The AFC South has been a division dominated by the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars for the past three seasons. There has been plenty of movement within the division, as new coaches seek to elevate teams back to their former glory and new players look to make their mark in the NFL. With that being said, someone has to win the division and represent the AFC South in the playoffs. Let’s dive into the standings and see who makes the postseason!
3-14 Tennessee Titans Finish 4th in AFC South
This was not a difficult choice, given that the Titans finished in the cellar of the division last year. It is challenging for teams to integrate a rookie quarterback and compete effectively immediately. After needing a playmaker in the most critical position in the league, the Tennessee Titans drafted Cam Ward out of Miami with the number one overall pick in the NFL Draft. 2025 will be full of highs and lows. Outside of their AFC South opponents, the Titans have a strict schedule. Playing the NFC and AFC West is a great challenge.
Ward will experience flashes of great success in the middle of games, leveraging his playmaking ability and gunslinger mentality. He has the potential to be the most talented QB they’ve had since Steve McNair. Will he turn into that? Only time will tell. If I were to grade this roster, it would be a C-. Tennessee has a defense that can keep them in games, but their rookie QB will likely go through the growing pains of youth, costing them games here and there. The least talented team in the AFC South finishes last.
The 3-14 Indianapolis Colts Right Behind the Titans
The bottom two teams in the division are interchangeable for me. With the Colts and Titans both finishing 3-14, I don’t see a scenario in which either team will have much success. After benching Anthony Richardson (AR), Daniel Jones will start under center for Indy; this team is still a few seasons away from contending. If AR continues to develop, he possesses the pure talent to be a high-level starter in the NFL.
The reason I have the Colts finishing with the same record as Tennessee is that I am not particularly fond of any aspect of this young team. They have nice players in key spots and young, talented players in others; however, nothing that spells out “ready to win now.” Head coach Shane Steichen must turn chicken scratch into chicken salad if this team wants any chance of being semi-competitive. The best-case scenario for the Colts and Titans, would be to “bottom out” and continue to acquire talent through the draft.
10-7 Houston Texans Punch Their Postseason Ticket
Two seasons ago, the Houston Texans looked to be borderline Super Bowl contenders for the next 10-12 years. Now they are on the fence for the postseason this year will all the injuries they have suffered. With star running back Joe Mixon on the IR for the first four weeks of the season, the bulk of the load turns to CJ Stroud. After a great rookie campaign, he looked to be “up next” in the QB hierarchy. He had a sophomore slump last year and now without Tank Dell, it’ll be Nico Collins or bust with his weapons.
In terms of their roster, they might have the most talent in the AFC South. Houston still has the best defense and QB in the division. by far. That alone puts them in the upper echelon of the contenders in the conference. Why are they picked for second place? I think the injuries to Dell and Mixon will prevent a strong start and inhibit the production of the skill units. With a record of 10-7, I still have them making the playoffs but coming up just short in the AFC South title race.
11-6 Jacksonville Jaguars Reclaim the AFC South
Coming in at first place, the Jacksonville Jaguars win the AFC South for the first time since 2022. I believe Liam Coen is the perfect coach to help Trevor Lawrence return to the T-Law we saw in 2022 and the first half of 2023 before he got injured. The Jags also drafted one of the most unique players in this past draft, Travis Hunter. Hunter has the ability to help both sides of the ball.
With their pass defense being last in the NFL in 2024, that will be a key spot to monitor. Offensively, they have the talent to make up for the lack of the overall talent on defense. However, let’s not get it twisted, Jacksonville has a plethora of talent on their defensive line which can make up for their questionable secondary. I am excited to see what is in store for the Jags this season.
Final Thoughts
- 1st – 11-6 Jacksonville Jaguars (Playoffs)
- 2nd – 10-7 Houston Texans (Playoffs)
- 3rd – 3-14 Indianapolis Colts
- 4th – 3-14 Tennessee Titans
Overall, with the Jacksonville Jaguars winning the division, it means a resurgence of Trevor Lawrence and Liam Coen looks like the coach to take the Jags to the next level. The AFC South will be a two-team race throughout the 2025 season. The Week 10 matchup between the Jaguars and the Texans could decide the winner of the division. Football is finally back!
As always, thank you so much for checking out my prediction for the AFC South for the 2025-2026 NFL season! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.
