With the NFL season looming on the horizon, franchises are beginning their training camps to finalize their 53-man rosters are gearing up for what promises to be another captivating and unpredictable ride. Nowhere is the sense of anticipation more fitting than in the AFC South—a division that, despite the Houston Texans’ recent dominance, remains one of the league’s most unpredictable. The Texans proved last season that even an uneven regular-season performance can end in playoff success, reaching the AFC Divisional Round and signaling their arrival as legitimate contenders. Meanwhile, the Colts continue to walk the tightrope between collapse and resurgence, often following up discouraging losses with impressive, bounce-back wins. The Jaguars, just a year removed from a brief stint near the top of the conference, stumbled toward the cellar in 2024, yet still possess the young talent and coaching overhaul to surprise again. And then there’s Tennessee—led by top overall pick Cam Ward and bolstered by a mix of emerging prospects and seasoned veterans—whose trajectory could swing in any direction. With all of these swirling narratives, let’s take a closer look at a division that promises drama, development, and perhaps a few unexpected twists in the 2025 campaign:

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Houston Texans

9/7 – @ Rams – Loss

9/15 – vs. Buccaneers – Win

9/21 – @ Jaguars – Win

9/28 – vs. Titans – Win

10/5 – @ Ravens – Loss

10/12 – BYE

10/20 – @ Seahawks – Loss

10/26 – vs. 49ers – Win

11/2 – vs. Broncos – Win

11/9 – vs. Jaguars – Win

11/16 – @ Titans – Win

11/20 – vs. Bills – Win

11/30 – @ Colts – Loss

12/7 – @ Chiefs – Loss

12/14 – vs. Cardinals – Win

12/21 – vs. Raiders – Win

12/27-28 – @ Chargers – Loss

1/4 – vs. Colts – Loss

Final Record: 10-7

With head coach DeMeco Ryans instilling a winning culture rooted in resilience and precision, and quarterback CJ Stroud evolving rapidly into one of the league’s elite signal-callers, the Houston Texans are no longer a team on the rise—they’ve arrived. They march into the 2025 NFL season with a surge of momentum and a target on their backs, having graduated from a feel-good story to a bona fide AFC contender. They even bring back offensive coordinator Nick Caley as he returns to orchestrate a high-efficiency scheme heavily based in 11 personnel for 61% of snaps, blending tempo with timing, and mixing short-game execution with timely vertical strikes, and defensively, Matt Burke’s base 4-2 alignment continues to emphasize sideline-to-sideline speed, disguised coverages, and dynamic front-seven pressure. A calculated offseason loaded with impact signings has transformed the Texans from promising to playoff-proven.

Offensively, Houston fields one of the deepest and most versatile units in the conference. Stroud enters Year Three with a full command of the offense and a calm poise rarely seen in quarterbacks his age. Veteran Joe Mixon, who ran for over 1,000 yards last season, is being joined by former Cleveland Brown Nick Chubb to headline a potent backfield duo, with Dameon Pierce and USC rookie Woody Marks potentially rotating in as needed. Though the loss of Tank Dell is significant, the receiving corps still brims with talent. After back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons through the air, Nico Collins returns as a bona fide deep-threat, while Christian Kirk adds polish and route discipline in the slot. Veteran Braxton Berrios will contribute as a reliable utility target after his time with the Dolphins, and he’s joined by a trio of Iowa State receivers—Xavier Hutchinson and rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel—vying for expanded roles. At tight end, the reliable Dalton Schultz is complemented by Brevin Jordan’s athleticism and Cade Stover’s blocking prowess, making the tight end room one of the league’s better groups. The offensive line underwent changes, most notably with the departure of Laremy Tunsil to the Commanders, but former Viking Cam Robinson and former Seahawk Laken Tomlinson join returners Jarrett Patterson, Tytus Howard, and newcomers Ed Ingram and Blake Fisher to form a retooled, physical unit built to protect Stroud and power the run game.

