Sports News Report
League: NFLSport: FootballCountry: United StatesCategory: Match Previews

AFC teams seek playoff returns following an unpredictable 2025 season

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 4, 2026, 12:03 PM

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

AFC teams seek playoff returns following an unpredictable 2025 season
Summary

The 2025 AFC playoffs were marked by the absence of Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, with teams like the Patriots and Jaguars making surprising strides. The Chiefs, who posted a 6-11 record, seek a rebound as Mahomes returns, aided by new additions like Kenneth Walker III. The Ravens aim for improvement under new coach Jesse Minter while addressing injury challenges from last season. Both teams are viewed as potential playoff contenders for the upcoming 2026 season, and each has areas to improve, especially on defense and offensive line play. The season ahead will reveal if last year's surprises can maintain momentum or if traditional powerhouses reclaim their status.

Source Links
CBS NFL
Status Watch
  • •Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson missed the playoffs in 2025.
  • •Chiefs hope for a comeback with Mahomes and Kenneth Walker III.
  • •Ravens will adapt to a new coaching staff in 2026.
  • •2025 revealed unexpected playoff outcomes and team performances.
  • •Both teams have high playoff odds entering the new season.
Latest Updates
  • 12:03 PMCBS NFL — Which AFC teams will bounce back, and which playoff teams could fall off in 2026?
What they're saying
"

Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson missed the playoffs in a wild 2025 AFC season, but both star quarterbacks could help their teams return to contention in 2026

Related Teams & Leagues
NFLFootball

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days