We’re just over a month away from the start of another exciting NFL season, and as I’ve done since elementary school, it’s time for my annual NFL preview. The tradition includes tearing through hundreds of pages of NFL preview magazines, picking every single game (I used to do this by hand in a notebook!) and crafting my playoff bracket, with plenty of homer-ism for my favorite teams. This year’s preview process was very special to me, as I’ll be spending the fall with the Denver Broncos as a Digital Content Intern and starting work during training camp this July. I couldn’t be more excited as the years writing about and watching the NFL culminate in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
For this year’s preview, I’ve divided it up into 10 headlines to watch, my season predictions with a sentence or two on each team and my playoff bracket. Enjoy!
2023 Headlines to Watch
- Aaron Rodgers becomes Broadway’s newest headliner
Like Brett Favre before him, Aaron Rodgers goes from Green Bay’s QB1 to the star attraction in the Big Apple. Rodgers will have more to work with than Favre did and will aim to improve on Favre’s short tenure with Gang Green.
My prediction: Rodgers and the Jets survive the AFC East and are the only team from the division to make the playoffs.
- Eagles and 49ers continue arms race for NFC supremacy
Last year’s NFC Championship pitted by far the two best teams in the NFL’s weaker conference, though the blowout score didn’t indicate how close these teams really are. Philadelphia lost major defensive pieces, while San Francisco will aim for decisiveness in picking a starting quarterback.
My prediction: The Eagles fall short of expectations, while San Francisco strikes gold in Las Vegas with a Super Bowl trophy.
- Reigning champ Chiefs look to hold off AFC West competition
The Chiefs have been as consistent as it gets in the AFC and Patrick Mahomes isn’t going anywhere. But in a division with Justin Herbert and Russell Wilson, major downgrades on the offensive line and perimeter could spell trouble in Kansas City.
My prediction: The Chargers blow by Kansas City in the standings, but the Chiefs uphold their streak of AFC Championship appearances.
- Lamar Jackson leads new-look Ravens after historic contract
Jackson ended a prolific contract saga that included a trade request with the NFL’s richest contract, and he’ll look to stay healthy in an offense now helmed by former Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
My prediction: Jackson notches a playoff win against Trevor Lawrence’s Jaguars but can’t top Joe Burrow in the Divisional Round.
- Lawrence, Burrow and Herbert battle it out in crowded AFC field
All three quarterbacks made the playoffs last season and proved the AFC’s future is bright, though a crowded AFC could put that distinction in jeopardy this year.
My prediction: All three win their divisions, but Burrow ends up on top with his second Super Bowl appearance.
- Bills, Dolphins set sights on Las Vegas to end historic playoff ineptitude
While New York was making its biggest trade of the decade, Miami upgraded its defense and Buffalo, well, saw Josh Allen become the Madden cover star. The stage is set for an all-time divisional showdown.
My prediction: The Bills and Dolphins are the last two out of the crowded AFC playoff picture.
- Dak Prescott, Cowboys try to keep pace with the NFC’s best
Consecutive playoff losses to San Francisco have demoted the Cowboys from the NFC’s top-tier, but 24 regular season wins across two seasons is no fluke — Dallas should contend if Dak Prescott stays healthy.
My prediction: Dallas ends Philadelphia’s reign in the NFC East and bounces the Eagles from the playoffs, but can’t reach the Super Bowl in its third-straight playoff loss to San Francisco.
- Lions strive to stake their claim to the post-Rodgers NFC North
Detroit has captured the hearts of NFL fans without even reaching the playoffs, though playing in one of the league’s worst divisions should make the path to the playoffs very manageable for quarterback Jared Goff, head coach Dan Campbell, defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson and the rest of the upstart Lions.
My prediction: Detroit edges by Minnesota and Green Bay en route to the third seed in the NFC.
- Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Anthony Richardson preparing for NFL action
After each being selected in the NFL Draft’s first four picks, Young, Stroud and Richardson have opportunities to contribute immediately to teams that likely won’t be in playoff contention, but have intriguing new coaching staffs and no mandate to win right away.
My prediction: Stroud’s Texans have the best year with six wins, though each quarterback demonstrates talent in Year One.
- Commanders enter post-Dan Snyder era with a myriad of questions
Change at the ownership level was a welcome development for Washington fans, and how it translates to the product on the field — and the literal stadium itself — will be a topic to track for years to come.
