The NFL regular season kicks off in just two days when the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles take on the Dallas Cowboys. It will mark the start of a journey to crown one team the National Football League Champions for the 2025-26 season.
In the American Football Conference, the team to beat is once again the Kansas City Chiefs, who are looking to return to the Super Bowl for a fourth straight year. Then again, they’ll have to outlast and battle stacked squads like the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, and more!
With that in mind, let’s find out how each team will perform in their respective division.
North
1. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens once again look like the class of the AFC North, and that will continue to be the case as long as Lamar Jackson is their quarterback. It doesn’t matter who is lining up behind Lamar or who he is throwing to; his ability to make electrifying plays on the ground and through the air is one of the main reasons why he is already a two-time MVP before the age of 29.
Even if running back Derrick Henry regresses, he’s still good for 1,000 rushing yards and ten touchdowns. And with the addition of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins as well as the emergence of Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers – who is coming off a Pro Bowl season – this offense is once again poised to be one of the NFL’s best.
Baltimore had some concerns on the defensive side of the ball heading into the off-season, but they seemingly remedied those issues through free agency and the draft. They retained Kyle Van Noy and added the best pass rusher in college last season by drafting Mike Green. I also love the additions of Malaki Starks and Jaire Alexander to a secondary that already had a Defensive Player of the Year candidate in Kyle Hamilton.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
Quarterback has been an issue for the Steelers ever since Ben Roethlisberger retired. Since Big Ben left the league, the Steelers are now on their sixth different starting quarterback. Unlike the other guys, though, Aaron Rodgers is the best QB to start for the Black and Gold, even a 41-year-old version of the four-time MVP.
The Steelers will again have a top-notch defense. T.J. Watt is a consistent Defensive Player of the Year candidate. They shored up the secondary by adding Jalen Ramsey. I also think rookie Derrick Harmon will be an immediate difference maker whenever he takes the field, but in the meantime, Cameron Heyward can be a reliable defender to provide pass rush help opposite of T.J. Watt.
The offense will determine if this team makes the postseason and actually ends up winning a game. With Rodgers under center, the Steelers will almost certainly finish with a better passing attack than they did last year, when they were 27th in the league in yards per game. Even when he played for the dysfunctional Jets, they were 16th in passing. With Pro Bowl-caliber pass catchers like DK Metcalf and Jonnu Smith, Pittsburgh should have a better scoring offense than it did last year.
3. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are basically the same team they were last year. They have a stellar offensive attack led by arguably the best quarterback in the NFL. However, their deficiency is still on the defensive side of the ball.
There is an outside chance that the defense could be slightly better this year, but it seems unlikely. Cincy will still need defensive end Trey Hendrickson to record a ridiculous amount of sacks, which won’t be any easier since he missed a majority of training camp and is another year older. While there is potential for rookie pass rusher Shemar Stewart to eventually become a stud, don’t expect him to have a huge impact in his first season. He is still very raw, as proven by the 4.5 sacks he had in three years at Texas A&M. With only a few new players in the secondary, this defense is set up to struggle during the 2025-26 campaign.
With expected defensive shortcomings, the Bengals’ offense might have to put up historic numbers in order to be competitive and actually make it back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2023 AFC Championship Game. If healthy, there is a legitimate chance that quarterback Joe Burrow sets a new single-season record for passing yards. If he can do that and running back Chase Brown can build on a promising 2024-25, then the Bengals will reach the postseason.
4. Cleveland Browns
This is one of the easiest picks to make for the 2025-26 season. The Cleveland Browns will be terrible this year. They are one of three teams most likely to finish with the worst record in the NFL.
Joe Flacco is the starting quarterback… for now. But with two rookies waiting in the wings, fans will have Flacco on a short leash. If he puts up back-to-back stinkers or the Browns get off to a really slow start (which will likely happen), then Cleveland will have a hard time not bringing in one of their rookies to be the new starter. If you’re a Browns fan, you should just hope that your young offensive and defensive players show promise or maybe even some improvement.
