What teams are in the AFC South? Meet the NFL's AFC South division teams

What teams are in the AFC South? Meet the NFL's AFC South division teams

Kenneth Mwenda
updated at July 28, 2023 at 7:24 AM

What teams are in the AFC South? A realm of fervent competition, raw passion, and gridiron battles, the AFC South stands as a testament to the heart and soul of American football. Stories of triumph, adversity, and unwavering dedication lie within this NFL division as four teams vie for glory on the hallowed turf.

What NFL teams are in the AFC South?
Indianapolis Colts' game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 08, 2023, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo: Justin Casterline
Source: Getty Images

The American Football Conference (AFC) South is one of the four National Football League (NFL) divisions. Comprising four competitive teams, the AFC South has become a battleground for football enthusiasts, witnessing intense rivalries and remarkable moments on the field. This article will explore how many teams are in the AFC South and delve into their history, successes, and challenges.

What NFL teams are in the AFC South?

The AFC South is an intriguing division with unique histories, strengths, and ambitions. The Indianapolis Colts are historically the most successful team, while the Houston Texans are the second, with six titles (as of July 2023). The Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars are relatively young teams, but they possess the potential to rise to greater heights with the right direction and dedication.

1. Houston Texans

What teams are in the AFC South division
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (31) and Houston Texans running back Devin Singletary (26) make their way across the field during day 1 of the Texans Training Camp at Houston Methodist Training Center on July 26, 2023, in Houston, Texas. Photo: Ken Murray
Source: Getty Images

The Houston Texans joined the NFL in 2002 as an expansion team. Though relatively young compared to their divisional rivals, they have made their presence felt in the league. The team's name reflects the oil industry's importance in Houston, making it a significant part of the city's identity.

The Texans have had moments of brilliance, displaying glimpses of their potential to dominate the league. Led by skilled players and competent coaches, they have managed to clinch playoff berths and divisional titles. However, they are yet to achieve the ultimate glory of winning a Super Bowl.

Despite their struggles, the Texans have cultivated a strong and passionate fan base that continues to support them through thick and thin. Their journey remains one of building resilience, learning from experiences, and striving for excellence.

2. Indianapolis Colts

What NFL teams are in the AFC South?
Indianapolis Colts players during a training session on July 26, 2023, at the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, IN. Photo: Zach Bolinger
Source: Getty Images

The Indianapolis Colts boast a storied history in the NFL. Originally established in Baltimore in 1953, the Colts moved to Indianapolis in 1984 and have since left an indelible mark on the league. Led by legendary quarterback Peyton Manning during the 2000s, the Colts achieved immense success, including a Super Bowl victory in 2007.

Under the guidance of exemplary leadership and a commitment to excellence, the Colts have consistently been a formidable force in the AFC South. Their roster has featured talented players across all positions, making them a great contender.

The Colts have proven their resilience by rebuilding the team around new talents and experienced veterans. With strong coaching and a determined spirit, they remain a constant threat in the division and the entire NFL.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

What football teams are in the AFC South?
Jacksonville Jaguars players during Jacksonville Jaguars minicamp on June 13, 2023, at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fl. Photo: David Rosenblum
Source: Getty Images

The Jacksonville Jaguars came into existence in 1995, making them the youngest team in the AFC South. Representing the vibrant city of Jacksonville, Florida, the Jaguars have had their share of ups and downs over the years.

The team's history has been marked by periods of growth and rebuilding. They have experienced both winning seasons and seasons where they struggled to find their footing. Despite this, the Jaguars have displayed potential and determination, often being a tough competitor for their divisional rivals.

The Jaguars' dedication to improvement has led them to make bold decisions, such as drafting high-profile players and bringing in experienced coaches. These moves aim to shape a brighter future and, eventually, make their mark as a consistent contender in the AFC South.

4. Tennessee Titans

Who is the best team in the AFC South
Joshua Dobbs (11) and Derrick Henry (22) of the Tennessee Titans in action during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on January 07, 2023, in Jacksonville, Florida. Photo: Courtney Culbreath
Source: Getty Images

The Tennessee Titans, formerly known as the Houston Oilers, relocated to Tennessee in 1997 and adopted their current name in 1999. This relocation brought a fresh start to the franchise, and they have since developed a strong identity and a dedicated fan base.

The Titans have experienced both highs and lows during their tenure in the AFC South. They made several playoff appearances and reached the Super Bowl in the 1999 season, narrowly falling short of clinching the title.

In recent years, the Titans have emerged as a dominant force in the division, largely due to their powerful ground game, led by star running back Derrick Henry. With a balanced team and effective coaching, they have been a team to watch in the AFC South.

