2. The Houston Texans

Any fan in Houston will tell you that Matt Schaub already has done decidedly more for the franchise than any other quarterback they have had. Admittedly this isn’t saying much when David Carr holds team records for just about every career stat, and Carr is now lucky to have a job as a backup for the Giants. However, if you objectively look at Schaub’s play, he definitely is a capable starting NFL quarterback. Add to the mix, solid offensive line blocking and the emergence of a very talented young defense led by Demeco Ryans and Mario Williams, which is due to show it can consistently do its part. All Houston needs is more consistent play from its running backs and a healthy Andre Johnson to catch Schaub’s passes. There is no reason to believe that Houston couldn’t be a surprise playoff team this year and a contender in the near future. Houston will have to earn any success they gain, however, as they play in easily one of the toughest divisions in football.

1. The Jacksonville Jaguars

No one is saying the Colts aren’t a good football team, but one must think with Peyton’s injury and Marvin Harrison’s age they may be at least slightly more mortal than in previous seasons. Jacksonville has been getting better steadily, reloading for the division title run. It is likely this year they could have a chance at wrestling the crown away from Indy. Led by David Garrard’s arm and feet, Jacksonville boasts a highly explosive offense, especially running the football with their two-headed rushing monster of Maurice Jones Drew and Fred Taylor. When you include a very stout run defense and an overall defense that is capable of being dominant, there is no reason to believe the Jaguars couldn’t be around late in the playoffs and possibly even threaten to unseat one of the elite AFC teams in a Super Bowl run.

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