NFL 2023 season predictions: who will end the Kansas City Chiefs’ reign? | NFL
This will be the 12 months of …
Make-or-break quarterback seasons. It’s onerous to think about a time in current historical past with a extra concentrated pool of quarterback expertise. However any person goes to must lose video games, irrespective of what number of factors they placed on the board. There’s strain on Lamar Jackson and Justin Herbert, who have new-look offenses constructed to faucet into their items. Josh Allen is in 12 months two with Ken Dorsey. Likewise for Tua Tagovailoa in Mike McDaniel’s set-up. There will be no extra excuses of rust for Deshaun Watson. A down 12 months for any of these 5 quarterbacks will result in uncomfortable questions. OC
Playing discuss changing into (much more) mainstream. The league dived into the playing enterprise in 2021 when it embraced its first official sportsbook. This 12 months, playing turns into an omnipresent a part of NFL tradition and media. ESPN Guess, a brand new platform, will quickly launch and different networks will comply with swimsuit. How the league offers with the backlash when playing begins taking a toll on individuals’s lives is one other story completely. MJ
I need to know if the loss of life of the working again place is actual or simply an excuse for the league to not pay RBs. Will veteran backs reply to the offseason disrespect and show that the sport hasn’t left them behind? Will we see extra of them try and go the Deebo Samuel route and function as de facto receivers? HF
Quarterback chaos. The 49ers consuming Crow a L’ance has kicked issues into gear. Russell Wilson, positively going to rebound. Wow, Baker Mayfield beginning for Tampa Bay, OK that’s fairly harmful. Las Vegas I see you’ve already typed up Jimmy G’s sicknote, glorious. And Joshua Dobbs or Clayton Tune is beginning for Arizona … That is high-quality. GS
Greatest staff that received’t make the playoffs …
Pittsburgh Steelers. Drop the Steelers wherever aside from the AFC East or NFC East and so they is likely to be favorites to assert the division. The protection tasks to be overwhelming, even with query marks at cornerback. On offense, they’ve as a lot younger firepower as anybody. OC
The New York Jets have star energy at each flip. Amongst them, Aaron Rodgers could also be their most questionable due to his decreased mobility, and we additionally don’t but know if he’ll have a constructive affect on staff tradition. There will most likely be an acclimation interval with Rodgers in a brand new system with new weapons, and in the dogged AFC East, there’s no time to lose. By the approach, the Jets would most likely be the No 3 or 4 seed in the event that they performed in the NFC – that’s how massive the convention disparity is that this season. MJ
Final 12 months I mentioned Justin Fields would take that leap at quarterback and lead the Chicago Bears to the postseason. I used to be half proper! Fields did take that leap however Chicago managed to win simply three video games whereas placing collectively one among the most spectacular tanking jobs in NFL historical past. Search for an improved Chicago to stay aggressive in the NFC North, though they’re not fairly prepared for primetime but. HF
The sky-high expectations of the Baltimore Ravens mark them as a standout in the brutal AFC North. They’ve wager massive on Todd Monken’s offensive overhaul, probably too massive. The wheels may very well be left spinning if Jackson and his new coordinator have difficulties gelling. GS
Most underrated staff …
Washington Commanders. There’s a large ‘if’ hanging over the Commanders’ season. However first, the execs: Washington have an awesome four-man pass-rush; they’ve playmakers throughout the secondary; you may make a powerful case for Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Curtis Samuel as being the third-best offensive trio in the NFC; including Eric Bienimey as offensive coordinator ought to unlock the expertise on offense. That ‘if’: have they got a quarterback? If Sam Howell is competent, then the Commanders have sufficient expertise to make the playoffs and win a postseason sport. OC
The Atlanta Falcons. It’s not scientifically attainable for Desmond Ridder to be worse than Marcus Mariota at quarterback. Add in an offensive line juggernaut defending Ridder and rookie rusher Bijan Robinson. Plus, they’ve quite a few stable provides on protection (Jessie Bates is big) and a smooth schedule due to their division. MJ