The defense is actually one of the more respectable units in the NFL. Myles Garrett is always in the conversation to be the Defensive Player of the Year. His presence will help Mason Graham (the fifth-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft) have an impactful rookie season. Plus, cornerback Denzel Ward is still a Pro Bowler, while rookie middle linebacker Carson Schwesinger will emerge as a difference maker on that side of the ball. Unfortunately, none of this will cancel out the ineptitude of the offense, which is why they’ll undoubtedly finish last in the division, barring any other team suffering a catastrophic injury at a premium position.
East
1. Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills have won the AFC East for five straight seasons. With Josh Allen coming off an MVP performance and most of the same starters returning from last year, the Bills will once again finish as the best team in the division.
Josh Allen is the heart and soul of this team. He has been able to make things happen with weaker offensive weapons than most of the other elite quarterbacks in the NFL. He might have to do that again this year. They lost wide receivers Amari Cooper and Mack Hollins, who made up 17.1% of the team’s 2024 receiving yards and accounted for seven of the Bills’ 30 receiving touchdowns. Thankfully, they still have James Cook, who was tied for second in scrimmage touchdowns last season. It’s unclear if this offense will be good enough to make it to the Super Bowl, but it should at least win them the AFC East.
There are a few concerns on the defensive side of the ball. The Bills lost two of their best cornerbacks from last year. Though Joey Bosa is still an elite pass rusher, his injury issues will be something to watch out for. It’s also worrisome that two of their free agent defensive lineman will miss the first part of the season due to suspension. Regardless, their key contributors (Ed Oliver, Christian Benford, Greg Rousseau, Terrel Bernard, etc.) are all still playing in Buffalo, and that lays the foundation for a defense that will be good enough to win the division.
2. New England Patriots
The Pats are positioned to take a huge step forward this year. They found their franchise quarterback last year and spent the off-season surrounding him with the talent that is needed to be competitive in this league. Factor in new head coach Mike Vrabel, and the Pats should be a tough outing for any team in the NFL.
This offense is almost entirely different than the one they had last year, outside of maybe the quarterback position. Rhamondre Stevenson is still an effective running back, but rookie TreVeyon Henderson will make him sweat and probably take away some snaps from him. Plus, there’s now a bona fide number-one receiver in Stefon Diggs, who can still be a Pro Bowler when healthy. With two new starting tackles, the offensive line will also be much better, which will aid in Drake Maye’s progression.
The Pats’ defense wasn’t terrible last season, but it also wasn’t good. Expect that to change under a defensive-minded coach like Vrabel. New England invested a ton of capital into that side of the ball, signing prized free agents like Harold Landry III and Milton Williams, who will help improve a pass rush that was dead last in sacks last year. The Patriots will have a much better defense this year.
3. New York Jets
The New York Jets could just as easily finish in fourth place in the AFC East, but they will end up with a better record than the Dolphins when the season comes to an end. Though it is a major concern, the Jets’ only worries have to do with the quarterback position. Elsewhere throughout the roster, they are set, especially with a no-nonsense head coach like Aaron Glenn leading the charge.
The Jets’ offensive line is anchored by three first-round picks: Olu Fashanu, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Armand Membou. A strong offensive line often elevates the play of the rest of the offense. It allows the quarterback to perform better, the running backs to run easier, and the wide receivers to get themselves open. Justin Fields will probably continue to struggle to progress as a passer, but he will have a better showing than he did in Pittsburgh, where he went 4-2 in six games. Considering Gang Green has better weapons than Pittsburgh, Fields should be able to orchestrate some wins and keep the Jets competitive into late-November.
Meanwhile, the defense is chock-full of talent. Quinnen Williams is one of the three best interior defenders in the NFL, while former first-round picks Will McDonald IV and Jermaine Johnson II will continue to take steps forward under a defensive strategist like Aaron Glenn. In the backend, I predict rookie Azareye’h Thomas will become an eventual starter who can play opposite former All-Pro Sauce Gardner.
4. Miami Dolphins
Considering the violent nature of American football, injuries are almost guaranteed to happen. And unfortunately for the Miami Dolphins, they cannot afford to suffer any more injuries. If they have to deal with any more hurt players, then the season could go downhill quickly.
Outside of the 2023-24 campaign, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has never recorded more than 13 starts in a single season. Beyond their injury-prone quarterback, running back De’Von Achane has been struggling with a calf issue, which is worrisome for a guy who relies on speed and shiftiness to be effective. Wideouts Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle also have some injury concerns. If any one of these guys suffers a significant injury and is forced to miss multiple games, it could completely derail Miami’s season.
