Titans Now Favored to Win AFC South After Texans Heartbreaking Loss on Monday Night Football
- Houston Texans suffered a crushing last second defeat in Week 1 on Monday Night Football
- Books now have the Titans as favorites to win the AFC South
- Which team presents the best value to win the division?
The Houston Texans thought they escaped with a thrilling last minute victory in New Orleans Monday, but they were denied by a brilliant final drive by Drew Brees and a heroic last second 58 yard field goal by Wil Lutz to hand them a bitter defeat.
With that loss, the NFL Divisional Odds have changed in the AFC South as books are now listing the Titans as the favorite to win the division as the only team to win on opening weekend.
Week 1 always causes everyone to overreact so should you bet on Tennessee or is there value elsewhere?
Odds to Win AFC South
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Titans | +175 |
| Texans | +200 |
| Colts | +350 |
| Jaguars | +400 |
*Odds taken 09/10/19
Texans Still the Team to Beat in the AFC South
Narrative is such a powerful thing, especially in the NFL. Had Houston won, they’d be flying high and everyone would most certainly think they’re the class of the division – but after that crushing loss the narrative has shifted with the Titans now favored.
WIL LUTZ. WALK-OFF.
Saints win 30-28.
(via @thecheckdown)pic.twitter.com/BMJQEZ6N3I
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) September 10, 2019
Houston racked up 414 yards of total offense and nearly went on the road in a hostile building to pull out a victory against a team that should’ve been in the Super Bowl last year. There shouldn’t be a concern about them, unless of course, like in Jacksonville & Indianapolis, their starting quarterback either retires or gets injured.
Deshaun Watson is a KING and Bill O’Brien cannot be allowed to toy with his career as a play caller & GM. pic.twitter.com/eYb1sleVij
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) September 10, 2019
They’re still the class of the division, so resist the urge to overreact to one game and still put your faith in a team that’s made the playoffs in three of the last four seasons.
The Texans/Saints game is living proof that wins are not a QB stat. Deshaun Watson took Houston 75 yards in 2 plays for a TD that gave them the lead with 37 seconds left. Yet he will get credited with a loss. ?
— trey wingo (@wingoz) September 10, 2019
What Team Presents Biggest Challenge to Texans?
There are no moral victories in the NFL, but not many people expected the Colts to head to Los Angeles without Andrew Luck and take the Chargers to overtime. They finished last regular season with an incredible nine wins in their last ten contests and boasted the All-Pro rookie guard Quenton Nelson and the reigning defensive rookie of the year in Darius Leonard so don’t count them out at all.
Colts offense looking so good on this drive, it makes me cry to think what they could have been doing with Luck.
— Tessa Dare (@TessaDare) September 8, 2019
Marlon Mack had an otherworldly performance racking up 174 yards on the ground against LA with Jacoby Brissett looking strong at the helm having been in the system for three years now. Don’t sleep on the Colts, and at +400, you’re getting decent enough value.
The Titans and Jaguars Chances to Win the AFC South
The Titans came oh so close to making the playoffs last season as head coach Mike Vrabel brought a toughness to the team,and the defense allowed the third-fewest points per game. I still can’t get behind them because of a lousy offense led by Marcus Mariota that were fourth worst in passing yards per game.
Don’t expect Tennessee to be scoring 43 points a game like they did week 1 against Cleveland.
Last year under LeFleur, the Titans scored 20 points or less 10 times and went 3-7. If it wasn't for Mitchell, we would all be talking about how bad the Packers look on offense.
— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiNFL) September 6, 2019
The Jaguars might have found a late sixth round gem in QB Gardner Minshew after he filled in for an injured Nick Foles and went 22-for-25 with 275 yards and two touchdowns.
While there’s some sleeper potential here, they were up against a Chiefs team that’s not exactly known for having a stout defense. Once more tape is seen on Minshew it’d be hard to imagine him humming along that well. Stick to what your head is telling you rather than your heart.
Pick: Houston Texans win AFC South (+200)
Michael "Hound Dog" Harrison is well known in the sports industry as the resident statistician for the SC with Jay Onrait Show. He has worked at TSN for over 16 years, where he's been featured on Sportscentre, That's Hockey, That's Hockey 2Nite, The Masters preview shows, and several more.
