The 2025-26 NFL season is shaping up to be another intriguing chapter in the AFC South. Online NFL sportsbooks are favoring the Houston Texans to emerge as the division champions, while the Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, and Tennessee Titans look to disprove those projections.
Here’s a detailed glimpse of each team’s outlook and betting prospects in the AFC South for the upcoming season.
Houston Texans: The Favorites Leaning Toward a Three-Peat
The Houston Texans enter the season as the division favorites with odds around +110 to win the AFC South. Houston has claimed the division crown in six of the last ten seasons, including the past two years behind the strong arm of quarterback C.J. Stroud.
The Texans have bolstered their offense with new key additions like running back Nick Chubb and receiver Christian Kirk. The Texans’ offense and the continued development of Stroud position them as the team to beat, and the safe bet is on them winning the division for a third consecutive year.
Jacksonville Jaguars: The Ambitious Contenders
The Jaguars come into the season with respectable odds of around +310 to win the division. Jacksonville was the last team to win the AFC South before Houston’s recent reign, taking the title in 2022. Is this the year quarterback Trevor Lawrence reverses Jacksonville’s fortunes?
Lawrence will have a little help on offense with the addition of wide receiver Travis Hunter, whom they acquired in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft. Hunter will also contribute on defense as a cornerback, but how much time he’ll spend on each side of the ball will depend on the opponent and game situation.
Indianapolis Colts: Longing to End the Drought
The Colts’ odds currently hover around +375, making them a long shot to contend for the title. Indianapolis has not won the AFC South since 2014 and has struggled to stabilize its roster and offensive output.
Quarterback Anthony Richardson will have some competition this year, as the Colts have signed former Giant Daniel Jones to the roster. Richardson could have a short hook this year if he struggles early or continues to deal with nagging injuries.
Tennessee Titans: The Rebuilding Longshots
The Titans are viewed as distant underdogs with odds near +800 to win the division. Tennessee ended last season with a disappointing 3-14 record, enduring a six-game losing streak to close out the year.
However, the number one overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Cam Ward from Miami, is now their starting quarterback for Week 1. Ward arrives with impressive college credentials, including over 4,300 passing yards and 39 touchdowns in his final year.
Tennessee’s success this year will hinge on Ward’s ability to transition quickly to the NFL and the team’s overall offensive improvement.
Betting Outlook Summary
The AFC South remains a division with a somewhat predictable conclusion – a Texans win. That said, if Stroud misses any significant time for Houston, the division becomes anyone’s to win; however, we aren’t betting on that to happen either.
Sources: Bovada Sportsbook – ESPN – Sports Illustrated
