NFL Preseason is finally here. There’s not much to look forward to between the Jets and the Browns but it’ll be nice seeing some rookies and players trying to make the 53-man roster. There are minimal changes in my projected standings thus far. Recently the trades, signings, opt-outs, holdouts, etc. picked up steam as we inch closer to September. There’s also been some drama and injuries happening during training camp, which is a sign that football IS back! My next update for this will be the last one after the last preseason game’s over. Have a great weekend everyone and enjoy some football…and even Women’s World Cup if you need something else to watch.

DIVISION WINNERS

1) SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

The 49ers know what’s at stake and it seems like everyone on the current roster from last season are hungry for a return. The quarterback battle will go until we get more information on Brock Purdy’s progress. If he’s 100% by Week 1, they have their quarterback. Otherwise, keep a close eye on Sam Darnold and Trey Lance.

2) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The Eagles feature some new blood, mostly rookies (and Georgia players). I’m looking forward to seeing Nakobe Dean and Jalen Carter take the field on defense. If they look as good as they did at Georgia, then Philly’s defense should sustain for 2023.

3) DETROIT LIONS

The Lions have high expectations, and the hype is literally real. Dan Campbell and the coaching staff could piece together this roster to be formidable this year. After two seasons of positive progression under D.C., this should be their playoff season. Rookies Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and Jack Campbell will feature the rookies for their first preseason game.

4) ATLANTA FALCONS

I’m still believing the Falcons could sneak up on the NFC this season and make the playoffs. They showed signs of progress in the first two seasons under Arthur Smith. Their identity is running the ball, and adding Bijan Robinson to a stacked group makes sense. Keep an eye on their defense and the quarterback position. Desmond Ridder’s the projected starter, but Taylor Heinicke was brought in as a safety net. If Atlanta’s defense makes some progress, this is the team to watch for in the NFC South.

WILD CARD

5) DALLAS COWBOYS

Ah yes, the Dallas Cowboys. The most polarized team of the offseason. There’s plenty of questions surrounding them in general, but mostly Dak Prescott. Since Kellen Moore’s coordinating for the Chargers, Mike McCarthy assumes play calling duties. Jerry Jones may have joked about McCarthy and the offense during the offseason, but I bet you he’s watching both of them closely. Most importantly, the running back position is a concern. They can only get so far without maybe addressing it.

6) NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Alvin Kamara managed past the offseason issues and returns to the field. For now, the Saints should be in line for a playoff return. If Derek Carr performs as well as he did in Vegas to an extent, the Saints are indeed a playoff team. The area of concern is the run defense. The middle of the front four must be addressed issues and drafting Bryan Bresee may help with that.

7) WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

The Commanders might be a surprise team in 2023. Their defense is very underrated by the NFL world. They were third in the league in yards allowed per game, top 10 in points and pass yards allowed per game, and 11th in rush yards allowed per game. The offense could’ve gone to Taylor Heinicke or someone else sooner rather than later. Carson Wentz was 2-5 as the starter and lost the team a playoff opportunity based on poor decision to bench Heinicke in favor of Wentz. Heinicke and Sam Howell went 6-3-1, but the offense could use some improvement. Brian Robinson should be the man to run the offense, but I’m curious if Sam Howell could make some noise too.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

GREEN BAY

CHICAGO

NEW YORK

DIVISION WINNERS

1) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

The Jaguars had a very quiet offseason with minimal losses on the roster. They gain Calvin Ridley after serving his 1-year suspension and should be useful alongside an underrated receiving corp. Defense should be as good this season, but hopefully with more improvements up front to force the issue consistently against opposing quarterbacks.

2) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

The Chiefs will return to the playoffs for another Super Bowl appearance. Pat Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Andy Reid are still there, so no worries. Defense should be as good if not better. The run game will improve and be more dynamic than last year as long as they stay healthy. The glaring issue is the receiving corps outside of Travis Kelce. Kadarius Toney went down with a partial torn meniscus, and he had potential as the go-to guy besides Kelce. Until he’s healed, someone else must step up.

3) MIAMI DOLPHINS

Miami’s offense has plenty of speed and athleticism across the board. A healthy Terron Armstead and Tua Tagovailoa would be nice to keep their speed boat humming in the AFC. Defense should improve, but Jalen Ramsey suffered a meniscus injury that will keep him out until December. They still have a defense that should improve under Vic Fangio. If Miami can hold up long enough for Ramsey’s return, this will make the latter part of the regular season very interesting in the AFC.

4) BALTIMORE RAVENS

I told a story on how the loss of Orlando Brown affected Lamar Jackson. Well, Jackson has a new offensive coordinator and a couple of much needed receivers to help this offense rebound. They could follow up like the Eagles did adding AJ Brown through a trade for Jalen Hurts. If left tackle Ronnie Stanley can stay healthy for one full season so Lamar can stay healthy and upright, the Ravens are a threat in the postseason for once.

WILD CARD

5) CINCINNATI BENGALS

The Joe Burrow injury is something to watch. He suffered a non-contact calf injury, which could be an issue going into the regular season. He’s suffered hits, sacks, and pressures since taking the field as a Bengal. However, he finally has an All-Pro offensive tackle and Super Bowl champ in Orlando Brown Jr. There should be no problem with Burrow’s protection this season, but if he gets hurt again, the city of Cincinnati could go up in flames.

6) NEW YORK JETS

The Jets are the most hyped team in the NFL since Aaron Rodgers arrived in New Jersey. He has a young, talented skills position and backfield (when healthy), and a Top 10 defense in the NFL to be a playoff team. However, one position that could hinder their Super Bowl run (let alone a playoff spot) is the offensive line. It was mentioned before the draft. That position alone must be addressed and/or improve so Rodgers won’t run for his life or get injured. The Dolphins, Bills, and especially the Patriots defense won’t back down from pressuring the future Hall of Famer.

7) BUFFALO BILLS

I’ll probably face criticism for this, but I’m standing by my decision with the Bills at this spot. They should be a playoff team, but their schedule is challenging. They face their own division along with the Jags, Bengals, Eagles and Chiefs back-to-back between byes, and the Cowboys. Yes, there’s Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, Dawson Knox, rookie Dalton Kincaid, and their defense should have a healthy roster along with the addition of Leonard Floyd, but there’s one main problem: the Madden curse. We all forgot about the curse last season because there was none with John Madden being the honorary cover man. Prior to him, Pat Mahomes and Tom Brady were on the cover in 2021, and both were eliminated by the Bengals and Rams. Josh Allen is on the cover, but can he avoid the curse? If he stops carrying the ball for just a bit for a season, there’s a possibility…maybe.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

PITTSBURGH

L.A. CHARGERS

CLEVELAND