In less than a month, teams are the league will begin reporting for Training Camp and the new NFL season will be upon us. It was a great 2025 season filled with tons of memorable games, new teams vying for spots at the top, and the emergence of new superstars. We are previewing every division and what you need to know. Here is our 2026 AFC East preview.
Last Year
After five straight years of Buffalo Bills dominance in the AFC East, the New England Patriots took their spot at the top of the division last year once again. Their last streak lasted 11 years, so they needed to start somewhere. Mike Vrabel’s first year as the Patriots head coach was a successful one and it landed the Patriots in Super Bowl 60 in San Francisco. Ultimately, they came up short to a Seahawks team that had a better defense and Kenneth Walker. The Bills still managed to win 12 games and make a run in the playoffs where they were bounced by the Denver Broncos in heartbreaking fashion, yet again. Seems like every season ends with a teary-eyed Josh Allen. The Dolphins took a major step back with just seven wins and canned Mike McDaniel after the season while the Jets won just three games and already have Aaron Glenn on the hot seat.
Favorite to win in 2026
The Bills were favorites last year but came up short. They are the favorites again this season and rightfully so. They still won 12 games. However, a coaching shift from Sean McDermott to Joe Brady could shake up this offense and make it more exciting to watch. Obviously, you can’t put anything past the Patriots to repeat as champs who added A.J. Brown in the trade market and hope to see more development from Drake Maye a year after leading his team to the Super Bowl.
Offensive Player to Watch: Keon Coleman
Maybe this will look like a strange answer to many but let me explain. Coleman was called out by Bills owner Terry Pegula who threw McDermott and his coaches under the bus for drafting Coleman. Brady, who was one of the coaches that drafted him, is now the head coach. The Bills opted not to trade or release him. There are now two options. Let your name be slandered by the owner of the team or prove him wrong. I am fascinated to see which one it is.
Defensive Player to Watch: Christian Gonzalez
The Patriots defensive back isn’t just one of the best players in the AFC East, but he is establishing himself as one of the best defensive players in all of football. Gonzalez is one of the true lockdown corners in the game right now and should be the heart of the Patriots defense for years to come.
Prediction
Vrabel is an excellent coach but there is no hiding from the fact that the Pats had a favorable schedule and struggled against the good teams. I like Buffalo to take back the division and expect an MVP season from Josh Allen. Record (12-5)