First Things First Cast Makes Definitve AFC South Predictions for the NFL Season
Houston Texans Lead Most Division Projections
Despite varying views on quarterback C.J. Stroud, all three analysts project the Houston Texans to finish at the top of the AFC South standings. According to Nick Wright, Houston will be fighting for the top seed all year with a projected 12-5 record. Wright stated that if Stroud is average they win 11 games, if above average they reach 12, and if good, you can argue they’re the best team in the league.
Chris Broussard also places the Texans at number one, pointing to the talented defense and expecting a bounce-back year from Stroud after playing through injuries. According to Broussard, C.J. was average last year … obviously he was banged up for a few games,
though he noted he does not necessarily expect Stroud to reach top-five status. Danny Parkins agrees on Houston capturing the division’s upper tier due to their defensive strength, though Parkins notes that defensive production can fluctuate and expresses ongoing questions regarding Stroud’s offensive output.
Diverging Expectations for the Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville enters the season carrying high expectations after a 13-win campaign last year, but analysts hold mixed views on their trajectory. Nick Wright highlights the young core led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence and two-way standout Travis Hunter, predicting another 13-win season and calling Lawrence far away, the best quarterback in that division.
Chris Broussard takes a more cautious approach, placing the Jaguars at second in the division but predicting they will miss the playoffs. According to Broussard, Is that who he finally is? Or is he going to go back down the roller coaster? I’m not betting on a bad year, but I’m not expecting a good year.
Danny Parkins forecasts a steep regression for Jacksonville, arguing that Trevor Lawrence cannot be fully trusted despite the offensive scheme managed by Liam Coen.
Indianapolis Colts and Daniel Jones’s Return
The Indianapolis Colts generate polarized forecasts centered around quarterback Daniel Jones and his recovery from a season-ending Achilles injury. Nick Wright worries about Jones’s mobility and places head coach Shane Steichen on an instant hot seat following past unmet expectations. Conversely, Danny Parkins tabs the Colts to win the AFC South title, citing the return of four of five offensive line starters and the potential of a fully healthy offense.
Meanwhile, Chris Broussard places the Colts third, citing lingering doubts from their late-season collapse last year when they lost their final seven games. According to Broussard, the team struggled once they started facing tougher competition, leaving him skeptical of an immediate turnaround.
Tennessee Titans Face Rebuilding Year Under Robert Saleh
All three analysts agree that the Tennessee Titans will anchor the bottom of the AFC South as they undergo a full rebuild under new head coach Robert Saleh and young quarterback Cam Ward. Nick Wright projects a six-win season if players like Carnell Tate and Cam Ward take developmental jumps.
Chris Broussard voiced support for Saleh getting a fair chance with Ward at the helm, stating, I hope I’m wrong. I like Cam Ward. I would really like to see him do something this year.
However, Danny Parkins expressed deep concern for the franchise, stating that the Titans are in contention with the Miami Dolphins for the worst record in the NFL.