2026 AFC West season preview: Prediction, record, rosters, strengths and weaknesses

The Post’s Steve Serby previews the AFC West for the 2026 season.Coach: Sean Payton2025 record: 14-3Key additions: Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is a jitterbug YAC target to complement Courtland Sutton.Fourth-round pick Jonah Coleman could be the running back of the future.

Saftey Talanoa Hufanga joins the secondary.Key departures: Defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers, Linebacker Dre Greenlaw, Safety P.J.Locke.First-and-goal: Sean Payton is an elite head coach.

Every O-line starter returns for the third straight season.Waddle is a weapon that Bo Nix needed.

Nik Bonitto and Zach Allen are bookend pass rushers who led to a league-best 68 sacks.Patrick Surtain II is a lockdown corner and CB Riley Moss is excellent.

Hufanga brings the wood.Davis Webb is the bright new play-caller.

RJ Harvey is a weapon out of the backfield.Devon Key is a special teams ace.

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has head coaching chops.Fourth-and-long: Tight ends Evan Engram and Adam Trautman are not difference-makers.Edge rusher Jonathon Cooper is on Commissioner Exempt List.

Linebacker Alex Singleton can be a coverage liability.Prediction: 11-6.Formidable trenches and a quarterback who Payton trusts.Coach: Jim Harbaugh2025 record: 11-6Key additions: Tight end David Njoku can be a red-zone target.

First-round pick Akheem Mesidor can help the pass rush.Second-round pick center Jake Slaughter has to replace center Tyler Biadasz (knee).Key departures: Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, Edge Odafe Oweh, Center Bradley Bozeman, Offensive lineman Mekhi Becton, Tight end Will Dissly, Guard Ben Cleveland.First-and-goal: Offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt are healthy again to pave holes for running back Omarion Hampton.

Quarterback Justin Herbert will have fun targeting receiver Ladd McConkey.Safety Derwin James is the alpha in the secondary.

Edge rushers Khalil Mack, even at 35, and Tuli Tuipulotu bring the pass rush.Kicker Cam Dicker is a weapon.

Offensive coordinator Mike Mc...