FOX Sports Digital
By and large, we know who the projected stars are for every NFL team. But which players — bigger names and those under the radar — will have an outsized impact on their club’s success with a productive year? Here’s my X-factor for every AFC team in 2026 (stay tuned for the NFC edition on Thursday): AFC East Free-agent acquisition Bradley Chubb is the Bills’ new No. 1 pass rusher, which could create more favorable matchups for Rousseau, who had seven sacks last season. A former first-round pick, Rousseau is key to helping new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard’s defense come together. If he can take a step forward in his sixth NFL season, Rousseau would be a game-changer for what’s been an average pass rush. In Miami’s underwhelming receivers room, Malik Washington may be the biggest bright spot. The third-year pro’s 317 receiving yards last season topped all current Dolphins wide receivers. His continued growth would provide a big boost to new Miami quarterback Malik Willis in the pass game, and give opposing defenses another weapon to worry about outside of star running back De’Von Achane. With Garrett Bradbury traded to the Chicago Bears, Wilson, who started 13 games at left guard as a rookie last season, is the new starting center. His ability to communicate with quarterback Drake Maye will go a long way to determining whether the MVP runner-up stays upright in 2026. Last season, only Geno Smith, Cam Ward and Justin Herbert were sacked more times than Maye. The Jets failed to record a single interception last season, so they desperately need more defensive playmaking in 2026. If Wright plays to the level he did in Chicago in 2025 — five interceptions en route to Pro Bowl honors — New York could have a competitive defense under coach Aaron Glenn. AFC North The Ravens need pass-rush help opposite free-agent acquisition Trey Hendrickson. If Young, a second-round rookie, develops as hoped, new coach Jesse Minter’s defense will have another talented edge defender to help out its talented secondary. The Bengals didn’t pick up the fifth-year option in Murphy’s rookie contract, but he did register a career-high 5.5 sacks last season. With the addition of Dexter Lawrence II and Boye Mafe to the defensive line, Murphy is positioned to take another big step forward in 2026 — and help Cincinnati’s revamped, new-look defense meet big expectations. Whether the Browns’ starting quarterback in 2026 is Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders, Judkins’ success is paramount to taking pressure off Cleveland's pass game. A healthy Judkins could surpass 1,000 rushing yards in 2026 playing behind a much-improved offensive line. One of the Steelers’ biggest problems last season was that they didn’t have a wide receiver defenses feared other than DK Metcalf. If Pittman can find success in Mike McCarthy’s offense, similar to how he played for the Indianapolis Colts, 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers could enjoy a deep playoff run in his final NFL season. AFC South A strong running game could be...
