NFL 2021 Preview - AFC

 AFC East

1. Buffalo Bills (5-1/10-7) : Former Bears QB Mitch Trubisky backs up Josh Allen, so the Bills are set no matter who lines up under center.  They have a great bunch of first string receivers to throw to, but the quality gets thin after that.  The defense is good, but their linebacking corps leaves a bit to be desired.
2. New England Patriots (4-2/5-12) : Mac Jones takes over for Cam Newton, who was cut.  Officially, the Patriots have no other quarterback on the depth chart, so this does not bode well if Jones gets injured.  Of course, they could promote Garrett Gilbert or Brian Hoyer from the practice squad, but it still looks like they are banking their entire season on Jones.  Not a smart move.
3. Miami Dolphins (2-4/3-14) : Jacoby Brissett backs up Tua, so they have decent quarterbacks.  The offensive line and tight ends look good, but they are weak are receivers and runners.  The first string defense looks good, but they lack quality depth.
4. New York Jets (1-5/2-15) : QB Zach Wilson is decent but no great.  With a weak offensive line and so-so receiving corps, they will be asking much from their running backs.  The defense could use some work, too.

AFC North

1.  Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1/13-4) : Dwayne Haskins joins the quarterback corps, so the team has three sturdy quarterbacks.  Their running back corps isn't great, but the rest of the offense is solid.  As always, their strength is their defense, especially at linebacker.
2. Baltimore Ravens (4-2/10-7) : The Ravens have a strong offense, but a shuffling in their defense leaves some question marks.  If those moves were good, they could compete for the division title.
3. Cleveland Browns (3-3/6-11) : Their offensive line is not the greatest, so Baker Mayfield may be running for his life.  If he goes down, can Case Keenum be consistent enough to keep the team going?  The defense has some strong areas and some weak areas, so the squad certainly won't be a major help.
4. Cincinnati Bengals (0-6/2-15) : Joe Burrow is a strong and stable quarterback, but the team just didn't give him much support.  The defense needs work, too.

AFC South

1.  Houston Texans (4-2/10-7) : Tyrod Taylor dethroned Deshaun Watson, who falls to the third string.  Taylor has quality receivers and running backs, but a weak line and thin tight end squad means that the offense will be stretched.
2. Indianapolis Colts (4-2/9-8) : Jacob Eason won the second string QB spot behind Carson Wentz.  Given Wentz's injury history, Eason will likely play before the season is half over.  We might even see Sam Ehlinger or Brett Hundley.  No matter who plays quarterback, the team has given them a quality offense to work with.  The defense, however, could use some help, so the offense will have to score lots of points.  They do seem equipped to do that.
3. Tennessee Titans (3-3/7-10) : Ryan Tannehill leads a capable but often underachieving bunch of receivers.  Worse, the offense line is not as strong as last year, so Tannehill will be on the run.  The defense is decent, but not outstanding.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5/5-12) : Trevor Lawrence looked okay in preseason, but he made mistakes.  His inexperience will show up.  Backup QB CJ Beathard is not capable of consistently leading a team, so Lawrence has to develop.  This is definitely a building year for the Jags.

AFC West

1.  Kansas City Chiefs (5-1/13-4) : The offense is as strong as ever.  The defense isn't quite as strong, but this is still a powerful team, and one of the favorites to win the conference.
2. Los Angeles Chargers (2-4/9-8) : Justin Herbert needs to step up his quarterback performance this year.  The team has a strong defense to help them, but they need more consistent offensive output.
3. Las Vegas Raiders (4-2/8-7) : Derek Carr leads a very thin slate of receivers.  Injuries could kill this team's chances.  The defense is good, but also thin on talent at key positions.
4. Denver Broncos (1-5/6-11) : I predict QB problems for the Broncos, as injury-prone Teddy Bridgewater is the starter, followed by inconsistent and error-prone Drew Lock.  The receivers are capable but need a decent quarterback throwing to them.  The running corps is good, and the offense may lean on those guys.