On the defensive side, chaos and controlled aggression are the calling cards. The pass rush is formidable, anchored by a phenom edge duo in Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter who combined for 23 sacks in 2024, with Derek Barnett and free agent signees DeNico Autry and Darrell Taylor providing fresh legs in rotation. On the interior, Tim Settle Jr. and Folorunso Fatukasi bring power and control, with former Bengal Sheldon Rankins and Mario Edwards Jr. offering seasoned relief. The linebackers bring speed and instincts as Christian Harris and Azeez Al-Shaair return as starters, while tackle machine Henry To’oTo’o will continue to shine in sub-packages. The secondary is both aggressive and flexible with Derek Stingley Jr. headlining the corners and being joined by second-year stud Kamari Lassiter and former Eagle CJ Gardner-Johnson, who will move around the formation depending on matchup. Jalen Pitre and Calen Bullock anchor the safety duo, with rotational support from Jimmie Ward.

The 2025 schedule is no cakewalk, but it offers plenty of litmus tests for a team looking to elevate from playoff hopeful to legitimate Super Bowl challenger. A Monday night showdown with Tampa Bay kicks off their home slate, followed by early road matchups against the Jaguars and Ravens that will test Houston’s mental and physical toughness. The early bye offers a timely breather ahead of marquee matchups against the Seahawks on Monday night and the powerhouse 49ers. Down the stretch, the gauntlet intensifies with primetime duels against the Bills on a Thursday night, Chiefs on a Sunday night, and Chargers on either Saturday or Sunday. Divisional matchups are scattered throughout the season, including a potentially decisive season finale at home against the Colts, which is one that could have serious playoff seeding implications.

In the end, this version of the Texans is built to win now and win often. Caley’s offense continues to evolve around the brilliance of Stroud, while the additions of Chubb and Kirk give this unit another layer of explosiveness. Defensively, the blend of youth and veteran edge presence, paired with a versatile secondary, gives Burke plenty of options for turning up the heat on opposing quarterbacks. As long as health permits and the team capitalizes on key opportunities, the Texans should once again be in the thick of the AFC race. I have a feeling they’ll finish somewhere around 10-7 to continue stamping themselves at the top of the AFC South and asserting themselves as a rising threat in the conference.

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Indianapolis Colts

9/7 – vs. Dolphins – Win

9/14 – vs. Broncos – Loss

9/21 – @ Titans – Loss

9/28 – @ Rams – Loss

10/5 – vs. Raiders – Win

10/12 – vs. Cardinals – Win

10/19 – @ Chargers – Loss

10/26 – vs. Titans – Win

11/2 – @ Steelers – Loss

11/9 – vs. Falcons (in Berlin, Germany) – Loss

11/16 – BYE

11/23 – @ Chiefs – Loss

11/30 – vs. Texans – Win

12/7 – @ Jaguars – Loss

12/14 – @ Seahawks – Loss

12/22 – vs. 49ers – Win

12/28 – vs. Jaguars – Win

1/4 – @ Texans – Win

Final Record: 8-9

After slightly reconstructing their roster to balance youthful upside with veteran grit, the Indianapolis Colts are now preparing to head into this upcoming season with cautious optimism. Head coach Shane Steichen returns for his third season, continuing to shape a Colts identity built on toughness, adaptability, and forward-thinking game design. Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter remains at the helm of a system rooted in 11 personnel, which is utilized on 74% of snaps, and emphasizes mobile quarterback play, zone-heavy running concepts, and layered intermediate passing attacks. On the defensive side, the arrival of veteran coordinator Lou Anarumo signals a tactical evolution, as his signature base 4-2 scheme, famed for its late disguises and adaptive coverage shells, ushers in a new era of defensive philosophy in Indianapolis. The front office was somewhat active this offseason, but their new arrivals consist of experienced playmakers and intriguing rookies in hopes of contending within an increasingly competitive AFC South.

