The AFC has long been ruled by powerhouse teams—Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs, Joe Burrow’s Cincinnati Bengals, and Lamar Jackson’s Baltimore Ravens. But as the 2024 NFL season nears, a new wave of contenders is emerging. While the conference landscape is evolving, ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell warns that none of these rising teams are without major flaws.
Here’s a deep dive into the four AFC upstarts and why they might fall short of dethroning the established elites.
1. Houston Texans: High Hopes, Lingering Concerns
C.J. Stroud’s breakout rookie year and the addition of Stefon Diggs have turned Houston into a dark-horse contender. With Diggs joining Nico Collins and Tank Dell, Stroud has one of the NFL’s best receiver trios. The defense, anchored by Will Anderson Jr. and Denico Autry, is also on the rise.
The Flaw: Offensive Line & Secondary Depth
Stroud was sacked 3.3 times per game in 2023. While the O-line has improved, it remains a vulnerability. The secondary also lacks proven talent beyond Derek Stingley Jr., leaving them exposed against elite quarterbacks.
2. Buffalo Bills: Life Without Diggs
Josh Allen remains an MVP-caliber QB, but trading Stefon Diggs leaves a gaping hole in Buffalo’s offense. Rookie Keon Coleman and free-agent pickup Curtis Samuel must deliver immediately.
The Flaw: Unproven Weapons & Defensive Losses
Allen’s reliance on a true WR1 (Diggs) was key to Buffalo’s success. Now, the passing attack is a question mark. The defense also lost veterans like Jordan Poyer and Tre’Davious White, leaving young players to fill critical roles.
3. Miami Dolphins: Explosive But Fragile
Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle form an electrifying offense, and first-round pick Chop Robinson adds speed to the defense.
The Flaw: Injuries & Playoff Struggles
Tua’s concussion history is a constant concern, and Miami has faltered in big games. Their defense, while fast, struggles against power-run teams—just ask the Ravens and Chiefs.
4. New York Jets: All-in on Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers’ return has Super Bowl hype swirling in New York. With Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, and a retooled O-line, the offense should improve. The defense (Sauce Gardner, Quinnen Williams) is already elite.
The Flaw: Rodgers’ Durability & O-Line Health
At 40 and coming off an Achilles tear, Rodgers is a major injury risk. If he goes down, so do the Jets’ title hopes. The offensive line—despite adding Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses—has durability concerns.
Final Verdict: Chiefs Still the Team to Beat
While these four teams have star power, none are complete enough to topple Kansas City, Cincinnati, or Baltimore. Houston is young, Buffalo lacks weapons, Miami is injury-prone, and New York depends on Rodgers.
The AFC is changing—but until these challengers address their weaknesses, the crown stays with the usual suspects.
— NextMinuteNews
