Your Fantasy Football Offseason Refresher: AFC South
In recent years the AFC South has been the home of some of the most consistently productive fantasy football player around. Most of those players are on the same team; the Colts.
Jacksonville did provided many of you with a fantasy football rarity; a RBBC with two backs who where productive enough to be considered number twos and must-starts for much of the second half of the season. The team as a whole was pretty strong for most of the year until injuries started piling up towards the end (or when they played the Texans).
Tennessee surprised everyone with an 8-8 record and have a reason to be optimistic with the numerous game breaking performances of Vince Young.
The Texans have their moments but just can’t seem to put it together on a week to week basis. Their “D” was looking stronger but their offensive line continued to be their, and unfortunate fantasy owners, downfall.
Lets take a look at what these teams have done in the offseason to get better.
Houston Texans
OL - Signed LT Jordan Black (KC) and drafted two guys considered to be back-ups in the mid to late rounds.
QB -David Carr out and Matt Shaub (ATL) in.
RB - Signed Ahman Green who is reunited with OC Mike Sherman. Still have Dayne and Lundi but released Dominick Williams (Davis).
WR - Moulds let go. Picked up Andre Davis and drafted Jacoby Jones to battle for the #2 with Kevin Walter and a hand full of other guys. Sign Keenan McCardell.
TE - PMTS
D - Upgraded with WLB Shaun Barber (PHI) and added depth.
Indianapolis Colts
OL - PMTS. Top 5 in run and pass in 2007. LT Tarik Glenn retires.
QB - PMTS
RB - Lose Dominic Rhodes and brought coach favorite DeDe Dorsey up from the practice squad to battle with Kenton Keith.
WR - Lose Lose Brandon Stokely and drafted Anthony Gonzalez in the first round.
TE - PMTS
D - Lose OLB Cato June and Nick Harper. Drafted replacements.
Jacksonville Jaguars
OL - Signed RT Tony Pashos (BAL)
QB - PMTS but with a new Offensive Coordinator who brings a “vertical” passing dame
RB - PMTS
WR - Added Dennis Northcutt. Rookie Mike Walker making impressions on coaches early.
TE - Lose Kyle Brady but sign Jermaine Wiggins.
D - Other than losing FS Deon Grant the defence returns intact and healthy
Tennessee Titans
OL - PMTS. Solid!
QB - PMTS. Vince Young on the cover of Madden.
RB - Travis Henry gone, Chris Brown gone but drafted Chris Henry to compete with LenDale White, Quinton Genther and Dontrell Moore. Signed Eric Moulds.
WR - Lose Drew Bennett and Bobby Wade. Add Justin Gage (CHI). Drafted Paul Williams, Chris Davis and Joel Filani.
TE - PMTS
D - Last in total defense in ‘06 and will be missing Pacman Jones for the season. Did add CB Nick Harper (IND) and MLB Ryan Fowler (DAL).
Indy doesn’t look as if they will miss a beat. There are some questions on defense and backup running back but fantasy production shouldn’t be an issue. If anything a struggling D could mean more production on offence.
The Jacksonville defense was hammered with injuries last year. If they can stay healthy they could provide you with some good fantasy value. Leftwich might be worth a look with a great running game and a more vertical passing attack.
Vince Young didn’t get to much help in the offseason but he showed last year that he doesn’t need a whole lot. The Titans have a great o-line so he should have some time. Keep an eye on the running back situation during training camp. Travis Henry was lighting it up at the end of the year behind that line. Also, a bad defense could leave the offense playing catchup. You can mark it down, there will be plenty of under the radar fantasy value on this team.
The Texans get an unproven QB and a decent but aging running back, not what you would call a good combination behind a questionable line. If I were you, I would not reach for any of the players on this team. If they are on the board late, go for it. Otherwise, don’t expect to much week in and week out. The defense will be improved and should keep them in games.
I’ll be back in a few days to give you my notes on the AFC East.
Tags: AFC South, Fantasy Football, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans