With the NFL draft now in the rearview mirror, the picture for the 2026 season is finally coming into focus. While offseason moves will continue to shape rosters, each team has added key pieces that could define their trajectory. Here’s a full division-by-division look at how the league stacks up heading into the fall.
AFC West
The AFC West once again looks like one of the most competitive divisions in football, with three teams projected to finish at 11-6.
Denver has a young squad with a juggernaut of a defense, and they will finish 11-6, building on last season’s momentum with improved consistency on offense. With a rejuvenated offensive line, Los Angeles will also finish 11-6, as Jim Harbaugh’s influence continues to reshape the identity of the Chargers into a more physical, disciplined team. Kansas City, also at 11-6, remains the standard thanks to its championship pedigree and the addition of an elite running back. Las Vegas rounds out the division at 4-13, still in the midst of a longer-term rebuild, despite drafting Fernando Mendoza.
AFC South
Jacksonville headlines the AFC South at 10-7, looking to reassert itself as the division’s most stable contender with a second straight division title. I don’t think Houston made enough moves this offseason to return to the playoffs, and with Daniel Jones at quarterback, I don’t see Indianapolis being much of a threat. I have them both finishing 8-9, but well above the Titans. Tennessee, projected at 3-14, appears to still be in rebuild mode, prioritizing long-term development over immediate results.
AFC North
The AFC North could be one of the league’s defining divisions, led by a 12-5 Baltimore team that looks primed for a deep postseason run. With a new head coach in Jesse Minter helping elevate the defense, the Ravens appear more balanced than ever around Lamar Jackson. I think their offense will be even more consistent with the addition of their first-round pick, Olaivavega Ioane. Cincinnati follows at 10-7, still dangerous behind its explosive offense when healthy. Pittsburgh’s trademark physicality keeps them competitive at 8-9, while Cleveland struggles to find footing at 5-12 in a tough division.
AFC East
I expect Josh Allen and Buffalo to reclaim the AFC East throne, finishing 13-4 and continuing to operate as one of the league’s most dangerous offenses. New England emerges as a repeat contender at 11-6 in year three for Drake Maye. Miami drops to 3-14, while the Jets bottom out at 1-16 in what looks like a full reset year.
NFC East
Philadelphia leads the NFC East at 12-5, maintaining its status as one of the NFC’s elite teams thanks to its depth and physicality. Regardless of whether or not they are able to keep AJ Brown, I think the Eagles are a step ahead of the rest of the division. Nothing about this year’s Dallas team blows my mind, and I have them at 9-8. The Giants (8-9) and Commanders (7-10) remain competitive but fall short of true contention, each continuing to search for long-term stability.
NFC North
I think Detroit has a bounce-back season, as Jahmyr Gibbs wins offensive player of the year, and Dan Campbell’s gritty Lions will finish 12-5. Chicago will continue taking steps forward with Caleb Williams, returning to the wild card round with a record of 10-7. Green Bay matches that 10-7 mark, staying firmly in the postseason conversation, while Minnesota slips to 6-11 as it navigates a transitional phase.
NFC South
The NFC South remains wide open, with Atlanta and New Orleans both projected at 8-9 in a tightly contested race. I think New Orleans has the best chance to win the division due to the team’s youth and the endless potential of Tyler Shough. Tampa Bay (7-10) and Carolina (7-10) aren’t far behind, making this one of the most unpredictable divisions in the league.
NFC West
The NFC West may be the deepest division in football again, featuring three legitimate contenders. San Francisco and Los Angeles both finish at 12-5, with the Rams in particular emerging as a team peaking at the right time thanks to a strong blend of veteran leadership and young talent. Seattle isn’t far behind at 11-6, firmly in playoff position and capable of repeating as champions. Arizona, at 4-13, continues to rebuild without a real QB1, struggling in a challenging division.
Playoff Outlook and Super Bowl Prediction
In the AFC, another collision between Baltimore and Kansas City in the title game feels inevitable. This time, however, the Ravens break through. With a more complete roster and a defense elevated by Jesse Minter’s arrival, Baltimore edges the Chiefs to reach the Super Bowl.
In the NFC championship, the Rams and Eagles meet in a heavyweight matchup, with Los Angeles advancing behind its late-season surge and playoff experience.
That sets up a Ravens-Rams Super Bowl, where Lamar Jackson finally captures the one accolade that has eluded him. Baltimore’s balance on both sides of the ball proves too much, delivering a championship and cementing Jackson’s legacy with his first Super Bowl victory.