2026 AFC South season preview: Prediction, record, rosters, strengths and weaknesses

The Post’s Steve Serby previews the AFC South for the 2026 season.Coach: DeMeco Ryans2025 record: 12-5Key additions: Workhorse RB David Montgomery leaves Jahmyr Gibbs timeshare in Detroit to give offense balance at last.RT Braden Smith (foot) starts on IR.

Trade acquisition of deep threat WR Kayshon Boutte follows loss of Jayden Higgins.Key departures: RB Joe Mixon, OT Tytus Howard, OL Juice Scruggs, WR Christian Kirk, S Jimmie Ward, DT Mario Edwards Jr.First-and-goal: Will Anderson Jr.and Danielle Hunter are bookend nightmares for quarterbacks.

Jadeveon Clowney provides quality depth.Montgomery gives the offense balance and takes heat off C.J.

Stroud.Nico Collins is a true No.

1 receiver and towering target.The O-line has been upgraded.

Derek Stingley Jr.headlines one of the league’s best secondaries.

K Ka’imi Fairbairn got the bag.Davis Mills is a quality backup QB.

Ryans has reached the playoffs in each of his first three seasons.Fourth-and-long: Stroud is searching to recapture his rookie form.Promising WR Jayden Higgins suffered a torn ACL that necessitated a trade for Boutte.

WR Tank Dell starts the season on IR.Rookie dawg center Keylan Rutledge will be counted on to protect Stroud.

The O-line loses Smith (plantar fascia) for the beginning of the season.It is time for Ryans to reach the AFC Championship game.Prediction: 11-6.

Defense wins division championships, and this one is elite.Coach: Liam Coen2025 record: 13-4Key additions: RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.will be a short-yardage complement, and maybe more, to Bhayshul Tuten.

DT Ruke Orhorhoro is a depth piece behind DaVon Hamilton and Arik Armstead.Precocious rookie Emmanuel Pregnon.

starts at LG.Key departures: RB Travis Etienne Jr., LB Devin Lloyd, CB Greg Newsome II, S Andrew Wingard, WR Dyami Brown, TE Johnny Mundt, WR Tim Patrick.First-and-goal: Trevor Lawrence is looking like the No.1 overall pick under Coen.

WRs Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers, and TE Brenton Strange have earned his...