The NFL offseason always creates optimism, but even the league’s top contenders aren’t flawless. Free agency may have addressed major needs, and the draft looms as a chance to reload, but every AFC contender still has at least one glaring weakness that could make or break its Super Bowl hopes.
Here’s a refreshed breakdown of the biggest remaining roster holes for key AFC contenders heading into the 2026 season.
Kansas City Chiefs
Biggest Need: Wide Receiver Depth
Even with Patrick Mahomes under center, the Chiefs’ offense showed inconsistency at times. The loss of reliable pass-catchers has left Kansas City thin behind its top option. Not to mention injuries and legal issues, the Chiefs have been dealing with the past few seasons.
If defenses key in on the primary target, the offense becomes far easier to defend. Mahomes can elevate talent—but he still needs dependable weapons.
Buffalo Bills
Biggest Need: Pass Rush Consistency
Josh Allen continues to carry the offense, but Buffalo’s defense hasn’t delivered in key playoff moments.
Without a consistent four-man rush, the Bills rely too heavily on blitzing—leaving their secondary exposed. They need a true game-wrecker up front. The lack of a pass rush is one of the few reasons the Bills felt the need to move on from a great Head Coach in Sean McDermott.
Cincinnati Bengals
Biggest Need: Offensive Line Protection/ Defensive Pass Rush
This issue refuses to go away. Joe Burrow is elite, but constant pressure continues to limit the Bengals’ ceiling. Cincinnati has the weapons—but without improved protection, it’s hard to envision a deep playoff run. One elite lineman could change everything.
The same thing goes for Pass Rusher on the defensive side, one elite player could make all the difference in the world, especially after seeing Trey Hendrickson leave in free agency to the division rival Baltimore Ravens.
Baltimore Ravens
Biggest Need: Wide Receiver Separation/Offensive Line
Lamar Jackson has taken major strides as a passer, but the Ravens still lack consistent separation on the outside. Against elite defenses, Baltimore needs a receiver who can win instantly and consistently in critical moments, more time for Jackson to find his receivers wouldn’t hurt their chances either. With new Head Coach Jesse Minter in the building we should see a shift in how the team in managed, but lets not forget Minter has long been a lackey of the Harbaugh brothers, both in college and the NFL.
Houston Texans
Biggest Need: Offensive Line
C. J. Stroud has fast-tracked Houston into contention, but the turnstile at O-line has not been getting it done, and it reared its ugly head in the playoffs as pressure leads to turnovers.
To compete with elite AFC passing attacks, the Texans need to be able to put points on the board, as their defense will keep it close.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Biggest Need: Quarterback Ceiling
The Steelers remain competitive thanks to their aging defense, led by T. J. Watt, but their offense lacks explosiveness.
The biggest issue isn’t just stability—it’s upside. Pittsburgh needs a quarterback who can win games, not just manage them, especially in a loaded AFC.
New England Patriots
Biggest Need: Offensive Playmakers
The Patriots are rebuilding, but one thing is clear—they lack elite offensive weapons.
Regardless of quarterback development, New England needs difference-makers at WR and skill positions to keep pace with modern NFL offenses.
Denver Broncos
Biggest Need: Tight End
Last year there were high hopes for Evan Engram, but it just did not pan out the way a typical Sean Payton TE is used. We had hopes of Jimmy Graham and did not even get production of the likes of Taysom Hill.
I expect this position to be upgraded during the draft, as Denver is not far from making a huge splash in 2026.
Final Thoughts
The AFC remains a gauntlet, loaded with elite quarterbacks and high-powered offenses. Teams like the Chiefs, and Bills are chasing perfection in small areas, while others like the Steelers, Bengals, and Texans are trying to close the gap.
In a conference this competitive, even one roster weakness can be the difference between a Super Bowl run and an early playoff exit.
