AFC South preview of the 2025 season: Texans aim for a three-peat in the division

The AFC South in 2025 promises unexpected twists. Houston are looking to cement their dominance with an elite defense and a renewed attack; Indianapolis are placing their fate in a quarterback under pressure to reinvent himself; Jacksonville are banking on Trevor Lawrence to awaken under a first-time head coach; and Tennessee are surrendering to the hope of rookie Cameron Ward, expected to change their course. Youth, risk and redemption will define the race for the crown.

Houston Texans

Back-to-back division titles left no doubt: Houston are no longer a promise, they are power. But their offense lost its edge to injuries and a porous line. General manager Nick Caserio rebuilt the front with a mix of veterans and rookies, surrounding 23-year-old C.J. Stroud with young receivers who must adapt quickly. The mission is clear – restore the explosiveness of an attack that came up short in 2024.

The defense needs no introduction. With Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter forming a devastating duo on the edge and Derek Stingley settled in the secondary, Houston boast perhaps the best defensive unit in the league. If the offense delivers, the Texans won’t just aim to rule the division – they’ll push for a January breakthrough.

Key figure: Will Anderson Jr., edge rusher, 23.

Must-watch games:

• Week 1: at Los Angeles Rams
• Week 3: at Jacksonville Jaguars
• Week 4: vs Tennessee Titans
• Week 5: at Baltimore Ravens
• Week 12: vs Buffalo Bills

Indianapolis Colts

The wait has become unbearable – four years without the playoffs. Into that void stepped Daniel Jones, 28, after an uninspiring stint in New York. Indianapolis are handing him the offense, almost as a last lifeline for his career and a desperate gamble by the franchise. Jones must prove he can still be a starting quarterback in the NFL.

On the other side of the ball, the team turned to Lou Anarumo, architect of aggressive defenses, and added reinforcements such as Charvarius Ward and Cam Bynum. The plan is clear: build a system that hides the attack’s shortcomings. If it works, the Colts could find their path back to January through defense.

Key figure: Jonathan Taylor, running back, 26.

Must-watch games:

• Week 1: vs Miami Dolphins
• Week 3: at Tennessee Titans
• Week 4: at Los Angeles Rams
• Week 10: in Berlin vs Atlanta Falcons
• Week 12: at Kansas City Chiefs

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars changed direction and placed their faith in Liam Coen to redraw the map for Trevor Lawrence. At 25, the quarterback shoulders the pressure of justifying his megadeal and becoming the undisputed leader Jacksonville have lacked. The signing of Travis Hunter, capable of making an impact as both receiver and cornerback, adds spark and promise.

The offense needs structure, the defense consistency. Two-way rookie Hunter and Travon Walker could become the disruptive duo to steady the team. The schedule begins with hurdles, but if they survive the early stretch, the second half could propel them into the division race. For Lawrence, the margin is gone – it’s now or never.

Key figure: Trevor Lawrence, quarterback, 25.

Must-watch games:

• Week 3: vs Houston Texans
• Week 4: at San Francisco 49ers
• Week 5: vs Kansas City Chiefs (Monday Night Football)
• Week 6: vs Seattle Seahawks
• Week 11: vs Los Angeles Chargers

Tennessee Titans

In Nashville, the season is called Cam Ward. The No 1 pick in the draft arrives with the mission of changing the narrative of a team mired in three losing campaigns. At 22, the quarterback brings the mobility and daring that captivate a fan base tired of failure. Head coach Brian Callahan is betting everything on him.

The staff reinforced the offensive line to give him time, but the defense remains full of holes, especially in the pass rush. It will be a year of growing pains, though unlike previous seasons: if Ward connects with Calvin Ridley and flashes star potential, Tennessee can dream of a future that once seemed out of reach.

Key figure: Cam Ward, quarterback, 23.

Must-watch games:

• Week 1: at Denver Broncos
• Week 2: vs Los Angeles Rams
• Week 3: vs Indianapolis Colts
• Week 4: at Houston Texans
• Week 16: vs Kansas City Chiefs

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