Aug 15, 2026, 4:15 PM CUT
2026 NFL Predictions: Analyzing all 32 teams’ divisional standings ahead of preseason (Part 1)

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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 14: Dallas Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau 35 waits for the play to begin during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Minnesota Vikings on December 14, 2025 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 14 Vikings at Cowboys EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon1692512143055
Teams are shuffling and filling up their rosters as the NFL preseason timer ticks away. Latest intel on player injuries and positions can help us predict teams’ performance to a certain extent.
Therefore, here’s a list of all 32 teams and how they may perform once they’re on the field for good, based on predictions by Moe Moton of the Bleacher Report.
Cincinnati Bengals: 11-6
The Cincinnati Bengals have seen an improvement in their defence thanks to the likes of Jonathan Allen and Dexter Lawrence II. The team will rely on star QB Joe Burrow’s performance moving forward.
They will battle against the Jacksonville Jaguars in week 4, whom they have already beaten in the previous campaign, as mentioned in Bleacher Report’s article by Moe Moton.

Baltimore Ravens: 12-5
Baltimore Ravens may be able to claim the divisional title this time around. The team’s first few matches are against NFC teams whom they have outdone previously.
The team’s highlight is, of course, QB Lamar Jackson, whose playmaking game may break through the NFC opponents’ defences. He’s had a proven record against some of these opponents.
Cleveland Browns: 3-14
The Cleveland Browns traded star pass rusher Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. This has been a major blow to the team’s roster, and now players like Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders contend for the QB position.
However, their greater challenge lies in communicating with the rookie receivers on the team. The team must adapt to win low-scoring games.
Pittsburgh Steelers: 9-8
The Steelers have an interesting team setup that consists of various players over the age of 30. In fact, QB Aaron Rodgers is 42 years old, but this doesn’t mean he isn’t one of the best.
Newer entries like Jamel Dean must step up to help the team overcome challenges. That being said, they are under the guidance of veteran coach Mike McCarthy, whose teams had a 61% win ratio over 18 seasons.
Miami Dolphins: 2-15

The Miami Dolphins have had an interesting record over the past few seasons. They have won 26 games while losing 25. This time around, they’re rebuilding their squad.
However, the roster is still somewhat young. Malik Willis, their star quarterback, may have to make the big plays with his team for the Miami Dolphins to have a chance.
New York Jets: 5-12
The New York Jets have lost 36 games over the past three years, winning only 15. Their record has not shown positive growth in recent seasons.
To make things worse, their schedule is somewhat unforgiving, going up against NFC North and AFC West teams. This does not help their odds.
New England Patriots: 10-7
The New England Patriots may be one of the more successful teams this time. They recently added wide receiver A.J. Brown to the roster along with wideout Romeo Doubs.
Their quarterback Drake Maye also continues to make a mark on the field. Overall, their roster looks impressive, but the schedule may work against them in the long run.
Buffalo Bills: 12-5
The Buffalo Bills may be the most succesful teams this preseason from the AFC East. However, they still need to adjust to Jim Leonhard’s defensive playcalling.
That being said, their offense may be in the spotlight with Joe Brady in the head coach position and wideout DJ Moore doing his part.
Indianapolis Colts: 5-12

QB Daniel Jones has been back in the game after tearing his Achilles tendon. The player has sustained various injuries over the past seven seasons.
Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s defense hasn’t ranked higher than 21st over the past three seasons.
Jacksonville Jaguars: 9-8
The Jaguars had a surprising yet successful season in 2025, winning the AFC South. They even scored the second-best record in the history of the franchise at 13-4.
That being said, they will face playoff teams from the previous campaigns early on. This makes the competition a little more punishing for them.
Tennessee Titans: 7-10
Last season, Offensive tackles Dan Moore Jr. and JC Latham allowed a total of 16 sacks. However, this time, the team is under the watchful eyes of Head coach Robert Saleh, calling plays for defense, and former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll for offense.
Big-game players like QB Cam Ward may make the big plays with Carnell Tate and more.
Houston Texans: 13-4
DeMeco Ryans leads the defense, and as a former linebacker, he can put his experience to good use. Credit also goes to his team, which includes two-time All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr. and Pro Bowler Calen Bullock in the secondary.
The team has all the star power it could need. It includes linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr., and more.
Denver Broncos: 11-6

Denver Broncos were one of 2025’s most successful AFC West teams, going 11-2 in one-score games. In 2026, their roster remains stacked.
All-Pros like Garett Bolles and Quinn Meinerz hold down the line on the offensive side of things. The team also added Jaylen Waddle, who used to play for the Miami Dolphins.
Los Angeles Chargers: 10-7
AFC West is full of powerful contenders for this season. The Los Angeles Chargers are one of them. However, they do have a new play-caller in Mike McDaniel, which must be factored in.
Overall, they have a high chance of winning more matches than they may lose. However, their schedule may prove to be a challenge.
Kansas City Chiefs: 10-7
Fan favorites Kansas City Chiefs may secure 10 wins. Icon Patrick Mahomes is back in practice after tearing his ACL, and star player Travis Kelce is in the game for his 14th season.
That being said, Mahomes’ previous injury may make it take longer for him to get to 100% in the game. Regardless, the Chiefs will likely prove their mettle yet again.
Las Vegas Raiders: 5-12
The Raiders have consistently ranked fourth in the AFC West for two consecutive seasons. Brock Bowers previously missed five games last season but is now back in action.
Though the team looks prepared, their schedule puts them in brutal competition with the likes of the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills.
This was Part 1 of the list. The remaining teams will be featured in Part 2.
Written by
Prit Chauhan