2024 NFL Season: Ranking Every AFC South Roster
7 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

2024 NFL Season: Ranking Every AFC South Roster

In the NFL, things change quickly. Just ask the AFC South.

A year ago, the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts each had new quarterbacks and first-time head coaches. While the future was considered bright, the present was thought to be bleak.

Fast-forward one season, and the Texans are defending AFC South champs while anything less than a playoff appearance in Indianapolis would be considered a failure.

Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars were viewed as Super Bowl contenders in 2023, only to fall apart after an 8–3 start to miss the playoffs. Now, will they play as they did early last season before succumbing to injuries, or are they a group about to take a step back?

We took a look at all four AFC South rosters and ranked them, giving a snapshot of what to expect in 2024.

1. Houston Texans

In one year, the Texans went from having a roster nobody thought could win six games, to a team which might contend to represent the AFC in Super Bowl LIX.

Of course, the driving force behind Houston’s sensational turnaround is quarterback C.J. Stroud, who threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns to help lead the Texans to a shocking AFC South title, along with a playoff win over the Cleveland Browns.

With Stroud under center, Houston’s offense is one of the league’s scariest. This was only bolstered by the acquisition of All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs, who joins Nico Collins and second-year speedster Tank Dell in the receiver room.

Defensively, the Texans have Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. rushing off the edges with Denico Autry manning the inside of their front. In the secondary, youth is serving with corner Derek Stingley Jr. and safety Jalen Pitre patrolling the deep end.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville may have been a huge disappointment in 2023, but the roster is still teeming with above-average talent.

For the Jaguars, their rebound effort will be spearheaded by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who last season struggled with 21 touchdowns against 14 interceptions. Lawrence, entering his third season alongside coach Doug Pederson, has ample weaponry around him including running back Travis Etienne Jr.; tight end Evan Engram; and receivers Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis and incoming first-rounder Brian Thomas Jr.

On the other side, Jacksonville has one of the league’s better fronts, headlined by edge rusher Josh Allen and 2022 No. 1 pick Travon Walker. General manager Trent Baalke also added to the line with free-agent signing Arik Armstead coming over from the San Francisco 49ers.

The big question is in the secondary, where the Jaguars are relying on Tyson Campbell and Andre Cisco to prop up some question marks, including newcomers Darnell Savage Jr. and Ronald Darby.

3. Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson

Much of the Colts' future will hinge on keeping Richardson healthy.

Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY

So much of how the Colts work out will be determined by second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson. Richardson, who was Indianapolis’s first-round pick in 2023, only started four games before being shelved with a shoulder injury.

Before getting hurt, Richardson flashed dynamic talent, accounting for seven touchdowns (including four as a runner) despite leaving two of his four games before halftime.

The talent around him isn’t star-studded, but it's considerable. The Colts re-signed wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who alongside second-year man Josh Downs and rookie Adonai Mitchell form an intriguing trio. The offensive line is also solid, led by center Ryan Kelly and All-Pro Quenton Nelson.

The defense is led by a front including star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and first-round edge rusher Laiatu Latu, but is there enough punch otherwise? The secondary is also a concern as Kenny Moore II is a terrific slot corner, but the rest of the group has concerns abound.

4. Tennessee Titans

The Titans added talent this offseason, headlined by receiver Calvin Ridley and corner L’Jarius Sneed. There were also other notable offensive additions including center Lloyd Cushenberry, first-round left tackle JC Latham and running back Tony Pollard, but it still isn't enough to get out of the AFC South basement.

Tennessee has major question marks along the offensive line despite adding Latham and 2023 first-rounder Peter Skoronski. The Titans’ right side remains in flux, and Will Levis under center is an unknown, having thrown for eight touchdowns while completing 58.4% of his passes across nine starts last season.

On defense, Jeffery Simmons is an elite defensive tackle but no longer has Denico Autry playing alongside him. The edges are also thin behind Harold Landry III. In the secondary, Sneed gives Tennessee a legitimate top-end corner, but the rest of the unit has either unsettled starters or depth concerns. 

Tennessee isn’t terrible, but it’s not a playoff team either. 

