A Deep, Varied Pack of AFC Contenders Head Into 2026
In 2026, the AFC is home to a trio of MVPs, a pack of upstarts, and the lone team to truly take out the dynastic Chiefs. That combination leaves a fascinating landscape of eight teams with odds of 10/1 or shorter vying to represent the AFC in next February’s Super Bowl.
Ravens (+475)
With two-time MVP Lamar Jackson at the helm and an exciting, defensive-minded head coach in Jesse Minter, Baltimore’s hope is a refreshed regime finally gets it over the hump. On the heels of an 8-9 season, the Ravens could pose a serious threat if they secure home-field advantage through January and force teams to play a Jackson and Derrick Henry-led offense in the thankless cold of M&T Bank Stadium.
Bills (+500)
Like Baltimore, the Bills opted for a regime change but kept it in-house with former offensive coordinator Joe Brady taking over as head coach. An empowered, happy, and optimized Josh Allen has a strong case to be the NFL’s best, most dominant player. In that scenario, it’s tough to bet against Buffalo.
Chiefs (+790)
A fading dynasty gets a ton of credit on the odds board. Last year’s uninspiring team has largely been rolled back, with questions still all around Mahomes on offense. The Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid pairing have done incredible things, but navigating this AFC with that team would be the most amazing feat yet.
Patriots (+790)
Detractors pointed to a soft schedule and their blowout loss in the Super Bowl as proof New England was a flash-in-the-pan success. But, with an improving young QB now aided by a bona fide No. 1 wideout in AJ Brown, it’s easy to see a path to improvement and continued contention for the Pats.
Chargers (+800)
It’s easy to scoff at another round of preseason Chargers hope, but there’s no denying Jim Harbaugh’s track record. If Justin Herbert can play at an MVP level wire-to-wire, it’s easy to see a path for the Bolts.
Broncos (+900)
After a cruel injury suffered by QB Bo Nix halted the Broncos’ Super Bowl hopes last season, they return the foundation of an elite defense and have paired Nix with a dynamic wideout in Jaylen Waddle.
Texans (+950)
Led by the league’s most fearsome defense, Houston entered last postseason as the league’s hottest team, only to crumble with QB CJ Stroud in disarray. At his best, Stroud has played like a top 10 passer capable of manning a contender. The Texans need that level for their defense to get a Super Bowl showcase.
Bengals (+1000)
Though the 10,000-foot view of the Bengals isn’t as impressive as the bulk of the AFC’s contenders, it’s difficult to rule out Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. That trio’s bona fides are cemented and in Cincinnati, it’ll come down to whether it can protect Burrow and slow opponents enough to let a high-flying offense win games.
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Odds as of August 25, 2026.