Every team in the NFL has a mystery ahead of the 2026 season. Whether it’s a QB competition or a revamped coaching staff, there is always something that fans are itching to find out. In this NFL Preview series, we’re asking one burning question for every team. Here is the AFC East.
New England Patriots: Will A.J. Brown Be Enough?
The Patriots went 14-3 in 2025 en route to a Super Bowl appearance. Drake Maye was the MVP runner-up in his second pro season, and he finally has a true WR1.
A.J. Brown being traded to the Pats was the NFL’s worst-kept secret. His frustrations in Philadelphia boiled over, and he now gets the chance to dominate the way he wants.
The Pats were accused of succeeding simply because they had an easy schedule. They’ll have a tougher year in 2026, and Brown will play a key role in whether or not they succeed again.
Buffalo Bills: Will Josh Allen Need The Superman Cape?
The Bills have arguably the best quarterback in the NFL, Josh Allen. The 2024 MVP has steadily gotten better every year, and he can carry an offense through anything. He shouldn’t need to, though.
Buffalo traded for Chicago Bears wide receiver D.J. Moore in the offseason. He should be able to fill the void left by Stefon Diggs in 2023. They also fired head coach Sean McDermott and subsequently replaced him with offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
Brady’s promotion will be integral to the Bills’ offensive success. He’s done a great job with Allen thus far, but now he’s the man in charge. Will a new head coach and offensive weapon allow Superman to put the cape away?
Miami Dolphins: Is Malik Willis A Tank Commander?
The Dolphins released QB Tua Tagovailoa after six years and signed former Green Bay Packer Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million contract. New head coach Jeff Hafley is taking a chance on the former third-round pick, but is it a fair one?
Along with Tagovailoa, Miami released wide receiver Tyreek Hill and traded his pair, Jaylen Waddle, to the Denver Broncos. The wide receiver room now consists of Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell, and Malik Washington, along with rookies Chris Bell, Caleb Douglas, and Kevin Coleman Jr.
Willis played well in his four appearances last year, completing 30 of his 35 passes for 422 yards and three touchdowns. The story is more fun if he capitalizes on that, but he may unfortunately already be set up to fail.
New York Jets: Will Aaron Glenn Make It Through The Season?
Aaron Glenn’s first year as the Jets’ head coach was a nightmare scenario. The team went 3-14 behind a trio of starting quarterbacks; Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Brady Cook.
What’s even worse for Glenn, as a former defensive coordinator, is that New York is the first team in NFL history to record zero interceptions in a season. They ranked 31st in points allowed per game (29.6) and 25th in total yards allowed per game (355.6).
The Jets’ offense wasn’t much better. They ranked dead last in pass yards per game (140.3) and 29th in points per game (16.7). The team’s fanbase was calling for Glenn to be fired, but he’s getting another shot.
New York signed Geno Smith, who was among the league’s worst QBs last year. They drafted well, adding edge rusher David Bailey, tight end Kenyon Sadiq, and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. Glenn’s seat is already scalding hot. Will he be able to cool it off before the season is done?
End Of My NFL Rant
The AFC East was finally turned on its head last year with the Patriots’ rise. The Bills are the perpetual favorites, but their shake-up hopes to get them over the hump. The Jets and Dolphins seem to be in tank mode, leaving the division as a two-team race.
