2026 AFC Preview: One large query for each crew

The NFL is again, with the 2026 season set to kick off Wednesday night time. 

Last 12 months was a bizarre one for the AFC, with accidents shaking issues up early and sometimes, leading to a playoff bracket that didn’t embrace three of the league’s greatest quarterbacks: Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and Joe Burrow. Instead, Bo Nix’s Broncos took a serious step ahead, and Drake Maye’s Patriots served because the convention’s consultant in Super Bowl LX.

Will this 12 months convey a return of (relative) normalcy? Parity must be at an all-time excessive, and whereas the schedule could be a little bit of a marathon, it appears like one should preserve a season-long dash to get to the highest of this deep convention. 

Before we dive into the season, we’re having a look at every AFC crew and highlighting one large query in regards to the 12 months to return. The solutions will probably inform who rises and who falls. 

2025 report: 10-7, misplaced to Texans in Wild Card Round

One large query: What does the post-Tomlin period appear like?

It’s a giant query that extends past simply the precise soccer being performed, and goes deep into the locker room tradition and the general vibe of this group — one that’s so steeped in custom and features a run of greater than twenty years and not using a dropping report.

This is Mike McCarthy’s crew now. And, for yet another 12 months, it’s Aaron Rodgers’ offence to helm as he reunites together with his previous bench boss from their days in Green Bay one final time. Collaborating on a profitable report can be a becoming method for Rodgers to hold up his cleats and for McCarthy’s hometown tour to start, however what wouldn’t it imply for the way forward for this ageing Steelers roster within the greater image?

2025 report: 8-9, missed playoffs

One large query: Can Jackson regain MVP kind?

Even when he wasn’t injured, Lamar Jackson merely didn’t appear like his normal self on the sector final season — his lack of mobility and command was a stark distinction from one 12 months prior, when he was lighting up the league on a weekly foundation. Sweeping sideline modifications this low season introduced new voices at head coach (Jesse Minter) and offensive wiz child (coordinator Declan Doyle), and all indicators level to Jackson being rejuvenated on the helm of what must be one of many NFL’s most dynamic offences. Jackson’s love of recent begins is well-documented — the final two seasons during which he’s had a brand new offensive coordinator, he’s received league MVP. A bounce again below a brand new scheme would get this win-now membership again on monitor. 

2025 report: 6-11, missed playoffs

One large query: Can Burrow & Co. overcome defensive deficiencies?

It’s very doable — possible, even — that the 2026 Bengals’ defence shouldn’t be really all that unhealthy. There have been indicators late final 12 months of issues beginning to gel, and this low season introduced in veterans Dexter Lawrence and Bryan Cook, amongst different new names on that aspect of the ball. 

But it’s additionally very doable — once more, possible — that this defence isn’t going to be the driving drive getting them wins. That’s Joe Burrow’s job, and he’s well-equipped to just do that. Health is the largest query mark right here. It’s straightforward to say that about each QB league-wide, however we’ve seen sufficient Bengals seasons worn out on account of Burrow being sidelined that it’s particularly front-of-mind right here. With Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins all of their prime, this crew is constructed to blow out opponents with as proficient an air offence as you will discover within the league — they usually can’t afford one other misplaced marketing campaign.

2025 report: 5-12, missed playoffs

One large query: How unhealthy can this QB scenario get?

Do we actually need to know?

An ill-fated union from the beginning, the continuing scenario between the Cleveland Browns, Deshaun Watson, and the followers, has gotten uglier and uglier. That he was named the season starter, regardless of extremely poor pre-season play and a fan reception to match, is a baffling little bit of enterprise, to not point out a damning evaluation of Shedeur Sanders’ growth.

Sorry, Browns followers: It’s going to be an extended season once more. 

2025 report: 14-3, misplaced to Seahawks in Super Bowl

One large query: Are Maye and Brown the NFL’s subsequent nice QB-WR duo?

Drake Maye was just a few votes shy of claiming MVP honours and one win away from hoisting the Lombardi Trophy atop the Super Bowl LX stage in simply his second 12 months within the NFL.

A.J. Brown is a perennial 1,000-plus-yard receiver with a championship ring and chip on his shoulder.

Put them collectively, and also you’ve bought a recipe for an offensive explosion on a New England crew higher recognized final season for its defence. With that defence projected to take a step again this 12 months, the Patriots could have to serve up some splashy performs and lean on offence in the event that they’re to get again to the Super Bowl. 

2025 report: 12-5, misplaced to Broncos in Divisional Round

One large query: Can Brady push Buffalo over the sting?

