The AFC South is one of the more wide open divisions in the NFL. Can Jacksonville repeat back-to-back divisional titles or will a new team emerge to take the crown?

Our next set of divisional previews opens up more questions than answers.

Texans hoping for resilient rebuild with draft picks

In the 2023 draft, the Texans bet on their future. They secured quarterback C.J. Stroud from Ohio State University as the second overall pick and traded up for Will Anderson, the dominant Crimson Tide linebacker, at the third spot.

Their transition from college to the NFL will test their mettle as they lead a franchise seeking redemption after a string of tough seasons. While the Texans are in a rebuilding phase, success hinges on these young stars making a difference in the AFC South.

They’ll have time to acclimatise and it shouldn’t be too long until Houston make it back into the playoffs.

Ceiling: 5 or 6 wins shouldn’t be too out of the relam, but anything more seems like a stretch.

Floor: It takes longer for Stroud to get to grips with his new surroundings and the Texans end up with another high draft position.

Indianapolis success rides on Taylor’s future

Despite a lackluster 4-win season and mid-season coaching change in 2022, the Colts started the offseason with high spirits.

Firstly, they recruited Shane Steichen, who orchestrated a Super Bowl-bound offense with the Eagles, as head coach to the AFC South franchise.

Seconf, their poor record gave them a high draft spot and their choice of QB prospect. They pinned their hopes on Anthony Richardson, a Florida QB, with the fourth overall pick.

Richardson is already slated as the season’s starter and Indy are excited to see his playmaking ability be on display in the horseshoe.

A hiccup emerged when discussions about Jonathan Taylor’s new contract became publicized. The star running back and Colts’ management have been at odds and on August 21st they gave Taylor permission to seek a trade.

Ceiling: 9-8 record wherby Richardson and Taylor form a dynamic duo that takes the AFC South by storm.

Floor: 4-13. Richardson proves critics right who said he needs more development and Taylor sits out or (worse) is traded.

Lawrence to lead Jags to Conference Championship Game?

With his performance last year, Trevor Lawrence established himself amongst the elite quarterbacks in the NFL. It started with winning the AFC South and leading the Jaguars back to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

It then got out of hand…

His playoff heroics enabled one of the most thrilling games in playoff history. He overcame a seemingly insurmountable 27-point first half deficit to defeat the LA Charger in the Wild Card Round.

He followed up by nearly knocking out eventual champions Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round.

If Lawrence can continue his trajectory it doesn’t look like there is much stopping Jacksonville from repeating as champs of the South.

Ceiling: AFC South title and at least divisional round of the playoffs. Possibly Conference Championship game if the match-up is right.

Floor: Year three slump for Lawrence sees them fighting for a Wild Card spot and possibly missing out on the playoffs.

King Henry’s comeback pushes Tennessee to playoff contention

Following seven consecutive losses in the final games of last season, the Titans missed the crowded AFC playoff scene. Coach Mike Vrabel, accustomed to playoff success in New England, was left disappointed.

The Titans quarterback room is getting a bit crowded now that they drafted their second prospect in 2 seasons. Now Ryan Tannehill will have to fight to keep his job against 2nd year Malik Willis and rookie Will Levis.

Tennessee is hoping Derrick Henry is back to full strength following a foot injury he suffered in 2022.

Henry finished the season with the second most yards and tied for the second most touchdowns at 13.

The influential RB has had issues with his foot before which could flare up at anytime.

Ceiling: 10-7 record. King Henry returns with a fury and the Titans are able to run away with the AFC South crown despite questionable quarterback play.

Floor: 5-12 record. Rotating quarterbacks cause instability in the offense that even Derrick Henry isn’t able to escape from.

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