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The Post’s Andrew Crane previews the AFC East for the 2026 season.Coach: Mike Vrabel2025 record: 14-3O/U wins: 10.5Key additions: The Patriots upgraded Drake Maye’s WR1 and WR2 by landing star A.J.Brown and free agent Romeo Doubs.
They also gave their offensive line a boost with ex-Jet Alijah Vera-Tucker.And New England tried to fix its pass rush by bringing in edge rusher Dre’Mont Jones.Key departures: WR Stefon Diggs, S Jaylinn Hawkins, edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson, C Garrett Bradbury and edge rusher Anfernee Jennings.First-and-goal: New England, coming off a loss in the Super Bowl and a Vrabel-centered offseason of drama, is one of the favorites to reach SoFi Stadium out of the AFC given the presence of Maye — still just 24 years old.
They had a top-two scoring offense (28.8 points per game) and top-four scoring defense (18.8 points per game) in 2025.Fourth-and-long: Critics of the Patriots last year suggested that they benefited from a soft schedule.That won’t be the case in 2026, as New England’s slate ranks fifth in the NFL for most challenging.
Vrabel, after bringing the Patriots back to the cusp of a ring for the first time since Bill Belichick’s exit, will need to overcome those difficult games to keep building a dynasty of his own.Prediction: 13-4.Their AFC East outlook looks bleak after two losses in four games to start the season, but they still repeat as division champs.Coach: Joe Brady2025 record: 12-5O/U wins: 10.5Key additions: To solve their No.
1 receiver dilemma, the Bills acquired DJ Moore.Bradley Chubb, 30, became the latest veteran edge rusher signed to find the fountain of youth.
C.J.Gardner-Johnson gave the Bills a dependable safety alongside Cole Bishop.Key departures: CB Taron Johnson, edge rusher Joey Bosa, OL David Edwards, FB Reggie Gilliam, edge rusher A.J.
Epenesa and backup QB Mitchell Trubisky.First-and-goal: Fresh off another heartbreaking postseason exit, the Bills fired Sean McDermott, (surprisingly) gave Bra...