Anthony Richardson, C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Trevor Lawrence
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Timberwolves' Chris Finch Rips Jamal Murray for Throwing Heat Pack Onto Court
7 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Timberwolves’ Chris Finch Rips Jamal Murray for Throwing Heat Pack Onto Court

Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch ripped Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray for throwing a heat pack onto the court during Minnesota's 106-80 win in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals on Monday night.

Finch, when asked about the incident during his postgame press conference, called Murray's actions "inexcusable" and "dangerous."

"Well, I didn't actually see it happen but it was explained to me [that] the referees didn't see it either, so they're not able to issue a technical unless they see it," Finch said. "We tried to impress upon them that there probably aren't many fans in the building that have a heat pack, so it probably had to come from the bench, which they found logical."

"It's inexcusable and dangerous and I'm sure it was just a mistake and an oversight. I'm sure there was nothing intentional by the officiating at all. But certainly can't allow that to happen."

Murray, who has been battling a calf injury since the first round of the playoffs, tossed a heat pack onto the court in frustration during the second quarter. The pack landed in the middle of a Timberwolves-Nuggets scrum at the basket, and was scooped up by Denver forward Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who tossed it off the floor.

No action was taken by officials, though crew chief Marc Davis, in a pool report, said Murray's actions would have resulted in a technical foul had they been spotted.

“We weren’t aware it had come from the bench," Davis said. "If we would have been aware it came from the bench, we could have reviewed it under the hostile act trigger. The penalty would have been a technical foul."

Murray shot 3-for-18 from the field and scored just eight points in 36 minutes. It's not yet clear if he will face any discipline from the NBA for his actions.

Game 3 of the series is scheduled to tip off on Friday night at 9:30 p.m. at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Mn.

Chris Finch, Denver Nuggets, Jamal Murray, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA Playoffs
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2024 AFC South Offseason Report Card: Key additions, subtractions, final grades
7 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

2024 AFC South Offseason Report Card: Key additions, subtractions, final grades

In 2023, the AFC South was supposed to be a formality.

The Jacksonville Jaguars were going to roll to a division title, likely to be wrapped up by Thanksgiving. And, at 8–3, that appeared to be the case. 

Then, the Jaguars won just one of their final six games, missed the playoffs, and the Houston Texans stunned the NFL to win the division title behind rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. The Indianapolis Colts finished 9–8, losing on the final weekend of the season to the Texans with a chance to win the division.

This season, Houston is universally considered the division favorites, while Indianapolis and Jacksonville are right on its heels. As for the Tennessee Titans, questions abound based on an active offseason and the unknown of second-year quarterback Will Levis.

Let’s look at how each team fared over the past few months.

Houston Texans

Offseason grade: B

Key additions: Edge Danielle Hunter, WR Stefon Diggs, OT Blake Fisher, RB Joe Mixon, LB Azeez Al-Shaair, DT Denico Autry

Key subtractions: LB Blake Cashman, DT Maliek Collins, Edge Jonathan Greenard, DT Sheldon Rankins

Analysis: The Texans added plenty of firepower, while also bringing back an important piece on offense. Tight end Dalton Schultz was re-signed to a three-year deal, while Houston general manager Nick Caserio added Mixon via trade before a curious extension. Additionally, Houston took Fisher in the second round, likely signaling Tytus Howard making a permanent move to guard. 

Of course, the big move was trading for Diggs. The acquisition was wise, but the decision to void the last three years of his deal, making him an unrestricted free agent after 2024, was bizarre. Houston gave up a second-round pick for Diggs and can’t lose him after 17 games.

Defensively, the Texans brought in Autry to man the interior while Hunter will provide pass rush. However, the losses of linebacker Cashman, Collins and Greenard are significant.

Indianapolis Colts

Offseason grade: B

Key additions: QB Joe Flacco, Edge Laiatu Latu

Key subtractions: RB Zach Moss, QB Gardner Minshew II

Analysis: The Colts had plenty of money at their disposal for free agency, and largely used it to keep their own talent.

Indianapolis re-signed linebacker Zaire Franklin, receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and slot corner Kenny Moore II, making sure more roster holes weren’t created. In the draft, GM Chris Ballard addressed the pass rush in the first round, selecting UCLA’s Laiatu Latu before upgrading the offense with receiver Adonai Mitchell in the second round.