For the primary time in his professional profession, Josh Allen enters a season with out Sean McDermott on the sideline. Of all the novelty this season brings in Buffalo — a brand new residence stadium, a brand new No. 1 receiver in D.J. Moore — the brand new teaching workers is the one below the largest highlight. While Brady himself isn’t new to Allen or this group, having first joined the workers again in 2022, his promotion ushers in a brand new chapter, and nice hopes that he can take a crew getting ready to a championship below McDermott and push it to the highest. McDermott’s departure additionally means a brand new voice on the helm of this defence, which struggled mightily final season. Between Brady and new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, the Bills may simply have the ultimate items to this puzzle. 

2025 report: 7-10, missed playoffs

One large query: Is Willis a real QB1?

Four years as a professional has yielded a small pattern dimension with regards to what Malik Willis can do. The Titans have been fast to maneuver on from him in 2023 after simply three begins in his rookie 12 months one season prior and 11 general appearances. He noticed the identical variety of begins and appearances in two years with the Packers as Jordan Love’s backup, but it surely was sufficient to kind a line of suitors for the free agent’s companies this low season. Willis isn’t precisely surrounded by weapons in Miami, but when the 27-year-old can benefit from his first actual alternative to helm an offence, the rebuilding Dolphins is likely to be higher than we expect. 

2025 report: 3-14, missed playoffs

One large query: Can Smith write one other nice comeback story?

After reviving his profession in Seattle, Geno Smith appeared each bit the beginning QB he was slated to be when the Jets first chosen him within the second spherical of the 2013 draft. But after a disastrous season in Vegas final 12 months, which noticed him lead the league in interceptions (17), he returns to Gang Green in want of one other recent begin a decade after his departure from a dysfunctional Jets squad. The solid and crew is fully totally different, however is that this roster any extra… practical? While he’s not strolling into pretty much as good a scenario because the one he noticed in Seattle, the Jets’ offensive line must be markedly higher than the paper-thin wall he performed behind in Vegas, and the run sport extra well-rounded and arrange for fulfillment in Act II. 

2025 report: 13-4, misplaced to Bills in Wild Card Round

One large query: Will Lawrence begin on time?

Last season’s win streak to shut out the 12 months and clinch the division was soccer cinema. It was additionally very Jaguar-ian. We’ve seen streaky play outline Jacksonville’s seasons in methods each good (eight straight wins, and a 9-1 post-bye report to clinch the division final 12 months) and unhealthy (a 3-6 post-bye crumble to fall out of rivalry two years prior). 

Head coach Liam Coen clearly discovered a method to harness Trevor Lawrence’s elite skillset and gave him the boldness to construct on it as final season went on. Now, in his second 12 months in cost, how Coen and Lawrence set the tone for the season may mark an actual shift on this crew’s identification — from a streaky membership to a sustainable contender.  

2025 report: 12-5, misplaced to Patriots in Divisional Round

One large query: Is this O-line as much as the duty?

We know precisely what to anticipate from the Texans’ defence this 12 months — suppose final season’s dominance, solely higher — however can’t say the identical in regards to the offence. And whereas C.J. Stroud’s playoff struggles final 12 months nonetheless really feel front-of-mind, as do questions in regards to the receiving depth and run sport, all roads result in the state of the offensive line. While the unit was improved after 2024’s sack-filled marketing campaign for Stroud, it was nonetheless a patchwork venture in 2025. The arrival of extremely touted rookie guard Keylan Rutledge brings a much-needed improve, and it’ll be attention-grabbing to see how issues gel early on. It’s not nearly preserving Stroud on his ft on this all-important season that carries loads of contract questions, however about serving to the run sport, too. A robust offensive line would take this roster from playoff crew to real-deal Super Bowl menace. 

2025 report: 8-9, missed playoffs

One large query: Can Jones replicate final season’s early success?

Remember how sizzling the Colts’ offence was within the first half of final season? It took a fractured fibula to decelerate Daniel Jones, then a torn Achilles to cease him altogether — and halt the Colts’ season general within the course of. 

Looking again, that damage prompted one of many largest “what ifs” of the 12 months: What if Jones had stayed wholesome? 

We’ll by no means know the reply, however our greatest shot on the subsequent smartest thing comes almost a 12 months later. Jones is again now, with a clear invoice of well being, a full coaching camp’s value of first-team reps — a outstanding feat in itself, given the seriousness of his damage — the complete assist of the franchise, and a collection of massive exams proper out of the gates. The Colts open their season in opposition to Baltimore this Sunday, adopted by Kansas City, after which get the daunting job of going through Houston’s elite defence to shut out September. Survive that, and the Colts may very well be enjoyable as soon as once more. 

