CBS Sports forecasts 2026 AFC non-quarterback MVPs across all 16 teams

CBS Sports has released a comprehensive forecast identifying the most valuable non-quarterback player for each of the 16 teams in the American Football Conference for the 2026 season. The analysis moves beyond the standard quarterback-centric narrative to isolate the specific institutional pillars expected to drive team performance, ranging from defensive linemen to wide receivers and running backs.

The Buffalo Bills are projected to rely on wide receiver DJ Moore to address a documented deficiency in their passing attack. Following a period where the team ranked outside the top 20 in receiving metrics, the acquisition of Moore from the Chicago Bears is viewed as a structural fix to elevate the offense during Josh Allen’s tenure. Similarly, the Miami Dolphins are expected to lean on running back De’Von Achane to stabilize a unit undergoing significant overhaul, with Achane’s previous league-leading rushing average cited as a critical asset for new starter Malik Willis.

Defensive infrastructure features prominently in the predictions, particularly for the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens. The Jets are forecast to depend on first overall pick David Bailey to rectify a pass rush that ranked near the bottom of the league, while the Ravens have signed edge rusher Trey Hendrickson to a substantial contract to restore defensive rigour. Hendrickson’s return to form is seen as essential for head coach Jesse Minter’s tenure.

In the AFC North, the Cleveland Browns are expected to place significant institutional weight on cornerback Denzel Ward, who recently secured a record-breaking contract. His coverage metrics are highlighted as a stabilising factor for a defence that must compensate for the absence of Myles Garrett. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals have integrated defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence into their roster to address severe statistical deficiencies in points and yards allowed.

The Los Angeles Chargers present a unique case in the forecast, with CBS Sports identifying both offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt as co-MVPs. The analysis underscores the critical nature of offensive line protection for quarterback Justin Herbert, noting that the team suffered excessive quarterback hits when both players were sidelined in 2025. Other key projections include wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. for the Pittsburgh Steelers and tight end Brock Bowers for the Las Vegas Raiders, who is expected to serve as a primary target for a developing quarterback.

Offensive backfields are also central to the predictions, with Jonathan Taylor projected as the cornerstone of the Indianapolis Colts’ attack and Kenneth Walker III expected to inject explosiveness into the Kansas City Chiefs’ running game. The Houston Texans are forecast to rely on edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., whose recent contract extension reflects his status as the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league, while the Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to benefit from the pressure generation of Josh Hines-Allen.

The Tennessee Titans are predicted to centre their defensive strategy around first-team All-Pro Jeffery Simmons, who signed a major extension, and the New England Patriots are expected to depend on cornerback Christian Gonzalez, whose coverage statistics are cited as elite. The Denver Broncos are projected to continue their defensive success through the sack production of Nik Bonitto, who led the league in the previous season.

The forecast serves as a speculative framework for the 2026 season, highlighting how each franchise intends to construct a championship-calibre roster outside of the quarterback position. The selections reflect a mix of established veterans, high draft picks, and strategic free agent acquisitions aimed at addressing specific structural weaknesses identified in the 2025 season.