AFC South
Houston Texans
Offensive MVP: Brian Hoyer, QB
The Texans haven’t yet decided on a quarterback, but we’re predicting Hoyer beats out Ryan Mallett for the job. Hoyer is actually pretty darn good, and though he doesn’t possess Mallett’s cannon he knows how to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers on time and in stride.
Defensive MVP: J.J. Watt, DE
This really requires no explanation, right? Watt is the best football player in the world at any position. He dominates every offensive lineman he faces and scares the living you-know-what out of opposing quarterbacks.
Indianapolis Colts
Offensive MVP: Andrew Luck, QB
The best young quarterback in the NFL, Luck is still learning the nuances of playing the position—a scary reality for the defenses of the AFC South. He could threaten the 5,000-yard mark, and nobody should be surprised if he eclipses 45 touchdowns in 2015.
Defensive MVP: Trent Cole, OLB
Cole is going to play with a monstrous chip on his shoulder this year after Chip Kelly cut him from the Philadelphia Eagles. The 32-year old pass-rusher won’t play every down for the Colts but should thrive playing on the fast field in Indy.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Offensive MVP: Blake Bortles, QB
Bortles is going to improve leaps and bounds over his pathetic rookie showing in his second year. With talented receivers at his disposal in Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns and Marqise Lee, not to mention tight end Julius Thomas, he’s going to be one of the biggest surprises of the season in the NFL.
Defensive MVP: Dan Skuta, OLB
Jaguars fans will be pleasantly surprised to see what Skuta can do for this defense. A multi-talented linebacker, he’s adept at rushing the passer and is strong against the run with an understanding about how to hold the edge.
Tennessee Titans
Offensive MVP: Bishop Sankey, RB
As talented as Marcus Mariota is, he’s going to have a rough first season as a pro. Tennessee will rely on the running game early and often as a means to ease the rookie into the swing of this NFL thing, meaning second-year running back Sankey will have a chance to become the featured back in a run-first offense.
Defensive MVP: Brian Orakpo, OLB
If not for his multiple injuries, Orakpo might be one of the highest-paid pass-rushers in the NFL. The talented outside linebacker will excel in Dick LeBeau’s system and should provide plenty of pressure this season for the Titans.