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Titans Now Favored to Win AFC South After Texans Heartbreaking Loss on Monday Night Football

Michael Harrison

By Michael Harrison in NFL Football

Updated: April 2, 2020 at 6:23 am EDT

Published:


Deshaun Watson and the Texans no longer division favorites after the miracle in New Orleans. Photo from @brgridiron (<a href= https://twitter.com/brgridiron/status/1171221271008276480?s=20>Twitter</a>)
  • 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Harrison
Michael Harrison

Sports & Entertainment Writer

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.

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