My prediction: Change continues as coach Ron Rivera and quarterback Sam Howell can’t lift Washington out of the NFC East cellar, leading new owner Josh Harris to look elsewhere for the franchise’s future.
Season Predictions
AFC Standings
1. Cincinnati Bengals (14-3) — With each year, Cincinnati only entrenches itself as more of a SB contender.
2. Los Angeles Chargers (12-5) — Health could equal serious contention for the AFC West crown.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-6) — Trevor Lawrence and the Jags should blow this division out of the water.
4. New York Jets (11-6) — Aaron Rodgers plus an elite defense could equal a division title for New York.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (12-5) — Concern around O-Line and WR corps, but they’re clear contenders.
6. Baltimore Ravens (11-6) — If Lamar Jackson can stay healthy through December, watch out.
7. Denver Broncos (10-7) — All eyes are on Russell Wilson’s potential Year Two jump under Sean Payton.
— playoff cutoff —
8. Buffalo Bills (10-7) — The AFC East has caught up, though Josh Allen is still the most proven commodity.
9. Miami Dolphins (10-7) — If Tua stays healthy, this could be the most exciting team in the NFL.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-8) — Kenny Pickett’s continued growth could push Pittsburgh into the playoffs.
11. Cleveland Browns (8-9) — The offense has potential, but fourth place seems more likely than first.
12. Tennessee Titans (7-10) — They could contend for a wild card, but this seems like a roster in decline.
13. New England Patriots (7-10) — A clear fourth place in the NFL’s best division.
14. Houston Texans (6-11) — The most compelling story in Houston is the immediate impact of its star-studded rookie class.
15. Las Vegas Raiders (4-13) — Year two under Josh McDaniels won’t go much better than the first.
16. Indianapolis Colts (2-15) — A disastrous 2021 could lead into a tough rebuild with a raw rookie QB.
NFC Standings
1. San Francisco 49ers (13-4) — The obvious storyline is the quarterback position, and if San Francisco can get that figured out, they’ll be NFC favorites.
2. Dallas Cowboys (13-4) — Dallas has a shot at unseating the Eagles if Dak Prescott can cut down turnovers and ignite a new-look offense.
3. Detroit Lions (10-7) — One of the most trendy teams in the NFL, the Lions could seriously challenge for their first NFC North crown.
4. Atlanta Falcons (10-7) — The Falcons are run-heavy and well-coached, a combination that might be enough to steal the NFC South’s top spot.
5. Philadelphia Eagles (12-5) — Defensive turnover aside, Philadelphia should again contend for a title.
6. Seattle Seahawks (10-7) — Geno Smith’s emergence in Seattle should continue to be a fun storyline and the supporting cast is underrated.
7. Minnesota Vikings (9-8) — 13 wins will be difficult to replicate, but the Vikings boast the best QB in the division and can withstand some regression.
— playoff cutoff —
8. Green Bay Packers (9-8) — There should be much less controversy this year in Green Bay. Can Jordan Love validate the Packers’ draft selection of him?
9. New Orleans Saints (9-8) — Derek Carr represents an immediate improvement, but Dennis Allen needs to prove he’s a playoff-caliber head coach.
10. Los Angeles Rams (7-10) — We’ll see what Matt Stafford can do without one of the league’s best rosters supporting him.
11. New York Giants (7-10) — All eyes, and the Giants’ playoff hopes, are on Saquon Barkley amid a roster holdout.
12. Carolina Panthers (5-12) — In the last year, Carolina has sent away DJ Moore and Christian McCaffrey. It’ll take a lot to win in Bryce Young’s first year.
13. Chicago Bears (5-12) — The Bears did everything right this offseason, but are still a year away from playoff contention.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-13) — Moving from Tom Brady to Baker Mayfield isn’t a recipe for success or contention.
15. Washington Commanders (3-14) — Dan Snyder’s ouster could lead to success in the long run, but it’s difficult to imagine the Commanders as immediate playoff threats.
16. Arizona Cardinals (3-14) — It’s going to be a rough fall in Arizona, but the future should be bright with an abundance of draft capital.
Playoff Projections
AFC Championship
Cincinnati Bengals over Kansas City Chiefs
NFC Championship
San Francisco 49ers over Dallas Cowboys
Super Bowl LVIII
San Francisco 49ers over Cincinnati Bengals, Super Bowl MVP: Christian McCaffrey
Riker's Block 