AFC South Primer: Houston on high; QB carousel spins for Colts, Titans

Fri Sep 5 1:51pm ET
Field Level Media

Drafting a quarterback first overall will not guarantee a turnaround, sustained success and certainly not a Super Bowl.

The Tennessee Titans picked Cam Ward with the top pick in the 2025 draft after a three-win season with the idea the Heisman Trophy finalist can be a driving force in a rebound from the AFC South cellar.

Jacksonville, which still employs No. 1 pick Trevor Lawrence, can attest to the challenges and growing pains associated with being in this position. The Jaguars were right back in the top 10 of the 2025 draft and made another coaching change -- hiring Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen -- in an effort to compete for something other than top draft choices.

The Colts once had a No. 1 pick, Andrew Luck, opt for early retirement. Their most recent top-five pick, Anthony Richardson, failed to secure the starting job after two seasons and the 2023 No. 4 overall pick is the backup to Giants' castoff Daniel Jones.

Houston, which drafted C.J. Stroud second in 2023, has been to the postseason in consecutive seasons with a division title in each of the former Ohio State quarterback's first two seasons.

The Texans also offered a softer landing than the three teams competing with Houston in that Stroud was placed on a roster with a Pro Bowl left tackle (Laremy Tunsil was traded to the Commanders in the most recent offseason), developed a No. 1 receiver in Nico Collins and bring a downright nasty pass rush to the party.

As Lawrence and Jones tiptoe into another crossroads season, the lesson for those franchises and the Titans reaches far beyond getting the QB1 right.

Here's how we envision the AFC South shaking out in 2025:

1. Houston Texans (13-4)

Schedule

W1 Sun Sep 7 at Los Angeles Rams

W2 Mon Sep 15 vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

W3 Sun Sep 21 at Jacksonville Jaguars

W4 Sun Sep 28 vs Tennessee Titans

W5 Sun Oct 5 at Baltimore Ravens

W6 Bye

W7 Mon Oct 20 at Seattle Seahawks

W8 Sun Oct 26 vs San Francisco 49ers

W9 Sun Nov 2 vs Denver Broncos

W10 Sun Nov 9 vs Jacksonville Jaguars

W11 Sun Nov 16 at Tennessee Titans

W12 Thu Nov 20 vs Buffalo Bills

W13 Sun Nov 30 at Indianapolis Colts

W14 Sun Dec 7 at Kansas City Chiefs

W15 Sun Dec 14 vs Arizona Cardinals

W16 Sun Dec 21 vs Las Vegas Raiders

W17 Sun Dec 28 at Los Angeles Chargers

W18 Sun Jan 4 vs Indianapolis Colts

Front wall: Stroud was sacked 52 times last season and Houston felt it was getting little push off the line of scrimmage. Even without Joe Mixon (non-football injury list), the Texans have capable backs in Nick Chubb and Dameon Pierce who should love running behind rookie Aireontae Ersery. At 6-6, 330, he doesn't have the footwork of Tunsil but coaches described him as a hungry finisher, a harbinger of the tone of the offense the Texans hope to employ. If smashmouth isn't your thing, consider the group of wide receivers Stroud now has led by Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Christian Kirk and two rookies. Houston picked Iowa State teammates Jayden Higgins (34th overall) and Jaylin Noel (79th) in successive rounds in April.

2. Indianapolis Colts (9-8)

Schedule

W1 Sun Sep 7 vs Miami Dolphins

W2 Sun Sep 14 vs Denver Broncos

W3 Sun Sep 21 at Tennessee Titans

W4 Sun Sep 28 vs Los Angeles Rams

W5 Sun Oct 5 vs Las Vegas Raiders

W6 Sun Oct 12 vs Arizona Cardinals

W7 Sun Oct 19 at Los Angeles Chargers

W8 vs Tennessee Titans (date TBD, likely in Week 8)

W9 Sun Nov 2 at Pittsburgh Steelers

W10 Sun Nov 9 vs Atlanta Falcons (Berlin)

