With a strong draft and free agency period, the Houston Texans are expected to defend their AFC South crown and possibly make a deep playoff run.
The Houston Texans shocked the NFL last season by winning the AFC South with a 10-7 record. Their young quarterback, C.J. Stroud, emerged as one of the league's best, while their defense held opponents to an average of just 19.5 points per game.
This offseason, the Texans have doubled down on Stroud's potential by acquiring star wide receiver Stefon Diggs and running back Joe Mixon. Diggs is a three-time Pro Bowler who has averaged over 1,000 receiving yards per season over the past four years, while Mixon is a former All-Pro who has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the past two seasons.
NFL AFC South Preview: Houston Texans Poised for Another Division Title Run
With these additions, the Texans now boast one of the most potent offenses in the league. Stroud has a plethora of weapons to work with, including Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and Pharoah Brown. The offensive line is also stout, led by Pro Bowl guard Arik Armstead and center Kyle Murphy.
The Texans' defense is not as strong as their offense, but they made some key additions this offseason, including edge rusher Danielle Hunter and safety Micah Fitzpatrick. Hunter is a two-time Pro Bowler who has averaged over 10 sacks per season over the past three years, while Fitzpatrick is a former All-Pro who has a knack for making big plays.
NFL AFC South Preview: Houston Texans Poised for Another Division Title Run
The Texans are the clear favorites to win the AFC South again this year. They have a young, talented roster that is well-coached by Lovie Smith. If they can stay healthy, they have the potential to be one of the best teams in the NFL.
The Jacksonville Jaguars had a disappointing 9-8 record last season, missing the playoffs after a 5-game losing streak at the end of the year. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence struggled down the stretch, throwing for just 62.37% completion with 9 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
NFL AFC South Preview: Houston Texans Poised for Another Division Title Run
This offseason, the Jaguars have made some changes to their roster in an attempt to bounce back. They have added wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., tight end Evan Engram, and offensive tackle D'Ante Smith. They have also signed veteran cornerback Ronald Darby to a one-year deal.
The Jaguars are hoping that these additions will help Lawrence take the next step in his development. Lawrence has all the physical tools to be a great quarterback, but he needs to improve his decision-making and consistency.
NFL AFC South Preview: Houston Texans Poised for Another Division Title Run
The Jaguars' defense is solid, led by Pro Bowl cornerback C.J. Henderson and Pro Bowl linebacker Josh Allen. However, they need to find a pass rusher to replace Yannick Ngakoue, who was traded to the Indianapolis Colts this offseason.
The Jaguars are a playoff contender in 2022, but they need to see improvement from Lawrence and their pass rush. If they can get those two things, they could be a dark horse to win the Super Bowl.
NFL AFC South Preview: Houston Texans Poised for Another Division Title Run
The Indianapolis Colts went 4-13 last season, their worst record since 2011. Quarterback Anthony Richardson struggled in his rookie season, throwing for just 59.5% completion with 3 touchdowns and 1 interception.
This offseason, the Colts have made a number of changes to their roster, including hiring Shane Steichen as their new head coach. They have also added wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., running back Jonathan Taylor, and defensive end Kwity Paye.
The Colts are hoping that these additions will help Richardson take the next step in his development. Richardson has a lot of potential, but he needs to improve his accuracy and decision-making.
The Colts' defense is solid, led by Pro Bowl linebacker Darius Leonard and Pro Bowl cornerback Kenny Moore. However, they need to find a way to generate more pressure on the quarterback.
The Colts are a rebuilding team, but they have some talented young players. If Richardson can develop into a franchise quarterback, they could be a contender in the AFC South in the next few years.
The Tennessee Titans went 7-10 last season, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2018. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill struggled with injuries, and the Titans' offense was one of the worst in the league.
This offseason, the Titans have made a number of changes to their roster, including hiring Brian Callahan as their new head coach. They have also added wide receiver Calvin Ridley, running back Tony Pollard, and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie.
The Titans are hoping that these additions will help them return to the playoffs. Tannehill is a proven quarterback when healthy, and Ridley is a Pro Bowl wide receiver who can stretch the field. Pollard is a versatile running back who can
