2026 NFL Division Analysis
New 2026 NFL Division Previews Highlight Wide-Open Races and Significant Roster Gaps
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Key Points
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Jacksonville’s quarterback depth is a concern despite Trevor Lawrence’s strong season: the Jaguars acquired Quinn Ewers as his backup, while Nick Mullens was moved to the practice squad. Ewers appeared in four games for Miami in 2025, throwing for 622 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions with an 85.5 passer rating.
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The Titans are entering Cam Ward’s pivotal sophomore season with new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll responsible for maximizing his development. Tennessee’s running-back tandem of Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears is viewed as versatile but unspectacular, while Jacksonville’s Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez rank below them and Houston has paired David Montgomery with sophomore Woody Marks.
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The AFC West quarterback race could become even deeper if Denver rookie Fernando Mendoza proves capable in his first season; the article says that would leave the division without a clearly bad quarterback room, while Denver’s Bo Nix is currently regarded as solid but not elite and Las Vegas is considered years away from contention at the position.
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The Jaguars’ running-back replacement plan depends on a committee of Bhayshul Tuten, LeQuint Allen Jr. and Chris Rodriguez Jr. after Travis Etienne Jr.’s departure. None has Etienne’s established track record, although Tuten has impressed during training camp and Trevor Lawrence described the group as “a really well-rounded room.”
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Cleveland is projected to be one of the NFL’s weakest teams overall, while Baltimore, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh enter the AFC North with Super Bowl-or-bust expectations. The Browns’ young running-back group, led by Quinshon Judkins after an 827-yard rookie season, is identified as a potential area that could improve their standing despite the quarterback weakness.
The 2026 NFL season reveals sharp talent divides across divisions, with quarterback and running-back depth emerging as decisive factors. Sports Illustrated analysis shows the NFC North favoring Detroit and Green Bay over Minnesota due to quarterback uncertainty, while the AFC West features a competitive quarterback race that could deepen if Denver's Fernando Mendoza proves capable. Jacksonville leads the AFC South at quarterback but must replace Travis Etienne Jr., while Cleveland faces the AFC North's steepest climb with Deshaun Watson's struggles contrasting sharply against Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh's stronger rosters.
NFC North: Quarterback Gap Favors Detroit and Green Bay
Detroit and Green Bay hold clear advantages in the NFC North, primarily driven by quarterback positioning. Minnesota's uncertainty around Kyler Murray creates a significant gap compared to the Vikings' division rivals. The running-back group compounds Minnesota's concerns, raising questions about overall offensive efficiency entering the season. Sports Illustrated notes this disparity shapes the entire division outlook.
AFC West's Deep Quarterback Battle Carries Recovery Questions
The AFC West emerged as highly competitive, but Patrick Mahomes' torn ACL recovery creates uncertainty atop the division. Sports Illustrated reports that Justin Herbert's continued emergence threatens Kansas City's traditional quarterback dominance. Running-back units remain closely matched across the division, with Denver rookie Fernando Mendoza potentially preventing any clear quarterback weakness. Bo Nix is regarded as solid but not elite, while Las Vegas remains years away from quarterback contention.
Jacksonville's Receiver Strength Masks Running-Back Void
Jacksonville's quarterback and receiver groups rank among the division's strongest, but Travis Etienne Jr.'s departure creates urgent need. The Jaguars assembled a running-back committee featuring Bhayshul Tuten, LeQuint Allen Jr., and Chris Rodriguez Jr. Tuten impressed during training camp, and Trevor Lawrence called the group "a really well-rounded room." None matches Etienne's established track record, but Sports Illustrated suggests the committee approach could provide sufficient depth for 2026.
Jacksonville's backup quarterback position also requires attention. The Jaguars acquired Quinn Ewers as Lawrence's backup after Nick Mullens moved to the practice squad. Ewers appeared in four games for Miami in 2025, throwing for 622 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions with an 85.5 passer rating, per Sports Illustrated.
Tennessee Leans on Cam Ward's Development Under Daboll
Tennessee's offensive future centers on Cam Ward's pivotal sophomore season with new coordinator Brian Daboll. Sports Illustrated describes the running-back tandem of Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears as versatile but unspectacular. Jacksonville's Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez rank below them, while Houston paired David Montgomery with sophomore Woody Marks. The Titans' ability to maximize Ward's potential directly impacts AFC South competition.
Cleveland Trails AFC North Despite Young Running-Back Hope
Cleveland enters the AFC North facing Super Bowl-or-bust expectations from three division rivals. Sports Illustrated projects the Browns as among the NFL's weakest overall teams, with Deshaun Watson's quarterback struggles creating a steep deficit against Baltimore's Lamar Jackson, Cincinnati's Joe Burrow, and Pittsburgh's Aaron Rodgers. The young running-back group led by Quinshon Judkins represents a potential bright spot following his 827-yard rookie season, offering a rare area where Cleveland could improve despite quarterback weakness.
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