The AFC South has been owned by the Colts for years now and are the defending AFC Champions. The odds are against the Texans, Titans and Jaguars closing the gap during the 2010 NFL season.

On a seemingly annual basis, pundits can heard saying that this is the year the Indianapolis Colts come back to the rest of the division. Make no mistake though, quarterback Peyton Manning & Co. still have the AFC South firmly in their grip.

Indianapolis Colts: Still the Cream of the Crop in the AFC South

On paper, it looks like this is the Indianapolis Colts’ division to lose, but it’s not going to be easy. Every time Peyton Manning lines up under center he gives the Colts a chance to win and his core of receivers is one of the best in the league. Wide receivers Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie, as well as tight end Dallas Clark, help make the Colts arial attack one of the best in the league.

While the Colts still have a great attack through the air, there are always concerns about the running game. Joesph Addai isn’t getting any younger, is always dealing with injuries and has always under produced. Donald Brown continues to have problems with NFL blocking schemes and staying healthy as well. The primary concern for the Colts, as it seems to be every year, is their defense. They are going to need be better on that side of the ball because the Titans and Texans are coming on strong.

Houston Texans: Looking to make the next step in the  AFC South

Houston feels like this is the year it gets past Indy. The Texans have spent the past few drafts beefing up their defense and they now have a nasty pass rush to go along with a their big time offense. The combination of quarterback Matt Schaub and wideout Andre Johnson is the envy of the league and the club is also developing a good running game with Arian Foster and one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.

Titans: Possible Contenders - Jaguars: Very Real Pretenders

There’s no secret about how the Tennessee Titans go about their weekly game plans – run the ball and get after the quarterback on defense. Chris Johnson is arguably the best running back in the league in just his third season and has his sights set on some big numbers again this year. Vince Young is getting more comfortable with the offense and provides another threat on the ground. He just needs to make sure he limits his turnovers so that the Titans can control the clock.

Last year was a rebuilding season for the Jaguars and they could be ready to bounce back. David Garrard has some good receiving options in Mike Sims-Walker and tight end Marcedes Lewis and will need to make the most of them to prove he has what it takes as Jacksonville’s quarterback. Meanwhile, the defense has some questions. They didn’t get much from the front four last year and will need somebody to step up for the linebacker corps. Jack Del Rio could be the first NFL coach to get fired during the 2010 season if the Jaguars stumble early.

Odds to win the NFL 2010 AFC South Division

Indianapolis Colts -220

Houston Texans +350

Tennessee Titans +400

Jacksonville Jaguars +1800

AFC South Division Prediction: Colts