The Houston Texans are aiming to secure their third consecutive AFC South title in the upcoming season, a milestone that has not been reached since Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Peyton Manning led the Indianapolis Colts in the division’s earlier years.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud and coach DeMeco Ryans are leading the Texans as they try to extend their postseason success after advancing to two straight divisional rounds in the last two years, losing most recently to Kansas City 23-14 in January.
Houston general manager Nick Caserio commented on the team’s prospects: “I’m not really sure like what the next step is,” Caserio said. “I mean we have a good football team, so we’ve been one of the best eight teams in the league the last two years. So what’s going to happen beyond that nobody has any idea.”
Tight end Dalton Schultz noted, “It’s never the same as the year before, and there’s always some little wrinkle that is going to hit the league or hit your team.”
Last season, Houston finished with a 10-7 record while Indianapolis went 8-9. The Colts switched starting quarterbacks ahead of this season, Jacksonville brought in a new coach and general manager before trading up for Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, and Tennessee chose Cam Ward as their No. 1 draft pick at quarterback after making front office changes.
Colts coach Shane Steichen addressed his plans for his team: “This league is a year-to-year league and what do I feel is best for the Colts in 2025.”
For Houston’s offense, protecting Stroud is a priority. Only Chicago’s Caleb Williams was sacked more often than Stroud last season. Despite this pressure, Stroud threw for 3,727 yards and 20 touchdowns but saw his interceptions double to twelve from his rookie year. Coach Ryans replaced offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik with Nick Caley.
Stroud said of Caley: “He comes from a different style than I’m used to, at least in the NFL (…) So, it’s cool just to learn something new and put another tool in my toolbox.”
During the offseason, Caserio traded five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to Washington and made several adjustments including drafting rookie Aireontae Ersery at left tackle and signing additional receivers for depth behind Nico Collins.
Indianapolis faces questions about its quarterback situation after missing playoffs four seasons straight. Daniel Jones is expected to start as quarterback; since 2017 only Anthony Richardson started back-to-back openers.
Steichen said regarding Jones: “Let’s see how the season goes.”
Jacksonville also made significant moves by firing coach Doug Pederson and GM Trent Baalke before hiring Liam Coen as head coach and James Gladstone as general manager. The Jaguars hope rookie Travis Hunter will bolster both offense and defense alongside quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Brian Callahan returns for his second year as head coach of Tennessee with several roster changes focused on rebuilding under newly hired general manager Mike Borgonzi.
A projected order of finish within AFC South lists Houston first followed by Indianapolis, Tennessee, then Jacksonville.
AP Sports Writers Kristie Rieken and Michael Marot along with AP Pro Football Writer Mark Long contributed to this report.
