1. Houston Texans
They must make that next step into title contenders.
2. Indianapolis Colts
A lot went right for them last season and they might need some more of that again this year.
3. Tennessee Titans
It’s playoffs or the unemployment line for Mike Munchak and crew.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
They’ll be in contention for the number pick next year.
Texans
Head Coach: Gary Kubiak
Key Position: Secondary – They had some issues against some of the elite passing attacks last year (16th against pass), but with Ed Reed aboard he should greatly improve the defenses’ coverage and interception totals (15).
Key Acquisitions: FB Greg Jones (Jacksonville Jaguars), S Ed Reed (Baltimore Ravens), P Shane Lechler (Oakland Raiders)
Key Rookies: WR DeAndre Hopkins, S D.J. Swearinger
Colts
Head Coach: Chuck Pagano
Key Position: Defense – They were either in the middle of or near the end of the pack for every major statistical category last year. All of the pressure was on QB Andrew Luck’s shoulders and with the many offseason moves the Colts want to improve the defense in the second year of Chuck Pagano’s regime.
Key Acquisitions: CB Greg Toler (Arizona Cardinals), S LaRon Landry (New York Jets), G Donald Thomas (New England Patriots), DT Ricky Jean Francois (San Francisco 49ers), LB Erik Walden (Green Bay Packers), QB Matt Hasselbeck (Tennessee Titans), RB Ahmad Bradshaw (New York Giants), T Gosder Cherilus (Detroit Lions)
Key Rookies: LB Bjoern Werner
Titans
Head Coach: Mike Munchak
Key Position: Quarterback – Considering that the Titans defense allowed the most points in the franchise’s history last year. That can partially be blamed for the inconsistent play on offense that resulted in the defense being on the field too much. QB Jake Locker must show progress this year with the talent around him.
Key Acquisitions: G Andy Levitre (Buffalo Bills), QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (Buffalo Bills), RB Shonn Greene (New York Jets), S Bernard Pollard (Baltimore Ravens), TE Delanie Walker (San Francisco 49ers)
Key Rookies: G Chance Warmack, WR Justin Hunter
Jaguars
Head Coach: Gus Bradley (Seattle Seahawks)
Key Position: Everything – The only place to go is up. They made small moves in free agency, but they are in a full rebuilding mode that they hope will put them back into contention within two seasons at best. That could be longer if they don’t get the best out of QB Blaine Gabbert and will have to start all over again.
Key Acquisitions: RB Justin Forsett (Houston Texans)
Key Rookies: T Luke Joeckel, S Johnathan Cyprien, CB Dwayne Gratz, WR Denard Robinson
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