W11 Bye

W12 Sun Nov 23 at Kansas City Chiefs

W13 Sun Nov 30 vs Houston Texans

W14 Sun Dec 7 at Jacksonville Jaguars

W15 Sun Dec 14 at Seattle Seahawks

W16 Mon Dec 22 vs San Francisco 49ers

W17 Sun Dec 28 vs Jacksonville Jaguars

W18 Sun Jan 4 at Houston Texans

Rookie in the red zone: Head coach Shane Steichen was drawn to every part of tight end Tyler Warren's game before the Colts used the 13th pick in the 2025 draft to bring him into the fold. Warren's athletic measurements didn't stack up to some of the other tight ends in the class -- namely Michigan's Colston Loveland, who was the 10th overall pick by the Bears -- but the Colts scored Warren extremely high for football IQ, toughness, competitiveness and instincts. Quarterback Daniel Jones said all of that is obvious on the field, but keep this in mind when the Colts are inside the 20. Jones had the worst completion percentage in the NFL in the red zone last season, when his No. 1 target was rookie Malik Nabers. In Warren, Jones noted his "feel and instinct for space, getting open" which combined with his size and power makes this an easy combination to envision.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-9)

Schedule

W1 Sun Sep 7 vs Carolina Panthers

W2 Sun Sep 14 at Cincinnati Bengals

W3 Sun Sep 21 vs Houston Texans

W4 Sun Sep 28 at San Francisco 49ers

W5 Mon Oct 6 vs Kansas City Chiefs

W6 Sun Oct 12 vs Seattle Seahawks

W7 Sun Oct 19 vs Los Angeles Rams (London - Wembley)

W8 Bye

W9 Sun Nov 2 at Las Vegas Raiders

W10 Sun Nov 9 at Houston Texans

W11 Sun Nov 16 vs Los Angeles Chargers

W12 Sun Nov 23 at Arizona Cardinals

W13 Sun Nov 30 at Tennessee Titans

W14 Sun Dec 7 vs Indianapolis Colts

W15 Sun Dec 14 vs New York Jets

W16 Sun Dec 21 at Denver Broncos

W17 Sun Dec 28 at Indianapolis Colts

W18 Sun Jan 4 vs Tennessee Titans

Trevor to Thomas: New head coach Liam Coen cannot get enough of his newest No. 1 wide receiver. One of the playcallers who helped make Chris Godwin a household name in Tampa Bay, Coen is about to unleash a superstar in Brian Thomas Jr. The wide receiver set the South ablaze as a rookie and has skills to align at multiple positions because of his precision as a route runner. With No. 2 pick Travis Hunter Jr. creating a distraction and drawing media attention, Thomas could be the receiver the NFL is talking about by season's end.

4. Tennessee Titans (4-13)

Schedule

W1 Sun Sep 7 at Denver Broncos

W2 Sun Sep 14 vs Los Angeles Rams

W3 Sun Sep 21 vs Indianapolis Colts

W4 Sun Sep 28 at Houston Texans

W5 Sun Oct 5 at Arizona Cardinals

W6 Sun Oct 12 at Las Vegas Raiders

W7 Sun Oct 19 vs New England Patriots

W8 vs Indianapolis Colts

W9 Sun Nov 2 vs Los Angeles Chargers

W10 Bye

W11 Sun Nov 16 vs Houston Texans

W12 Sun Nov 23 at Seattle Seahawks

W13 Sun Nov 30 vs Jacksonville Jaguars

W14 Sun Dec 7 at Cleveland Browns

W15 Sun Dec 14 at San Francisco 49ers

W16 Sun Dec 21 vs Kansas City Chiefs

W17 Sun Dec 28 vs New Orleans Saints

W18 Sun Jan 4 at Jacksonville Jaguars

Spar for Arch: Circle the Week 17 date on your calendar, especially if you are a draft fan. Let's walk through a scenario in which two three-win teams tangle in Nashville a couple days before New Year's. New Orleans, home to former prized quarterback Archie Manning, might be compelled to go three or four deep on the depth chart to avoid leaving the Music City with a fourth win. We know grandpa said Arch is staying at Texas. But if this scenario plays out, the Titans would also potentially be in position to pick first overall two years in a row -- or hold an auction for the No. 1 pick. The Saints also wouldn't mind looking at a few other quarterbacks in this draft class. Some love South Carolina dual-threat LaNorris Sellers. How's this for a juicy potential pairing: LSU's Garrett Nussmeier is the son of current Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier.

