The Year of Rebirth – 2025 AFC South Division Preview

Reincarnation is the birth of something old in a new vessel. Like many things in life, NFL teams go through different interactions and phases. It’s rare that an entire division goes through a rebirth phase but the AFC South is currently doing just that.

Houston is going through a new offensive integration…

Indianapolis’s newest starter is birthing the second phase of his career…

Jacksonville has a coach stepping into the birth of the next step of his coaching life…

Tennessee is rearing a new era of their team…

2025 will be the year of rebirth for one of the NFL’s richest storyline divisions. 

 

Houston Texans 

Record in 2024-25: 10-7

Key Player: CJ Stroud – Quarterback

Player to Watch: Offensive Line

Houston has been the best team in the division since head coach Demeco Ryans took over in 2023. Last season seemed like the year they would take that next step as a contender, but injuries and personnel issues robbed them of those aspirations. 

They will now enter this season with a healthy roster and a loaded talent pool on both sides of the ball. CJ Stroud is entering his third season as a pro, which typically means an ascension for quarterbacks. There is a growing sentiment that this team goes as far as Stroud takes them given the talent Nick Caserio and company have put around him. 

The offensive line will be a huge part of that ascension for Stroud. After trading away All-Pro left tackle Laremy Tunsil and replacing a good portion of the offensive line, the team will need them to step up to be successful. If they can play as even an average unit this team could threaten the top of the conference. Prediction: 12-5

 

Indianapolis Colts 

Record in 2024-25: 9-8

Key Player: Daniel Jones – Quarterback

Player to Watch: Adonai Mitchell – Wide Receiver

Last season for the Colts was a mixed bag of success and disappointments. Anthony Richardson hasn’t lived up to his draft position and the defense has been pedestrian at best. Shane Steichen will now look to improve the team in 2025 and cool off a warming seat. 

Steichen made a big decision this offseason naming Daniel Jones as the starting quarterback for the new year. His veteran leadership and versatile skillset is one Steichen is familiar with. That being said, the offense will need him to be solid for them to be at least mildly productive this season. If he is, this team could compete for tops in the division. 

Part of Jones’ effectiveness will be the weapons around him. The team knows what they have in Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs, but are awaiting the rise of 2024 second rounder Adonai Mitchell. Mitchell was drafted to be the team’s wide receiver two and will now get the chance to show up in 2025. After a strong camp and preseason he should step into a more prominent role in the offense and up the production of this Indianapolis office. Prediction: 10-7

 

Jacksonville Jaguars 

Record in 2024-25: 4-13

Key Player: Travis Hunter – Athlete

Player to Watch: Bhayshul Tuten – Running Back

Not many teams had a more impressive losing season than the Jaguars in 2024. The team’s offense was electric at times despite injuries to Trevor Lawrence and other key contributors. The coaching held back what should’ve on paper been a solid NFL team. 

The franchise decided to clean house and bring in a totally new regime for 2025 and with that brought in a slew of young talent. Travis Hunter is the biggest name of such talent and his star will be called upon to shine for this team. Hunter is already the team’s second best receiver, but the question remains on whether his impact on defense can be equal to the offensive talent. If he can match both sides of the ball to what he did in college, he could immediately raise the floor of the team. 

This roster will need their young players to play a major role in the success of this team. One young player that could see an opportunity is fellow rookie Bhayshul Tuten. Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby have both drawn trade interest and could be moved at some point during the year. If that happens, head coach Liam  Coen could lean on the young running back to fill the void left behind. Even if the top two backs aren’t moved he could find a role as a special teams player and third down weapon. Prediction: 9-8

 

Tennessee Titans

Record in 2024-25: 3-14

Key Player: Cameron Ward – Cameron Ward

Player to Watch: Elic Ayomanor – Wide Receiver

Tennessee was the worst team in the NFL a season ago and have a ton of room to improve in 2025. Brian Callahan’s first season was plagued by bad quarterback play, injuries, and outside pressure of the media. 2025 has been a clean slate for the coaching staff and roster and a chance to build a winner from the ground up.

The team took who they hope is the future of the franchise with the top overall pick. Quarterback Cameron Ward has been a steady leader and bright spot for the team since he arrived in Nashville. The team has arguably been held back by their lack of offensive potency due to quarterback play and they now have what they hope is a catalyst for change. If Ward has a strong rookie season, this team could be better than many believe.

Part of the offensive rebound for the Titans will be the overhaul of the receiving corps. Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett are the two veterans, but the team is in need of that dynamic complementary receiver. Rookie Elic Ayomanor has impressed during the preseason and has shown the value that made him a highly touted prospect coming out of Stanford. His ability will be a much needed element to an offense desperate for productive talent outside. If the offense can catch up to the defense this team could make a magical run in 2025. Prediction: 6-11