Projecting AFC South Standings
Texans: 10-7
Even after C.J. Stroud’s sophomore slump, I’m still confident he can return to his rookie-season glory. The big concern here is the offensive line, and it’s a major one. For a franchise that recently boasted veterans like Laremy Tunsil and Shaq Mason, this unit has fallen off a cliff. It’s truly concerning for any team, especially one that is trying to develop a young QB.
The good news for Houston is the landscape of the AFC South. The division is so soft that it’s hard even to identify a clear second-place team. That gives the Texans margin for error, but if they want to be more than just a weak divisional winner, the offensive line has to improve. With Stroud’s talent, a young core of playmakers, and a middle-of-the-road schedule, this team should still be in the mix come January, but they aren't winning playoff games for the good future.
Jaguars: 7-10
Sometimes, even a good owner can’t save a team, especially one in Jacksonville. Each year with Trevor Lawrence feels like more proof that he’s not the generational quarterback many thought he’d be coming out of Clemson. He’s fine, but not worth being in the top 5 highest-paid QBs, which has left the Jaguars stuck in limbo. There are some intriguing pieces, like Brian Thomas Jr. and No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter, but asking Hunter to play a major role on both sides of the ball could stretch him too thin to be the difference-maker fans expect.
This roster just doesn’t stack up well to any true contenders. The offensive line is shaky, the defense is average, and the overall depth is lacking. That said, with new head coach Liam Coen in charge and a handful of young building blocks, Jacksonville at least feels like it’s moving in the right direction. They may not be good this year, but there’s some optimism about the foundation being laid for the future.
Colts: 7-10
When your quarterback battle is between a former No. 3 overall pick who posted a 47 percent completion rate last season and Daniel Jones, your franchise is not in great shape. I still don’t like the decision to start Jones over Anthony Richardson. Richardson has played poorly, but at least there is potential and hope that his athleticism and flashes at Florida eventually translate to the pros. With Jones, we know exactly what he is, and it’s not much better.
The rest of the roster is not terrible. A solid offensive line, key defensive pieces, and Jonathan Taylor will win this team games. Still, when Daniel Jones is the one throwing the ball to Michael Pittman Jr., it does not feel like the Peyton Manning days in Indianapolis.
Titans: 6-11
To believe in this team, you would have to be sky-high on Cam Ward, which is exactly why few people are. Ward is fine, but despite going No. 1 overall, he is one of the least-discussed top picks in recent memory. He showed flashes at Miami, but nothing that screams “franchise savior.”
The offensive line should at least be steady with J.C. Latham, Peter Skoronski, and veteran Kevin Zeitler. The real problem is at wide receiver: a 30-year-old Calvin Ridley and a Tyler Lockett so regressed that Seattle moved on after a decade. More and more, the Titans look like the NFL’s retirement home for wideouts. Without explosiveness in the passing game, it is hard to see Ward elevating this roster anywhere close to playoff contention.
