2026 NFL Schedule: Predicting Every AFC Team's Record and Playoff Fate
The 2026 NFL season is upon us, and with it comes the annual ritual of predicting every team's fate. This year, the AFC is shaping up to be a wild ride, with several teams vying for playoff spots and others looking to make a splash. Here's a deep dive into the AFC, with a focus on the teams that will shape the conference's destiny.
AFC East
The AFC East is a tough division, with three teams (Bills, Dolphins, Patriots) projected to have similar records. The Bills, led by Josh Allen, are the favorites to win the division, but the NFC North could be a wildcard.
Ali's Take: The Bills' schedule is a tough one, with a strong first quarter and a potential NFC North challenge. The team's new stadium could be a boost, but the NFC North could be a wildcard.
Tom's Take: The Dolphins and Patriots are in a rebuild, and their schedules reflect that. The Dolphins face a turbulent ride, while the Patriots' first impressions could be misleading.
AFC North
The Ravens are the favorites to win the AFC North, with a strong defense and a new coach. The Bengals are also in the mix, with a talented offense and a new defensive front.
Ali's Take: The Ravens' additions and Harbaugh's influence could push them back to the top. The Bengals, with Burrow's leadership, could make a surprise run.
Tom's Take: The Bengals' injuries and counterproductive defense could hold them back, but Burrow's leadership could be a key factor.
AFC South
The AFC South is a wild card, with the Texans and Jaguars in the mix. The Colts and Titans are also in the running, but their records are projected to be similar.
Ali's Take: The Texans' defense could be a key factor, and C.J. Stroud's leadership could be a boost. The Jaguars, with a strong offense, could make a surprise run.
Tom's Take: The Colts and Titans are in a rebuild, and their schedules reflect that. The Jaguars, with a strong offense, could make a surprise run.
AFC West
The AFC West is a tough division, with the Chargers and Raiders in the mix. The Chiefs and Broncos are also in the running, but their records are projected to be similar.
Ali's Take: The Chargers' Super Bowl aspirations are limited by health, but Justin Herbert's leadership could be a boost. The Raiders' defense could be a key factor, and Klint Kubiak's leadership could be a boost.
Tom's Take: The Chiefs' early bye and home games could be a boon, but Patrick Mahomes' health is a wildcard. The Broncos' Jaylen Waddle addition could be a key factor.
Conclusion
The AFC is shaping up to be a wild ride, with several teams vying for playoff spots and others looking to make a splash. The Bills, Ravens, and Chargers are the favorites, but the NFC North and AFC South could be wildcards. The AFC West is a tough division, with the Chargers and Raiders in the mix. The Raiders' defense could be a key factor, and the Chargers' Super Bowl aspirations are limited by health. The Chiefs and Broncos are also in the running, but their records are projected to be similar.
