News Jan 6
Posted: January 06, 2026
After making it to the postseason for a decade straight, including five Super Bowl appearances and three titles, the dynastic Chiefs are home with the rest of us. In Baltimore, the Ravens are also wondering where it all went wrong, although one could start with Lamar Jackson being out for five games for the third time in his career.
Then there are the Bengals, who many thought might bounce back after retaining edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and drafting fellow defensive lineman Shemar Stewart in the first round. Instead, Cincinnati never threatened with Joe Burrow missing nine weeks in the middle of the season.
Below, we survey what happened and what’s next for each eliminated AFC team, beginning in Baltimore.












