6. Cincinnati Bengals, 2-1
Through two weeks, it felt like the Cincinnati Bengals were a legitimate juggernaut and finally figured things out on defense. Then, Week 3 happened. I am not sure we can drop them too much in the AFC given how tight divisional games typically are, but this was a pretty disappointing performance from the defense, as the Steelers don't exactly have high-end players on offense.
Still 2-1 and in a good spot, the Bengals should get into the playoffs this year and do have a good enough squad to win the division. Health is a huge thing here, as Joe Burrow has struggled to stay on the field in previous seasons. He is among the very best at what he does, but his availability has not been consistent.
Cincy comes in at No. 6 in our power rankings, as the defense still seems to be shaky, and if that remains the case as we approach the middle of the season, nothing will have changed.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars, 2-1
Jacksonville has two blowout wins thus far, as they took down Cleveland and New England at home. The Jaguars did lose to the Denver Broncos in Week 2, though. They just barely get into our top-5, as the loss to the Broncos was brutal, as they held a lead in the second half, but blowing out their two other opponents is absolutely worth mentioning.
Trevor Lawrence has largely been excellent since about halfway through the 2025 campaign, and that has absolutely continued into 2026. Jacksonville feels like a heavy favorite to win the AFC South this year and earn another home playoff game.
The front office is still only in year two, so I am not sure this roster is where they want it to be, but Jacksonville is every bit of a great team at the moment.
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