NFL fans make their picks in the South divisions

August 25, 2026 - 06:21

This week, our SB Nation Reacts surveys asked NFL fans to weigh in on two of the league's most unpredictable divisions: the AFC South and the NFC South. The results are in, and they offer a clear picture of where public confidence lies heading into the new season.

In the AFC South, the Jacksonville Jaguars are the heavy favorites to repeat as division champions. Fans seem to trust that Trevor Lawrence and company have turned a corner after last year's surprising run. The Houston Texans, who were dethroned by Jacksonville a season ago, are viewed as a solid but distant second. The Indianapolis Colts generated some early buzz after a fast start last year, but their momentum stalled once quarterback Daniel Jones went down with a season-ending injury. That uncertainty has left fans hesitant to pick them as the top team. The Tennessee Titans, meanwhile, are seen as the clear underdogs, with many questioning their roster moves this offseason.

Over in the NFC South, the picture is a bit more muddled. The Atlanta Falcons are the slight favorites, thanks to a revamped offense and a healthy quarterback room. The New Orleans Saints are right on their heels, with fans split on whether their aging defense can hold up. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, fresh off a division title, are being treated with caution. Many fans believe their magic from last year was more luck than sustainable success. The Carolina Panthers are at the bottom of the pack, though some see potential in their young core.

What stands out most is the lack of a dominant favorite in either division. Fans are clearly expecting close races, with injuries and quarterback play likely to decide who comes out on top.