2007 AFC South Division Preview by Marc Lawrence It’s “Game Over” for Pacman, while Vince Young hopes everyone remembers the Titans. The Texans have finally traded in an old Carr for a new ride and the Jaguars suddenly have that look of a serious contender. The Colts, however, have what everyone in the league wants: a Super Bowl trophy. Keeping it for another year, though, may be another matter. Here is my take of teams in the AFC South Division for 2007. Be sure to check out the rest of my 2007 NFL Previews updated throughout the summer. Enjoy! Houston: With nary a winning ride in their five-year history, the Texans decided to terminate the lease on their Carr (QB David) and ride in a different direction with newly acquired Matt Schaub (Falcons). After absorbing more bumps and bruises (read: sacks) than any signal caller in the league, Carr will welcome any and all protection that he’ll receive at Carolina. In addition to Schaub, the Texans inked RB Ahman Green (Packers) and selected DT Amobi Okoye (Louisville) with their first pick in this year’s NFL draft. The most talented player on the team, WR Andre Johnson, is sure to be double-teamed every game. The Texans showed statistical improvement on both sides of the ball in 2006 while closing the season out with a two-game win streak. The next time they win three in a row will be their first time. Play on Houston as an underdog at Tennessee. Indianapolis: Not satisfied with sitting around and admiring their new flashy Super Bowl rings, the Colts went to work and piled up nine selections in this year’ draft. At the top of the shopping list was WR Anthony Gonzalez (Ohio State), a receiver with outstanding speed and sure hands. However, thanks to the Super Bowl win, a handicapping dilemma has evolved. That’s because defending Super Bowl champs tend to struggle on the non-division road the following season (49-69-1 ATS since 1980). However, Tony Dungy is at his best on the non-division road (33-23-1 ATS in his career). One thing we know for sure is that every team in the league will make the Colts their top game of the season. Being liked is one thing. Being wanted is another. Play against Indianapolis as a favorite vs. Carolina. Jacksonville: While looking to impress a deranged cast of fiscally irresponsible owners, starting quarterbacks playing out the last year of a contract often times have career years. QB Byron Leftwich, in the final year of his rookie contract and fresh off a season ending ankle injury, fits the bill this year. Surprisingly, while missing out on the playoffs with an 8-8 record last season, the Jaguars managed to out-gain twelve of their sixteen opponents. Only San Diego did a better job of that in the stat wars. A Top 10 ranked defense upgraded itself when it plucked S Reggie Nelson (Florida) and LB (Justin Durant (Hampton) with their first two selections in the draft. Like Miami head coach Cam Cameron, Jack Del Rio took a lot of heat for passing on QB Brady Quinn. Unfazed, he obviously prefers the Pill$bury Dough Boy. Play on Jacksonville at home vs. Tennessee. Tennessee: Like Tampa Bay, the Titans stockpiled picks in this year’s draft. When the final curtain dropped, Jeff Fisher left with ten new recruits. Included in the group were three WR’s, all of whom will be counted on heavily to replace the production of departed veterans Drew Bennett and Bobby Wade. With CB Pacman Jones out for a year on a strip club tour, a shaky pass defense now appears especially vulnerable. Thanks mainly to the inspired play of QB Vince Young, Tennessee improved dramatically going 8-8 straight up and 11-5 ATS last year, as opposed to 4-12 straight up and 6-10 ATS in 2005. From a statistical slant, however, they deteriorated on both sides of the ball. That is not good news for a team that was two years removed from a winning season before last year’s inside-out results (5-11 in the stats). Play against Tennessee as a favorite vs. Oakland. Remember to get Marc Lawrence’s Guaranteed NFL Football Winners this year right here at Vegas Experts, where you only pay after you win! And don’t forget to check out Marc’s 2007 College Football Previews, with free College Football Picks on nearly every team!