What’s up everyone? Hope you’re all having a great week and the weather in your area is looking nice out. It’s been a bit since I’ve posted anything. I took a vacation to clear my head and catch up with my folks. Now, I’m back but this will be my last NFL post until probably late July unless something big happens. I will begin posting college football information in the coming weeks and prepare as much as possible before late July, so stay tuned. If this is your first time reading my post, there’s no guarantee that these standings stay the same. It will shift until a few days before Week 1 of the regular season. The standings are based on offseason results, draft picks, and the schedule (which is a huge part). If you have your own opinion on who finishes in the NFC and AFC standings, leave a comment. Otherwise, leave a like and have a great day!

DIVISION WINNERS

1) SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

The 49ers’ draft review wasn’t received well by some sports writers outside of the San Francisco community (including me), but what do they know? They addressed pieces for replacement purposes, including Ji’Ayir Brown and Jake Moody. The offensive line may have not been addressed, but picking up guys like Ilm Manning, Joey Fisher, and Corey Luciano could be beneficial to their depth. The schedule is challenging, but they have the roster to compete on any given Sunday (and Monday and Thursday). All they need is a QUARTERBACK to put it all together.

2) DETROIT LIONS

The Lions early picks were unique…and left to the imagination of some that were confused or not pleased. I think it was a smart move. They replaced D’Andre Swift (who couldn’t stay healthy) with Jahmyr Gibbs (who plays similar to Swift’s style). Adding Jack Campbell helps a defense that was one of the worst against stopping the pass (the Seattle game) and stopping the run (the Carolina game). The first two games (Chiefs and Seahawks) will be the defining moment (depending on the result).

3) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Philadelphia came out on top in the draft with these picks (Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith from Georgia). They’re already stacked with two other Georgia players drafted last year, including receiving D’Andre Swift from Detroit. After looking at their schedule, they can easily rip off their first five wins, but then things get a little tricky and beefy.

4) ATLANTA FALCONS

Y’all might wonder why Atlanta’s standing here in the top four spots. I think they’re making waves and progress in the past two seasons. They addressed the defensive side in free agency before netting both Bijan Robinson and Matthew Bergeron in the draft for the offense. The schedule is fair enough for the Falcons to compete for the playoffs in 2023.

WILD CARD

5) DALLAS COWBOYS

The Cowboys have an interesting 2023. They drafted good and underrated players that could make an immediate impact. However, their schedule will determine if they are a wild card team or a division-winning team. Dallas has the roster to win (and I hate admitting it), but their schedule setup will be challenging, including their own division.

6) WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

Washington is nearly past their switch of ownership, so the celebration is in session, right? Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The Commanders have a challenging 2023. First, are they not 100% sold on Sam Howell being the guy? Second, the team will have a nice set of frequent flyer miles this season as they travel a lot after Week 1. Third, the team’s chances of success depend on Chase Young’s health. A formidable defense travels well, but Young at his best and healthiest could be what takes the Commanders to a playoff appearance under their new name.

7) CHICAGO BEARS

The Bears won the offseason outright (even though the Eagles won the draft). The Bears made all the right moves, addressed most of their positions, and even drafted some good, maybe even high-profile college players in nearly every round. The Bears appear at the last wild card spot because there’s so much uncertainty in the division (except maybe Detroit?). The Vikings could decline and there’s no clue what Green Bay will look like overall, without Aaron Rodgers, and with DC Joe Barry being wild card.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

NEW ORLEANS

CAROLINA

SEATTLE

NEW YORK

GREEN BAY

DIVISION WINNERS

1) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

The Jaguars had the quietest offseason of all 32 teams. However, they addressed all their needs with 13 draft picks, including the first six that I felt were great picks. Their schedule is balanced enough (with back-to-back games in London) to not only repeat in the AFC South, but to also compete for the AFC overall seed.

2) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Kansas City may be younger, and things may have changed, but they’re fine as long as they have Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, and Travis Kelce. However, their chase for the overall seed could prove much more challenging since the days of Tom Brady as a Patriot and Ben Roethlisberger as a Steeler. Their schedule not only includes the AFC East, but lurking on their schedule not involving the NFC North are the Eagles (their recent Super Bowl opponent).

3) MIAMI DOLPHINS

There’s not much Miami could do with four draft picks, but it’s no issue either. However, they added Devon Achane (Texas A&M) to an already stacked, speedy backfield. Miami could win the AFC East despite the Bills in control and Aaron Rodgers’ presence in that division. They enough arsenal, returners, and experience to be formidable in the AFC this season. Their schedule gives a that chance as long as Tua stays healthy for one full season.

4) CINCINNATI BENGALS

Cincinnati should ride through their schedule early with little to no issue. Acquiring Orlando Brown to give Joe Burrow full protection and drafting running back Chase Brown (barring the Joe Mixon issue) should help continue the Bengals playoff run and Super Bowl opportunity. However, they return from their bye week facing six 2022 playoff opponents (starting with the 49ers).

WILD CARD

5) NEW YORK JETS

The Jets addressed some offensive issues in the offseason, including acquiring Aaron Rodgers in a blockbuster trade. New York listened to a few of Rodgers’ demands, but let’s see how he fares this season. They look like a playoff team with Rodgers. Anything can happen with the Bills trying to maintain their Super Bowl aspirations, the Patriots trying to define their offense, and the Dolphins hoping Tua stays healthy. However, the offensive line’s health determines how far the Jets will soar in the AFC.

6) BALTIMORE RAVENS

After acquiring Odell Beckham Jr., drafting Zay Flowers, and signing Lamar Jackson to a big contract, Baltimore should be playoff contenders again. No matter who’ the running back who’s the starting running back, who’s catching passes, or who’s playing coverage on defense, everything comes down to Lamar Jackson staying healthy.

7) BUFFALO BILLS

It looks weird seeing Buffalo at seven, but they are there for a reason. Health, motivation, and schedule. Health on defense was detrimental to Buffalo’s Super Bowl opportunity. After losing at home to Cincinnati, do they have the motivation to return to the playoffs with Super Bowl aspirations again? Finally, they must overcome a challenging schedule. They face the AFC West, NFC East, the Jaguars, and the Bengals. They need health and motivation to endure all of that.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

DENVER

PITTSBURGH

L.A. CHARGERS

HOUSTON

CLEVELAND