The AFC is loaded with talent, particularly at the quarterback position, headlined by Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and many others. Of the star players in the conference, who are the most likely candidates to one day make the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
We recently examined a potential Hall of Famer from each NFL team. Today, let’s break down the AFC teams’ top candidates to end up in Canton.
Each AFC Team’s Most Likely Player to Make Hall of Fame
Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is the best dual-threat quarterback of all time. Jackson has already won two MVP awards and received two first-team All-Pro selections.
The 27-year-old should easily break the all-time rushing yards record at the position while continuing to take massive leaps forward as a passer.
Buffalo Bills: Von Miller
Buffalo Bills edge rusher Von Miller could retire right now and be a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He’s a two-time Super Bowl champion and has a Super Bowl MVP to his name, which is even more impressive as a defensive player.
Miller is also a seven-time All-Pro with eight trips to the Pro Bowl. He’s currently 27th in NFL history with 123.5 total sacks.
Cincinnati Bengals: Ja’Marr Chase
Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has more than lived up to the hype since entering the NFL. He’s eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in his first three seasons and, given his elite level of play for the Bengals, is on the early path to Canton.
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Chase is on pace to become one of the all-time great wide receivers, in part thanks to his chemistry with quarterback Joe Burrow.
Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett
Following an inconsistent start to his NFL career, Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett has established himself as one of the best defensive players in the NFL.
Garrett has been named an All-Pro in five of his seven seasons and won Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.
Denver Broncos: Patrick Surtain II
While the Denver Broncos are embracing a rebuild, there is one potential Hall of Fame-caliber player sitting on the team’s roster.
Despite playing one of the toughest positions to succeed at early in the NFL, Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II is off to a hot start. In his first three seasons, Surtain is a two-time Pro Bowler and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2022.
Houston Texans: Stefon Diggs
Once Stefon Diggs was traded to the Buffalo Bills, his NFL career went to another level. Now, he’ll be looking to take another leap after being traded to the Houston Texans.
With C.J. Stroud at quarterback, Diggs could potentially play at an even higher level and continue climbing up the all-time WR ranks.
Indianapolis Colts: Joe Flacco
The Indianapolis Colts are loaded with intriguing, young talent, but veteran backup quarterback Joe Flacco sticks out as an obvious candidate. Flacco is 18th all-time in total passing yards and 28th in total passing touchdowns.
Given that he won the Super Bowl with the Ravens — while also being named the game’s MVP — Flacco has a surprisingly strong case to make the Hall of Fame.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Brandon Scherff
There isn’t exactly a long list of potential Hall of Fame players on the Jacksonville Jaguars. Veteran offensive lineman Brandon Scherff might have the best résumé, given that he’s made five trips to the Pro Bowl. Scherff was also named a first-team All-Pro in 2020.
Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes
There isn’t a more obvious name on this list than Kansas City Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Very few players in NFL history could retire at 28 years old and become a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but that’s exactly what Mahomes could do if he wanted to.
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In just six seasons as the Chiefs’ full-time starter, Mahomes has won three Super Bowls and three Super Bowl MVP awards. He’s also been named MVP twice and made six trips to the Pro Bowl.
Mahomes has a legitimate chance to go down as the greatest player in NFL history.
Las Vegas Raiders: Davante Adams
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams has a strong case to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame someday. Adams is 12th in NFL history with 95 receiving touchdowns, he’s a three-time first-team All-Pro, and he has made six trips to the Pro Bowl.
At 31 years old, Adams has more time to add to his potential Hall of Fame-worthy résumé.
Los Angeles Chargers: Khalil Mack
Just when it seemed like Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack was slowing down, he reached a career-high in sacks at 32 years old. Mack is an eight-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro. He was also named Defensive Player of the Year in 2016.
Mack has built up quite a résumé, and he is somehow getting better as he ages.
Miami Dolphins: Tyreek Hill
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill will likely go down as the greatest deep threat in league history.
Hill is a threat to score every time he touches the football, and he has now dominated for two different teams. The 30-year-old has won a Super Bowl, while also being an eight-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro.
New England Patriots: Matthew Judon
The New England Patriots are lacking a legitimate potential Hall of Fame-caliber talent on their current roster. Patriots edge rusher Matthew Judon, however, likely represents the closest thing to a Canton-bound player thanks to his four trips to the Pro Bowl.
New York Jets: Aaron Rodgers
Similar to Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers is a lock to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame once he retires. Rodgers is currently fifth all-time in passing touchdowns and ninth in yards. The four-time NFL MVP has all of the accolades and more to become a first-ballot Hall of Famer once he calls it a career.
Pittsburgh Steelers: T.J. Watt
Although Russell Wilson is certainly worth mentioning, Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt is putting together an absurd career.
In just seven seasons with the Steelers, Watt has totaled 96.5 sacks and 27 forced fumbles. He won Defensive Player of the Year in 2021, while also being a five-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler.
Tennessee Titans: DeAndre Hopkins
While the last few seasons have hindered his Hall-of-Fame case, Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has a strong résumé.
Hopkins is 23rd all-time in receiving yards and 35th in touchdowns. He has also made five trips to the Pro Bowl and is a five-time All-Pro.