In 2023, the AFC South was supposed to be a formality.
The Jacksonville Jaguars were going to roll to a division title, likely to be wrapped up by Thanksgiving. And, at 8–3, that appeared to be the case.
Then, the Jaguars won just one of their final six games, missed the playoffs, and the Houston Texans stunned the NFL to win the division title behind rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. The Indianapolis Colts finished 9–8, losing on the final weekend of the season to the Texans with a chance to win the division.
This season, Houston is universally considered the division favorites, while Indianapolis and Jacksonville are right on its heels. As for the Tennessee Titans, questions abound based on an active offseason and the unknown of second-year quarterback Will Levis.
Let’s look at how each team fared over the past few months.
Houston Texans
Offseason grade: B
Key additions: Edge Danielle Hunter, WR Stefon Diggs, OT Blake Fisher, RB Joe Mixon, LB Azeez Al-Shaair, DT Denico Autry
Key subtractions: LB Blake Cashman, DT Maliek Collins, Edge Jonathan Greenard, DT Sheldon Rankins
Analysis: The Texans added plenty of firepower, while also bringing back an important piece on offense. Tight end Dalton Schultz was re-signed to a three-year deal, while Houston general manager Nick Caserio added Mixon via trade before a curious extension. Additionally, Houston took Fisher in the second round, likely signaling Tytus Howard making a permanent move to guard.
Of course, the big move was trading for Diggs. The acquisition was wise, but the decision to void the last three years of his deal, making him an unrestricted free agent after 2024, was bizarre. Houston gave up a second-round pick for Diggs and can’t lose him after 17 games.
Defensively, the Texans brought in Autry to man the interior while Hunter will provide pass rush. However, the losses of linebacker Cashman, Collins and Greenard are significant.
