With the NFL’s 2024 schedule launched, listed below are the hardest (and best) four-game stretches for every group within the AFC South.
Houston Texans
TOUGHEST • Weeks 13-17: at Jaguars; vs. Dolphins; at Chiefs; vs. Ravens
The Texans pushed their chips to the middle of the desk in an all-in transfer this offseason, including operating again Joe Mixon, receiver Stefon Diggs, defensive finish Denico Autry, edge-rusher Danielle Hunter, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and cornerbacks Jeff Okudah and Kamari Lassiter to make a daring run on the Tremendous Bowl.
If Houston really believes it’s a Tremendous Bowl-caliber group, this four-game stretch will present whether or not that’s true or not. The Jags, Dolphins, Chiefs and Ravens mixed for a 44-24 report final season, and the latter three made the playoffs, two of which performed within the AFC Championship recreation. If the Texans are for actual, they should come out of this stretch with at the very least one win in opposition to Kansas Metropolis or Baltimore.
EASIEST • Weeks 1-4: at Colts; vs. Bears; at Vikings; vs. Jaguars
It’s potential all 4 of those opponents could possibly be fringe playoff groups in 2024, however two of them (Bears, Vikings) have been below-.500 groups in 2023 and the opposite two (Colts, Jaguars) completed only one recreation above .500.
On paper, the Bears are a lot better than final season however there’s an excellent likelihood teaching might maintain them again. The Vikings are breaking in a rookie QB and their protection could also be worse than it was in 2023. The Colts and Jaguars are simply winnable division video games, and the Texans improved drastically throughout the offseason whereas a case will be made each Indy and Jacksonville didn’t enhance a lot in any respect.
Indianapolis Colts
TOUGHEST • Weeks 7-10: vs. Dolphins; at Texans; at Vikings; vs. Payments
The Vikings are the lone recreation on this four-game block that’s simply winnable. The opposite three received a mixed 32 video games final season, and the Texans and Payments each received playoff video games. This stretch relies on how second-year QB Anthony Richardson is faring by this level and whether or not or not Joe Flacco has needed to play in any respect.
EASIEST • Weeks 13-17: at Patriots; at Broncos; vs. Titans; at Giants
All 4 of those video games are winnable, and I’d argue New England and New York are nearly “gimme” video games. The Broncos and Titans are fascinating matchups. Denver practically rallied to make the playoffs final season, however it’ll be beginning both a rookie QB or one who flamed out in simply three years with the Jets, and the group traded its greatest receiver away.
The Titans added some critical expertise within the offseason (Calvin Ridley, Tyler Boyd, Tony Pollard, La’Jarius Sneed, Chidobe Awuzie, T’Vondre Sweat), however in addition they have a first-time head coach who will probably be calling his personal performs for the primary time in his profession, they usually’re banking on their first-round choose seamlessly transferring from a standout faculty proper sort out to a succesful rookie left sort out.
Jacksonville Jaguars
TOUGHEST • Weeks 8-11: vs. Packers; at Eagles; vs. Vikings; at Lions
The Jaguars’ protection actually has its work reduce out, getting Jordan Love, Jalen Hurts, J.J. McCarthy and Jared Goff in 4 straight weeks. Jacksonville’s secondary was hit the toughest with free-agent losses, and the group didn’t actually add a lot assist by means of the draft both. This could possibly be a stretch the place the Jags get torched by glorious QB play.
EASIEST • Weeks 14-17: at Titans; vs. Jets; at Raiders; vs. Titans
Getting the Titans twice in 4 weeks makes this a simple choose. Tennessee went 6-11 final season, and quarterback Will Levis remains to be fairly inexperienced. The group is breaking in a first-time head coach and all-new teaching employees, plus there have been plenty of turnovers at operating again, offensive line, linebacker, and secondary.
The Jets might or might not be good; all of it relies on Aaron Rodgers. If Tyrod Taylor begins at this level within the season, one thing went terribly fallacious for NY. The Raiders have some respectable expertise, however their season hinges on how effectively both Gardner Minshew or Aidan O’Connell performs. Not precisely a recipe for fulfillment.
Tennessee Titans
TOUGHEST • Weeks 3-7: vs. Packers; at Dolphins; vs. Colts; at Payments
Tennessee’s go protection was lit up rather a lot final season, and although including Sneed, Awuzie and fifth-round choose Jarvis Brownlee actually helps, making an attempt to cease Love (4,159 yards passing, 32 touchdowns in 2023), Tua Tagovailoa (4,624 yards passing, 29 touchdowns) and Josh Allen (4,306 yards passing, 29 touchdowns) actually doesn’t.
Neither does having to defend Tyreek Hill (119 receptions, 1,799 yards, 13 touchdowns) Jaylen Waddle (72 receptions, 1,014 yards) or Michael Pittman Jr. (109 receptions, 1,152 yards). The revamped Titans protection will certainly be put to the take a look at early within the season.
EASIEST • Weeks 9-12: vs. Patriots; at Chargers; vs. Vikings; at Texans
The Texans are the one recreation on this block that’s prone to be a loss; nonetheless, the opposite three are all winnable. New England and Los Angeles are bringing in new head coaches, and the Patriots and Vikings might begin rookie quarterbacks. The Titans might shock some individuals in 2024, and this four-game stretch could possibly be liable for an excellent chunk of their win complete.
