​The NFL season is just around the corner and it’s time to give a preview of the AFC.AFC EastBuffalo Bills: contendersOffseason grade: BFloor: 7-10Ceiling: 13-4Overall outlook: The Bills went out to get DJ Moore to help their receivers room with beating man coverage. With a new defensive scheme that’s set up to slow down opposing teams’ run games, they are expected to be an average run defense. There is a shuffle on defense, with at least five new starters. New England Patriots: contendersOffseason grade: BFloor: 7-10Ceiling: 13-4Overall outlook: Adding a stud in AJ Brown gives Drake Maye a security blanket. Maye will take a jump with his new weapon. One of the stronger defensive units led by Christian Gonzalez, the Patriots are terrific on both sides of the ball. Led by Mike Vrabel, they rely on out-physically beating teams. So forget the Xs and Os, the Patriots will beat you with their Jimmies and Joes.Miami Dolphins: miss playoffsOffseason grade: CFloor: 4-13Ceiling: 6-11Overall outlook: There’s just too many questions marks on the Dolphins. Only De’Von Achane is their bright spot. He’s a speedster that can burst into the hole at any given moment. Building an identity on both sides of the ball is their key for a future.New York Jets: miss playoffsOffseason grade: CFloor: 3-14Ceiling: 7-10Overall outlook: Keep an eye on David Bailey as a cornerstone on the Jets’ defense. But, they need more. Over the last decade, they had one stud on their defense but nothing else across the boards. Not one interception last year, surely they should get an interception by the first week.-Mac PhamMike Vrabel holding A.J. Brown accountable in one of Brown’s first team meetings with the #Patriots:“A.J., obviously those are plays we expect, that you expect. This is why we signed up to be together, okay? For you to make those types of plays. Yeah, we all know that.”“We… pic.twitter.com/7yESMeuBck— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) September 4, 2026AFC North Cincinnati Bengals: Super Bowl ContendersOffseason Grade: BCeiling: 14-3Floor: 7-10Overall Outlook:The Cincinnati Bengals could have the best record in the AFC or fall flat and miss the playoffs for a fifth time since their Super Bowl LVI appearance. With a better defense than years past, Burrow has zero excuses for falling short, especially if Cincinnati gets home-field advantage through the postseason. Burrow and head coach Zac Taylor must prove that 2021 was not a fluke and they can capture that magic again. Baltimore Ravens: Super Bowl ContendersOffseason Grade: B+Ceiling: 14-3Floor: 9-8Overall Outlook:The Ravens are always in the Super Bowl conversation, but were always underwhelming when push came to shove. They have not consistently beaten the Bills, Chiefs, or even the Steelers during Lamar Jackson’s time in Baltimore. Under Jesse Minter, though, things can be a lot different, and this team could finally unleash their full potential. The Ravens will be great once again, and the