Predicting All 8 NFL Division Winners

AFC SOUTH: Indianapolis Colts

Andrew Luck is the real deal. There is no doubt in my mind that he improves as a QB this season, and for the foreseeable future. The Colts offense was impressive last year, and they added a few new pieces to that puzzle this offseason. They got 1,000 yard rusher Ahmad Bradshaw from the Giants, who should improve upon the team’s 11 rushing TDs last season. The RB’s had just 6 of those touchdowns, Andrew Luck had the other 5. Bradshaw is also a good pass-blocking back, something the Colts were missing in the 2012 season.

Dec 16, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) drops back to pass while rushed by Houston Texans outside linebacker Connor Barwin (98) during the first quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis also signed Darrius Heyward-Bey who will add some speed to an already talented group of pass-catchers. T.Y. Hilton has good speed as well, and with the reliable hands of Reggie Wayne, I think Luck will pass for over 4,700 yards. This season the Colts play-action should improve, and Luck should have more time to hold the ball in the pocket, which is key for this offense to function.

The Houston Texans will have their run at the AFC South, but I don’t think this team got that much better this offseason. Ed Reed should add something to the secondary, but he may not bring much in run support. The Texans’ defense was 7th in rushing yards allowed, and tied for 1st in rushing touchdowns allowed. Needless to say, they value run-defense. We will have to see if Reed adds a significant boost from Glover Quin, Houston’s starting safety in 2012.

First-round draft pick DeAndre Hopkins will start at WR opposite Andre Johnson. The Texans will be counting on the rookie to have a big year. He is a talented player, and we won’t see much of what he can do until preseason. Overall, the Texans are not very deep at the WR position.