NFL
The AFC South is a very captivating division, to say the least, with 2 teams making the postseason last season. The AFC South might be heading for a 2 team high-stakes battle for the AFC South division again in 2026. While 2 teams are favorites, the 2 other teams do have question marks surrounding their certain squad. All the teams in the AFC South have made many offseason changes to improve their squads for the 2026 season. With the season around the corner, let’s look at how all 4 AFC South teams will fare in 2026.
Houston Texans:
The Houston Texans are coming into the 2026 NFL season as the favorites to win the AFC South. Finishing behind the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston is looking to improve one spot in the standings by winning the division.
Defensively, the Houston Texans have the #1-ranked defense in 2025 and are allowing the 2nd-fewest points in the 2025 season. Most of the defensive players are returning, and Houston locked up both pass rushers, Will Anderson & Danielle Hunter, to extensions. Along with a secondary led by 2-time All-Pro cornerback Derrick Stingley Jr. as well as strong safety Jalen Pitre.
After an eventful postseason, CJ Stroud is looking to right the ship for the offense in the upcoming season. Houston was able to fix up their offensive line and trade for running back David Montgomery from the Chicago Bears.
Jacksonville Jaguars:
After winning the division in 2025, the Jacksonville Jaguars will be in for a fight to defend their division title. With the Houston Texans on their tail, it will be a battle for the AFC South division title in 2026.
Trevor Lawrence had a career high with 29 touchdown passes and only 12 interceptions in leading Jacksonville to a division title. After a down 2025, Brian Thomas Jr is expected to have a bounce-back year in 2026. Along with the playmakers, I will see the Jacksonville Jaguars offense as one of the most underrated in the NFL.
The defense for the Jacksonville Jaguars led the AFC with a total of 31 takeaways. Pass Rushers Devon Walker & Josh Hines-Allen will be leading the pass rush in getting to the quarterback. And the secondary will get a big boost with the return of two-way player Travis Hunter from injury last season.
Indianapolis Colts:
You could write two books about the 2025 Indianapolis Colts, with their 8-2 start and then losing their last 7 games. Another thing that hurt the Colts in their last 7 games was the injuries that followed afterwards. But the 2026 version of the Indianapolis Colts will be under the microscope to see if changes will be required after 2026.
In the offseason, Indy was able to sign quarterback Daniel Jones to a 2-year extension worth 88 million dollars. Along with having one of the premier running backs in the NFL in Johnathan Taylor will be getting his yards.
The defense will be looking to be a strong part of this team. DeForest Buckner is coming from a season-ending injury. The secondary will be the biggest question mark, as they were near the bottom of the NFL in pass defense.
The 2026 Indianapolis Colts will determine the future of this franchise to see if they need to start over.
Tennessee Titans:
2026 will be a new day for the Tennessee Titans as they hired Robert Saleh as their new head coach. The Titans went out and signed some free agents for better team construction for the 2026 NFL Season.
Cam Ward will be coming into his 2nd year in the league to continue his development as a franchise quarterback. The Front office went out and got some offensive weapons for Cam Ward to play with in 2026. They got wide receiver Carnell Tate in the NFL and signed Wan’Dale Robinson as a free agent.
The defensive line was able to get stronger. With the signings of DT Jeffery Simmons to a 3-year extension and John Franklin Myers to a 3-year deal.
Even though the Titans have the longest odds of winning the division, this team will be better in 2026. It might not be a playoff team, but 6 or 7 wins will make their future look brighter for 2027.
Predictions:
1. Houston Texans; 12-5
2. Jacksonville Jaguars; 11-6
3. Indianapolis Colts; 9-8
4. Tennessee Titans: 6-11
