and the signings of cornerback Malcolm Butler and running back Dion Lewis are two of the division’s better additions. Lewis should be a very good complement to Derrick Henry and will be a problem for defenses as a receiver. Record: 9-4

Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 16, vs. Washington Redskins, 1 p.m. ET

The Jaguars have beaten the Redskins just once in six meetings. That came on Nov. 10, 2002, which was Coughlin’s last season as the Jaguars’ head coach. The last time these teams met (Sept. 14, 2014) was the last time Bortles did not play in a game for the Jaguars. He replaced Chad Henne at halftime the following week and has started every game since. Record: 10-4

Week 16: Saturday Dec. 22 or Sunday Dec. 23, at Miami Dolphins, TBD

The Jaguars get to see the guy other than Brady that beat them in the AFC title game last season: receiver Danny Amendola, who signed with the Dolphins in the offseason. Amendola caught the third-and-18 pass as well as both fourth-quarter touchdowns for the Patriots. Now he has Ryan Tannehill throwing to him, which should make things easier for the Jaguars. Record: 11-4

Week 17: Sunday, Dec. 30, at Houston Texans, 1 p.m. ET

Ramsey vs. Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins is turning into one of the best one-on-one rivalries in the NFL. It’s been a pretty even battle so far, too, which makes it even more entertaining. Record: 11-5

TENNESSEE TITANS

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- It would have been hard for the Titans to draw up a better schedule with the opponents they were given, but they still have to play the games. With a playoff win under their belt, a playoff berth should be the minimum expectation. A lot of eyes will be on Titans new head coach Mike Vrabel, offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur and quarterback Marcus Mariota.

It's time for way-too-early predictions based on each team's current landscape headed into the draft.

Week 1: Sept. 9 at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m. ET

Every team wants to start with a home win, but the Titans landed a good Week 1 road draw. Yeah, it'll be hot and humid, but this is the fourth consecutive season these teams have played, and third in a row at Miami in the first five games of the season. The Dolphins' lack of an identity at QB, and throughout the team, which should lead to a Titans Week 1 win. Record: 1-0

Week 2: Sept. 16 vs. Houston Texans, 1 p.m. ET

The Titans don't have peachy memories about Deshaun Watson. The last time the Titans faced Watson, he went off for 5 TDs in a 57-14 victory. Mariota got hurt that game, too. Not peachy. But the Titans might catch a break facing Watson for the first time early in the season, when he's likely to still be adjusting to his surgically repaired ACL. Record: 2-0

Week 3: Sept. 23 at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET

The Titans swept the season series with Jaguars, but Jacksonville claimed the division. This is becoming an intense rivalry again with last season’s matchups highlighted by fists thrown postgame and jab of words through the media. Jags will be motivated to get this first one at home. Record: 2-1

Week 4: Sept. 30 vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 1 p.m. ET

The champs coming to town is one of the highlights of the Titans schedule. Like Watson, it's a positive that the Titans get Carson Wentz early in the schedule because he's still recovering from a surgically repaired ACL. Wentz will be the best QB the Titans have faced so far and he might be too much in an early test for the Titans' new-look secondary. Record: 2-2

Week 5: Oct. 7 at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. ET

Titans get a break getting by getting their Buffalo trip early in the schedule, saving them from potentially cold weather. Who knows who the Bills' QB will be by this point, but the Titans are the better team here and should end their two-game losing streak thanks to a strong performance from Mariota. Record: 3-2

Full regular-season NFL schedule

The Eagles kick off the NFL season against the Falcons on Thursday, Sept. 6. View the complete week-by-week schedule here.

