This is after I looked over all 32 teams’ 2023 opponents, and before looking at the roster, and any adjustments made via free agency or trade before the NFL draft. Expect these standings to change as the months go on prior to a week or two before the 2023 NFL season starts and expect more information from certain teams as well. Enjoy and have a great week everyone!

DIVISION WINNERS

1) SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

The 49ers should have a solid roster back, including Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams (if he chooses to). Whoever the quarterback is (again…) will man the helm amongst a very talented group. They face the AFC North, NFC East, and the Jaguars, but there’s no reason they can’t run it back with a team that’s dealt with tough opponents in the past.

2) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The Eagles look to return to the NFC championship, but there are questions with a couple of changes on their roster. Javon Hargrave might be elsewhere, CJGJ could either re-sign or go elsewhere too, and Jason Kelce mulls retirement. It could affect this roster, but they should still be formidable. They must be aware of Dallas and Washington (believe it or not), however.

3) CAROLINA PANTHERS

The Panthers currently stick out as the team to beat in the NFC South at least. There’s no telling what New Orleans, Tampa Bay, or Atlanta will look like. For now, let’s just say the Panthers have the best chance with a solid defense, a solid run game, and a receiver or two no matter the quarterback throwing to them. Whether the South gets better…or worse, Carolina should have a decent playoff opportunity.

4) MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Unless Aaron Rodgers chooses to play for Green Bay, Minnesota should compete for the division title again. The offense should be lethal again, but they’re hoping the defense improves too. What’s more important is consistency from start to finish 110% in every game. If they can solve that issue, maybe Minnesota will overcome that elusive playoff curse.

WILD CARD

5) DALLAS COWBOYS

Depending on what Dallas does in the offseason, they could challenge Philadelphia for the division title again. However, questions loom over Dak Prescott’s performance in very important games (including playoffs), Zeke’s chances of playing time or playing for Dallas in general, and Dallas’s activity in free agency. There’s no question they should return to the playoffs, but what must they do to get over that playoff hump?

6) WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

Washington should believe a playoff appearance is realistic. Whether they retain Daron Payne or not, this roster should be fine moving forward. Both AFC and NFC East opponents with the 49ers on their schedule proves to be a challenge, but this defense, the running combination of Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson, and potentially Taylor Heinicke or Sam Howell (not Carson Wentz) could power this team to a wild card spot. Hopefully this time, Ron Rivera is aware of a playoff situation in the late stretch.

7) DETROIT LIONS

It’s crazy to think this early, but I like the Lions’ playoff chances. The NFC South is simple, Las Vegas and the Chargers are questionable, the Ravens are in a Lamar Jackson contract situation, and the Seahawks, which Detroit hopes to equalize after losing to them last season. Since the Dan Campbell era, Detroit competed to the very end, whether they won or lost in dramatic or ugly fashion. They improved each game, each season, and may have an identity to work with in the 2023 season. We don’t expect another lucky wild card appearance by Seattle, so expect Detroit to be in a wild card spot at least.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

NEW ORLEANS

SEATTLE

GREEN BAY

ATLANTA

DIVISION WINNERS

1) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Kansas City should be favored for the Super Bowl once again. With the roster they have now, they’re just hitting their stride. They will be met with a few challenges (Bengals, Bills, Eagles, Vikings, Jags and maybe Lions). Either way, they should run through their schedule again and run the tables in the playoffs as long as Mahomes is healthy and not part of the NFL curse.

2) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

You may be surprised by the Jags being this high, but their current roster and last season’s performance, Jacksonville should return to compete for more than just one playoff victory. As long as Trevor Lawrence and Doug Pederson are in Jacksonville, the organization should be very optimistic. If they can counteract the AFC North, they will run the tables for a high playoff seed and a conference title opportunity.

3) PITTSBURGH STEELERS

It’s possible they could win the division, but it’s very early to determine that. They went on a 7-2 run after starting 2-6 before the bye. When Kenny Pickett got healthy, improved with the roster, and trusted his offensive line just enough, they looked dangerous. Pittsburgh’s defense still gets the credit for keeping this team alive through nearly every situation they faced, especially with TJ Watt on the field. This team should be optimistic for the playoffs next season. It all depends on how relevant 2023 Cleveland is, how Cincinnati’s offensive line fares, and what Baltimore does with Lamar Jackson.

4) BUFFALO BILLS

The Bills had a heck of a 2022 season, but their Super Bowl hopes and dreams collapsed against the Bengals. A lot went into questioning after defensive injuries, Von Miller’s season ending injury, and the offense’s surprisingly inconsistent performance at times. That came full circle against the Bengals and proves the Bills may have more flaws than expected. They should compete for the AFC East title again, but it’ll be more challenging with the Jets, Dolphins, and Patriots improving their roster to stay on track.

WILD CARD

5) CINCINNATI BENGALS

The Bengals struggled out the gate because of the offensive line and Ja’Marr Chase’s injury. Then they hit their stride in Chase’s return and have not lost since November. However, their ego and cockiness got the best of them. The offensive line was exposed again, and the late hit out of bounds by Joseph Ossai pretty much sealed their fate in the loss against Kansas City. This squad is poised for a return, but it comes down to who returns in the defensive backfield. Also, what do they do about their offensive line? Burrow can take so many hits before his body finally gives out.

6) NEW YORK JETS

I want to believe the Jets are a quarterback away from being a playoff team. They had countless playoff opportunities, and could’ve defeated the Vikings, the Bills, the Lions, maybe the Jaguars and Seahawks, and could’ve potentially swept the Dolphins and the Patriots. They could’ve won the majority of their games after the bye week and already clinched the playoffs with two weeks to go. Maybe, they could’ve won 14 straight games and be alongside the Bengals and 49ers as the hottest team in the league and Robert Saleh would’ve had those receipts ready and received plenty of money back on his tax returns. But they couldn’t due to poor quarterback performance and the team losing trust in Zach Wilson. There is hope, however. Their defense is elite, they have a solid run game when Breece Hall is healthy, and the receivers (led by Garrett Wilson) can play some good football. All they need is a quarterback, and they could appear in the playoffs next season.

7) DENVER BRONCOS

The Broncos had a horrible, horrible 2022 showing, and we all (not just Broncos fans) had to suffer for it. Russell Wilson played his worst season in his career and Nathaniel Hackett may have been the worst coaching hire in NFL history. It went from a questionable long field goal kick to why didn’t Wilson throw the ball on time in the end zone on fourth down, to the offense having no faith in Melvin Gordon, to the defense’s frustration over the offense and Wilson’s performance, etc., etc. They could bounce back this season after Wilson played fairly well in the last two games, and this defense was one of the NFL’s best throughout the season. Let’s see what Sean Payton has in store for Denver and their opponents.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

MIAMI

L.A. CHARGERS

CLEVELAND

NEW ENGLAND

BALTIMORE