I’m finished doubting Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings, no less than throughout the common season. They received their division final 12 months and have the greatest WR in soccer in Justin Jefferson, however are as soon as once more being missed as a result of they outperformed their anticipated win complete. I say they in some way do it once more, though my crystal ball is considerably foggier come the postseason. HF
There might be little higher emotions for a franchise than your poisonous proprietor lastly leaving the constructing. Dan Snyder’s legacy of failure is over and the Commanders can surpass restricted expectations. Ron Rivera has new house owners to impress, Howell is not any legal responsibility at quarterback and Chase Younger returns to type this season’s premier line of defense. GS
One daring prediction …
Aaron Donald is traded earlier than the deadline. Have you ever had a glance by the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive depth chart? Issues will get ugly in LA – shortly. The Rams proceed to pay for the cap sins of going all-in on profitable a Tremendous Bowl. Shifting Donald, whereas he’s nonetheless in his prime, will assist deliver again a draft decide haul that would kickstart the staff’s subsequent period. OC
The Arizona Cardinals win six video games. Jonathan Gannon will show an enormous improve over Kliff Kingsbury and grow to be the league’s newest HYCFN (Scorching Younger Coach For Now). Kyler Murray will return from his ACL harm wanting like the explosive playmaker the Cardinals thought they drafted. And the protection will not be as horrible as final 12 months. MJ
Invoice Belichick proclaims his retirement. Let’s assume that the New England Patriots end up final in the AFC East this season, which is way extra possible than them capturing a playoff spot: Mac Jones is a bust, the offense is a large number and so they proceed final 12 months’s pattern of dropping winnable video games. Do you assume Belichick is the form of individual who waits to be fired? HF
Chicago hit the jackpot. The Bears have the Carolina Panthers’ first-round decide in the 2024 draft and Chicago might personal the No 1 general decide for the second 12 months in succession. The Panthers have struggled in preseason and are taking part in a dangerous sport with a washed up Adam Thielen the greatest goal for rookie quarterback Bryce Younger to search out. They beat the Cardinals in the race to the backside. GS
Johnny Manziel Catastrophe Ready To Occur Dept …
Russell Wilson. I’m not shopping for Sean Payton’s spiel that the Broncos’ offensive disasterclass final season fell utterly on Nathaniel Hackett’s shoulders. Hackett deserved loads of the blame, however simply as a lot was right down to Wilson. It’s powerful to imagine he can roll the clock again at the age of 34, even with one among the greatest offensive architects in the sport on his facet. OC
Gamers are allowed to wager on non-NFL actions – so long as they’re out of the constructing and never in a sportsbook. All different NFL personnel (together with coaches) are prohibited from playing on any sport. It’s simple to see some group grow to be the nucleus of the first Gamblegate. Trainers asking gamers to put bets for them. Incognito gamers getting into a sportsbook whereas on the street in Las Vegas. All considering they’re above the regulation, all unable to withstand the temptation that surrounds them as wagering turns into an integral a part of the NFL. MJ
Aaron Rodgers v the New York media. Rodgers is now not the league’s golden boy, having emerged as a combative and controversial determine lately. And that was whereas he was in Wisconsin! Ought to the Jets underperform, anticipate the native tabloids to make him Public Enemy No 1. HF
Playoffs or bust seems like a harmful place to dwell for the Jets, an organisation of perennial misfortune. Rodgers could also be joyful proper now however he doesn’t undergo fools gladly. Issues might get ugly shortly if the Jets wrestle with their razor-sharp schedule. GS
MVP …
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars. MVP is as a lot a story award as the rest. Voters like to anoint ‘who’s subsequent’, except, in fact, Patrick Mahomes enters supernova mode. Lawrence was out-of-his-mind good down the stretch final 12 months; he added some subtlety to a sport that has usually been based mostly on uncooked, athletic items. If he can ship a repeat of that run over the lengthy haul, he’ll be primed to safe the Jags a prime seed, and the MVP ought to include it. OC
Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals. Burrow was sensational in 2022 however his MVP hopes have been stymied by a sluggish begin. It’s going to be onerous for a wholesome sufficient Burrow (phew) to begin sluggish this season provided that three of Cincinnati’s 5 video games are in opposition to the Tennessee Titans, Rams and the Cardinals, all three of them with suspect secondaries. There are a lot of gifted wideout-quarterback duos on the market however none with the connection of Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. MJ
Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Payments. No person’s sleeping on Allen however perhaps they’re resting their eyeballs a bit. Allen’s inventory could have dipped after the preseason favourite Payments didn’t make it previous the divisional spherical final time round however he nonetheless has the capability to be the greatest participant on the greatest staff. That’s often a stable technique in profitable this award. HF
Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers. The person, the short-term delusion because of inept teaching, the legend in 2023. Herbert will explode with Kellen Moore at the controls. Profession numbers are on their approach together with a deep playoff run when the Chargers lastly present some consistency. GS
Rookie to look at …
Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons’ new offensive weapon is a once-in-a-lifetime participant: As a working again alone, he has an opportunity to be the best possible in the league, earlier than you even get to the matchup implications of shifting him round the formation as a receiver. The Falcons have a wonderful, athletic offensive line and a savvy coach. Robinson will be a spotlight reel from the off. OC
Bryce Younger, QB, Carolina Panthers. Many quarterbacks drafted No 1 general enter dicey organizations. Younger’s state of affairs couldn’t be extra preferrred. He will be taught beneath famous quarterback guru Frank Reich. And the pair will have an extended leash to develop collectively, as there aren’t any sizzling seat worries. The Panthers stored the offensive line intact and added some new offensive weapons for Younger. Additionally they play in the NFL’s worst division. If Younger is as NFL prepared as he seems, he might do some actual injury. MJ
Jalen Carter, DT, Philadelphia Eagles. Carter will be leaping straight from faculty to being anticipated to solidify the protection for a staff with respectable title aspirations. Carter is the veteran of two faculty championships already and has a talent set that would instantly translate to the professional sport. HF
Carter. When you draw comparisons with Aaron Donald, you’re a very gifted defensive deal with. Be aware of the “child rhino” as he destroys offensive traces. A gamechanger and big increase for the Eagles to assist their Tremendous Bowl hangover subside shortly. GS
AFC East champion …
New York Jets. The temper music out of New York is as robust because it probably may very well be with You Know Who on his greatest conduct. The temper music out of Buffalo … much less so. The Jets aren’t a case of overblown offseason fanfare. Participant for participant, they’ve as a lot expertise as any staff in the NFL. In the event that they’re not the greatest protection in the league, they’re as close to as to make no distinction. If Rodgers is wholesome and upright, even when there’s a pointy decline from even final season, he will be adequate to place the Jets over the prime in the East. OC
Buffalo Payments. What a enjoyable division. The Dolphins are poised to compete with their offensive firepower, offered Terron Armstead performs. The Jets have a great deal of expertise however the staff has given Rodgers an excessive amount of energy so be careful if issues go awry. Buffalo have some query marks on the subject of their lack of depth at cross rush and receiver, when you low cost Stefon Diggs. However having a wholesome Jordan Poyer-Micah Hyde security duo will be an enormous elevate. As, in fact, will the presence of Allen and Sean McDermott. MJ
After a long time of New England Patriots dominance, the AFC East has grow to be a free-for-all. The Buffalo Payments nonetheless appear to be one among the most full groups in soccer, so they need to have this division. HF
Considered one of the most interesting items of offseason distraction was the Playcallers podcast charting the Kyle Shanahan/Sean McVay tree. Miami Dolphins coach McDaniel stood out very like his staff jumped off the display screen when Tagovailoa was wholesome final 12 months. GS
AFC North champion …
