The 2026 NFL schedule has arrived, and with it, the annual ritual of predicting every game and counting up the Ws and Ls. While picking the winner of every NFL game in May is an absurd project, it's a fun exercise that sets the stakes for the path each team is facing coming out of the offseason. This year, the focus is on the AFC, with a particular eye on the AFC East and the AFC North.
AFC PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
AFC East
The AFC East is a tough division to call, with the Bills, Dolphins, and Patriots all having strong cases for a playoff spot. The Bills, led by Josh Allen, have a tough schedule, but their new stadium could give them an edge. The Dolphins, on the other hand, have a turbulent ride ahead, facing one contender after another. The Patriots, meanwhile, are in a rebuilding phase and may struggle to make the playoffs.
AFC North
The AFC North is a division of contrast, with the Ravens and Bengals both having strong cases for a playoff spot. The Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson, have made significant additions to their defense, while the Bengals have a strong offense led by Joe Burrow. The Browns and Steelers, meanwhile, may struggle to make the playoffs.
AFC SOUTH
The AFC South is a division of uncertainty, with the Texans and Colts both having strong cases for a playoff spot. The Texans, led by C.J. Stroud, have a strong offense, while the Colts have a solid defense. The Jaguars and Titans, meanwhile, may struggle to make the playoffs.
AFC WEST
The AFC West is a division of power, with the Chiefs and Chargers both having strong cases for a playoff spot. The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, have a strong offense, while the Chargers have a solid defense. The Broncos and Raiders, meanwhile, may struggle to make the playoffs.
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
As an expert, I think the Bills will reclaim the AFC East division, but the NFC North could jeopardize their spot in the overall AFC hierarchy. The Dolphins, on the other hand, may struggle to make the playoffs, despite their promising young core. The Patriots, meanwhile, may struggle to make the playoffs, despite their strong defense.
In the end, the AFC will be a tough division to call, with many teams having strong cases for a playoff spot. The Bills, Ravens, and Chargers will be the teams to watch, while the Dolphins, Patriots, and Steelers may struggle to make the playoffs.
