All teams have reported for training camp and the new NFL season will soon be upon us. It was a great 2025 season filled with tons of memorable games, new teams vying for spots at the top, and the emergence of new superstars. We are previewing every division and what you need to know. Here is our 2026 AFC South preview.
Last Year
This was easily one of the most fun divisions in all of football in 2025. The Jacksonville Jaguars under first year head coach Liam Coen took home the division title behind excellent play from Trevor Lawrence and a defensive performance that we haven’t seen from this franchise in years. The Jags gave the Bills hell in the wild card round of the playoffs but lost on a last second field goal to end their season. Right behind Jacksonville were the Houston Texans whose defense is what steals the show in this division. It was another bumpy year for CJ Stroud who now enters a pivotal year with the franchise. Houston won 12 games but didn’t put up much of a fight versus New England in the postseason. The Colts were the hottest team in football before an injury to Daniel Jones ruined the season and sent them spiraling. At the bottom, the Tennessee Titans were bad enough for their head coach to get fired and for Robert Saleh to take over the team in the offseason.
Favorite to win in 2026
The Texans, Jags, and Colts should all be legit contenders in the division. Houston and Jacksonville went right down to the wire a year ago and it was Jacksonville that barely squeaked out a division title. I am waiting for DeMeco Ryans to take that jump from good coach to great coach and I wonder if this is the season he can do it. Liam Coen has a ton of swagger to him and confidence which can be risky in your second year after a successful first stint, especially after losing a few offensive weapons. In Indy, Shane Steichen is fighting for his job and coaching to get another year out of his deal.
Offensive Player to Watch: Cam Ward
It is never smart to fire the head coach of the first overall pick before his rookie season is even over but that’s what the Titans did to Ward. Now he gets Brian Daboll as his offensive coordinator, and he was the QB whisperer that unlocked Josh Allen early on in his career in Buffalo. Can he do the same in Nashville?
Defensive Player to Watch: Will Anderson Jr.
Anderson Jr. is a legit Defensive Player of the Year candidate as we head into 2026. He has been steady ever since he entered the league and his biggest breakout season could be coming. He had 12 sacks and three forced fumbles last season but should only improve with more coaching from Ryans.
Prediction
It’s Houston’s division to lose. They have too much talent and too much good coaching to not fly away with the South. Record (11-6)