This week we kick off the opening slate of preseason football, and the 49ers open against the Tennessee Titans this Thursday. With the familiar face of Robert Saleh on the opposite sideline, I’m sure most 49er fans will be keeping an eye on the Titans this season, wishing Saleh nothing but success.
The 49ers don’t play any AFC South teams this year outside of this preseason matchup, but I thought it would be fun to take a look at what each team has done to improve — and how I think the 49ers would stack up against them if they did play.
Key Additions:
No major moves made
Key Departures:
Travis Etienne, RB — Saints
The Jaguars didn’t really do anything big this offseason. They added a bunch of depth pieces through free agency, but nothing that screams Super Bowl push.
Trevor Lawrence has shown he’s more than capable — he threw for over 4,000 yards last season despite injuries around him. The question is whether the weapons around him are enough. Losing Etienne leaves a void at running back, replaced by a crew of unknowns who simply haven’t gotten their shot yet. It’ll be interesting to see what Travis Hunter can do and whether he makes an impact on either side of the ball.
The Jaguars are in a very competitive division. If they find a way to improve that defense even a little, they could emerge as one of the top teams in the AFC.
Key Additions:
Jadeveon Clowney, DE — Cowboys
Wyatt Teller, G — Browns
Braden Smith, OT — Colts
David Montgomery, RB — Lions
Reed Blankenship, S — Eagles
Key Departures:
Joe Mixon, RB
Jimmie Ward, S
The Texans enter 2026 with one of the best defensive units in the league, finishing top‑5 in scoring defense last season. With upgrades to the offensive line and the addition of David Montgomery, they’re positioned to take another leap. Of course, a lot of that depends on how well C.J. Stroud performs — no pressure, right?
Key Additions:
A bunch of role players
Key Departures:
Michael Pittman Jr., WR — Steelers
Braden Smith, T — Texans
The Colts started off as a surprise team last season until Daniel Jones got injured, which led to the feel‑good story of Philip Rivers making a surprise comeback — and dadgummit, who wasn’t rooting for them?
The Colts have a talented roster, but injuries derailed them. They’re a classic boom‑or‑bust team. If Danny Dimes isn’t 100%, could the Colts pull the plug and join the Arch Manning Sweepstakes?
Key Additions:
Robert Saleh, HC — 49ers Brian
Daboll, OC — Giants
Gus Bradley, DC — 49ers
Wan’Dale Robinson, WR — Giants
Austin Schlottmann, C — Giants
Carnell Tate, WR — Ohio State
Key Departures:
None of significance
The Titans enter the Robert Saleh era looking to improve on last season’s three wins. With a new coaching staff, new weapons on offense, and a year under Cam Ward’s belt — after he threw for over 3,000 yards as a rookie — this should be a fun season in Tennessee.
I don’t see them winning the division, but I do think we’ll see them make real strides by season’s end. They could easily become one of those young teams people start circling for future breakout potential.
Last season the 49ers went 2-2 against the AFC South, and if they played them again this year, the only team I’d truly worry about is the Texans. They’re balanced on both sides of the ball and have an elite defense. Jacksonville could be really good, Indianapolis is one injury away from potentially entering the Manning sweepstakes, and the Titans are the young team that could surprise some folks.
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