NFL Upcoming Season ~ Deep Dive Into the AFC

The Hall of Fame Game is just a week away, and excitement is building as we gear up for another thrilling NFL season. Last year, the AFC came up short once again in the Super Bowl, with the Patriots falling to the Seahawks in the Super Bowl. In this article, we’re turning our attention to the AFC Conference and taking a deep dive into what to expect this upcoming season. 

Buffalo Bills ~
Last season, Buffalo fell short again, this time against the Broncos in Overtime. It was definitely the season that the Bills had hoped for with the likes of both KC + BAL not making the postseason. But, it wasn't to be again. Buffalo got rid of Sean McDermott in the offseason and have new game-plans for the upcoming year. DJ Moore comes in as a wideout option for Josh Alllen and Bradley Chubb adds a big presence at the OLB position defensively. Bills fans think that this is the year and they could absolutely be correct this time around.

Kansas City Chiefs ~
Returning from his ACL injury, Patrick Mahomes is probably not going to be quite as agile as he once was. He's still a 3-time Super Bowl winner though with KC and him being back changes everything. The Chiefs go from bottom-tier (last season) to contender in an instant. As we said in the NFC version of this article, Kansas City added Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III in Free Agency. That will give Mahomes a threat at running-back which makes this team really scary. Travis Kelce also comes back for another season hoping for another ring. Don't underestimate the Chiefs as they've made five of the L7 Super Bowls.

Baltimore Ravens ~
Lamar Jackson only played 13 games last season and it was another unsuccessful year for the Ravens. But, with a new coach and big expectations again, Baltimore should always be a threat to win lots of games over the course of the season. Derrick Henry helps keep the scariest backfield in the NFL together (with Lamar) and the defensive line bulks up with Trey Hendrickson coming in off the edge. There's going to be plenty of teams looking to come out of the AFC this season. But, with a healthy Lamar, the Ravens should be right there. 

Rashee Rice Becomes A Super Star in The NFL
In 2023-2024, Rice recorded 938 receiving yards, making it a very strong rookie season. Since then, he hasn't been able to play a full season. This year, we're anticipating Rice to have a huge year with no active suspensions in place. Rice is going to be the main receiving option and with Patrick Mahomes back, the Chiefs are poised for another postseason appearance. 

Fernando Mendoza Doesn't Play In 2026-2027
Head Coach Klint Kubiak has finally announced who the starting QB is going to be for the Las Vegas Raiders. For those who believed that it was going to be #1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. You were incorrect. Veteran QB, Kirk Cousins will start in week one and there's one thing on his mind. Keep the job for as long as possible. We've seen young QB's get forced into action plenty of times over the past few seasons before they've been ready. This could be exactly what Mendoza needs in order to have a successful career in the NFL. 

1. Ja'Marr Chase
2. Josh Allen
3. Patrick Mahomes 
4. Jonathan Taylor
5. Drake Maye

6. Lamar Jackson 
7. Joe Burrow
8. AJ Brown
9. Justin Herbert 
10. Derrick Henry

Baltimore Ravens ~ (+470)
Buffalo Bills ~ (+510)
New England Patriots ~ (+760)
Kansas City Chiefs ~ (+770)
Los Angeles Chargers ~ (+830)
Houston Texans ~ (+850)
Denver Broncos ~ (+1025)
Cincinnati Bengals ~ (+1025)
Jacksonville Jaguars ~ (+1500)
Pittsburgh Steelers ~ (+2300)
Indianapolis Colts ~ (+2900)
Tennessee Titans ~ (+5500)
Las Vegas Raiders ~ (+7600)
New York Jets ~ (+8600)
Cleveland Browns ~ (+8600)
Miami Dolphins ~ (+15000)

Kansas City Chiefs