Previewing AFC South Ds: Texans among NFL's best; Can Jags repeat turnovers?; Colts have Sauce

The AFC South enters the 2026 NFL season with two of last year’s stingiest defenses—Houston and Jacksonville—while the Indianapolis Colts are chasing an immediate secondary upgrade. Houston’s defensive strength is powered by edge-rushers Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., whose 176 pressures and 27.0 sacks as a duo ranked top tier, paired with a cornerback group featuring Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter and safety Jalen Pitre. Even with the potential run-defense impact from Tim Settle’s departure, Kayden McDonald and added depth should help. Indianapolis traded for Sauce Gardner midseason, but a late calf injury limited him after Indy lost seven straight.