BRACKET AND POWER RANKINGS

The Super Bowl concluded with Kansas City winning the whole thing. Now we move into the offseason. It’s a “Way Too Early” prediction on who could run it back in the playoffs in the 2023-’24 season. Here are 10 teams (5 from each conference) that could run it back in next season’s playoffs.

NFC

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

They have the roster to return to the conference title game and fight for the Super Bowl. If Trent Williams for sure stays, this helps out the quarterback a lot. Speaking of quarterback, can they keep one healthy for one damn season???

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

It’s an easy choice. Green Bay, in general, sounds like they want to move on from Aaron Rodgers. Chicago has potential, but it’s doubtful that they are playoff ready. Minnesota should return with only Detroit to deal with. Their offense is good, but their defense must improve to guarantee another divisional title and at least a playoff win.

EAGLES

It remains to be seen if Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox will return. They’re up in age and retirement should eventually hit them at some point. Even if the trenches look a tad different, Philly should still be a playoff contender. The team looked balanced on all sides. That’s enough for them to compete for another playoff appearance and Super Bowl appearance.

SEAHAWKS

If script is the key word of the NFL season, Pete Carroll and the Seahawks deserve an Oscar. They suckered Denver into trading their picks for Wilson. The young guns, rookies, and ol’ Geno proved that Seattle would continue competing at a high level for a while. Those picks in two months will further improve their roster for the long haul. If Pete is lucky, he could still chew gum on the sidelines around his 80’s.

COWBOYS

It’s a hard sell on Dallas. Yes, they have the talent to run it back, but they consistently fail in the playoffs somehow. Unless they find a solution, they will never get passed the divisional round.

AFC

CHIEFS

The Super Bowl champs will return to compete for the Super Bowl again. They built their roster through foundation and should be around for a good while. Andy Reid has mulled retirement, but he should be back. Watch out for him in the offseason if it continues to be mentioned.

BILLS

They should return. Competition in the AFC East might continue bulking up, but it shouldn’t be an issue for Buffalo to run it back. They must figure out their defense that was plagued by injuries and the offensive line must be better in the trenches. Also, Josh Allen must learn not to turn the ball over or it’ll be costly in the 2023 postseason.

JAGUARS

Jacksonville will continue their improvement. They showed plenty of promise late in the season and in the playoffs. Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne is a strong combination in the backfield like their Clemson days together, and the Jaguar defense will only get better. The AFC South is also soft enough to guarantee the Jaguars will be back in the playoffs.

CHARGERS

It’s hard to say they won’t return to the playoffs. This is a good roster, but injuries and questionable play-calling could be detrimental to their return. Coach Brandon Staley is for sure on the hot seat and it’s unclear if he’ll make it to 2024 as the Chargers’ coach. Meanwhile, Justin Herbert tasted the playoffs and had an opportunity to advance. He should be more motivated to run it back and be more of a leader.

BENGALS

Cincinnati should be in contention because of Joe Burrow, the backfield, and the receivers. However, the offensive line failed him again and changes are coming to the offense involving contract talks and free agency. Also, the offensive line must take a step forward or Joe Burrow will struggle again. They will also be in heavy competition with the AFC North now that Pittsburgh and Cleveland will compete for the playoffs next season.

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