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 2

Player Notes
Keenan Allen Sep 11 8:50am CT
Keenan Allen

Long a productive fantasy wide receiver, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen is once again showing he can be a starting option in his first year back with L.A. After a big Week 1 that included 10 targets and a touchdown catch, the veteran naturally saw a big uptick in waiver-wire adds and managers inserting him into starting lineups, and for good reason. At age 33, Allen fell in drafts following a chaotic season with a Chicago Bears team that started a rookie quarterback and fired its coach mid-season. Now with an organization with stability at coach and quarterback, Allen has consistent WR3/flex potential. It's clear that Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert trusts him, and after Week 1, it's also clear there's more than a little left in the tank.

From RotoBaller

Kayshon Boutte Sep 11 8:40am CT
Kayshon Boutte

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (shoulder) remains an intriguing waiver-wire option despite the injury as his team is set to take on the Miami Dolphins in Week 2. The talent has always been visible for the LSU product, but the third-year pro appears to be developing a real chemistry with New England quarterback Drake Maye. Boutte finished the 2024 season with 16 catches for 240 yards and two touchdowns in the final three games, and started 2025 with a 103-yard showing. The Pats brought in Stefon Diggs and still roster DeMario Douglas, both of whom are factors, though Boutte is showing legitimate fantasy potential. His shoulder ailment is worth watching in Week 2, but he's shown some season-long potential that could strengthen a manager's bench.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Sep 11 8:20am CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (wrist) is off the team's injury report, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapport. Washington coach Dan Quinn downplayed the QB's throwing-wrist injury earlier this week, and it appears his lack of concern came to fruition, as Daniels will suit up when Washington takes on Green Bay on Thursday Night Football. The Washington offense was slow to start in an unremarkable season-opening win against the New York Giants, but Daniels remains one of the very best options in any fantasy format due to his consistent rushing ability. He's still a starting option even against a tough Packers defense.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Sep 11 7:40am CT
Brock Purdy

According to Ian Rapport of the NFL Network, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) will miss the next 2-to-5 weeks with turf toe. Purdy appeared on the team's injury report with a toe and left shoulder injury on Wednesday. However, it seems this injury is more serious than expected, and the team's QB1 could miss up to the next two weeks of action. As a result, Mac Jones is slated to serve as the starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. In the season opener, Purdy went 26-for-35 with 277 passing yards and two scores en route to defeating the Seattle Seahawks. Last season, Jones saw starting opportunities filling in for the injured Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville. Jones averaged 205.5 passing yards in the eight games in which he logged more than 40 offensive snaps in 2024. He projects to be a risky QB2 in all fantasy formats in Week 2, facing the Saints.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Sep 11 7:00am CT
Tyreek Hill

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the NFL has begun a review of the recent domestic violence allegations against Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Florio noted that this is standard policy for the NFL. Hill's estranged wife, Keeta Vaccaro, accused Hill of eight instances of domestic violence. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor this situation as the league could look to discipline the wideout after this investigation concludes. In the season opener, Hill had a quiet day as the entire Miami offense had struggled, as he caught just four of his six targets for 40 yards. Hill had a disappointing 2024 season as well, tallying just 959 yards and six touchdowns. For the time being, Hill is not in any danger of missing their contest on Sunday against the New England Patriots.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Sep 11 7:00am CT
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (abdomen/groin) was listed as a full participant during Wednesday's practice session. The 28-year-old appeared to have suffered this injury in the fourth quarter of their season opener against the Minnesota Vikings. However, seeing him log a full practice on Wednesday suggests the 28-year-old is not in any danger of missing their next game against the Detroit Lions. In their loss to the Vikings, Moore caught three of his five targets for 68 yards. Second-year wideout Rome Odunze appears to have emerged as Caleb Williams's top target as he saw nine targets in this contest. Despite this, Moore projects to be a low-end WR2/high-end WR3 in a potentially high-scoring game against the Detroit Lions this Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Monangai Sep 11 6:50am CT
Kyle Monangai