Comparison and analysis: AFC South teams

What teams are in the NFL South?
Trevor Lawrence (16) of the Jacksonville Jaguars takes a snap against the Tennessee Titans at TIAA Bank Field on January 8, 2023, in Jacksonville, Florida. Photo: Mike Carlson
Source: Getty Images

Since the inception of the division in 2002, a total of 21 champions have been crowned (as of 2023). Now that we have explored each team individually, let us compare their performances, assess their strengths and weaknesses and tell who is the best team in the AFC South.

Success and titles

Among the franchises in the division, the Indianapolis Colts is the AFC South's most successful team, securing nine division titles. Notably, they are the only team in the division to have won a Super Bowl as of July 2023. Their memorable triumph came after the 2006 season when they defeated the Chicago Bears with a convincing score of 29-17.

The Titans also boast a strong history, particularly during their time as the Houston Oilers, but they have not achieved the same level of success as the Colts in recent years. For the last three years, the Tennessee Titans have established themselves as the most dominant team in the AFC South.

Season

Team

Record

Playoff Results

2002

Tennessee Titans (1)

11–5

Divisional Playoffs: Won against Steelers 34–31 (OT)

AFC Championship: Lost against Raiders 24–41

2003

Indianapolis Colts (1)

12–4

Wild Card Playoffs: Won against Broncos 41–10

Divisional Playoffs: Won against Chiefs 38–31 AFC

Championship: Lost against Patriots 14–24

2004

Indianapolis Colts (2)

12–4

Wild Card Playoffs: Won against Broncos 49–24

Divisional Playoffs: Lost against Patriots 3–20

2005

Indianapolis Colts (3)

14–2

Divisional Playoffs: Lost against Steelers 18–21

2006

Indianapolis Colts (4)

12–4

Wild Card Playoffs: Won against Chiefs 23–8

Divisional Playoffs: Won against Ravens 15–6 AFC

Championship: Won against Patriots 38–34

Super Bowl XLI: Won against Bears 29–17

2007

Indianapolis Colts (5)

13–3

Divisional Playoffs: Lost against Chargers 24–28

2008

Tennessee Titans (2)

13–3

Divisional Playoffs: Lost against Ravens 10–13

2009

Indianapolis Colts (6)

14–2

Divisional Playoffs: Won against Ravens 20–3 AFC

Championship: Won against Jets 30–17

Super Bowl XLIV: Lost against Saints 17–31

2010

Indianapolis Colts (7)

10–6

Wild Card Playoffs: Lost against Jets 16–17

2011

Houston Texans (1)

10–6

Wild Card Playoffs: Won against Bengals 31–10

Divisional Playoffs: Lost against Ravens 13–20

2012

Houston Texans (2)

12–4

Wild Card Playoffs: Won against Bengals 19–13

Divisional Playoffs: Lost against Patriots 28–41

2013

Indianapolis Colts (8)

11–5

Wild Card Playoffs: Won against Chiefs 45–44

Divisional Playoffs: Lost against Patriots 22–43

2014

Indianapolis Colts (9)

11–5

Wild Card Playoffs: Won against Bengals 26–10

Divisional Playoffs: Won against Broncos 24–13 AFC

Championship: Lost against Patriots 7–45

2015

Houston Texans (3)

9–7

Wild Card Playoffs: Lost against Chiefs 0–30

2016

Houston Texans (4)

9–7

Wild Card Playoffs: Won against Raiders 27–14

Divisional Playoffs: Lost against Patriots 16–34

2017

Jacksonville Jaguars (1)

10–6

Wild Card Playoffs: Won against Bills 10–3 Divisional

Playoffs: Won against Steelers 45–42 AFC

Championship: Lost against Patriots 20–24

2018

Houston Texans (5)

11–5

Wild Card Playoffs: Lost against Colts 7–21

2019

Houston Texans (6)

10–6

Wild Card Playoffs: Won against Bills 22–19 (OT)

Divisional Playoffs: Lost against Chiefs 31–51

2020

Tennessee Titans (3)

11–5

Wild Card Playoffs: Lost against Ravens 13–20

2021

Tennessee Titans (4)

12–5

Divisional Playoffs: Lost against Bengals 16–19

2022

Jacksonville Jaguars (2)

9–8

Wild Card Playoffs: Won against Chargers 31–30

Divisional Playoffs: Lost against Chiefs 20–27

As the NFL continues to evolve, each of these teams will face new challenges and opportunities. What remains constant is the passion of their fans and the determination of players and coaches to make their mark in the league. The AFC South division will undoubtedly continue to provide exciting matchups and intense rivalries, making it a thrilling part of the American football landscape.

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With most new youngsters giving their best in an attempt to break a specific record, the league has risen to greater heights. A football player must possess incredible agility, power, skill, and vision to make the most rushing touchdowns in a season. Click the above link to read more!

Authors
Kenneth Mwenda photo
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a business and sports writer with over five years of experience. At Sportsbrief, he contributes to writing biographies and listicles.