1. Houston Texans

They have one of the most impressive defensive units currently in the NFL. If QB C.J. Stroud can find the groove he had in his rookie season, then maybe they could finally advance past the Divisional Round for the first time in franchise history.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars

Aside from the disappointing early playoff exit, it was a great start under head coach Liam Coen. Now it’s time to see if they can repeat that and remain a contender going forward.

3. Indianapolis Colts

After a promising start last season they fell off a cliff in the second half of it. If QB Daniel Jones can remain healthy the Colts will be in a better position to clinch a playoff spot potentially.

4. Tennessee Titans

The reset button has been hit and they have begun surrounding QB Cam Ward with better personnel on the offensive line and at wide receiver. Will new head coach Robert Saleh have better results this time around with his second head coaching stint?

Head Coach: DeMeco Ryans

Key Position: Quarterback

There were deficiencies on the offensive line and in the backfield for Houston last season, but QB C.J. Stroud was not himself in any form or fashion for the majority of the year. He was sacked less in 2025 than he was in 2024, but his touchdowns have gone down since his Offensive Rookie of the Year season in 2023. Houston did have one of the more inconsistent rushing attacks in the league and they hoped to have remedied that with the trade of David Montgomery from Detroit. He should be a breath of fresh air for Stroud who was missing having a reliable option back there. RB Woody Marks played admirably, but he is not suited to be the main option in this offense. If WR Tank Dell returns from his devastating knee injury in 2024 that will help Stroud build his confidence back. Ever since Dell went down that seems to have been the turning point in Stroud’s performance, which is shocking considering he’s had WR Nico Collins (when he’s healthy) and now TE Dalton Schultz to throw to.

Key Acquisitions: DB Reed Blankenship (Philadelphia Eagles), WR Kayshon Boutte (New England Patriots), DE Jadeveon Clowney (Dallas Cowboys), OL Evan Brown (Arizona Cardinals), DL Logan Hall (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), RB David Montgomery (Detroit Lions), TE Foster Moreau (New Orleans Saints), OL Wyatt Teller (Cleveland Browns), T Braden Smith (Indianapolis Colts)

Key Rookies: OL Keylan Rutledge, DT Kayden McDonald, TE Marlin Klein

Head Coach: Liam Coen

Key Position: Running Back

Letting RB Travis Etienne Jr. go in free agency was quite the surprise as he was an integral part of the offense. Especially in the passing game with 6 receiving touchdowns, a career high for him. QB Trevor Lawrence is gonna miss him as they both played together in college at Clemson. Who will be the one to step up? RB Bhayshul Tuten was solid in spurts during his rookie year. He’ll likely be the starter, but newly signed RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. will get opportunities as well. Being a power back he should see plenty of action in goal line looks. If Lawrence leads this team in rushing that won’t bode well for them this season.

Key Acquisitions: OL Daniel Faalele (Baltimore Ravens), DT Ruke Orhorhoro (Atlanta Falcons), RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. (Washington Commanders), LB Jahlani Tavai (New England Patriots)

Key Rookies: TE Nate Boerkircher, DT Albert Regis, DB Jalen Huskey

Head Coach: Shane Steichen

Key Position: Wide Receiver

They paid WR Alec Pierce top dollar to stay in Indy as primarily a boom or bust deep threat. He had his first 1,000 yard receiving season last year and they traded away WR Michael Pittman Jr. who has been their best all-around receiver. WR Josh Downs has been a solid receiver, but I wouldn’t consider him or Pierce as go-to guys. Signing WR Keenan Allen was a solid move, but he could miss time for off-field issues after signing with the Colts. This is where it was wise to draft TE Tyler Warren in the first round last season. He will undoubtedly be the primary target for QB Daniel Jones who is coming off a torn achilles to end his season last year.

Key Acquisitions: WR Keenan Allen (LA Chargers), DE Michael Clemons (NY Jets), LB Akeem Davis-Gaither (Arizona Cardinals), DE Arden Key (Tennessee Titans)

Key Rookies: LB CJ Allen, DB AJ Haulcy

Head Coach: Robert Saleh (Defensive Coordinator – 49ers)

Key Position: Offense

This team’s struggles last year were all across the offensive side of the ball. Second worst total offense, third worst passing and rushing attack and the second worst 3rd down conversion percentage in the league. The offensive line should be better with a new coaching staff and an offensive coordinator in Brian Daboll who can get creative in establishing quick throws and screens to keep a quarterback upright. QB Cam Ward had a rough go in his rookie season. He looked better a times as the season progressed, but the hope is that he hasn’t regressed from what he showed in college. He has a couple new targets to throw to in rookie first round pick Carnell Tate and Wan’Dale Robinson in free agency. Tate hails from the wide receiver factory that is Ohio State and Robinson is coming off a career year with the NY Giants. WR Calvin Ridley when he’s available can be a valuable asset. TE Gunnar Helm had a solid rookie season and should build on that chemistry with Ward.

Key Acquisitions: DB Tony Adams (NY Jets), TE Daniel Bellinger (NY Giants), DT Jordan Elliott (San Francisco 49ers), CB Cor’Dale Flott (NY Giants), DL John Franklin-Myers (Denver Broncos), DE Jermaine Johnson II (NY Jets), DE Jacob Martin (Washington Commanders), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (NY Giants), OL Austin Schlottmann (NY Giants)

Key Rookies: WR Carnell Tate, DE Keldric Faulk, LB Anthony Hill Jr.