You probably didn’t see this coming. Last summer, everyone was crowning the Houston Texans as the inevitable kings of the South for the next decade. C.J. Stroud was the golden boy, and the roster looked bulletproof. But the NFL has a funny way of punching "sure things" in the mouth.
As of January 2026, the standings in afc south tell a story of a massive power shift that basically nobody predicted. We aren't just looking at a slight shuffle; we’re looking at a complete overhaul of the divisional hierarchy.
The Final 2025-2026 AFC South Regular Season Standings
Before we get into the "how" and "why," let’s look at the cold, hard numbers. The regular season wrapped up with a dramatic Week 18 that saw the Jacksonville Jaguars crush the Tennessee Titans 41-7 to put a stamp on the division.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: 13–4 (Division Champions)
- Houston Texans: 12–5 (Wild Card)
- Indianapolis Colts: 8–9
- Tennessee Titans: 3–14
The Jags didn't just win; they finished on a blistering eight-game winning streak. Honestly, it’s one of the most impressive mid-season turnarounds in recent memory. After a dismal 4-13 campaign in 2024, first-year head coach Liam Coen somehow turned Trevor Lawrence back into the "Prince Who Was Promised."
Jacksonville’s Unreal Resurrection
Nobody—and I mean nobody—expected the Jaguars to win 13 games.
They started the year under a cloud of skepticism. But Trevor Lawrence put up career-high numbers, tossing 29 touchdowns and rushing for another nine. He finally looked like the guy we saw at Clemson. It wasn't just him, though. The defense, led by Devin Lloyd, became a takeaway machine during that final two-month stretch.
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The most fascinating part of this run? They did it with rookie sensation Travis Hunter missing the second half of the year. Hunter, the two-way unicorn from Colorado, was supposed to be the focal point. When he went down, the team actually got tighter. It’s kinda weird how that works sometimes.
What Happened to the Houston Texans?
If you look at 12-5, you’d think Houston had a great year. And they did. But losing the division on the final day hurts.
They finished with a nine-game winning streak of their own, which is just insane. You had two teams in the same division going a combined 17-0 to finish the year. The Texans eventually secured the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs. While C.J. Stroud continued to be a superstar, their early-season stumbles—specifically a rough patch in October—allowed Jacksonville to build just enough of a cushion.
Even with Nick Chubb and Woody Marks handling the backfield, Houston found themselves playing catch-up. They’re still a powerhouse, but the "dynasty" talk has been put on hold while the Jags hold the trophy.
The Colts and Titans: A Cold Winter in the Basement
Indianapolis is in a weird spot.
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They finished 8-9, which feels like the most "Colts" record possible. Daniel Jones, who took over under center, threw for over 3,000 yards, but the consistency just wasn't there. They actually led the division at 8-2 at one point! Then the wheels fell off. A seven-game losing streak to end the season is the kind of thing that gets people fired. Jonathan Taylor was a bright spot with 18 rushing touchdowns, but you can't win in this league when your defense allows 412 points.
Then there’s Tennessee.
3-14.
Ouch.
The Titans are officially in "tear it down to the studs" mode. Rookie QB Cameron Ward showed flashes, but he was running for his life most of the time. They finished 0-6 in the division. When you can’t win a single game against your rivals, the standings in afc south are always going to look ugly.
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Why This Division is the Toughest in the AFC Right Now
For years, the AFC South was the "AFC Sad." It was the division where a 9-7 team would stumble into the playoffs and get blown out. Not anymore.
The Jaguars and Texans are legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Even though the Jags just got bounced in the Wild Card round by the Bills in a 27-24 heartbreaker, the foundation is massive.
- Elite QB Play: Between Lawrence and Stroud, this division has two of the top five young QBs in the game.
- Coaching Stability: Liam Coen has brought a modern offensive scheme to Jacksonville that fits Lawrence perfectly.
- Roster Depth: Houston’s receiving corps is deep enough to survive injuries that would sink other teams.
What to Watch for Next
If you're looking to place bets or just track the movement for the 2026 season, keep an eye on the draft order. Tennessee is sitting pretty with a top-five pick, and they desperately need offensive line help.
Jacksonville has already signaled they aren't changing their approach with Travis Hunter. He’s going to continue playing both ways in 2026. That’s a risky gamble, but when you win 13 games, people tend to trust your judgment.
The Colts have to decide if Daniel Jones is a bridge or the future. Spoiler: it’s probably a bridge.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
- Don't ignore the "Home" stats: Both Jacksonville and Houston went 7-2 at home this year. If you're betting on AFC South games in 2026, the home-field advantage here is becoming one of the strongest in the NFL.
- Watch the Waiver Wire: The Titans are expected to offload several veterans this spring. Teams like Houston, who have a little cap space, could snag some defensive depth for cheap.
- Regression Check: Keep an eye on the Colts' defensive coaching staff. Their late-season collapse was tactical, not just about talent. A coordinator change there could make them a 10-win team overnight.
The AFC South isn't a joke anymore. It's a meat grinder.
Check the draft order for the 2026 NFL season to see how Tennessee and Indianapolis plan to close the gap on the Jags and Texans.