The big question is whether the Colts did enough to fix the secondary. While bringing Moore back was instrumental, Indianapolis failed to trade for L’Jarius Sneed, leaving it with a significant hole on the perimeter. Safety is also a concern, as much is being asked of third-year man Nick Cross. 

If the secondary holds up and Mitchell becomes an immediate contributor alongside Pittman and Josh Downs, the Colts could compete for a playoff spot in the loaded AFC.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Offseason grade: C

Key additions: C Mitch Morse, DB Darnell Savage Jr., CB Ronald Darby, DT Arik Armstead, WR Gabe Davis, WR Brian Thomas Jr., WR Devin Duvernay, QB Mac Jones

Key subtractions: WR Calvin Ridley, K Brandon McManus, CB Darious Williams, S Rayshawn Jenkins, DT Foley Fatukasi

Analysis: Jacksonville had a busy offseason. The Jaguars made some terrific signings led by a two-year deal for veteran center Mitch Morse, who has played for Doug Peterson during their shared time in Kansas City. Jacksonville was also wise to add Armstead on a three-year pact, putting him on a front with edge rusher Travon Walker and Josh Allen.

However, GM Trent Baslke also made some curious choices. He released Williams and receiver Zay Jones, while signing Darby and Davis as their de facto replacements. Are those players upgrades? Slightly, at best. 

In the draft, the Jaguars neglected the corner spot once more until the third round, while adding yet another receiver in Thomas Jr. Jacksonville is essentially betting on the offense to set the pace while the defense has to get home quickly. If it doesn’t, the secondary could be a major problem. Again.

Tennessee Titans 

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The Titans signed Ridley to a four-year deal worth $92 million including $46.9 million in guaranteed money.

Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA

Offseason grade: C-

Key additions: WR Calvin Ridley, CB L’Jarius Sneed, C Lloyd Cushenberry, OT JC Latham, RB Tony Pollard, CB Chidobe Awuzie

Key subtractions: DT Denico Autry, RB Derrick Henry, CB Kristian Fulton, LB Azeez Al-Shaair

Analysis: The Titans added quality talent. They also did it at an outrageous price.

Ridley is a good receiver who had 1,000 yards last year. The problem? Ridley was signed to a four-year deal worth $92 million including $46.9 million in guaranteed money. Ridley is already 29 years old and has only produced at a star level for one year of his career.

Then there’s the Sneed trade. Sneed played at an All-Pro level for the Kansas City Chiefs last season despite not earning the accolades. However, Sneed was given a four-year, $76.4 million deal with a whopping $55 million guaranteed. That’s a lot of money for a corner learning a new system and dealing with a knee that caused concern throughout last season.

In the draft, GM Ran Carthon did well taking Latham in the first round, but Sweat in the second round was a significant reach. All told, the Titans got better in the immediate, but at what price?

Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, NFL, Tennessee Titans
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Bruins' Brandon Carlo Scores Huge Playoff Goal Just Hours After Wife Gives Birth
7 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Bruins’ Brandon Carlo Scores Huge Playoff Goal Just Hours After Wife Gives Birth

Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo and his wife Mayson welcomed their second child on Monday morning in Boston.

Carlo, who was present for the birth of his first son, named Crew, flew into Miami on Monday afternoon and arrived at the arena just hours before the Bruins were set to take on the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Carlo was instrumental in Boston's 5-1 Game 1 victory, scoring the team's third goal of the night to add some insurance in the second period.

Carlo admitted to the media after the game that there was no guarantee that he was going to make it to the arena in time to suit up and play on Monday night.

"Yeah, we sped it up as fast as we could," Carlo said. "We were flipping her around, putting her upside down - whatever we could do to get that baby out of there."

Not only did Carlo make it in time, but he made quite the impact as the Bruins took the first game in the series and stole home ice away from the Panthers. Boston goalie Jeremy Swayman, who has had quite the postseason himself so far, said that Carlo's goal will go down as one of the most memorable moments of the playoffs for Boston.

"I don't celebrate often but I raised my hands with that one," Swayman said. "It's so incredible what he did today. Just the attitude he brought, he was so excited. I couldn't imagine what that's like, leaving your little one and your wife at home right after. And Mayson is a big part of this team too because of that, and allowing him to come and be here and supporting him and it's probably one of the most memorable moments I'll have with this playoff run, no doubt about it."

