What happened: Sports Illustrated's Ralph Ventre projects an AFC East title and a top-12 run defense for Buffalo. The New York Post's Sean Treppedi predicts more than 11 regular-season wins. [Buffalo Bills](https://www.buffalobills.com/news/national-analysts-make-predictions-for-the-buffalo-bills-in-2026)

Why it matters: Those expectations accompany a coaching transition and the Buffalo Bills' inaugural season at Highmark Stadium.

What to watch: Buffalo opens its regular season Sunday, offering the first results against those forecasts.