Guest of the League
Road to Glory Days Est. 2020
Dynasty $125 - FFL: Week 1 | NFL: Week 1

AFC South: 2024 Outlook, Preview, Predictions

Tue Sep 3 8:40am ET
Field Level Media

AFC South division preview

2024 predicted order of finish, record

Houston Texans (11-6)

Get the right coach-QB combo and you'll go places. Houston did that last year with DeMeco Ryans and C.J. Stroud and are in prime position to make it 2-for-2 this season.

Jacksonville Jaguars (10-7)

Jacksonville wasted a season with a December/January collapse. It has to rebound this year or questions abound if newly re-signed Trevor Lawrence is really the QB to take them places.

Indianapolis Colts (9-8)

Indy came very close to earning a playoff spot against steep odds last year. Can its franchise QB, Anthony Richardson, last more than four games this year?

Tennessee Titans (7-10)

A new coach (Brian Callahan) and second-year QB (Will Levis) give this team a hall pass for now while the league becomes accustomed to seeing Derrick Henry in a new uniform (and division). But there's talent on this roster. Get off to a fast start, though, and who knows?

--AFC South MVP candidates

Texans QB C.J. Stroud

If 2023 was any indication, history might guffaw loudly at the Carolina Panthers for passing Stroud with the top pick to take Bryce Young. Stroud was everything Houston could have wanted and more in a quarterback, showing the maturity and skill to win big games down the stretch. There's no reason to expect a sophomore jinx, given his focus and the fact the team added Joe Mixon and Stefon Diggs at running back and receiver, respectively.

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor

With a young quarterback that has just four games of NFL experience, it stands to reason that Indianapolis will need to build its offense around a guy who can carry a team if healthy. If is the question here as he's missed 13 games the last two years. But should Taylor post for all 17 games, he figures to get plenty of chances to match or surpass the 1,811 yards he rushed for back in 2021.

Titans QB Will Levis

There were some Ryan Leaf-type vibes around this pick in the second round last year but when Levis got the starting job in late October, he showed a big-league arm, plus plenty of poise and moxie while playing behind an offensive line composed mostly of turnstiles and papier-mache. Get actual blocking in front of him and Levis just might be the franchise QB this team's sought since Steve McNair.

--AFC South breakout players

Texans CB Kamari Lassiter

Guys that come out of the Georgia program these days seem ready to play right out of the gate. Lassiter is the latest to fit that mold in a secondary with an abundance of under-the-radar talent.

Texans WR John Metchie III

The guy beat an ACL tear and cancer before playing in an NFL game. After 16 catches in limited time last year, he might give Stroud a big-play threat down the field.

Jaguars RT Anton Harrison

After a shaky start as a rookie, Harrison got better as the year progressed, not allowing a sack in his last nine games. He should be able to build on that ending for 2024.

Jaguars WR Gabe Davis

A free agent acquisition from Buffalo, Davis has averaged more than 16 yards per catch over the last four years. Getting out of Stefon Diggs' shadow could mean more receptions for him.

Colts QB Anthony Richardson

Yeah, this is low-hanging fruit. But considering he played just four games last year in which he showed vast potential, it's easy to say he's this franchise's breakout guy in 2024 - if he stays healthy.

Colts WR Adonai Mitchell

The rookie out of Texas has a chance to become a go-to guy on a team with just one wide receiver that strikes any sort of fear in defenses - Michael Pittman.

Titans RB Tyjae Spears

After serving an apprenticeship of sorts last year behind Derrick Henry, Spears will at least split time with Tony Pollard and could be a threat running and catching the ball.

Titans LG Peter Skoronski

Skoronski had an up-and-down rookie season but he showed promise and had big offseason by becoming a pupil of new OL coach Bill Callahan. He also added weight going into this season after playing mostly outside for Northwestern.

--Week 1 outlook

Bears vs. Titans, 1 p.m. ET

A planned grand unveiling of new franchise quarterback Caleb Williams and his array of receivers against first-year coach Brian Callahan of the Titans, who'd like nothing more than to shift the gathering into Will Levis' coming out party. A shootout isn't out of the question but the Bears' defense was dominant the final six games of the 2023 season and might be due more attention.

Texans vs. Colts, 1 p.m. ET

These teams played a barnburner to end last year and Houston won to earn the AFC South title, thanks to a 4th-down drop that sealed Indianapolis' fate. It's easy to forget that when the teams played last September, Anthony Richardson was the best player on the field in the first half of an easy Colts' win before leaving with an injury. The ramifications from this result could be felt all the way into January.

Jaguars vs Dolphins, 1 p.m. ET

This will be the first test of Jacksonville's retooled offensive line and revamped defense. Those weaknesses in 2023 were prime reasons for a late-season fade pattern that cost the Jaguars a division title and playoff spot. It will be an especially tough test for the defense and its young secondary against the Dolphins' explosive offense. And can Trevor Lawrence get back to the standard of play he flashed at the end of 2022?

