The Tennessee Titans posted a league-worst 3-14 record in 2024. That landed them the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, and they took advantage of that opportunity to select franchise quarterback Cam Ward.
There's legitimate hope that Ward will quickly change the Titans' fortunes. First-year GM Mike Borgonzi is still building out a competitive roster, but head coach Brian Callahan possesses full faith in Ward's ability to elevate the team around him.
The Titans obviously finished last in the AFC South last season, but the overall state of the division was not impressive. The Houston Texans claimed the title at a slightly underwhelming 10-7. The 8-9 Indianapolis Colts finished second, and the AFC South was one of three NFL divisions to lack a second double-digit win team.
Pro Football Focus recently ranked all eight divisions in the NFL. Unsurprisingly, the AFC South ranked dead last.
Pro Football Focus: AFC South is worst division in football
"As for the Titans, the rebuild is still in full swing," Trevor Sikkema wrote. "Even with Cam Ward under center, they enter 2025 as a team likely headed for another top-five draft pick. After finishing as PFF’s lowest-ranked team last season, expectations remain low while they work to reshape the roster."
PFF's 2025 outlook for the Titans is grim, but the division's overall weakness cracks the door open for a Nashville-sized surprise. Sikkema's cumulative over/under win total for the AFC South is 30, tied with the NFC South for dead-last in his exercise. Every other division possesses a cumulative win total of 34 or more.
"The Texans captured their second straight AFC South title in 2024 behind rising star C.J. Stroud, but their offensive line remains a concern," Sikkema continues. "The Jaguars' success may hinge on how quickly new head coach Liam Coen and quarterback Trevor Lawrence can establish chemistry. The Colts face uncertainty at quarterback, but their defense provides a solid foundation."
The Titans remain in the earliest stages of their rebuild, but Ward's presence could accelerate the process. The league-wide consensus opinion is that the AFC South is the weakest division in the NFL. The Titans could potentially contend for the division title if Ward is an instant hit.