Cincinnati Bengals. The AFC North is loaded. However the Bengals verify the most packing containers in the preseason. There are nonetheless worries about their offense line, although it ought to be an improve from years previous. The one different concern? The brand new beginning security tandem, which triggers a lot of what the staff does on protection. However whenever you’re right down to worrying about the beginning safeties, you’re in a great place. OC
The Bengals will narrowly win a troublesome division due to a loaded roster. The celebs are evident on offense, and the protection is full of affect gamers like DJ Reader and Trey Hendrickson. MJ
The Bengals. Burrow deserves recognition for erasing previous reminiscences of the “Bungles,” though it hasn’t resulted in the franchise’s first Tremendous Bowl win but. The AFC stays stacked, so they might not succeed this time round. But when the bolstered offensive line can maintain Burrow upright, they will maintain the Ravens at bay throughout the common season. HF
After comfortably profitable the preseason, the Steelers will stand up with Kenny Pickett constructing on a stable rookie 12 months at quarterback however will nonetheless fall a contact in need of the Bengals. If final season’s Watson reveals up the Browns will be cooked regardless of Nick Chubb dominating at working again. GS
AFC South champion …
Jacksonville Jaguars. The Houston Texans will be a lot better than in years previous. The Titans will be aggressive, even when it makes little sense long-term sense for them to hold round in the league’s center class. However that is the Jags division to lose. They’ve the greatest quarterback, the most expertise on protection, and the greatest group of playmakers on offense. OC
Except Anthony Richardson is an prompt star in Indianapolis, there isn’t a actual firepower on this division other than Jacksonville. The Jags’ achilles heel is protection. As a unit they solely recorded 35 sacks in 2022 and added no notable cross rushers. However the different facet of the ball is definitely gifted sufficient to simply seize the division. MJ
The Jaguars. Has any staff benefited a lot from a training change lately? Following City Meyer’s dismissal, Lawrence and the Jaguars had their breakthrough season final 12 months, with the quarterback throwing for over 4,000 yards and a 66% completion charge. HF
The Indianapolis Colts appear to be actively daring Jonathan Taylor to take a seat out the season whereas the Texans’ reset means they’re out too. Mike Vrabel will maintain Tennessee aggressive however main questions cling over an try and squeeze out one final push with Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill working the offense. The Jaguars maintain rolling. GS
AFC West champion …
Kansas City Chiefs. In an odd world, there can be concern about the lack of confirmed expertise at the receiver spots in KC. There can be concern, too, that Chris Jones continues to be refusing to indicate as much as observe. However this isn’t an odd world: Patrick Mahomes is the Chiefs’ quarterback; Andy Reid is the Chiefs’ head coach; Steve Spagnuolo is the Chiefs’ defensive coordinator. That trio will discover a approach. OC
The Chiefs are the greatest staff in the NFL till somebody proves in any other case. The Los Angeles Chargers will most likely break lots of hearts per traditional, and their protection is an general legal responsibility. But when Herbert can keep wholesome – a giant if for any participant in Chargersville – the offense has lots of promise beneath new offensive coordinator Moore. MJ
The Chiefs. They’re the defending champions and there’s an rising likelihood that Mahomes will end up being the greatest quarterback we’ve ever seen by the end of his profession. It’s tough to choose in opposition to their mixed forces of their division though the Chargers ought to maintain them sincere and lock down a wildcard spot in the course of. HF
My nonetheless egg-smeared face and my pleasure are slowly fading after so many months: I’m sorry. Possibly it was not possible to know issues would go so dangerous in Denver final 12 months however, and it’s a Mahomes talent-sized however, selecting in opposition to the Chiefs could be very dumb, even with out Jones. GS
NFC East champion …
Philadelphia Eagles. I’d prefer it on the document: I’m on the Cowboys prepare this 12 months. Dallas have as gifted a beginning 22 as anybody in the league, although depth is a priority. However the Eagles have the most full roster in the league. Via scheme and personnel, the staff’s offense is extremely tough to cease. There are some lingering considerations on protection, however these usually tend to be uncovered in the playoffs than in the common season. OC
