We’re half way through the AFC so let’s take a look at the AFC South and who will make the leap this season.
Houston Texans Edge Rusher Charles Omenihu: Finding a breakout player for the Texans was not easy because of how terrible this team is but, after looking through the roster a little closer, I think that edge rusher Charles Omenihu will make the leap from mediocre to good this season.
Omenihu was selected out of Texas in 2019 and has played in a total of 29 games the past two seasons. In that time he has recorded 7 sacks, 30 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 4 pass breakups. The reason I think that Omenihu will break out is because he is now Houstons primary edge rusher. J.J. Watt is now in Arizona so Omenihu has big shoes to fill.
I predict that Omenihu will go for 8 sacks, 35 tackles, 12 of them for loss, 1 forced fumble, and 2 pass breakups in the 2021-2022 season.
Indianapolis Colts Wide Receiver Michael Pittman Jr.: As a rookie last season, Pittman had a decent season. He reeled in 40 balls on 61 targets that went for 503 yards and just 1 touchdown. While his numbers weren’t amazing, I think that he’ll have an increased role on the offense with T.Y. Hiltons play declining.
I think that Pittman will be the Colts number one receiver but, a lot of his success will weigh on the play of new quarterback addition, Carson Wentz. If Wentz can return to his almost MVP form then Pittman could absolutely explode and make life tough for opposing defensive backs.
Another reason that I think Pittman will breakout is that AFC South defensive backs are not that great. With that being said, I believe Pittman will reel in 65 catches for 850 yards and 8 touchdowns.
Jacksonville Jaguars Edge Rusher K’Lavon Chaisson: Chaissons Instagram name is s4ckguru but last season the Sack Guru only tallied 1 in 16 games. With his 1 sack, Chaisson added 19 tackles and 1 pass breakup.
While his numbers don’t jump off the page, I think Chaisson could break through and become a solid partner in crime to Josh Allen. One of the reasons is that I don’t trust a lot of the offensive tackles in the South. Outside of Taylor Lewan, Laremy Tunsil, and Braden Smith, a lot of these players won’t be able to handle Chaissons quickness. If he works against Tytus Howard or Dillon Radunz then we could see multi sack games out of the LSU alum.
My 2021-2022 season prediction for the Sack Guru is 7 sacks, 42 tackles, 15 for loss, and 2 pass breakups.
Tennessee Titans Tight End Anthony Firkser: Over the offseason, the Titans lost two of their top threats in Jonnu Smith and Corey Davis so this opens up a lot more opportunities for the Harvard graduate Anthony Firkser.
In his three seasons in Nashville, Firkser has caught 72 balls on 97 targets for 816 yards and 3 touchdowns. With Smith being gone now, Firkser moves from being a goal line slash backup tight end to the starter. Ryan Tannehill can push the ball downfield to guys like Brown and Julio but Firkser will be great on check downs.
With the new starting role, I think Firkser will catch 52 balls for 525 yards and 4 touchdowns. These numbers may not look great but it’s a huge jump from his three seasons prior.