According to Courtney Cronin of ESPN, Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson may look to give rookie running back Kyle Monangai more opportunities in the future. When asked about Monangai's usage on Monday, given that he logged nine snaps without any carries, Johnson expressed that "I need to call more runs" and "I need to call more so that we get him in the game a little bit more. That's something EB and I have talked about, making sure he has more carries going forward." In their season opener against the Vikings, veteran D'Andre Swift ran the ball 17 times and caught three passes. Monangai, the seventh-round rookie out of Rutgers, caught his lone target for 11 yards. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should consider stashing Monangai as it appears he could carve into Swift's role as the season progresses.

From RotoBaller

Quinshon Judkins Sep 11 6:40am CT
Quinshon Judkins

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins was slated to practice with the team on Wednesday, but was unable to attend as he was meeting with league officials regarding his domestic battery arrest that occurred in the summer. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network noted that Judkins plans to practice on Thursday and Friday, and the team will determine his availability for Sunday's contest. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported that there has yet to be a definite timeline regarding his current investigation with the league. As a result, fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, but the former second-round pick may miss Sunday's game as well if he is unable to be built up to game speed over the next few days. If he were to sit out, fellow rookie Dylan Sampson would likely serve as the leader of the backfield once again in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Sep 10 9:00pm CT
Daniel Jones

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones put together an unbelievable season debut on Sunday. He completed 22-of-29 passing attempts for 272 yards with one touchdown. Jones didn't stop there as he rushed seven times for 26 yards with an additional two scores. I don't think anyone had Jones scoring three touchdowns on their opening week bingo card. It will get more challenging for Jones in Week 2 against a tough Denver Broncos defense. After that, Jones will play the Titans, Rams, and Raiders. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect another three-touchdown game for Jones in Week 2. However, he could be an interesting long-term option given the Colts do play some lackluster defenses early in the season.

From RotoBaller

Kalel Mullings Sep 10 9:00pm CT
Kalel Mullings

Tennessee Titans running back Kalel Mullings (ankle) wasn't able to do much of the field during the season opener. He appeared in only a handful of snaps before exiting with an ankle injury. Now, Mullings is opening Week 2 on the sideline for Wednesday's practice. The absence of Mullings leaves Julius Chestnut as the lone backup behind Tony Pollard right now. Mullings will still have a few more days to practice before needing to make a final decision. The rookie back isn't someone that is going to offer much value right now, but is worth stashing in dynasty formats. Fantasy managers will need to check back throughout the week for another update on his status.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Sep 10 8:40pm CT
Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (groin) logged a full practice session during Wednesday's practice. This is good news after Coleman was battling a groin injury throughout last week. The groin issue didn't stop him in the season opener as he recorded eight receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown in the win. The second-year wideout appears ready to take the next step this season. It appears Coleman and quarterback Josh Allen have improved chemistry from last season. It was only one game, but this could be a breakout year for Coleman. The 22-year-old should be started in most fantasy formats after that 112-yard season opener.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Sep 10 8:30pm CT
Evan Engram

Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram (calf) was forced to make an early exit from Sunday's season opener against the Tennessee Titans. Engram was pulled out of the contest with a calf injury and didn't return. Now, Engram will open the week as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. It doesn't sound like the injury is too serious, so the Broncos are probably just being extra cautious. Barring any setbacks, Engram should be out there versus the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Sep 10 8:20pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf, rest) did not participate in practice on Wednesday. This shouldn't come as a surprise after McCaffrey dealt with a calf issue all throughout last week. It didn't stop him from playing as he rushed 22 times for 69 yards while hauling in nine receptions for an additional 73 yards in the season opener. He opens the practice week on the sideline, but that is probably for rest purposes. The 49ers want to give McCaffrey time to fully heal his calf issue. Fantasy managers should expect McCaffrey to be out there for Week 2. He'll remain an elite RB1 as long as he can stay healthy.

