Why the AFC is Ripe for the Bengals’ Return to Contention in 2026
The Cincinnati Bengals may have been watching Super Bowl LX from home, but don’t confuse silence for surrender. After three straight seasons ending without a playoff win, it’d be easy to assume the Bengals are slipping backward. But in reality, the AFC is wide open-and Cincinnati is uniquely positioned to make a serious run in 2026.
Let’s start with the Super Bowl itself. What looked like the beginning of a new Patriots dynasty turned into a showcase for the Seattle Seahawks’ defense.
Rookie quarterback Drake Maye, guided by six-time Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, was completely overwhelmed. The Patriots fell flat in a 29-13 loss, and Maye’s struggles were a stark reminder of how rare Joe Burrow’s second-year Super Bowl run truly was.
That kind of poise under pressure doesn’t grow on trees.
The Patriots’ Path Just Got Tougher
The Patriots cruised through a soft schedule this past season, but that luxury is gone. A first-place slate awaits, and while the AFC East isn’t exactly a gauntlet, the road gets bumpier.
The Buffalo Bills are still leaning heavily on Josh Allen, one of the most gifted quarterbacks of this generation-but they’re hanging by a thread. The fact that Maye reached a Super Bowl before Allen only underscores how directionless Buffalo feels right now.
And it’s not just about wins and losses. The Bills are $7 million over the cap and staring down another offseason where they’ll have to make tough decisions. Allen’s brilliance has masked a lot of flaws, but the clock is ticking on how long they can keep asking him to carry the load without help.
Kansas City’s Dynasty Is Cracking
Then there’s Kansas City. Yes, they’ve won three Super Bowls and appeared in two more during this incredible run.
But the cracks are showing. Travis Kelce may have one more season in him, and the Chiefs are a staggering $62 million over the cap.
Cornerback Trent McDuffie could be on the trade block, and Patrick Mahomes-arguably the only QB who could challenge Tom Brady’s legacy-is coming off a torn ACL. This isn’t a team that’s one piece away anymore.
Chargers, Ravens, and the Rest: All Carry Question Marks
The Los Angeles Chargers have their own issues. Justin Herbert’s postseason résumé is, frankly, disappointing.
In three starts, he’s thrown four picks, owns a 54.7% completion rate, and sports a 64.7 passer rating. That’s not what you expect from a supposed franchise quarterback.
Add in the devastating injury to left tackle Rashawn Slater and the departure of defensive coordinator Jesse Minter-now the Ravens’ head coach-and it’s hard to see the Chargers as a real threat.
Speaking of Baltimore, Lamar Jackson remains one of the most electric players in the league-but durability is becoming a real concern. He’s missed four or more games in three of the last five seasons, and when your legs are your biggest weapon, that’s not a trend you want to see. He’s also adjusting to a new offensive system after an injury-marred 2025 campaign.
The Rest of the AFC? Still Rebuilding
As for the rest of the AFC? The Dolphins, Jets, Browns, Titans, and Raiders are all in various stages of rebuilding.
Cam Ward and Fernando Mendoza might be the future in Tennessee and Vegas, but neither looks ready to lead a playoff push. The Colts are hoping Daniel Jones can bounce back from a fractured fibula and torn Achilles.
The Jaguars? Trevor Lawrence has just one playoff win in five seasons and hasn’t completed more than 61% of his passes in either of the last two years.
Even the Steelers might be rolling the dice on a 43-year-old Aaron Rodgers, and the Broncos are putting their hopes in Bo Nix. That’s not exactly a murderers’ row of contenders.
Cincinnati’s Path Is Clearer Than It’s Been in Years
Now let’s talk about the Bengals. They’ve got the 10th overall pick in the draft, the seventh-most effective cap space in the league, and a franchise quarterback in Joe Burrow who’s due for a fully healthy season. That’s a rare and powerful combination.
Assuming right guard Dalton Risner returns, this is the best offensive line Burrow has ever played behind. That’s not just talk-it’s a game-changer.
With second-year back Chase Brown giving the offense real balance, Cincinnati doesn’t need Burrow to be Superman every week. But he still can be when it counts.
The Texans Are Rising-but Not Untouchable
The Houston Texans are the one AFC team that might give Cincinnati pause. Their defense is legit, no question.
But quarterback C.J. Stroud just threw four picks in a Divisional Round loss to New England.
When it comes to big-game poise, Burrow still has the edge.
And Houston’s defense, while physical and talented, tends to show its hand. They lined up in Cover 1, Cover 3, or Cover 4 on 75% of their snaps this season.
That kind of predictability is dangerous against a quarterback like Burrow, who thrives at diagnosing coverages and exploiting matchups. With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins stretching the field, single-high safety looks are a risk you don’t want to take.
If the Bengals Spend Smart, the Ceiling Is Sky-High
The Bengals have reportedly set their sights on bolstering the defense in free agency. If they follow through and hit on those additions, and land a solid contributor with the No. 10 pick, this roster suddenly looks loaded on both sides of the ball.
Yes, it’s all on paper for now. And yes, paper hasn’t meant much the last three years.
But this team isn’t starting from scratch. Burrow is a proven playoff performer.
The offensive line is finally stable. The skill talent is elite.
And the front office has both the draft capital and financial flexibility to patch holes.
Put it all together, and Cincinnati might just be the best-positioned team in the AFC to knock off the Patriots and reclaim the conference crown. The road is clear. Now it’s up to the Bengals to take it.