Add The New York Post on Google The Post’s Andrew Crane previews the AFC East for the 2026 season.
Key additions: The Patriots upgraded Drake Maye’s WR1 and WR2 by landing star A.J. Brown and free agent Romeo Doubs. They also gave their offensive line a boost with ex-Jet Alijah Vera-Tucker. And New England tried to fix its pass rush by bringing in edge rusher Dre’Mont Jones.
Key departures: WR Stefon Diggs, S Jaylinn Hawkins, edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson, C Garrett Bradbury and edge rusher Anfernee Jennings.
First-and-goal: New England, coming off a loss in the Super Bowl and a Vrabel-centered offseason of drama, is one of the favorites to reach SoFi Stadium out of the AFC given the presence of Maye — still just 24 years old. They had a top-two scoring offense (28.8 points per game) and top-four scoring defense (18.8 points per game) in 2025.
Fourth-and-long: Critics of the Patriots last year suggested that they benefited from a soft schedule. That won’t be the case in 2026, as New England’s slate ranks fifth in the NFL for most challenging. Vrabel, after bringing the Patriots back to the cusp of a ring for the first time since Bill Belichick’s exit, will need to overcome those difficult games to keep building a dynasty of his own.
Prediction: 13-4. Their AFC East outlook looks bleak after two losses in four games to start the season, but they still repeat as division champs.
Key additions: To solve their No. 1 receiver dilemma, the Bills acquired DJ Moore. Bradley Chubb, 30, became the latest veteran edge rusher signed to find the fountain of youth. C.J. Gardner-Johnson gave the Bills a dependable safety alongside Cole Bishop.
Key departures: CB Taron Johnson, edge rusher Joey Bosa, OL David Edwards, FB Reggie Gilliam, edge rusher A.J. Epenesa and backup QB Mitchell Trubisky.
First-and-goal: Fresh off another heartbreaking postseason exit, the Bills fired Sean McDermott, (surprisingly) gave Brady the job and are hoping that — paired with Josh Allen — is enough to make an elusive Super Bowl. Allen, of course, is Allen. James Cook made his new contract look like a bargain with 1,621 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. Jim Leonhard has been tasked with revamping the defense.
Fourth-and-long: Something always seems to go wrong. In their playoff loss last year, Allen committed four turnovers. During the regular season, their rushing defense was among the worst. The offense stalled when Allen couldn’t play hero ball. His receivers couldn’t create separation. And at 30, he’s only getting older.
Prediction: 12-5. There are some brutal stretches that’ll make the Bills battle-tested for a deep playoff run as a wild-card team.
Key additions: The Jets took a page out of their 2016 playbook by bringing back QB Geno Smith, while also bringing in a pair of targets through the first round of the draft in TE Kenyon Sadiq and WR Omar Cooper Jr. And, as Glenn calls the defense, they also added a future star in edge rusher David Bailey.
Key departures: OL Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL John Simpson, edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II, LB Quincy Williams, S Tony Adams.
First-and-goal: The Jets enter 2026 with palpable optimism. Not for the playoffs, but, at minimum, for a step in the right direction. Smith has a full collection of offensive targets to work with, too. Garrett Wilson might actually be able to flash his true potential. Breece Hall is coming off his first 1,000-yard season. And Adonai Mitchell looks like a solid No. 2 wideout.
Fourth-and-long: Questions about Glenn’s status will only continue to swirl if losses stack up, and questions about Smith will ruin his return to MetLife Stadium if Gang Green sputters offensively.
Prediction: 7-10. The Jets will stumble after a Week 1 win over the Titans, but some winnable games down the stretch give them a chance to finish with a respectable record.
Key additions: After years of inconsistent play at quarterback, the Dolphins signed former Packers backup Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million deal. Defensively, the Dolphins added a pair of rookie pieces in CB Chris Johnson (first round) and LB Jacob Rodriguez (second round).
Key departures: WR Tyreek Hill, QB Tua Tagovailoa, WR Jaylen Waddle, edge rusher Bradley Chubb, S Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB Jack Jones, OL Cole Strange.
First-and-goal: There’s an element of intrigue with these Dolphins, who possess the NFL’s youngest roster at 25.3 years old. Half of their initial 53-man group is 24 or younger. They brought in a pair of Packers — GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and Hafley — to reverse the trajectory of a franchise that hasn’t won a playoff game since 2000. But it’ll take time to reach that point.
Fourth-and-long: It could get ugly. The Dolphins need key contributions from rookies, and Willis has never started for a full season since getting drafted in 2022. When the losses inevitably pile up, get ready for 2017 Browns and 2008 Lions comparisons.
Prediction: 2-15. And that might be generous. One of those wins will come in Week 18 when the Patriots rest starters.
