AFC Divisions Ranked From Worst to Best Entering October
The article ranks the AFC's four divisions after three weeks of the 2026 season. The AFC East is fourth despite Buffalo's 3-0 start, while the AFC South is third with Jacksonville at 2-1 and Houston and Tennessee both 0-3. The piece notes New England's disappointing start and Houston's attempt to recover from an 0-3 hole.
The ranking assesses the AFC after three September games. Buffalo’s 3-0 start did not keep the East out of fourth; New England and Miami’s early records contributed to that placement.
The South is third, with Jacksonville at 2-1, Indianapolis at 1-2, and Houston and Tennessee both 0-3. The North has all four teams at 2-1. The West leads with Kansas City and Las Vegas at 3-0, Denver at 2-1, and eight divisional wins.
This ranking may shape fan discussion and media narratives around AFC teams as October begins. Supporters of struggling clubs such as New England, Houston, Tennessee, and Miami could feel added pressure or hope for a turnaround, while fans of unbeaten Buffalo, Kansas City, and Las Vegas may see early validation. It could also influence how analysts frame upcoming games, though division rankings after three weeks remain provisional and may change quickly.