The AFC South is poised for an exciting season in 2025, with each team showcasing unique strengths and challenges as they vie for divisional supremacy. Fans can expect thrilling matchups and potential surprises throughout the year.
The AFC South features teams undergoing significant changes as they compete for supremacy in the division.
Here’s an up-to-date overview.
Coaches
DeMeco Ryans: HOUSTON
Ryans has led the Texans to back-to-back AFC South titles in his two seasons as head coach. He was a captain on the Texans as a linebacker and has guided the team to consecutive AFC South crowns.
Shane Steichen: INDIANAPOLIS
Steichen joined the Colts after being the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he led the team to the No. 3 offense in the NFL in 2022. He has accumulated a 17-17 record in his two seasons with the Colts.
Liam Coen: JACKSONVILLE
Coen was hired as the Jaguars' head coach and is known for his offensive-minded approach. He previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Brian Callahan: TENNESSEE
Callahan was hired by the Titans after spending five years as the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals. He takes over a team undergoing a rebuild in the AFC South.
Strength of Offense and Defense
Indianapolis Colts
Offense QB: Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones, Riley Leonard, Jason Bean
Focused on a strong running game with Jonathan Taylor, complemented by a young quarterback.
Defense: A solid front seven, but improvements are needed in the secondary.
Tennessee Titans
Offense QB: Cam Ward, Brandon Allen, Tim Boyle
RB Tony Pollard remains the focal point, but the Titans are looking to diversify their passing game with Ripken and Lockett.
Defense: Solid against the run, but the secondary has faced challenges.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Offense QB: Trevor Lawrence, Nick Mullens, John Wolford, Seth Henigan
A powerful offense led by Trevor Lawrence, with strong contributions from Travis Etienne.
Defense: Young and aggressive, capable of creating turnovers while needing to improve consistency.
Houston Texans
Offense QB: CJ Stroud, Davis Mills, Graham Mertz, Kedon Slovis
Developing under a new system, focusing on a mix of run and pass with rookie talent.
Defense: Expected to be more aggressive and cohesive under Ryans.
Offensive Line(s)
Colts: Generally solid but dealing with some injuries and depth concerns.
Titans: Experienced but aging, needing to protect their QB effectively.
Jags: Improved significantly, providing good protection for Lawrence.
Texans: Young and developing, still a work in progress.
Additions and notes:
Indianapolis Colts
Quarterback: Anthony Richardson is expected to lead the offense.
Wide Receiver: New draft picks to enhance the receiving corps.
Tennessee Titans
Quarterback: Rookie Cam Ward
Wide Receiver: New additions to boost the passing game.
Defensive Lineman: Draft picks aimed at strengthening the defense.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tight End: Added depth to the passing game.
Defensive Back: Young talent to improve secondary depth.
Houston Texans
Wide Receiver: New speed options added to the roster.
What Oddsmakers Predict:
Current Oddsmakers Odds
Houston +100
Jacksonville +275
Indianapolis +300
Tennessee +750
Detailed Analysis:
Houston Texans:
The Texans are the favorites to win the division for the third consecutive year, despite some analysts predicting a potential decline after a mixed 2024 season.
Jacksonville Jaguars:
The Jaguars are considered the second-best team in the division, with their performance hinging on Trevor Lawrence's ability to meet expectations under new head coach Liam Coen.
Indianapolis Colts:
The Colts are predicted to be a strong contender, with potential for a 10-win season if Anthony Richardson can perform well in his third year.
Tennessee Titans:
The Titans are seen as being in a rebuilding phase, with a rookie quarterback and a less talented roster compared to the other teams in the division.
Key Factors to Consider:
Houston Texans' Offense:
The Texans' offensive line and receiving corps are question marks heading into the season.
Jacksonville Jaguars' Offense:
The Jaguars' success depends on Liam Coen's ability to elevate Trevor Lawrence and the team's running game.
Indianapolis Colts' Quarterback:
The Colts' performance relies heavily on Anthony Richardson's development and ability to lead the team.
Tennessee Titans' Rebuilding Phase:
The Titans are in a long-term rebuilding process, which will likely hinder their chances of winning the division in 2025.
Conclusion:
The AFC South is expected to be a competitive division in 2025, with the Texans, Jaguars, and Colts all having a chance to win the division title. However, the Texans are still the favorites due to their strong defense and the potential for their offense to improve under new offensive coordinator Nick Caley.