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

$5,000 High Stakes Draft

Player Notes
Jadeveon Clowney Sep 3 8:22am CT
Jadeveon Clowney

Carolina Panthers linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (illness) did not practice on Monday as he deals with an illness. This shouldn't be a major concern early in the week, but his status is worth monitoring when the team is required to release their first official injury report of the season on Wednesday. Clowney signed a two-year, $20 million contract to join the Panthers this offseason following a 9.5-sack season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft has had an up-and-down 10-year career with the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns, and Ravens, but he is productive at times and is tasked with helping replace Brian Burns, who was traded to the New York Giants.

Drake Maye Sep 2 10:10pm CT
Drake Maye

New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye is expected to be named the starter at some point during the 2024 NFL season, according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic. While Jacoby Brissett gets the nod Week 1, Howe expects that the Patriots will turn to the No. 3 overall pick at some point this year. He notes that "the variables between the team's record and the line's performance have made it a guess as to when that would happen." In other words, if the Patriots get off to a hot start, the Patriots may ride with Brissett. Similarly, if the offensive line can't do a good job in pass protection, the Patriots may play Brissett in order to preserve Maye's health. Once he does take over as the starter in New England, Maye will be a high-end fantasy QB2.

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Sep 2 10:00pm CT
Adonai Mitchell

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell impressed during the preseason and is trending toward being the team's primary slot receiver when the regular season kicks off this week, according to fantasy football analyst Jared Smola. Indianapolis spent a second-round pick on the Texas product, and it now appears he's poised to start in place of the injured Josh Downs (ankle). Even with a starting role, Mitchell might not be worth deploying right away in fantasy football. He's still behind Michael Pittman Jr. in the receiver room, and he'll also lose some opportunities to rushing threats Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson.

From RotoBaller

Ray Davis Sep 2 10:00pm CT
Ray Davis

Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis looked efficient during his first preseason in the NFL. Although the Kentucky product was held to just two yards in the first week, he bounced back with an impressive 58 yards on eight carries in the second week, good for an average of 7.3 yards per carry. He also caught three passes for 19 yards throughout the preseason. The Bills held Davis out of their final preseason game, a real indication that they have plans to use him down the stretch in 2024. He's not the fastest player, but there's a real chance that he can be more productive around the goal line than James Cook. With real touchdown upside, Davis should be viewed as a potential RB3/FLEX play with RB2 upside if Cook gets hurt.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Sep 2 9:40pm CT
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers did not play any snaps alongside quarterback Gardner Minshew II during the preseason, according to fantasy football analyst Jacob Gibbs. This is significant because Minshew was named the Raiders' starting quarterback, and it would have been ideal for Bowers to get some game action with him before the regular season kicked off. That wasn't the case, but there's still time for them to establish a rapport during practice leading up to Week 1 and early in the regular season. Bowers is still a generational talent at tight end and should be treated as such. He's a first-round pick in dynasty leagues and a fringe top-12 fantasy tight end in redraft leagues.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Sep 2 9:30pm CT
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze had plenty of opportunities to establish a connection with quarterback Caleb Williams during the preseason. According to fantasy football analyst Jacob Gibbs, Odunze was the Bears wide receiver who spent the most time on the field with Williams during the three preseason games even more than veterans DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. This bodes well for Odunze's stock in 2024 as he's already started to get on the same page with his quarterback, a fellow rookie. The No. 9 pick will still have to compete for targets with Moore and Allen, but he's trending in the right direction. Odunze should be drafted in all fantasy leagues and will open the year with low-end WR3/FLEX upside.

From RotoBaller

Adoree' Jackson Sep 2 9:23pm CT
Adoree' Jackson

New York Giants CB Adoree' Jackson is a candidate to return punts if WR Gunner Olszewski doesn't play in Week 1, head coach Brian Daboll said on Monday, Sept. 2.

From TheHuddle

Leonard Fournette Sep 2 8:43pm CT
Leonard Fournette

Updating a previous report, Free-agent RB Leonard Fournette (Bills) worked out for the Indianapolis Colts on Monday, Sept. 2.

From TheHuddle

Joey Bosa Sep 2 7:53pm CT
Joey Bosa

Los Angeles Chargers DE Joey Bosa (hand) was no longer wearing a club on his surgically repaired hand at practice Monday, Sept. 2.

From TheHuddle

D.J. Chark Sep 2 7:53pm CT
D.J. Chark

Los Angeles Chargers WR DJ Chark Jr. (undisclosed) was not on the field during the media access portion of practice Monday, Sept. 2.

From TheHuddle

Phillip Dorsett Sep 2 7:33pm CT
Phillip Dorsett

Free-agent WR Phillip Dorsett (Broncos), WR Jahcour Pearson (XFL) WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (Panthers) and WR David Wallis (Patriots) recently worked out for the New Orleans Saints.

