These are the AFC power rankings as we head into the 2025/2026 NFL season:
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs with the ball against the Miami Dolphins in the second quarter during an NFL International Series game at Deutsche Bank Park. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
The Mahomes–Reid combo remains the league’s ultimate January edge. They sit just behind Philly, but are still the AFC measuring stick until someone proves otherwise.
2. Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
A physical defense and an MVP quarterback underpin a high weekly floor. Slotted No. 3 with the profile of a top AFC seed again.
3. Buffalo Bills
Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) drops back to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Allen’s playmaking and a battle-tested core keep their window open. Ranked above the NFC cluster due to stability and consistent playoff trips.
4. Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
With a healthy Burrow, the passing game is championship-quality. They land 10th as health and defensive instability are the swing factors in a loaded AFC.
5. Denver Broncos
Oct 13, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) and quarterback Bo Nix (10) warm up before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Defensive spine, continued growth for Bo Nix, and Sean Payton keep them competitive. Placed above several AFC peers.
6. Los Angeles Chargers
Jul 21, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) at training camp at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Franchise-QB stability plus a reset culture points up. Tough conference keeps them at 12 while the roster retools.
7. Houston Texans
Jun 10, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) participates in a drill during an NFL football minicamp at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
A dynamic young core and aggressive coaching give them volatility with upside. They’re mid-table now with room to leap if consistency arrives.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
Jul 25, 2025; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Defense and organizational continuity preserve a high baseline. Capped here until the offense proves weekly stability. Oh A-a-ron, how I loathe thee.
9. Miami Dolphins
Jan 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) on the field before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Track-team speed can be explosiveweekly, but durability and late-season sturdiness concerns linger. Slotted here until they answer questions.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars
Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) calls a play during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Talented QB with a meh track record, though improved support. They’re recalibrating in a terrible AFC South, planting them here to start the season.
11. New England Patriots
Jan 5, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) looks to throw against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Defense provides a baseline while the offense continues the rebuild. Solid window forming, but currently trail the teams above.
12. Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) carries the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Pass-rush star power, and offensive playmakers loading. They sit here until they prove to me the hype is real.
13. New York Jets
Dec 29, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) makes a catch against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Elite pass defense, but can be run on. Offense is the variable – they can run, but can they pass when they need to? Is Fields the answer?
14. Indianapolis Colts
Imagn Images
A mess of a QB room, but athletes across the rest of the roster. Will stay ranked near the bottomuntil the gaps get smoothed.
15. Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) fields questions from the media after practice during training camp at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, July 30, 2025.
New kid in town, but explosive threats are scarce. A transitional year slots them in the bottom three.
16. Cleveland Browns
Dec 29, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) argues for a penalty flag against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Defensive talent is undeniable; certainty at QB is not. The cloud at the most critical position anchors them near the bottom.
By Louis Friedl 
Angel Atienza-Romero