Location, Location, Location of the AFC South

This may be one of the hardest categories to accurately score. To be honest, I've never been to most of these cities save for driving through a time or two. Really what I've got to look at are my limited experiences, distance from Birmingham, and reputations. Fair? Maybe. Maybe not. But it's the best I can do. Since we started with the North last time, we'll start in the South this time.

AFC - South

Houston Texans -
City: Houston, TX
Population: 5.7 million (metro)
Distance: 667 miles

In my one experience with Houston, I was driving through and made a wrong turn and ended up driving around downtown, but that's about the extent of it. I do remember commenting that it was surprisingly clean (but maybe I just lucked up on where I ended up). Outside of that, no real feel for it. I know it's big and I'd obviously never have trouble finding a flight there. I don't have any real feelings for or against the Astros or Rockets (though I did have an Olajuwon jersey in 7th grade). Overall, just a solid, big city with warm weather for which I have no emotions one way or the other.

8/15

Indianapolis Colts -
City: Indianapolis, Indiana
Population: 1.7 million (metro)
Distance: 480 miles

Indy is a city I have spent zero time in and honestly know very little about. I do know it's a sports-friendly town, regularly hosting the NCAA Final 4 and of course the Indy 500 and Brickyard 400. Also, how can you not love Hoosiers? They don't have other major sports teams, so no prejudices there. When I think of the city, I think of a friendly, mid-western feel, but honestly, I could be way off...

9/15

Jacksonville Jaguars -
City: Jacksonville, FL
Population: 1.3 million (metro)
Distance: 491 miles

Jacksonville has its perks. It's a warm weather city, not too far away (I've driven there for an Alabama game that I don't care to remember), close to some awesome beaches, and a good backdrop as it's built on a bay. It's not the biggest city in the world, but it's a good size. It's not a city loaded with major attractions, but has plenty of food/hotels. It doesn't have any other professional teams, so it has a clean slate there. Overall, it's somewhat easy to get to and would be a solid city to spend a few weekends in.

12/15

Tennessee Titans -
City: Nashville, TN
Population: 1.6 million (metro)
Distance: 193 miles

Nashville is one of my favorite cities to spend time in. It's clean, it's got enough going on, traffic isn't that bad, lots of good places to eat, tons of music and it's only about a two and a half hour drive from home. If Opryland were still around, the Titans might have been a lock in this. A city I know I like that's a short drive away? Tough to beat.
15/15


Next up, the NFC South...