From RotoBaller

Brandon McManus Sep 10 7:30pm CT
Brandon McManus

Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus looks to keep his solid run going in Week 2 as the Packers host the Washington Commanders on Thursday Night Football. McManus kicked two field goals from 38 and 34 yards out and converted all three of his extra point attempts in Week 1 as the Packers beat the Lions 27-19. In the regular season, McManus has missed just one kick in his Packers' career, so he's been reliable. Given that the Packers are on a trajectory to be one of the upper-echelon teams in the NFL, McManus should get plenty of opportunities in the future for Green Bay. He's startable in leagues with a kicker slot if you didn't get one of the top kickers in your draft.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Sep 10 7:23pm CT
Davante Adams

Los Angeles Rams OT Rob Havenstein (ankle), OG Kevin Dotson (ankle), OG Steve Avila (ankle), WR Davante Adams (rest) and TE Colby Parkinson (shoulder) did not practice Wednesday, Sept. 10. TE Davis Allen (knee) was a limited participant.

From TheHuddle

D.J. Moore Sep 10 7:03pm CT
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears CB Kyler Gordon (hamstring) and DT Grady Jarrett (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Sept. 10. LB T.J. Edwards (hamstring), CB Josh Blackwell (groin), RB Roschon Johnson (foot) and WR Jahdae Walker (ankle) were limited during practice. WR DJ Moore (abdomen, groin) and CB Jaylon Johnson (calf, groin) fully participated in practice. The Bears only held a walkthrough Wednesday, so the report is an estimation.

From TheHuddle

Arden Key Sep 10 6:53pm CT
Arden Key

Tennessee Titans S Quandre Diggs (hand), OT JC Latham (hip), RB Kalel Mullings (ankle) and DT T'Vondre Sweat (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Sept. 10. LB Arden Key (pectoral), CB L'Jarius Sneed (knee) and S Kevin Winston Jr. (hamstring) were limited during practice.

From TheHuddle

D.J. Moore Sep 10 6:53pm CT
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears WR DJ Moore (abdomen, groin) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Sept. 10. The Bears only held a walkthrough Wednesday, so this is an estimation.

Fantasy Spin: Moore had a solid start to the season with 68 yards on three catches. He will be on of the main targets in the passing game this season and can be a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver in fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Christian McCaffrey Sep 10 6:43pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers DE Nick Bosa (non-injury), DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee), WR Jauan Jennings (shoulder), RB Christian McCaffrey (calf), QB Brock Purdy (shoulder, toe) and OT Trent Williams (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Sept. 10. OG Ben Bartch (elbow, knee), RB Jordan James (finger) and WR Jordan Watkins (ankle) were limited during practice. LB Luke Gifford (knee), QB Mac Jones (knee) and OG Dominick Puni (knee) fully participated in practice.

From TheHuddle

Matthew Golden Sep 10 6:40pm CT
Matthew Golden

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (ankle) was a limited participant on Monday with an ankle injury, but put in two full practices to come off the injury report as the Packers host the Commanders in Week 2. Golden caught both of his targets for 16 yards on a day where the Packers' passing game wasn't too busy in their 27-13 victory over the Lions. Quarterback Jordan Love only needed 22 pass attempts to dispatch Detroit, and it was more of the same dating back to the post-bye Packers from 2024 as they opted to run the ball more than pass. The lack of passing volume from Green Bay hampers the upside of some of the passing game's weapons, like Golden. That said, Golden does have massive upside in this offense, and the Packers spent a first-round pick on his services, so Golden's offensive involvement will increase game by game. For fantasy, consider Golden an upside-laden flex play for Week 2.

From RotoBaller