Fantasy Football Projections: AFC South

Fantasy football week is upon us once again. Each FanHouse NFL division writer used their keen insight to predict the top four fantasy football scorers at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end.

John Oehser covers the AFC South:

QUARTERBACKS

1. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis: 4,000-4,500 yards, 29-33 touchdowns, 10-14 interceptions.

Manning last season passed for 4,500 yards and 33 touchdowns with 16 interceptions. What makes him a safe fantasy bet? He has thrown for more than 4,000 yards in 10 of 12 seasons, and the only time he didn't since 1999 was 2005, when he played sparingly the final two games.

2. Matt Schaub, Houston: 4,200-4,700 yards, 26-30 touchdowns, 14-18 interceptions.

He's ranked below Manning, but barely and only because he hasn't done it as often. He doesn't have Manning's proven record of winning, but in the Texans' offense, he's a solid bet for big fantasy numbers.

3. David Garrard, Jacksonville: 3,200-3,500 yards, 14-18 touchdowns, 10-12 interceptions.

Garrard could be perceived as a risk, but after going through a ton of offseason criticism, he has had two solid preseason games. He may not ever ever put up monster numbers in the Jaguars' offense, but he provides an added fantasy element as a runner.

4. Vince Young, Tennessee: 2,800-3,200 yards, 16-20 touchdowns, 14-16 interceptions.

Young's a difficult proposition as a fantasy quarterback. He improved last season and has shown good command of the offense in the preseason, but the effectiveness of running back Chris Johnson in the Titans' offense could keep his fantasy numbers down.

RUNNING BACKS

1. Chris Johnson, Tennessee: 1,600-1,800 yards, 14-16 touchdowns.

Johnson likely wouldn't be fond of this projection, because Johnson's own projections -- and his stated goals -- are more in the 2,300-2,500-yard range. It's hard to project that, but if you're looking for a fantasy running back, look no further.

2. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville: 1,300-1,500 yards, 14-16 touchdowns.

In most other divisions, Jones-Drew would be an easy No. 1. He may not put up the yards that Johnson does, but in the Jaguars' offense, he's a relatively safe bet to clear 1,200 yards and he consistently puts up big touchdown numbers.

3. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis: 800-1,100 yards, 9-11 touchdowns.

He won't put up huge numbers in the Colts' pass-oriented offense, but he's got a big-time nose for the end zone and he's integral to the Colts in the rushing and passing offense.

4. Arian Foster, Houston: 700-900 yards, 8-10 touchdowns.

It's hard to project numbers, because Foster is entering his first season as a starter, but in the Texans' high-powered offense, the starting running back is likely to score and he'll have a shot at a 1,000-yard season.

WIDE RECEIVERS

1. Andre Johnson, Houston: 90-105 receptions, 1,400-1,650 yards, 13-15 touchdowns.

He's the perfect fantasy bet because he's as good as his numbers indicate -- and he's very, very consistent. The Texans' offense depends on Johnson, and they'll find a way to get him his opportunities.

2. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis: 90-95 receptions, 1,150-1,300 yards, 9-11 touchdowns.

He's not the guarantee for numbers Johnson is, but he's not far off. He's the No. 1 receiver in an offense that has been consistently among the NFL's best for a decade.

3. Mike Sims-Walker, Jacksonville: 65-75 receptions, 900-1,050 yards, 7-9 touchdowns.

It's difficult to project Sims-Walker because the Jaguars don't pass as much as Houston and Indianapolis -- but he has the look of a breakout receiver and when the Jaguars do pass, he's the focus.

4. Pierre Garcon, Indianapolis: 70 receptions, 900 yards, 7-9 touchdowns.

Garcon showed signs of being a big-time play-maker last season, but beware: his numbers could suffer because of the presence of remarkable depth in the Colts' offense.

TIGHT ENDS

1. Dallas Clark, Indianapolis: 85-95 receptions, 1,100-1,200 yards, 8-10 touchdowns.

These projections don't match Clark's totals from last season, but few tight ends ever have matched his 100 receptions for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns. Clark may not reach those numbers, but he's integral to the Colts' offense and he's a safe bet at the tight end position.

2. Owen Daniels, Houston: 80-90 receptions, 900-1,000 yards, 8-10 touchdowns.

He was en route to the biggest season of his career before he sustained a season-ending ACL tear. If he can stay healthy, the numbers will be there.

3. Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville: 35-40 receptions, 500-600 yards, 2-4 touchdowns.

Lewis likely won't compile huge numbers in the Jaguars' run-oriented scheme, but he had his best training camp and should be prominent in the offense.

4. Bo Scaife, Tennessee: 45-50 receptions, 400-500 yards, 1-2 touchdowns.

Scaife is a great bet to produce solid numbers, but there may not be much more room than this in an offense that includes 2,000-yard rusher Chris Johnson.