Eagles or Cowboys? Cowboys or Eagles? The Eagles get the slender edge due to preserving their defensive core collectively from final 12 months’s Tremendous Bowl run, Jalen Hurts’ continued rise, and the greatest offensive line in soccer. The Cowboys aren’t simply the second-best staff in the NFC East; they might be the second greatest in the convention. However Mike McCarthy selecting up play-calling responsibility is a little bit unsettling. MJ
The Eagles. I assume that followers now not have any questions on Hurts? If there’s a lingering query for Philly, it lies with the protection. HF
The perfect NFL division? Possibly: the battle for supremacy between the Cowboys and Eagles may very well be spectacular whereas Washington probably wait in the wings. Philadelphia are unlikely to hit final season’s excessive notes however nonetheless will ship back-to-back titles. GS
NFC North champion …
Detroit Lions. It’s simple to speak your self right into a Packers resurgence, to wager on Jordan Love and enchancment from the protection. Or you may discuss your self into the Bears, when you’ve got full perception in Fields’ progress as a passer. However the Bears nonetheless really feel as in the event that they’re a 12 months away, even when Fields places all of it collectively. The Lions have the greatest roster. They ought to end their division drought. OC
The Lions ended 2002 scorching sizzling, going 8-2 of their final 10 video games. GM Brad Holmes spent the offseason turning the staff’s obvious weak spot, the secondary, right into a power, including affect gamers like CJ Gardner-Johnson. Chicago ought to be a enjoyable watch due to Fields however there isn’t a supporting forged. Love is an excessive amount of of a query mark in Inexperienced Bay. So is the whole Minnesota secondary. MJ
Everybody appears to need to decide the Lions which, given Detroit’s NFL historical past, seems like the largest warning signal to not decide them beneath any circumstances. Most evident lure ever. As an alternative, I’ve the Minnesota Vikings defying preseason discuss and as soon as once more end up on prime of the division by improbably profitable a bunch of one-score video games. HF
The dawning of a brand new age in Inexperienced Bay ought to maintain the Packers at the summit with out their former poisonous QB. His alternative, Love, is an unknown however Matt La Fleur’s offensive thoughts will profit the unproven passer. Detroit punch a wildcard and run their rivals very shut. GS
NFC South champion …
New Orleans Saints. Somebody has to win the NFC South. If Desmond Ridder proves to be even a smidge beneath league common, that is the Falcons’ division for the taking. If not, it opens up for the Panthers and Saints. Banking on a rookie quarterback to win a division is tough. The Saints have a veteran roster and employees. They need to have sufficient high quality to recover from the line. OC
The Saints will narrowly skate on the heels of the greatest offense in a weak division, together with the risk of a (might or not it’s!) wholesome Michael Thomas. The Panthers may very well be of slight curiosity since Reich is aware of the right way to create lots with a little bit. However that is New Orleans’ division to lose. MJ
The Saints, by default. With Tom Brady shifting on to a wholly totally different soccer world, the NFC South appears vast open, which on this case is a euphemism for dangerous. The Saints have rescued Derek Carr from the Las Vegas Raiders and that change in surroundings – and supporting forged – may very well be sufficient to spark a late-career resurgence. HF
Carr ought to elevate the Saints however Dennis Allen stays an unconvincing head coach whereas Tampa Bay seem rudderless with out Tom Brady and the Panthers are nonetheless firmly in transition. The Falcons’ decision to run the ball with Robinson is simply too tempting. Old skool soccer wins as a result of why not? One staff from final 12 months’s morass has to. GS
NFC West champion …
San Francisco 49ers. The Seahawks will make life powerful for the Niners although. Seattle have bolstered different areas of their roster to offset any reversion to the imply if Geno Smith stalls: the run protection ought to be barely improved; including Jaxon Smith-Njigba at receiver has helped plug the solely gap on offense. OC