The Dolphins’ defense has already been hurt by injuries. Three cornerbacks have been placed on the injured reserve, meaning they will not play at all this season. That’s less than ideal for a team whose strength last year was defending the pass. I’m also not sold on their first-round pick, Kenneth Grant, who isn’t even listed as one of the team’s two starting defensive tackles, according to ESPN. The Dolphins are bound to suffer injuries this year, and it will lead to the worst record of the Mike McDaniel era.
South
1. Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are clearly the best team in the AFC South. They have the best quarterback, the best head coach, and the best defense among the four teams in that division. That is a surefire recipe for success in one of the NFL’s worst divisions last season.
Under head coach DeMeco Ryans, the Texans have consistently been an elite defensive team, thanks in part to the edge rushing duo of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. With those two manning the edges and the additions of Sheldon Rankins and Derek Barnett, this will once again be one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. When he is healthy, C.J. Gardner-Johnson is a marked improvement at the safety spot over free agent departures Eric Murray and Brandon Hill. On top of that, Jimmie Ward will be a difference-maker whenever he returns to the field.
There are some obvious weak points on the offensive side of the ball. We don’t know when running back Joe Mixon will be ready to play. Plus, the Texans will still be without their number-two wide receiver, Tank Dell, as he continues to battle back from that devastating knee injury. However, they have a budding superstar quarterback in C.J. Stroud and a lethal number-one wide receiver with Nico Collins. As long as the offensive line doesn’t give up 50+ sacks like they did last year, this team will be fine.
2. Tennessee Titans
The Titans were so bad last season because their starting quarterback options were abysmal. With Cam Ward now set to be the long-term starter, this squad could easily double their win total. Hell, making the playoffs isn’t out of the question.
The Titans were 29th in team quarterback rating while allowing the fifth-most sacks in the league last season. That won’t be the case this year, though. Cam Ward will be a tremendous improvement over Will Levis and Mason Rudolph, who combined for 22 touchdown passes and 25 turnovers. He will be more careful with the football, which will allow the offense to find more success. Factor in an improved offensive line with vets like JC Latham and Peter Skoronski working with new additions Kevin Zeitler and Dan Moore Jr., and you have an offense that could actually help you win games rather than outright lose them for you like last season.
This team still has some work to do on the defensive side of the ball outside of Pro Bowler Jeffery Simmons. Two of Tennessee’s top four sack-recorders are no longer with the team, so they’ll probably struggle to get after the quarterback after finishing 30th in sacks last season. L’Jarius Sneed’s recovery from a season-ending quad injury will also be something to keep an eye on.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
The hope is that a new coaching staff will inject some life into this franchise. Since that comeback win over the Chargers in the 2023 playoffs, the Jags are 13-22 with the eighth-worst point differential in the NFL. Unfortunately for Jacksonville fans, this will once again be a difficult year for the Jaguars.
This might be it for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Though he is still under contract until 2031, it feels like the former number-one overall pick is in a “prove it” year. He is now on his fourth head coach, who is coming in as an offensive guru expected to get the most out of TLaw, like he did with Baker Mayfield. He also has legitimate offensive weapons in Travis Hunter, Brian Thomas Jr., Dyami Brown, and Tim Patrick. If Trevor Lawrence can’t make anything happen with this group, then the Jaguars’ future might be screwed.
Jacksonville was good at the first and second levels on the defensive side. Its biggest problem was in the secondary, where they allowed the most passing yards per game in the NFL last season. Travis Hunter should be a difference maker on the outside, along with newcomers Jourdan Lewis, Caleb Rensaw, and Eric Murray. The defense may not be good, but it won’t be the worst in the NFL when it comes to defending the pass.
4. Indianapolis Colts
There isn’t much to say about this team. This is a quarterback-driven league, and the Colts have the worst quarterback room in the NFL. It’s so bad that Daniel Jones won the starting job, and he has averaged a turnover per game since the start of the 2023 season! Opposing teams will expect the Colts to want to run the ball, so they will load up the box almost every play and make it impossible for running back Jonathan Taylor to get anything going.