From TheHuddle

Joe Burrow Sep 2 6:30pm CT
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals rookie offensive lineman Amarius Mims (pectoral) returned to practice on Monday. The Bengals' O-line has struggled in recent years, which led to Mims being drafted 18th overall in 2024. Mims is not currently listed as a starter, but he should be an important rotational piece. The Bengals still have the No. 21 PFF-ranked O-line in the NFL. Should Mims perform as expected, he will surely boost that ranking. With quarterback Joe Burrow having dealt with various injuries throughout his career, the health of Mims is something to monitor.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Chark Sep 2 6:30pm CT
D.J. Chark

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark (hip) was not seen at the period of practice on Monday that was open to the media. It's no concerning that Chark hasn't practiced at all for the last two weeks with the Chargers due to a hip injury. There's a chance Chark was limited in practice on Monday after reporters left, but we'll have a better idea of his status heading into the Week 1 regular-season opener this Sunday against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders when the Bolts post their first official injury report on Wednesday. When healthy, the 27-year-old is expected to start in three-wide sets in 2024 in his first year in LA alongside Joshua Palmer and rookie Ladd McConkey. Especially considering his injury, Chark has been going undrafted in standard 12-team leagues. If he's limited or out this Sunday, former first-rounder Quentin Johnston would enter the starting lineup against Vegas.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Sep 2 6:03pm CT
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett (undisclosed) said he expects to play in the Week 1 game even though he missed some time during the preseason.

Fantasy Spin: Lockett should continue to see a good amount of targets in the passing game this season and could be a possible flex option in deeper leagues when he has a favorable matchup.

From TheHuddle

Noah Fant Sep 2 6:00pm CT
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (foot) was in uniform on the practice field on Monday. Head coach Mike Macdonald noted during the preseason that he is optimistic that Fant will be available for the Seahawks' opener against the Denver Broncos. While Fant has not put up prolific numbers for the Seahawks over the past couple of seasons, he is still important to the offense. New offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb could also scheme more looks for Fant in 2024. With backup tight end Pharaoh Brown (foot) also banged up, the Seahawks can only hope that at least one of these players will be available this week.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Sep 2 5:50pm CT
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (leg) expects to play in Sunday's opening game against the Denver Broncos. Lockett had been dealing with the injury throughout training camp and the preseason. He has been limited in practice during that time, however, it appears that it was all precautionary for the 31-year-old. Lockett is coming off a down year in which he caught 79 passes for 894 yards and five touchdowns. The Seahawks offense is expected to be more prolific and vertical with the addition of new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. While Lockett's best days may be behind him, he should still deliver consistent flex value and could produce a WR2 week on occasion. He is also a solid player to have on your bench should anything happen to wide receivers DK Metcalf or Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

From RotoBaller

Jaren Hall Sep 2 5:40pm CT
Jaren Hall

The Seattle Seahawks added to the quarterback room by signing Jaren Hall to their practice squad on Monday. The 2023 fifth-round pick started two games for the Vikings in 2023. He threw for 168 yards and zero touchdowns to go along with one interception. Hall was waived last week to make room for Brett Rypien on the Vikings' roster. The Seahawks currently only carry quarterbacks Geno Smith and Sam Howell on their active roster. Hall could feasibly find himself on the active roster at some point should the team decide they need to carry three active quarterbacks. For now, this signing is inconsequential to the Seahawks offense.

From RotoBaller

John Ross Sep 2 5:30pm CT
John Ross

Free agent wide receiver John Ross worked out for the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday. Ross failed to make the Philadelphia Eagles' final roster earlier in the preseason. He was once drafted as the ninth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Ross also owned the record for the fastest 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine until 2024. However, he has never lived up to his pedigree and has recently bounced around the league. Ross would give the Saints a vertical threat and extra depth behind Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and A.T. Perry. Given that he has not played in a regular season game since 2021, Ross does not project to have much fantasy appeal if he were to be signed.

From RotoBaller

Jamal Agnew Sep 2 5:20pm CT
Jamal Agnew

The Pittsburgh Steelers have worked out free-agent wide receiver Jamal Agnew. The former Jacksonville Jaguar has made his living as a receiver, runner, and kick returner. Agnew has never played a large role in an offense but he is a solid gadget player who can line up all over the field. He would be a solid kick returner opposite running back Cordarrelle Patterson as well. Should he sign with the Steelers, Agnew will not have fantasy appeal. However, he would be a welcome addition to that offense.

From RotoBaller

Mark Andrews Sep 2 4:40pm CT
Mark Andrews

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (undisclosed) is not on the team's first injury report on Monday ahead of their Week 1 regular-season opener on Thursday evening against the defending Super Bowl-champion Kansas City Chiefs. Andrews was involved in a car accident in the middle of August and missed some practice time with an undisclosed minor injury, but he returned to practice last Friday and is good to go for Week 1. A leg injury to the three-time Pro Bowler last year limited him to just 10 games last year, but he's healthy now and should be one of quarterback Lamar Jackson's most trusted weapons in the passing game again in 2024, which makes him a top-five fantasy tight end. Even though Andrews missed considerable time last year, he still managed to finish tied for second among all tight ends with six touchdowns and also had 544 receiving yards.

From RotoBaller