5 NFL teams poised for a fall in 2016

It’s very weird to say, but the Indianapolis Colts shouldn’t be the favorite to win the AFC South in 2016. The Colts went 8-8 in 2015 and missed the AFC Playoffs for the first time in the Andrew Luck era after their star quarterback missed half the season with a lacerated kidney.

The usually putrid AFC South is more competent than ever with the Houston Texans feeling again like a playoff team with that great defense and new starting quarterback Brock Osweiler at the helm. Though the Tennessee Titans will still probably stink, the Jacksonville Jaguars have an elite passing game and could push for either a division crown or an AFC Wild Card berth with their improved roster.

Usually Indianapolis cruises through AFC South play, almost always going 6-0. In 2016, 5-1 seems unlikely, 4-2 seems probable, and even 3-3 isn’t all that far-fetched. In short, the Colts’ roster has been on the decline the last two years, while Houston’s, Jacksonville’s, and maybe even Tennessee’s has improved.

To make matters even worse, the bulk of the Colts’ most difficult games this fall will be on the road. Outside of the three AFC South games, Indianapolis will play the Denver Broncos, the Green Bay Packers, the Minnesota Vikings, the New York Jets, and the Oakland Raiders all away from Lucas Oil Stadium in Downtown Indianapolis.

At the end of the day, will the Colts have enough firepower on their roster to overcome a surprisingly difficult road slate in 2016? Since they aren’t going to cakewalk through the AFC South in 2016, Indianapolis will have to play well away from home if the Colts want any hopes of finishing above .500 and contending for the AFC Playoffs.

Next: 3. Carolina Panthers