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.