The spotlight on offense falls squarely on quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr., whose return from injury will shape the team’s trajectory. If Richardson falters or deals with even more injury concerns, the Colts have a capable safety net in veteran Daniel Jones, acquired in free agency to provide both mentorship and insurance. Jonathan Taylor headlines the backfield, still one of the NFL’s elite runners when healthy, while Khalil Herbert and explosive Kansas State rookie DJ Giddens offer complementary styles and rotational depth. The receiving corps features a stable presence in Michael Pittman Jr., with Alec Pierce, electric rookie Adonai Mitchell, and Ashton Dulin all vying for perimeter snaps. Slot standout Josh Downs remains a reliable option on third downs. At tight end, rookie Tyler Warren from Penn State boosts the tight end even more after Kylen Granson’s departure, giving the tight end depth a much higher overall ceiling. The offensive line has undergone subtle changes, with Bernhard Raimann at left tackle with Blake Freeland not too far behind him on the depth chart, and guys like Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves vying for starting interior spots alongside All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson and veteran right tackle Braden Smith.

Defensively, the Colts boast a front loaded with potential and physicality. Kwity Paye and 2024 first-rounder Laiatu Latu are expected to spearhead the pass rush, while Ohio State rookie JT Tuimoloau provides a solid edge rotation alongside Samson Ebukam, and TyQuan Lewis. The interior features two great anchors in Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner, backed by a strong rotation that includes former Los Angeles Ram Neville Gallimore, second-year tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore, and Alabama rookie Tim Smith. At linebacker, tackling machine Zaire Franklin continues to be the heart of the defense, while free-agent pickup Joe Bachie will compete with Jaylon Carlies and Segun Olubi for a starting role. The secondary adds a major upgrade in Charvarius Ward, who gives the Colts a true lead cornerback opposite ascending youngsters like Jaylon Jones and JuJu Brents. Minnesota rookie Justin Walley adds further depth and potential. In the back end, new arrival Cam Bynum and third-year safety Nick Cross will look to stabilize the safety unit, while Wisconsin rookie Hunter Wohler could factor in depending on how the team handles Julian Blackmon’s unresolved contract status.

Indianapolis faces a demanding schedule that will test its growth and resilience. The season opens with two tough home contests against the Dolphins and Broncos before early road trips to a divisional foe in Tennessee and a revamped Rams team in Los Angeles. The midseason schedule offers a mix of opportunity and peril, with home tilts against the Raiders, Cardinals, and Falcons (in Berlin) balancing out challenging away games in Pittsburgh against the Steelers, Los Angeles against the Chargers, and Kansas City against the Chiefs. December looms as a defining stretch, with late-season matchups against the Seahawks and then the 49ers on Monday Night Football before closing with road games against the Jaguars and Texans—a rival who will be the Colts’ biggest obstacle if they want a shot at an AFC South title. The Week 10 bye offers a well-timed breather amid a stretch of physical, tightly-contested battles.

Ultimately, the Colts’ 2025 season may serve as a bridge between promise and realization. While Richardson’s ceiling is undeniable, his development—paired with questions along the offensive line—may limit this group’s ability to consistently win shootouts. Cooter’s scheme provides structure and balance, but execution will determine how high this unit can climb. On defense, Anarumo’s system will require time to take hold, but the raw talent and veteran savvy on the roster point toward long-term success. If the Colts stay healthy, particularly on offense, and if Richardson matures as expected, they could very well exceed expectations. But with a rugged schedule and a few unsettled position battles, they should finish with around an 8-9 record, which is competitive, yet still just shy of playoff contention. Indianapolis may not be ready to challenge the AFC’s elite just yet, but they’re trending in the right direction, and the building blocks are clearly in place for a team that could soon become one of the conference’s most dangerous, especially if Richardson blossoms into the quarterback that Steichen envisions.

