Josh Frey’s 2025 NFL Standings Predictions: AFC South
The NFL season is fast approaching now that teams have trimmed their rosters down to 53 players.
With that in mind, let’s take a look across the league and break down every division. Today, we continue that process with predictions for the AFC South.
AFC East predictions
NFC East predictions
AFC North predictions
NFC North predictions
NFL Standings Predictions: AFC South
1. Houston Texans (9-8)
The big question for the Houston Texans this year is how well they will be able to protect C.J. Stroud. The Texans QB was sacked 52 times last year, which was the second-most among all QBs in 2024. It’s hard to foresee a much better outcome in 2025 given the current state of the offensive line.
Defensively, Houston is run up front with star pass rushers Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter coming off the edge. If the secondary can force opposing quarterbacks to hold onto the ball longer, the duo could put together huge sack numbers this season.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-10)
Trevor Lawrence has not developed into the superstar quarterback that many foresaw him being when Jacksonville selected him first overall in 2021. Lawrence’s 2024 campaign was derailed by injuries, but even still, he completed just 60.6% of his passes last season for 2048 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Defensively, the Jaguars simply have to force more turnovers this year after recording just nine takeaways in 2024, last in the NFL. A bottom-10 run defense also allowed teams to extend possessions even further, putting even more pressure on Lawrence when Jacksonville did have the ball. It’s tough to see Jacksonville putting together a winning season this year even with the addition of Travis Hunter.
3. Indianapolis Colts (6-11)
The Colts feel like a mess that has gone somewhat under the radar this offseason, and it mostly surrounds the quarterback position. Anthony Richardson is being replaced by Daniel Jones as the starting QB to begin the year, which doesn’t exactly bode well for the development of young receivers on the roster like Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and Adonai Mitchell.
Defensively, this Colts team remains solid with a number of familiar faces like DeForest Buckner and Zaire Franklin along with newcomers Charvarius Ward, Xavien Howard, and Camryn Bynum in the secondary. The roster itself is a solid group of players, but if there is no stability at the quarterback position, the ceiling is set pretty low.
4. Tennessee Titans (6-11)
A new chapter is beginning in Tennessee as Cam Ward is taking over the quarterback spot following a disastrous season from Will Levis. Ward, like any young quarterback, will see his fair share of struggles to begin his career, which could lead to a slow start.
However, this will be an improved team with a decent offensive line following the signings of Lloyd Cushenberry, Dan Moore Jr., and Kevin Zeitler to protect Ward. Tennessee could also see some growth from Tyjae Spears, which would be massive for their running game behind Tony Pollard.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.
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