Game 2 between the Bruins and Panthers is set for Wednesday night, and Carlo is sure to be a big part of it once again.

Boston Bruins, Brandon Carlo, Florida Panthers, NHL Playoffs
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Charles Barkley Had Blunt Message for Nuggets After Ugly Game 2 Loss to T-Wolves
7 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Charles Barkley Had Blunt Message for Nuggets After Ugly Game 2 Loss to T-Wolves

The Timberwolves rolled over the Nuggets, 106-80, in Monday night's Game 2 on Monday night to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the West semis as the series shifts to Minnesota for Game 3 on Friday night.

The defending champion Nuggets were outplayed from the opening whistle and are now on the ropes after dropping the first two games at home. After the loss, head coach Michael Malone blasted his team for an embarrassing effort. He'll need Nikola Jokic and Co. to step up quickly or their season could come to an abrupt end against Anthony Edwards and the red-hot Timberwolves.

Charles Barkley thinks this series is already over, as he said this on TNT's postgame show:

Barkley's predictions rarely go his way so Nuggets fans can have some hope after Game 2, but it sure doesn't look good right now for Denver.

Charles Barkley, NBA Playoffs, Nuggets, Timberwolves
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Anthony Edwards Hit a Classic Michael Jordan Pose After Big Shot vs. Nuggets
7 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Anthony Edwards Hit a Classic Michael Jordan Pose After Big Shot vs. Nuggets

Anthony Edwards wants the Michael Jordan comparisons to stop, but the Minnesota Timberwolves star can't help but be like Mike.

Edwards was at it again on Monday night at Ball Arena, as he poured in 27 points to help Minnesota to a 106-80 victory over the Denver Nuggets, solidifying a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.

Not only that, but Edwards, after draining a three-pointer midway through the fourth quarter, hit a pose that Jordan made iconic during a playoff run of his own in the 1990s with the Chicago Bulls. Edwards, jogging back down the court after hitting the three, shrugged.

Edwards has drawn comparisons to Jordan for his explosive athleticism, competitiveness, fadeaway jump shot, and now, for his elite-level performance in this year's NBA Playoffs. The shrug, which Jordan hit during Game 1 of the 1992 NBA Finals, was just the latest similarity.

The Atlanta, Ga. native, while making clear his respect for Jordan, on Monday explained to Fox Sports' Melissa Rohlin why he wants the comparisons to the six-time NBA champion to stop.

"I want it to stop," Edwards said. "He's the greatest of all time. I can't be compared to him."

Edwards and the Timberwolves have yet to lose in the playoffs thus far after sweeping the Phoenix Suns in the first round. Edwards has been sensational, averaging 32.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game on 54.7 percent shooting from the field.

As long as Edwards keeps performing like this—and the Timberwolves keep winning—the comparisons to Jordan aren't likely to cease.

The series now shifts to Minnesota, as Game 3 is scheduled to tip off at 9:30 p.m. ET on Friday night at Target Center.

Anthony Edwards, Denver Nuggets, Michael Jordan, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA Playoffs
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Mets Announcers Had Perfect Reactions to Ump's Bad Call in Key Moment
7 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Mets Announcers Had Perfect Reactions to Ump’s Bad Call in Key Moment

The New York Mets were able to overcome a bad call by the umpiring crew in the eighth inning and hold on for a 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night.

In case you missed it, Mets center fielder Harrison Bader appeared to beat a tag at third base but the ump called him out. New York then challenged the call but the review center didn't overturn it.

Mets announcers Gary Cohen and Keith Hernandez are two of the best in the game and they each had perfect reactions after the umpire explained that the call would not be changed.

Fans blasted MLB and the umps:

Cardinals, MLB, New York Mets
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Michael Malone Delivers Brutally Honest Review of Nuggets' Humbling Game 2 Defeat
7 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Michael Malone Delivers Brutally Honest Review of Nuggets’ Humbling Game 2 Defeat

The Denver Nuggets were absolutely hammered by the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night, losing Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal series 106-80. After the game, Nuggets coach Michael Malone gave a brutal assessment of where his team stood.