This squad’s only saving grace might be the defense, which was one of the league’s worst last year. Their secondary will be better with the acquisitions of Cam Bynum, Mekhi Blackmon, Xavien Howard, and Charvarius Ward. Their pass rush, though, could still use some work, even with the addition of JT Tuimoloau, who could’ve easily been a first-round pick.
West
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Until proven otherwise, this is still the Chiefs’ division. This season will mark Kansas City’s tenth straight divisional crown.
Patrick Mahomes might have taken a step back statistically, but he is still the NFL’s most proven winner at the quarterback position. The loss of Rashee Rice early last season really hindered the Chiefs’ offense. Despite his six-game suspension, his availability later in the year will be vital. It also seems like the Chiefs improved the left tackle spot by drafting Josh Simmons. Add in a fully healthy Isiah Pacheco, and this offense will be one of the best in the AFC.
The defense could see some regression with the departures of Justin Reid, Cam Jones, and Joshua Uche, but it will still be one of the better units in the NFL. Chris Jones is the best interior defensive lineman in the NFL, while guys like George Karlaftis, Leo Chenal, Chamarri Conner, and Trent McDuffie all showed noticeable improvement last year. KC will once again be the class of the AFC West with the best coaching staff and quarterback in the division.
2. Denver Broncos
Quarterback Bo Nix is another year older and another year wiser, which is saying a lot considering he threw the second-most touchdown passes ever in a player’s rookie season. With a stacked defense and Sean Payton guiding Nix’s progression, there’s a chance the Broncos could dethrone the Chiefs.
Denver’s lack of offensive weapons was the biggest concern heading into the off-season. So, the Broncos added an elite tight end in Evan Engram while improving the running back room by bringing in J.K. Dobbins and using a second-round pick on RJ Harvey. They also used a third-round draft pick on Pat Bryant, who could easily emerge as a number-two or number-three wideout in this offense.
The defense will once again be the driving force behind the Broncos’ overall success. Last year might have been an outlier, considering they finished with nine more sacks than the next closest team. But even if we reduce their output by ten sacks, they would still have the second-best pass rush in the NFL. With the additions of Dre Greenlaw and first-round pick Jahdae Barron, Denver is bound to have an elite defense.
3. Las Vegas Raiders
This Raiders team will look very different from the one we saw last year. They made marked improvements with their head coach, quarterback, and running back. They also added a new starting-caliber guard, wide receiver, linebacker, and safety. The Raiders are going for it all to be competitive right now, and it feels like it will pay off.
Geno Smith will provide consistency at the quarterback spot, which is a welcome change since Vegas has started five different QBs since the beginning of the 2023-24 season. They also have a running back, who will easily surpass the team-high 420 rushing yards that Alexander Mattison recorded last year. With arguably the best tight end in the NFL, a bona fide starter in Jakobi Meyers, and a third-round pick like Jack Bech, this offense will surely finish better than 29th when it comes to scoring.
The defense certainly has some holes, but they have the most important thing in the NFL: an elite edge rusher. As long as Maxx Crosby is on the field, this team has a shot to make some good things happen on the defensive side of the ball. Factor in a future Hall of Fame coach in Pete Carroll, and the Raiders’ defense is bound to be better than 26th in the NFL.
4. Los Angeles Chargers
I don’t think that the Los Angeles Chargers will be a bad team. I just think they will have the worst record in the AFC West, which might be the most competitive division in football this season.
Several starters from last year’s top-ranked scoring defense are no longer with the team, including Joey Bosa, Poona Ford, Kristian Fulton, Eli Apple, Asante Samuel Jr., Shaq Quarterman, and Marcus Maye. This unit is bound to take a step back, especially with Joey Bosa no longer in the mix and three cornerbacks on the injured reserve. Don’t expect the Chargers to finish in the top ten in sacks this year.
The offense is still in good hands under head coach Jim Harbaugh and quarterback Justin Herbert. The problem is that they didn’t do enough to address their glaring need for a reliable number-two wide receiver. They were so depleted at the wideout spot that they had to sign 33-year-old Keenan Allen. It’s also incredibly concerning that they have to go into this season without their best offensive lineman (Rashawn Slater), who was lost for the year with a torn patellar tendon. The Chargers will still have a winning record, but they will be the worst team in a highly competitive AFC West.