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Jacksonville Jaguars

9/7 – vs. Panthers – Win

9/14 – @ Bengals – Loss

9/21 – vs. Texans – Loss

9/28 – @ 49ers – Loss

10/6 – vs. Chiefs – Loss

10/12 – vs. Seahawks – Win

10/19 – vs. Rams (in London, UK) – Loss

10/26 – BYE

11/2 – @ Raiders – Loss

11/9 – @ Texans – Loss

11/16 – vs. Chargers – Loss

11/23 – @ Cardinals – Loss

11/30 – @ Titans – Loss

12/7 – vs. Colts – Win

12/14 – vs. Jets – Win

12/21 – @ Broncos – Loss

12/28 – @ Colts – Loss

1/4 – vs. Titans – Win

Final Record: 5-12

After parting ways with Doug Pederson and their coordinators, the Jacksonville Jaguars put themselves at a pivotal crossroads, embarking on a new chapter under the guidance of first-year head coach Liam Coen, a forward-thinking offensive strategist with both NFL and collegiate pedigree, to reset the culture and revitalize a team that faltered down the stretch in 2024. Tasked with injecting new life into the offense, Coen will work alongside offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, who brings a balanced, modern approach anchored in 11 personnel used in 67% of formations. The system emphasizes timing, layered route trees, and vertical spacing, which is tailored to maximize Trevor Lawrence’s arm talent and quick decision-making. Defensively, Jacksonville hands the reins to Anthony Campanile, a fiery defensive mind and former linebackers coach known for his high-motor, gap-sound 4-3 base defense. Campanile’s vision is rooted in some of the basic fundamentals with touches of both quickness and toughness in order to establish his defense’s identity.

On offense, the Jaguars are betting on youth and upside to shape their future. All eyes will be on Trevor Lawrence as he enters his fifth season and adjusts to his third play-caller in as many years. This year’s supporting cast is built for explosive playmaking and positional versatility. After a phenomenal rookie campaign, wideout Brian Thomas Jr. is the guy that the Jaguars have waited on since Lawrence’s arrival in Jacksonville, with newly acquired vertical threat Dyami Brown stretching defenses over the top. The most dynamic addition, however, may be the rookie two-way phenom Travis Hunter, whose electrifying skill set should make him a mismatch nightmare out of the slot or wide, and both Parker Washington and free-agent signee Trenton Irwin provide reliability and depth as well. At tight end, Jacksonville has shifted to a committee featuring a returning Brenton Strange, former Viking Johnny Mundt, former Ram Hunter Long, and former Bill Quintin Morris, each offering unique traits. In the backfield, Travis Etienne Jr. remains the focal point, supported by second-year back Tank Bigsby and one out of a trio of rookies—Bhayshul Tuten, LeQuint Allen Jr., and Ja’Quinden Jackson. The offensive line, still a work in progress, features Walker Little and Anton Harrison at tackle, veteran Ezra Cleveland and former Baltimore Raven Patrick Mekari are penciled in at guard, and the center job remains contested between Robert Hainsey, Luke Fortner, and rookie Jonah Monheim.

Defensively, Campanile inherits a group with intriguing pieces but room for growth. The edge rush is anchored by Josh Hines-Allen and former first-overall pick Travon Walker, with free agents Dawuane Smoot and Emmanuel Ogbah coming in to provide rotational depth. Inside, the Jaguars hope rookie Maason Smith can make an early impact next to veteran Arik Armstead, while DaVon Hamilton adds physicality to the run defense. Linebacker remains a team strength, led by tackling machine Foyesade Oluokun and rangy playmaker Devin Lloyd, and the depth comes from Chad Muma and rookie Jack Kiser, who are expected to contribute on special teams and sub-packages. In the secondary, the Jaguars possess a youthful, high-upside group. Tyson Campbell and, once again, Travis Hunter headline a cornerback room filled with athleticism and anticipation, and with second-year riser Jarrian Jones and veteran Jourdan Lewis set to battle for slot duties, the hope is that they’ll be able to develop promising UDFAs Jabbar Muhammad and Doneiko Slaughter that could potentially provide developmental depth if they make the 53-man roster. At safety, Darnell Savage will be counted on to lead a reshuffled group that includes Eric Murray and rookie Caleb Ransaw, with rotational support from Andrew Wingard and Antonio Johnson. Though the loss of Andre Cisco stings, Campanile’s emphasis on hybrid coverage concepts and speed could help mask any growing pains.

