Sep 1, 2026 · 32 min
Ross picks Buffalo, Cincinnati, Houston and Denver to rule AFC
Ross' Official 2026 AFC Season Predictions
The predictions map the AFC’s shifting hierarchy, from Miami’s possible rebuild and Kansas City’s decline to emerging contenders in Houston and Denver.
- 1Buffalo leads Ross’s AFC East forecast as Miami faces the possibility of a major rebuild.
- 2Ross picks Cincinnati, Houston and Denver to win the AFC North, South and West respectively.
- 3Late roster churn and thin quarterback depth add uncertainty beyond the division-by-division predictions.
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Ross’s pick of Denver to win the AFC West captures the episode’s broader argument that Kansas City’s dominance is fading.
The brief
Ross Tucker and Paul Roberts open with a difficult outlook for Miami, then begin a division-by-division forecast of every AFC team.
Buffalo is Ross’s AFC East pick, while Miami’s outlook points toward a major rebuild; Cincinnati gets the North nod at 11-6.
Ross selects Houston in the South after weighing Jacksonville’s surprising 13-win season and the Texans’ highly regarded defense.
Kansas City’s decline reshapes the West, where Ross backs Denver and describes Las Vegas as an improving team with a promising young quarterback.
The forecast closes with waiver claims, Miami’s unusually active transactions, Philadelphia’s losses and concern over teams relying on inexperienced backups.
Featuring
New England Patriots
Buffalo Bills
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tennessee TitansListen to the full episode and explore every guest, topic, and moment on PodLume.