• Record predictions, analysis for all 32 teams
• Winners, losers of the schedule release
• More NFL coverage
• NFL draft news, analysis

Week 6: Oct. 14 vs. Baltimore Ravens, 4:25 p.m. ET

First late-afternoon game of the schedule. The Titans got the better of the Ravens in a slugfest last season, and they'll do it again this season thanks to Kevin Byard and the Titans defensive backs forcing four turnovers. Titans defensive coordinator Dean Pees celebrates a victory over his former team with a strong defensive day. Record: 4-2

Week 7: Oct. 21 vs. Los Angeles Chargers in London, 9:30 a.m. ET

The Titans handled their West Coast road trip poorly in 2017, and this will be their hiccup in 2018. Tennessee has never played in London, and that's sure to have some impact on this game against what is probably the AFC West's best team. Philip Rivers and Joey Bosa lead the Chargers to an overseas win. Record: 4-3

Week 8: BYE

Week 9: Nov. 5 at Dallas Cowboys, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN

Two young talented QBs on a big ESPN prime-time stage. Dak Prescott, like Mariota, finds himself at somewhat of a crossroads after a rocky 2017 season. The difference is Mariota has a better supporting cast around him and that’s enough to nab a big, prime-time road win. Record: 5-3

Week 10: Nov. 11 vs. New England Patriots, 1 p.m. ET

A bit surprising that Malcolm Butler, Dion Lewis and Mike Vrabel’s reunion with Patriots didn’t earn a prime-time slot. There is never a good time to play the Patriots, but getting them Week 10 after a SNF game against the Packers and before their Week 11 bye is a good draw. The Titans are more competitive than their 35-14 loss in the AFC divisional playoff game last season showed, but not enough to win. Record: 5-4

Week 11: Nov. 18 at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET

I remember when the Colts were the kings of this division and the everyone else was playing catch-up. It seems so long ago. Andrew Luck is always dangerous, if healthy, but there’s not much of a roster to scare anyone. Derrick Henry runs wild on Colts' porous run defense, as he did last year in Indy. Record: 6-4

Week 12: Nov. 26 at Houston Texans, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN

Sweet prime-time platform for Vrabel’s first matchup against his former squad and teacher Bill O’Brien. Hopefully both QBs are healthy so we’ll see the highly competitive Mariota-Watson shootout that we’ve been anticipating since the latter was drafted. DeAndre Hopkins vs. Butler matchup should be fun, too. The Texans draw a season series split in this one. Record: 6-5

Week 13: Dec. 2 vs. New York Jets, 4:05 p.m. ET

A potential Jets rookie QB (Baker Mayfield?) might be settled in as the starter here, but the Titans can't fall asleep even if New York isn't in the playoff race. Remember San Francisco last year? Dangerous, but Titans survive a close one despite looking ahead to the Jags showdown. Record 7-5

Week 14: Dec. 6 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 8:20 p.m. ET

Jags-Titans is back on Thursday Night Football, but it isn’t a joke anymore. Possibly the best moment of the Titans’ 2017 season came in their regular-season finale when Mariota threw Jags safety Barry Church into the ground with a nasty stiff-arm to essentially clinch a playoff berth and ignite the Titans. Tennessee gets a home repeat. Record: 8-5

Week 15: Dec. 16 at New York Giants, 1 p.m. ET

This is a sneaky tough game due to a mid-December trip to the Meadowlands against an always unpredictable NFC East team. Odell Beckham Jr. maybe (tight one between he and Hopkins) the best receiver on the schedule. The Giants might miss the playoffs again in 2018, but the Titans always find a way to lose one of these December road games. This feels like the one, with Eli Manning getting hot. Record: 8-6

Week 16: Dec. 22 or 23 vs. Washington Redskins, TBA

The Alex Smith-led Redskins might be in thick of a playoff race, like the Titans, so this could end up being one of the more underrated games on the schedule. The NFL is keeping the 22nd and 23rd open for flexibility. Brian Orakpo steals the show against his former team with two sacks, including a game-clincher. Record: 9-6

Week 17: Dec. 30 vs. Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. ET

The 2017 Titans swept the Colts for the first time since 2002. They’ll do it again this year as Mariota makes his jolt toward being labeled the AFC South’s best QB. More importantly, it could be enough to clinch their first division title since 2008. Record: 10-6