The Jaguars’ 2025 schedule does them no favors, presenting a gauntlet of challenges for a team undergoing wholesale transition. A manageable opener at home against the Panthers is followed by a rugged road swing to Cincinnati, San Francisco, and Kansas City, highlighted by a Monday night clash with Patrick Mahomes and company. A transatlantic showdown with the Rams in London precedes the Week 8 bye, offering the team a moment to reset. The second half of the season brings little relief, with road trips to the Raiders, Texans, Cardinals, Titans, Broncos, and Colts testing the depth and mental resolve of this young squad. Home matchups against the Chargers, Jets, and divisional rivals offer opportunities, but Jacksonville will need to punch above its weight to stay competitive in the playoff race.

In many ways, 2025 is less about immediate success and more about long-term alignment. Trevor Lawrence remains the franchise cornerstone, and young playmakers like Etienne, Thomas Jr., and Hunter give this offense a high ceiling. But the transition to new schemes on both sides of the ball will take time to gel. The offensive line remains unproven in key areas, and the defense, while more athletic, must overcome inconsistency and inexperience. Campanile’s philosophy of discipline and aggression will take root gradually, and Coen’s offensive vision may not fully materialize until his personnel stabilizes and his quarterback adjusts to yet another system. Considering the overhaul in coaching staff, the integration of new talent, and the daunting nature of the schedule, the Jaguars appear headed for a transitional campaign. I would say the Jaguars struggle again and ultimately go 5-12 finish, but they are very young. This is a solid young foundation that they have, both on the roster and the coaching staff, so many might be looking at this season as more of a rebuild or developmental year. If Coen can carve out an offensive identity in his first season as head coach and Campanile fosters a more physical, fundamentally sound defense, Jacksonville will have the building blocks in place to return to contention in the near future.

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Tennessee Titans

9/7 – @ Broncos – Loss

9/14 – vs. Rams – Loss

9/21 – vs. Colts – Win

9/28 – @ Texans – Loss

10/5 – @ Cardinals – Loss

10/12 – @ Raiders – Loss

10/19 – vs. Patriots – Win

10/26 – @ Colts – Loss

11/2 – vs. Chargers – Loss

11/9 – BYE

11/16 – vs. Texans – Loss

11/23 – vs. Seahawks – Loss

11/30 – vs. Jaguars – Win

12/7 – @ Browns – Loss

12/14 – @ 49ers – Loss

12/21 – vs. Chiefs – Loss

12/28 – vs. Saints – Win

1/4 – @ Jaguars – Loss

Final Record: 4-13

The 2025 NFL season signals a pivotal transition for the Tennessee Titans, who are beginning a new chapter built around a retooled roster and a fresh offensive identity crafted by second-year coordinator Nick Holz. Known for his 11 personnel-heavy approach utilized on 66% of snaps, Holz has designed a scheme centered on tempo, spacing, and maximizing play-action, all tailored to unlock the dynamic skill set of dual-threat quarterback Cam Ward, now projected as the team’s starter. Should Ward falter in his early development, the Titans still have a fallback in Will Levis, who brings starting experience. After a turbulent 2024 season marked by inconsistency, head coach Brian Callahan is now tasked with reshaping the offense into a more cohesive and explosive unit. Meanwhile, new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson introduces a Base 3-4 Under alignment, one that leans on a powerful front while creating coverage versatility and aggressive press-man principles in the secondary. With a roster now infused with youthful talent and stripped of many established veterans, Tennessee is placing its bets on internal growth and long-term upside as it aims to forge a new team identity from the ground up.

