A capsule look at the AFC East heading into the 2026 season, with teams listed in predicted order of finish.
Buffalo Bills
BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl: 10-1; Over-under win total: 10.5
Strengths: Josh Allen has won the most regular-season games (83) since 2019 and has an argument for being the No. 1 quarterback in the league. His 301 total touchdowns is the most since 2016, even though Allen’s debut came two years later. James Cook led the NFL in rushing yards last year. When healthy, there is star power on the defense, which now includes former Broncos first-round pick Bradley Chubb. The Bills have won this division five straight years.
Weaknesses: There’s a lot of uncertainty for a Super Bowl contender, starting with a new head coach (Joe Brady), a new defensive coordinator (Jim Leonhard) and a new look on defense (3-4, after years in a 4-2-5). D.J. Moore was a big offseason addition, but the wide receiver corps could still be an issue. The rush defense was a significant problem last season — Buffalo allowed the fifth-most yards and tied for the most rushing touchdowns.
New England Patriots
BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl: 20-1; Over-under win total: 10.5
Strengths: Drake Maye finished second in league MVP voting in just his second season. He led the NFL in quarterback rating and yards per passing attempt. Maye’s leading receiver, Stephon Diggs, is gone, but A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs arrive to join tight end Hunter Henry and give Maye a high-end set of targets. The defense allowed the fourth-fewest points last year and added first-team All-Pro Kevin Byard III in the secondary.
Weaknesses: It’s been … let’s call it an eventful offseason away from the field for the Patriots and coach Mike Vrabel. New England was a surprise participant in Super Bowl LX, and even the high-profile additions of Brown and Byard might not prevent some regression. One big reason? The schedule is going to be much tougher.
New York Jets
BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl: 250-1; Over-under win total: 5.5
Strengths: Garrett Wilson is one of the best wide receivers in the league and a pair of first-round picks — tight end Kenyon Sadiq and wideout Omar Cooper Jr. — could give the Jets an exciting collection of pass catchers. Breece Hall is a solid, versatile running back who could get some help if a young offensive line improves.
Weaknesses: Geno Smith had a bad year with Las Vegas while his former team won the Super Bowl, but now he’s back with the franchise that drafted him. He’s 35 years old, and it could go sideways if the line struggles. The Jets allowed 503 points last year. The pass rush could be fun with No. 2 overall pick David Bailey joining Will McDonald IV, but other teams will likely continue to find joy against this defense. Expect Jets fans to be dreaming of Arch Manning, Dante Moore or one of the other top quarterback prospects in the 2027 NFL draft.
Miami Dolphins
BetMGM says: Win Super Bowl: 500-1; Over-under win total: 4.5
Strengths: A lack of expectations? Does that count? The Dolphins are in full-fledged rebuilding mode. There’s a new general manager, a new head coach and a new quarterback. Malik Willis showed some promise as the No. 2 behind Jordan Love in Green Bay. The Dolphins need Willis and De’Von Achane to be a dynamic duo.
Weaknesses: Linebacker Jordyn Brooks earned All-Pro honors with a league-leading 183 tackles. He had a lot of cleaning up to do. There are intriguing young players on defense, but it could be a long year for the defense. With Jaylen Waddle in Denver and Tyreek Hill released after a severe knee injury last year, Willis might be working with the worst group of receivers in the league. Achane led the Dolphins in receptions last yea, and would be a solid bet to do it again.