2025 report: 3-14, missed playoffs

One large query: Do the Titans have one thing in Ward and Tate?

It was exhausting to get a real learn on Cam Ward as a rookie, contemplating the items round him. Uninspiring numbers all the time got here with just a few caveats — his lack of consistency from the sideline being a giant one, with Brian Callahan fired after a 1-5 opening stint, and his lack of a real No. 1 receiver being one other. 

This 12 months, issues look totally different. He has a brand new head coach in Robert Saleh, and a brand new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, a person greatest recognized for serving to Josh Allen discover his footing early in his profession. He has a brand new large weapon in fourth general decide Carnell Tate and a WR2 in Wan’Dale Robinson. 

And, most significantly, he has a season’s value of NFL snaps below his belt. How he builds on that can set the tone and the trajectory of this Tennessee crew proper off the hop. 

2025 report: 14-3, misplaced to Patriots in AFC Championship

One large query: Can the run sport take over?

Loads of the intrigue round Denver’s upcoming season is targeted on whether or not or not Bo Nix can enhance his sport — his accuracy on lengthy balls, his endurance when studying defences, his general consistency, particularly now that Jaylen Waddle is a Bronco. But what if he doesn’t must? What if the Broncos’ deep group of operating backs can shoulder extra of the load? 

While Nix’s mobility is such an integral a part of his sport, the very fact he’s coming off a pair of ankle surgical procedures suggests the membership can be smart to lean on the trio of J.Okay. Dobbins, R.J. Harvey, and rookie Jonah Coleman — particularly within the early goings — to revive the run sport. 

2025 report: 11-6, misplaced to Patriots in Wild Card Round

One large query: How does McDaniel harness Herbert’s abilities?

Remember the Miami Dolphins offence that wowed the league via a lot of 2023 and 2024? The one which noticed Tua Tagovailoa persistently lead the league in time-to-throw and had defenders struggling to maintain up with the tempo?

Now, image for a second that very same fast tempo — however connect Justin Herbert’s arm and accuracy. 

Scary, proper? The hiring of former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel to Jim Harbaugh’s teaching workers in L.A. generated a lot buzz not simply because we’d have the NFL’s most entertaining press conferences on our palms however as a result of we’d lastly get to see what occurs while you mix probably the most bodily gifted quarterbacks within the sport with probably the most sought-after minds within the league. 

This may very well be actually enjoyable. Also, mandatory. Considering the state of L.A.’s offensive line proper now, with its devastating custom of o-line accidents each autumn, it’s paramount that Herbert eliminates the ball quick if he’s to remain on his ft. 

2025 report: 6-11, missed playoffs

One large query: Can Walker assist this offence flip again the clock?

As lengthy as Patrick Mahomes is on the sector, the Chiefs have an opportunity to win. We know this. But Mahomes’ knee damage was removed from the one motive the Chiefs’ offence fell flat final 12 months.

The lack of offensive explosiveness — a theme for just a few years now — has been a significant factor, as has a run sport that’s slowed right down to one thing resembling extra of a light-weight jog. Major query marks stay for the passing sport — i.e., do the Chiefs have a trusted pair of palms for Mahomes? — however with the acquisition of reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, it’s clear Kansas City is seeking to restore a minimum of one main aspect of these three straight journeys to the Super Bowl. (Okay, two: Eric Bieniemy’s return as offensive coordinator ought to restore some acquainted zip in KC, too.)

2025 report: 3-14, missed playoffs

One large query: Crosby remains to be a Raider… however for a way lengthy?

So plentiful are the questions on these Raiders, it feels unattainable to decide on only one. Can Ashton Jeanty shake off a pre-season damage scare and shine in Year 2? How nice can Brock Bowers be below Klint Kubiak’s system? And is that this a real redshirt 12 months for Fernando Mendoza?

So, let’s select a query we should always really get a solution to sooner quite than later: Will Maxx Crosby be traded in-season? After the dramatic flip of occasions that noticed the Ravens commerce for the Raiders’ star pass-rusher this previous spring, then again out of the deal and return him to Vegas, it’s been all quiet within the hearsay mill. Feels like a recipe for a profession 12 months for Crosby, contemplating the chip that should be sitting firmly on his shoulder. At what level do groups come calling? And is it doable Vegas retains him in spite of everything?