NFL execs rank AFC teams: Bills lead a jumble of contenders. Does anyone trust the Chiefs?

Key Points:

• The Buffalo Bills are ranked as the top AFC team for the 2026 season by six NFL executives, praised for Josh Allen's talent and improvements on defense and offense, with expectations high for a Super Bowl run.
• The Denver Broncos and Houston Texans round out the top three, with Denver favored for their defense and coaching stability, while Houston's roster is strong but quarterback C.J. Stroud remains a question mark.
• The New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens follow, with Patriots seen as thin and facing a tough schedule, while the Ravens' success depends heavily on Lamar Jackson's health and the effectiveness of new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle.
• The Kansas City Chiefs are surprisingly ranked sixth, with concerns about Patrick Mahomes' health and defensive losses, despite their strong recent track record and Vegas win projections.
• At the bottom, the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins are viewed as rebuilding teams with significant uncertainties, including quarterback controversies and coaching transitions, with Miami notably expected to struggle and not judged strictly on wins this season.