1 question facing all 16 AFC teams entering 2026-2027 NFL season

The AFC is a strong conference and should be very entertaining to watch every week. Joe Burrow returns from injury, Mahomes is working his way back and could be a comeback player of the year candidate, and we all know how great the AFC playoffs were last season. 2026 should be full of excitement. Here is one question for every AFC team heading into the season.

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MORE:NFL predictions: Previewing all 16 AFC teams & predicting every record in 2026

AFC East

Aug 15, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver DJ Moore (2) runs with the ball after making a catch against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Buffalo Bills: Can they stop their opponents’ run game? 

The Bills are going to be a great team, but there has been some shake-up in their organization. Sean McDermott is no longer the head coach. Joe Brady is in control. The Bills’ offense will be strong under Brady. The team added Skyler Bell in the draft as a weapon and traded for DJ Moore from the Chicago Bears. The team’s defense was not good against the run last season.

 New England Patriots: Will the Patriots Pay Christian Gonzalez?

The Patriots traded for AJ Brown to help Drake Maye and help make the offense an explosive unit. The team made the Super Bowl but was defeated by the Seahawks. The Pats’ biggest issue is getting Christian Gonzalez on this team right now. Contract extension talks are not close, and he may not play the season opener.

New York Jets: Can this defense take a step in the right direction?

The team needs to show some strides, or Aaron Glenn may be out of a job. They have some talent on their offense, but their biggest question will be: can this defense take a step in the right direction? For hiring a defense-minded coach, their defense has not been good. 

Miami Dolphins: Can they develop their young talent?

The Dolphins won’t have much to play for this year, as they are still in need of adding talent to this young roster. For their season, it is about developing the young prospects that they drafted and hoping that they make an impact in 2026.

AFC West

Aug 15, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) on field against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of the pre season game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Kansas City Chiefs: Can they get back to being their dominant force?

The Chiefs were dealing with numerous injuries, including their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. Their team signed Kenneth Walker, who will be a big impact on this offense. Mahomes is still a top-3 QB in the NFL, and despite having a knee injury, it is still Patrick Mahomes. He still has weapons to throw to, and the offensive line should be able to hold up.

Denver Broncos: Can the Broncos dominate teams this year?

The Broncos had a great season last year. Bo Nix suffered a gruesome injury in the playoffs but is in better spirits now. Lots of players had good years under Sean Peyton. But there is a big concern for the team heading into 2026. An 11-2 record in one-score games is not sustainable.

Los Angeles Chargers: Will the Chargers be an elite offense under Mike McDaniel?

The Chargers offense will be their main story, led by Justin Herbert. They hired Mike McDaniel, and he will be a big impact, especially with Omarion Hampton. Hampton has been talked about very highly, and the big question is not only whether this team will be a good team, but also whether this offense will become a top unit in football.

Las Vegas Raiders: Can Kirk Cousins still be a reliable QB?

The Raiders drafted Fernando Mendoza with their top pick, but he won’t be immediately starting for them. Kirk Cousins will get the nod for now, and they should be a more competent team with their hiring of Klint Kubiak. Their biggest question is how long Kirk Cousins will be able to last before the team may have to turn to the rookie.

MORE:Previewing all 16 NFC teams & predicting every record in 2026

AFC South

Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) runs with the ball during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Houston Texans: Can C.J. Stroud put together a strong season and be worth a contract extension?

The Houston Texans are one of the best teams on paper with their amazing defense, but it seems like all the big questions come from the offense. C.J. Stroud declined a contract that would pay him $50 million per season. Is this the year that Stroud can put it all together?

Jacksonville Jaguars: Can they defy the odds again and win this division? 

 Led by Liam Cohen, they have plenty of weapons for Trevor Lawrence. They may not have the same type of season that they had last year, but this will be a competitive team. Parker Washington took a big step and is lined up to be their WR1 this upcoming season. The defense lost Devin Lloyd but should still be a strong unit.

Indianapolis Colts: Can the Colts stay healthy and put together a strong year?

 The Colts were on pace to have a great year till Daniel Jones got hurt. They were the best rushing team in the NFL, led by Jonathan Taylor, in terms of EPA/RUSH. The Colts have the talent to compete in this division, but their QB needs to stay on the field.

Tennessee Titans: Will Ward be able to take a strong leap 

The Titans revamped their coaching staff with Robert Saleh as the boss. Brian Daboll comes from the New York Giants to be their offensive coordinator. Cam Ward has weapons to work with in Carnell Tate and Wandale Robinson. Brian Daboll was able to develop Jaxson Dart and now gets to work with Cam Ward in hopes of turning him into a solid QB.

AFC North

Jan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) rushes the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Baltimore Ravens: Can the Ravens go on a long playoff run this season?

The Ravens hired Jesse Minter, and their defense dominated the preseason, but this team overall needs to have a strong year. They should be able to win their division, but it won’t be easy. 

Cincinnati Bengals: Can the Bengals get off to a fast start? 

The Bengals have to get off to a stronger start under Zac Taylor. Dexter Lawrence joins the Bengals coming from the New York Giants, and this team is starting to look dangerous. It feels like this is a question every season, but can this team get off to a fast start?

Pittsburgh Steelers: Will the Steelers be able to contend and make the playoffs?

 The final run for Aaron Rodgers. Mike McCarthy is now in charge of this team, but the hiring makes sense if Rodgers was going to come back, which happened. Now, the team made the playoffs last season in what was a crazy season. But for Rodgers’ final season, the Steelers hope to send him off with one final playoff run.

Cleveland Browns: Can the team get quality QB play?

The Browns made a new hire to their team as they got Todd Monken, who was previously the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. Now, Monken works with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. The team can win some games with their improved offensive line, and there are plenty of weapons to throw to. Their biggest question for the team is going to be whether they get quality quarterback play this season.

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