Malone did not sound happy when addressing his team's loss. He said, "They kicked our a--. Yeah, it got away from us. It's going to be a challenge. The body language is not where I think it needs to be. We just got beat up in our building. We got embarrassed in front of our fans." Malone continued, "You feel embarrassed. You feel exposed. What are you going to do about it."

The defending NBA champs have their backs against the wall. They have opened the series with two home losses and things will now shift back to Minneapolis and the Timberwolves have all the momentum. Malone was right to feel embarrassed and uneasy.

Denver didn't get what it needed from its stars in Game 2. Nikola Jokic had 16 points, 16 rebounds and eight asists but was 5-for-13 from the field. Jamal Murray struggled mightily and finished with eight points, 13 rebounds, two assists, two steals and was 3-of-18 from the field.

On the other side of things, the Timberwolves got everything they needed from their big stars. Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 27 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks while going 10-for-15 from the field and 3-for-5 from three-point range. Anthony Edwards continued his breakout postseason, scored 27 points, adding seven assists and finishing an efficient 11-for-17 from the field.

Malone and the Nuggets will need to find an answer quickly to turn things around or they'll become the sixth consecutive defending champion that failed to reach the NBA Finals.

Denver Nuggets, Michael Malone, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA
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Anthony Edwards Receives MVP Chants in Denver As T-Wolves Dominate Game 2
7 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Anthony Edwards Receives MVP Chants in Denver As T-Wolves Dominate Game 2

Anthony Edwards is quickly reaching new heights as he spearheads the Minnesota Timberwolves' impressive playoff run, and he received a standing ovation from fans after the Game 2 victory despite the fact that it was a road game in Denver.

The Timberwolves took a 2–0 series lead over the Denver Nuggets as Edwards dropped a joint game-high 27 points, and the 22-year-old was serenaded with MVP chants from fans looking to show their appreciation for his efforts.

While Edwards was at the free-throw line during the fourth quarter, the MVP chants could be heard taking over Ball Arena.

The reigning champs looked totally outmatched during Monday night's humbling defeat against Minnesota despite the absence of star Wolves center Rudy Gobert, who missed the game following the birth of his first child.

Despite the defensive anchor not suiting up, the Nuggets mustered just 80 points, their lowest tally not only of the playoffs, but of the entire season.

In addition to his 27 points, Edwards provided seven assists, two rebounds and two steals while helping to set the tone with some quality work on the defensive end.

Edwards has taken his game to a new level during the postseason and it's safe to say that fans have taken notice. The series will head to Minnesota for Games 3 and 4, where Timberwolves fans will get the opportunity to deliver more MVP chants to their budding superstar if the team is able to continue its strong run.

Anthony Edwards, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves
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Jamal Murray Throws Heat Pack on Court From Bench During Game 2 vs. T-Wolves
7 May 24 Jimm Sallivan

Jamal Murray Throws Heat Pack on Court From Bench During Game 2 vs. T-Wolves

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray was having a tough go of things during Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, whose stifling defense was proving more than a little frustrating for the 27-year-old.

After checking out of the game late into the first half, Murray, who had been barking back and forth with officials throughout the game, could be seen vehemently protesting a no-call from the referees.

Murray was then spotted by the TNT broadcast appearing to throw a heat pack onto the court, which landed dangerously close to the foot of Karl-Anthony Towns as he went up for a layup. Officials did not seem to notice it was Murray who threw the object, despite a confused Kentavious Caldwell-Pope bending over to pick it up and remove it after Towns's basket.

It goes without saying that a player throwing something onto the court from the bench would be a violation of the rules, though officials did not review the incident, nor was play even stopped, as Murray seemingly got away with his antics consequence-free.

The TNT broadcast went back and showed a replay of Murray throwing the heat pack, as Reggie Miller pointed out that referee Mark Davis even looked back to see where the thrown object came from. Kevin Harlan chimed in calling the act "dangerous."

After a strong showing in the opening series against the Los Angeles Lakers, the smothering Minnesota defense has caused problems for Murray throughout their first two matchups, resulting in some visible frustration.

Denver Nuggets, Jamal Murray, Minnesota Timberwolves
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