Offensively, Tennessee’s hopes hinge on the rapid maturation of its young nucleus. Cam Ward offers a tantalizing blend of arm strength and athleticism, while the backfield duo of Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears brings balance and versatility. Rookie Kalel Mullings could earn rotational touches if he adjusts quickly to the pro level. In the receiving corps, proven veterans Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson provide stability and mentorship to a unit featuring Calvin Ridley and breakout hopefuls such as rookies Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike. Treylon Burks and James Proche II add depth, although their consistency remains a question. Lockett’s polished route running and veteran presence could be instrumental in Ward’s development. At tight end, Chig Okonkwo leads a rotation that includes Josh Whyle and promising rookie Gunnar Helm. The offensive line has undergone a youth infusion, with rookie JC Latham and Dan Moore Jr. manning the tackle spots, Peter Skoronski and veteran Kevin Zeitler anchoring the interior, and Lloyd Cushenberry III set to start at center. Depth is provided by Sam Mustipher and Jackson Slater, rounding out a retooled unit tasked with protecting Tennessee’s young quarterback and establishing a more physical identity.

Defensively, Wilson inherits a roster with raw tools and intriguing potential. The defensive front boasts T’Vondre Sweat, one of the league’s most imposing interior run defenders, alongside standout Jeffery Simmons, Dre’Mont Jones, and veteran Sebastian Joseph-Day. Depth from Carlos Watkins and James Lynch allows for rotation and versatility. At linebacker, Cody Barton steps in as the defensive signal-caller, supported by a cast of ascending talents including Cedric Gray, Amari Burney, and David Gbenda. Otis Reese IV adds an athletic spark at the other inside spot. On the edge, Arden Key and Lorenzo Carter will be relied on to generate pressure, though the group lacks a proven closer after the departure of Harold Landry III. In the secondary, the acquisition of L’Jarius Sneed provides a lockdown presence opposite Roger McCreary and rising sophomore Jarvis Brownlee Jr., with Amani Oruwariye and Jalen Kimber bolstering depth. Safeties Xavier Woods and Armani Hooker bring veteran leadership and range to the back end, while rookie Kevin Winston Jr. could carve out a role as the year progresses.

The Titans’ 2025 schedule is anything but forgiving, offering few breaks for a young team in transition. They open with two challenging AFC West matchups against the Broncos and Rams before diving into critical divisional contests versus the Colts, Texans, and Jaguars. A daunting midseason road stretch, including trips to Arizona, Las Vegas, Indianapolis, and Cleveland, will test Tennessee’s resolve and depth. After a bye in the heart of their season, the Titans enter the league’s late-season crucible with high-stakes games against playoff contenders like the Seahawks, Chiefs, and 49ers, along with divisional tilts that could shape their future. With questions under center, growing pains along the offensive line, and an unproven linebacker group, this team may face more than its fair share of uphill battles, especially against elite AFC competition.

Ultimately, the 2025 season appears to be a foundational one for the Titans, a year focused on evaluating talent, building chemistry, and establishing a new culture under Callahan. If Cam Ward asserts himself as a franchise-caliber quarterback, it could accelerate the timeline for success. The offensive arsenal is full of raw but intriguing talent, while the revamped line has the potential to stabilize in time. Defensively, Wilson’s system shows promise, but a lack of top-end pass-rushing talent may cap the unit’s ceiling. Veteran additions like Lockett, Sneed, and Zeitler bring valuable leadership to a locker room in flux, providing guidance as the younger players find their footing. With a roster in flux, limited proven star power, and a daunting schedule, I see more of a four-win season for the Titans. While the record may not turn heads, the season should be viewed through the lens of development and long-term vision. Tennessee is clearly in the midst of a rebuild, but if foundational pieces begin to emerge, 2025 could mark the beginning of something promising rather than the end of another disappointing chapter.

Stay tuned next weekend when I preview the AFC East!