Over the past few seasons, the AFC has been defined by familiar powerhouses. This year, a new group of contenders has risen to compete for the AFC Championship.
Surprisingly, two of last year's AFC favorites — the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens — are fighting for a playoff spot; meanwhile the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and Jacksonville Jaguars occupy the top three seeds. With four weeks left, the AFC playoff race promises an intense finish as we get into the Playoffs.
Let’s dive into an early look at NFL futures and the top contenders in the AFC Championship race, plus the payouts for the AFC Championship on PrizePicks Team Picks if each wins.
With PrizePicks Team Picks, you can pick who you think will win the AFC Championship and earn real money if you're right.
NFL Futures for AFC Championship: Favorites to Play in 2026 Super Bowl
Here are the current payout multipliers for the AFC Championship in the NFL Futures section on PrizePicks Team Picks, where you can pick a team to win the AFC championship and earn money if you're right.
- Buffalo Bills: 4.16x Yes | 1.19x No
- New England Patriots: 4.16x Yes | 1.2x No
- Denver Broncos: 4.34x Yes | 1.17x No
- Houston Texans: 5.88x Yes | 1.09x No
- Jacksonville Jaguars: 7.69x Yes | 1.06x No
- LA Chargers: 9.09x Yes | 1.04x No
- Baltimore Ravens: 11.11x Yes | 1.03 No
- Kansas City Chiefs: 16.66x Yes
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 16.66x Yes | 1.01x No
- Indianapolis Colts: 33.33x Yes
- Miami Dolphins: 33.33x Yes
- Cincinnati Bengals: 33.33x Yes
Note: Payouts from Team Picks are live as of publishing, but are subject to change
Who Will Win The AFC Championship? Top Contenders
Here are our top three AFC Championship contenders as the season reaches Week 15. AFC Championship winner payouts courtesy of PrizePicks Team Picks, where you can pick which team you think will win the AFC Championship and earn money if your picks are right!
#3: New England Patriots (11-2)
AFC Championship Winner Payout via PrizePicks Team Picks: 4.16x Yes | 1.2x No
The New England Patriots (11-2) are the AFC’s biggest surprise. They became the first team to reach 11 wins this season and lead the AFC East ahead of Buffalo, returning to the glory days — but will that success follow them in the playoffs?
Second-year QB Drake Maye has fueled the turnaround with an MVP-caliber season — throwing for 3,412 yards (second in NFL) and 23 TDs with a league-best 71.5% completion rate.
New England’s offense ranks top-10 in scoring (27.0 PPG) and total yards (362.6 YPG), while its defense allows just 18.5 PPG and 296.4 YPG.
Despite their regular-season dominance, playoff inexperience keeps the Patriots behind more seasoned contenders. Maye could erase those doubts in January, but for now, they remain a tier below the AFC’s elite.
#2: Denver Broncos (11-2)
AFC Championship Winner Payout via PrizePicks Team Picks: 4.34x Yes | 1.17x No
Head coach Sean Payton has engineered a stunning turnaround in Denver. The Broncos (11–2) have gone from a 5–12 team just two seasons ago to a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Broncos QB Bo Nix has validated Payton’s faith, producing 2,954 passing yards and 19 TDs while mastering the system with rare poise. Denver is 9–2 in one-score games, a mark that speaks to its resilience.
Behind their second-year QB, the Broncos average 23.7 points and 342 yards per game, while the defense ranks among the NFL’s best, allowing just 18.1 PPG and 282.0 YPG. Broncos edge rushers Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper have combined for 20 sacks, leading a defense that tops the league with 55 sacks.
With Payton’s postseason experience and a balanced roster, the Broncos are built like a team poised for a deep playoff run.
#1: Buffalo Bills (9-4)
AFC Championship Winner Payout via PrizePicks Team Picks: 4.16x Yes | 1.19x No
The Buffalo Bills (9-4) enter December as the AFC’s most dangerous team. Despite trailing New England in the East, they boast a 96% playoff probability and remain in position to take the AFC East crown and seize home-field advantage.
Bills QB Josh Allen is having one of his best seasons — posting 3,083 passing yards, 487 rushing yards, and 34 total TDs while completing 70.1% of his throws.
Buffalo’s offense is the conference’s most explosive, averaging 28.9 PPG and 383.7 YPG. The offensive line ranks top-two in both pass-block (73%) and run-block (74%) win rates, giving Allen the protection and balance needed to thrive.
Defensively, the Bills allow just 22.5 PPG and 307 YPG with steady takeaway production (1.3 per game). Under head coach Sean McDermott, Buffalo’s consistency and postseason experience make it the team to beat in the AFC.
Make NFL Futures Picks on PrizePicks
As the AFC Championship race heats up, these three top contenders may have an inside track on securing their spot in this year’s Super Bowl — with the Buffalo Bills in the top spot.
With four games left to play in the regular season, there’s plenty of time to make your AFC Championship pick on PrizePicks Team Picks. Just go to the PrizePicks app, open Team Picks and go to NFL Futures, and earn cash if you're right on your pick.
Check out the Playbook throughout the season for more NFL picks, predictions, and news every day.
