ESPN’s AFC South roundtable convened four beat reporters as training camps loom, and the consensus crowns Houston as the division favorite. DraftKings lists the Texans at +110 odds, edging Jacksonville, Tennessee and Indianapolis. Houston finished 12‑5 last season, ranked 13th by FPI and projects a 9.2‑win total, banking on a defense that helped secure the 2025 crown.
All‑Pro edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. set the tone at OTAs, telling teammates a Super Bowl is “fair” given the roster’s talent. Offense must deliver, with quarterback C.J. Stroud should benefit from a revamped rushing attack after acquiring Detroit’s David Montgomery and signing guard Wyatt Teller. Wideout Tank Dell’s return from a knee injury could also reshape the passing game.
Jacksonville banks on CB/WR Travis Hunter’s elite coverage to hide a pass‑rush weakness, while WR Parker Washington hopes to echo his 58‑catch, five‑TD finish. Indianapolis hired run‑game coordinator Brian Picucci to steady a faltering ground game after losing Travis Etienne Jr. Tennessee, emerging from consecutive 3‑14 seasons, looks to new head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll to elevate Cam Ward.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing