The NFL season is still months away, but after the flurry of free agent moves this year, it's a good time to take a look at what could play out next season in the AFC standings. The Denver Broncos hold the Lombardi Trophy after winning the Super Bowl, and it will be a tough task to keep it next season.
The Broncos should still be in the playoff mix despite losing Peyton Manning and other key players this offseason. Manning is retired, while names like Brock Osweiler, Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan are with other teams. The Houston Texans should be on the rise after bringing in Osweiler and Lamar Miller, while the Oakland Raiders could make a jump after adding Sean Smith and Bruce Irvin.
The NFL draft still will make a difference for teams this offseason, but there isn't anything that should happen that will drastically alter the landscape in the conference. Here is a look at the AFC for next season and predictions on who will win each division and make the playoffs:
AFC East Winner: New England Patriots
Until the New England Patriots lose the AFC East, the division title is theirs. The team couldn't repeat as Super Bowl champions last season, but in 2016 they should be in the mix once again. Tom Brady will have Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett forming a strong duo at tight end, while Chris Hogan and Nate Washington give the team depth on offense. The New York Jets should be in the mix after signing Matt Forte, but that's not enough to beat the Pats out, no matter who the Jets start at quarterback.
The Miami Dolphins have made some moves to try and get better, but the team still has major holes on the roster. Adding Mario Williams is a high upside move, but losing Olivier Vernon and Lamar Miller in free agency will be tough to overcome. Rishard Matthews is gone along with Brent Grimes, while Kiko Alonso is coming in after dealing with injuries last season. The team did try and get CJ Anderson, but the Broncos ended up keeping the running back. The Buffalo Bills have the chance to be better than last season, but they don't have enough to beat the Patriots.
AFC North Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers
The Cincinnati Bengals may take a slight step back this year after letting Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones go in free agency. Any team that has AJ Green, Andy Dalton and Jeremy Hill on offense should still be able to compete for a playoff spot, but the division title may be tough to win again this year. The Pittsburgh Steelers added Ladarius Green on offense this offseason to replace Heath Miller, and that could end up as one of the best moves of 2016.
The Baltimore Ravens have the chance to be in the mix after bringing in Mike Wallace on offense, but they still have holes on the roster. Joe Flacco gives the team a chance, but age will be an issue on offense with Wallace, Ben Watson and Steve Smith all well over 30. Cleveland Browns fans will have hope for this season with Robert Griffin III coming in and Hue Jackson taking over, but last place is where the team likely will end up.
AFC South Winner: Houston Texans
The AFC South has the chance to be one of the most competitive divisions in the league this season. For many years this was a division dominated by the Indianapolis Colts, but this year all four teams could contend for a playoff spot. The Houston Texans have the inside track after signing Brock Osweiler and Lamar Miller in free agency. Those moves combined with a top defense should be enough to win the division. The Indianapolis Colts are hoping Andrew Luck can stay healthy for a full season after missing most of 2015 with injuries. If that happens, expect the Colts to compete for the division and a wild card spot.
The Jacksonville Jaguars may still need a couple years to truly be a threat, but this year they should at least be in the mix for a playoff spot. Adding Malik Jackson, Prince Amukamara and Chris Ivory in free agency should give the team a boost. Those veterans should complement a young roster that is packed with potential in players like Blake Bortles, Allen Robinson, T.J. Yeldon and Allen Hurns. The Titans likely won't make the playoffs, but adding DeMarco Murray and a potential top draft pick to the mix should at least made Tennessee more competitive.
AFC West Winner: Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos lost some key players in free agency this offseason, with Brock Osweiler, Malik Jackson, Danny Trevathan, Ryan Harris and Evan Mathis all out. The team brought in Mark Sanchez and likely will make another move at quarterback. The defense should still be the best in football with Von Miller expected to sign a long-term deal eventually, while the offense should still be productive with Demaryius Thomas and CJ Anderson.
The Kansas City Chiefs should be in the mix after making the playoffs last season, while the San Diego Chargers still have too many holes to fill to be contenders in the division. The team to keep an eye on is the Oakland Raiders (see next section).
AFC Wild Card Teams: Oakland Raiders, Indianapolis Colts
Although the Oakland Raiders finished 7-9 last season, Jack Del Rio had the team looking like contenders for most of the year. The foundation is in place with Derek Carr, Amari Cooper, Khalil Mack and Latavius Murray as the core, and the team added solid free agents this offseason. The Raiders should be much improved with Bruce Irvin and Sean Smith coming in, and that should lead to a playoff appearance. The Colts making the playoffs will depend on whether Andrew Luck can stay healthy. If he does, the Colts should make it. If not, expect the Jets, Chiefs or Ravens to sneak in.
In the running:
Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets.