The Rams and Cardinals are dumpster fires, however Seattle are an intriguing contender. I don’t assume Smith’s 2022 season was a fluke in any respect; he opens the season as the division’s greatest quarterback. Conversely, I’m not satisfied Brock Purdy is the greatest quarterback on his personal staff – and I’m by no means a Sam Darnold stan. One other 12 months, one other defensive coordinator can be not preferrred. However San Francisco get the slight edge because of sheer gamechanging expertise on either side of the ball. MJ
The 49ers. Purdy emerged from nowhere final season to switch Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo. Purdy virtually definitely will fall again to Earth however San Francisco’s protection ought to be adequate to determine them as one among the NFC’s greatest. HF
Who’s Purdy? If he’s wherever near common then Shanahan can coach his offense into monster manufacturing. The 49ers ought to simply topple their rivals … [checks notes] rival. Seattle will be in the hunt for a wildcard with Pete Carroll’s alchemic relationship with Smith rising stronger. GS
AFC wildcard groups …
Buffalo Payments, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens. OC
Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Chargers. MJ
Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Los Angeles Chargers. HF
Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Payments, Los Angeles Chargers. GS
NFC wildcard groups …
Dallas Cowboys, Inexperienced Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks. OC
Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants. MJ
Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks. HF
Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks. GS
AFC championship sport …
Cincinnati Bengals over Kansas City Chiefs. OC
Buffalo Payments over Kansas City Chiefs. MJ
Buffalo Payments over Kansas City Chiefs. HF
Kansas City Chiefs over Los Angeles Chargers. GS
NFC championship sport …
San Francisco 49ers over Philadelphia Eagles. OC
Philadelphia Eagles over Dallas Cowboys. MJ
Philadelphia Eagles over San Francisco 49ers. HF
San Francisco 49ers over Dallas Cowboys. GS
Your Tremendous Bowl champions LVIII will be …
Cincinnati Bengals. There’s a ‘Final Dance’ feeling to the Bengals this season. They’re unlikely to retain all of their key offensive items after this 12 months. The staff’s DC, Lou Anarumo, will be at the prime of head teaching lists for 2024. It is a final shot to capitalize on this core and this teaching employees. With upgrades alongside the offensive line, there’s no cause why Joe Burrow mustn’t have his greatest season so far. Anarumo ranks amongst the prime gameplanners in the league, a specialist at constructing one-off plans to torpedo even the greatest offenses. Burrow will give the Bengals a shot in opposition to anybody – and Anarumo will assist elevate the staff over the prime. OC
Buffalo Payments. It’s secure to say that final season’s playoff flame-out can no less than be partially attributed to the psychological toll of Damar Hamlin’s on-field collapse in Week 17. Hamlin is again and so is a well-coached Payments squad that’s all the time aggressive. There are the aforementioned questions on the cross rush and receiver depth, however I’d take Allen with a pair holes over just about every other state of affairs. When Allen’s dialed in no protection can deal with his deadly mixture of arm expertise and physicality. Buffalo will additionally profit from lots of gritty inner-division video games and now not being the across-the-board Tremendous Bowl favourite they have been in 2022. MJ
Buffalo Payments. The Eagles have one among the greatest all-around groups in the NFL, notably if Hurts nonetheless hasn’t but hit his ceiling (a daunting thought for the remainder of the NFC). Nevertheless, over the previous couple of years, these Payments have been placing collectively a roster that appears scientifically engineered to lastly end Buffalo’s franchise-long Tremendous Bowl drought. I predicted it could occur final season. It didn’t however it feels prefer it’s a matter of “if” reasonably than “when.” As a lot as it could be enjoyable to see Philly rejoice one other Tremendous Bowl, now we have no precedent for the way Buffalo would reply to a long-awaited title. HF
San Francisco 49ers. The omens are excellent for this staff: a cupcake division, the greatest offensive thoughts in the sport in Shanahan, a top-five protection, an array of unbelievable expertise in the offensive talent positions and an enormous chip on their shoulder after feeling as in the event that they by no means actually have been knocked out of the playoffs final 12 months. Completely by all means doubt Purdy however Shanahan’s perception is proof sufficient for me. They go all the approach. GS
