(Photo: Fox Sports)
1. New England Patriots (2025 Record: 14-3)
It felt like old times again in Foxborough, didn’t it? I had a feeling about this team last season, but I didn’t expect them to be as good as they were. Ever since Tom Brady left, the Patriots had made only one playoff appearance and hadn’t won a playoff game since Super Bowl LIII. Mike Vrabel was hired, and in his first season with the Patriots, they reclaimed the AFC East for the first time since 2019, hosted a playoff game, returned to the postseason, and represented the AFC in the Super Bowl. Drake Maye also took that next step, and the future is bright for him. Haven’t I always said that you need to put your quarterback in a position to succeed? Just last month, the Patriots acquired A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles, and he immediately gives them a true No. 1 receiving option. The move also reunites him with Mike Vrabel, who coached him during his time with the Tennessee Titans. As a wise man I know once said, “Last year was good and all, but let me see you do it again.” The Patriots can only build from here, and they’ll go as far as Drake Maye takes them.
2. Buffalo Bills (2025 Record: 12-5)
After Tom Brady left New England, the AFC East became Buffalo’s division. From 2020 through 2024, the Bills won the division every year. They’ve been dominant in the regular season, but when will they finally put it together when it matters most: playoff time? Josh Allen has led them to conference championship games, but he has never been able to get over the hump in the AFC. Last year, many people believed Buffalo had an open path to the Super Bowl because the Kansas City Chiefs were no longer standing in their way. Allen finally won his first road playoff game but struggled mightily against the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round. The Bills decided to move on from Sean McDermott and promoted Joe Brady from offensive coordinator to head coach. One thing I constantly mentioned was that this team needed a true No. 1 receiver, and they addressed that need by acquiring DJ Moore from the Chicago Bears. At this point, I truly believe the Bills’ championship window has closed.
3. Miami Dolphins (2025 Record: 7-10)
I never know what to expect from this group. I never agreed with the Dolphins giving Tua Tagovailoa the contract they did, and now he’s been released and is a member of the Atlanta Falcons. Tyreek Hill has also been released, while Jaylen Waddle was traded to the Denver Broncos. To be honest, I’m surprised they didn’t at least explore what they could get in return for De’Von Achane. The Dolphins also fired Mike McDaniel and hired Jeff Hafley as their next head coach. Malik Willis is expected to be the starting quarterback as well. It could be a very long year for this franchise in 2026, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re picking in the top six of the NFL Draft next spring.
4. New York Jets (2025 Record: 3-14)
Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if Aaron Rodgers never tore his Achilles on that September night in 2023. I think things would look a lot different for this franchise. To be honest, I’m surprised Aaron Glenn wasn’t fired because we’ve seen organizations hire coaches only to move on from them after one season. This team is cursed when it comes to quarterbacks. The last Jets quarterback to win a playoff game was Mark Sanchez. Think about that for a second. I loved what they did by drafting David Bailey with the second overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, but they still have glaring holes throughout the roster and won’t accomplish much until those issues are addressed. I also wouldn’t be surprised if they decided to move on from Aaron Glenn after this season.
2026 Predictions
- Bills (12-5)
- Patriots (10-7)
- Dolphins (5-12)
- Jets (3-14)
I can honestly say I’ve gone back and forth on this division. We all know it’s going to come down to the Bills and Patriots. Right now, I’m leaning toward Buffalo reclaiming the AFC East. What Drake Maye and the Patriots accomplished last season was impressive, but if I have to choose between Josh Allen and Drake Maye, I’m taking the quarterback who has already won an MVP. The biggest concern I have with Buffalo is their inconsistent commitment to James Cook. He is one of the most important players on the offense, and when he’s rolling, good things tend to happen. Can the Bills’ defense get back to playing consistent football? That’s another major question I’ll be watching this season. It’ll be close, but I like Buffalo to retake the East in 2026.
