FAVORITE TEAMS

For anyone believing in the hype of these teams after their 2022 season or during the 2023 offseason, tread lightly. There’s no guarantee that at least two of them will take a step forward or return to the playoffs based on their 2023 schedule or offseason moves. There’s also training camp that led to a few injuries already and they haven’t even played past Week 1 of the preseason. I could be wrong on this list, but it doesn’t mean I will believe these teams will meet their expectations this season. Here are three teams from each conference that you need to caution this season.

NEW YORK GIANTS

The Giants had a surprising season under Brian Daboll. They went 9-7-1 and won a playoff game at Minnesota. Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley stayed healthy and led the team to the postseason while Daboll and Wink Martindale orchestrated the team.

However, after their 6-2 start before the bye, they went 4-6-1 since then. The team did a great job, but they played a 2022 schedule that included eight teams that failed to make the playoffs. While seven wins and a tie were against non-playoff teams, 3-7 against teams that made the playoffs.

Their 2023 schedule is vastly tougher than last year. They face the NFC West (outside Arizona’s struggles), the AFC East, and the Saints while dealing with their own division. To make matters worse, they play four road games in the first six games, and travel for three straight weeks between Week 9 and 11. Let’s see if their 2022 season wasn’t a fluke.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Minnesota took a hit on their roster and most of it was on defense. They acquired Byron Murphy and Marcus Davenport in free agency while Danielle Hunter signed an extension, but it remains to be seen if they can bounce back after struggling last season. Also, they lost Adam Thielen to Carolina and released Dalvin Cook. This puts a target on T.J. Hockenson and Justin Jefferson against defenses, which means first rounder Jordan Addison must be the third target to go to.

In 2021, the Vikings lost a lot of close games. Last season, they learned and won 11 close games. However, their four losses in the regular season were by double-digits. More importantly, they go into 2023 likely without their best running back. Their schedule may have gotten easier, but the key pieces lost could put them in a difficult situation. Outside of the NFC North, they also play the Eagles, the AFC West, the 49ers, the NFC South (including Adam Thielen with Carolina), and the Bengals. They also have no back-to-back home games until Week 16 and 17.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Seattle surprised the NFL last season and made the playoffs. Their roster was young and new with little familiarity of veterans. After a 2-3 start, they ripped off four straight wins before the loss to Tampa Bay. That loss to Tom Brady sent them back to earth with a 3-5 finish, but still barely made the playoffs by escaping Baker Mayfield and the Rams.

Their offense played well under Geno Smith and Kenneth Walker when he was healthy and the main starter. Here’s where it’s hard to believe Seattle will repeat. They won nine games, but only two were against playoff teams (Chargers and Giants). What’s worse is that they went 0-4 against playoff teams. Seattle’s roster should be a year better mixed with their key draft picks. However, they play the AFC North, the NFC East, and the Lions. They also play seven games against teams that made the playoffs last season. After Week 8, they’re on the road six times in the last 10 games, and it’s a lot of flyer miles.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

I previously talked about Cleveland’s chances of making the playoffs. If you haven’t read it, check it out: https://lonewolf1225.wordpress.com/2023/07/31/projected-last-place-nfl-teams-chances-in-2023/

They’re projected to finish last because it’s a very tough division and Pittsburgh’s expected to finish ahead of Cleveland. Last season, a Deshaun Watson-less Browns started 4-7. Once Watson took the field, they finished 3-3. Cleveland fields a roster that could be playoff contenders. There should be optimism for Cleveland fans. If they make it, they’re Super Bowl contenders. Even the Chiefs and Bengals should beware of the Brownies.

HOWEVER, Cleveland was false optimism for 70 years since moving from the AAFC to the NFL (1950). They won seven of the 10 championships they were a part of under the leadership of quarterback Otto Graham (4-0 in the AAFC, 3-3 in the NFL). They won one more NFL championship under quarterback Frank Ryan two years prior to the Super Bowl’s existence. Two other quarterbacks Bernie Kosar and Brian Sipe held down the fort for around six to seven years of their respective careers. While the Browns had success under their leadership, they failed to reach the Super Bowl. Year 2003 and onward is a prime example. They went through 31 quarterbacks over the course of two decades and none led the team to the playoffs until Baker Mayfield broke the curse “temporarily” in 2021.

Deshaun Watson is now the guy, but can he be THE guy? He has elite potential and his stats and performance prove it. Unlike Houston, he has an offensive line, which gives him a chance to perform at a high level in a very tough conference. If he’s unable to for any reason, Cleveland’s back to square one once again due to the quarterback position, and the organization would be held accountable for trading and paying all that money to him.

DENVER BRONCOS

The Broncos were hyped thanks to the Russell Wilson trade, which the NFL world thought was a win and a crazy decision made by Seattle. Well…we all know what happened. Denver’s defense was elite, but they were met with punishment by their own friendly opposition of Wilson and company’s lacking offensive performance. However, the offense played better in the last two games of the season and Wilson played like his old self for the most part.

Now, they hired coach Sean Payton to get the team back on track, hopefully. Defense should still be elite, they shored up the offensive line with free agency signings, Javonte Williams and Tim Patrick should be 100% by regular season, and their schedule shows promise of a turnaround. One problem: Russell Wilson. If he fails to come through when a high paying quarterback should, he’s replaced and likely done in Denver. The team will suffer a downfall and will look for a new quarterback in the 2024 draft.

BUFFALO BILLS

It’s a surprise to see Buffalo on this list, but they’re cautious for a reason. The Bills, for the most part, played like a team of Super Bowl destiny. But maybe those expectations were too much to handle.

They lost to Miami (FL) when they failed to call the last play before the game was over. We all saw the offensive coordinator’s reaction right after…They lost by a total of six points in back-to-back games to the Jets and the Vikings on constant turnover blunders. Then, their game was halted and cancelled due to Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest that had the world stop for what seemed like an eternity (I’m very glad he’s ok). Then, they escaped the Patriots and Dolphins clutches in back-to-back games (including playoffs) only to see it go up in flames in the snow against the Bengals.

Why are they on this list? Level of motivation. The AFC East improved. The Jets add Aaron Rodgers, the Patriots add offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, and the Dolphins add Jalen Ramsey (who’s out with an injury until December) and Eli Apple as a safety net. Buffalo has plenty to contend with. That includes the Jaguars, the NFC East, and the AFC West. Is it possible they can return to the playoffs? Yes, but don’t expect them as Super Bowl contenders. Their window may have closed and to make matters worse, Josh Allen is on the Madden cover. If you don’t know why that matters, google The Madden Cover Curse.