Arizona Cardinals
Will the Cardinals start a rookie QB in Clayton Tune or a veteran in Dobbs? Can Brown emerge as a true WR1? Is there anyone else in the DB room besides Budda Baker? These questions will shape the Cardinals' 2023 season. Arizona faces the 22nd most challenging schedule and is projected to win just 4.7 games. The organization has long been in disarray with an unfortunate owner who makes controversial decisions, such as forcing players to pay for to-go boxes. The team also boasts the worst-ranked facilities in the NFL, and the owner's future in the league is uncertain. The new GM appears willing to embrace a complete rebuild, and it's likely that Murray will be traded next year. This is a total rebuild, and after analyzing the schedule, it appears the Cardinals may end up with one of the league's worst records.
Arizona Cardinals Prediction: 3-14
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are fortunate to have the second easiest schedule in the NFL and compete in one of the weakest divisions. Over the years, Atlanta has managed to clear cap space, rebuild their defense, and transform into a modern marvel. Can the coach be the one to turn this team into a genuine contender? Will Ridder prove to be the quarterback they need to bolster their offense? The Falcons, with players like Bijan, Pitts, London, and Patterson, are poised to usher in a new era of positionless football. The primary concern is their defense, which comprises young talents like Calais Campbell, Grady Jarrett, A.J. Terrell, and Jessie Bates III, but they must demonstrate their capabilities in the 3-4 defense.
Atlanta Falcons Prediction: 7-10
Baltimore Ravens
With a true WR1, an elite TE, and an improved offensive line, could this be the best offense in the NFL? If this team can remain healthy, they're poised to have one of the league's most potent offenses under a new coordinator. The Ravens have faced injury challenges in recent years but still consistently make the playoffs. With a well-compensated Lamar Jackson and improved offensive players, this team seems ready for a deep playoff run. While the AFC North is arguably the toughest division in football, it will only serve to sharpen their skills. With the 21st most challenging schedule and a projected 9.6 win percentage, the Ravens appear to be in good shape. Their biggest obstacle to becoming a Super Bowl team is staying healthy.
Baltimore Ravens Prediction: 11-6
Buffalo Bills
The Allen-Diggs rift during training camp appears to be behind the Buffalo Bills, who are finally poised to fulfill their potential. Their journey will be challenging with the 29th most challenging schedule. Von Miller's injury, although a concern, could potentially benefit the team by preserving him for the playoffs. The main issue for the Bills is overreliance on Josh Allen. Players like Dalton Kincaid and James Cook need to step up as playmakers to reduce the burden on Allen. If Allen is forced to do it all on his own, the team may face another postseason disappointment.
Buffalo Bills Prediction: 12-5
Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young is the cornerstone for the Panthers' future success. Despite adding Thielen, Chark, and Mingo to the WR room, the offense may still struggle if the offensive line can't protect QB1. The defense doesn't seem built for immediate success, but Brian Burns stands out as one of the best LBs. This team should focus on draft picks and free-agent signings in the coming years, building around Young.
Carolina Panthers Prediction: 4-13
Chicago Bears
With the 6th easiest schedule, the Bears have an opportunity for a better season this year, although they still face challenging games. This is a make-or-break year for Justin Fields, who should show improvement. While DJ Moore adds depth as a WR1, the offense still requires an average offensive line and defensive line. Players like Ngakoue and Billings are promising, but the defense allowed the 4th most yards last season. Defense remains a significant concern.
Chicago Bears Prediction: 5-12
Cincinnati Bengals
Boasting the best WR corps in the NFL and a top 3 QB, the Bengals are legitimate Super Bowl contenders. The addition of Orlando Brown bolsters the offensive line, while the defense, despite the loss of Bates, has depth and potential. With the 20th most challenging schedule, the Bengals are poised for a strong season. It's time for Joe Burrow to lead Ohio to a championship.
Cincinnati Bengals Prediction: 14-3
Cleveland Browns
With a full offseason and preseason for Deshaun Watson, the Browns' offense should thrive. The defense also looks promising with additions like Za’Darius Smith, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Juan Thornhill. This team, on paper, has one of the best rosters in the league. However, they need to prove the wisdom of the Watson contract signing in a tough division. They have a mid-tier strength of schedule and should secure a playoff spot.
Cleveland Browns Prediction: 12-5
Dallas Cowboys
Extend Dak or move on to Trey? The Trey Lance trade seems pointless with Cooper Rush as the best backup QB in the league but the move is a clear signal to Dak.The Cowboys face a crucial decision regarding Dak Prescott. They have a superb roster, including players like CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Trevon Diggs. Micah Parsons is a projected MVP. This is a Super Bowl-ready team, but Dak must lead them to glory.
Dallas Cowboys Prediction: 12-5
Denver Broncos
Russell Wilson's preseason performance has raised questions. The Broncos, once thought to be a QB away, now face concerns about their receiving corps and offensive line. The defense has potential, but it's a tough division. The team may be surprised if Russell excels, but rebuilding could be the right path.
Denver Broncos Prediction: 7-10
Detroit Lions
The Lions have an opportunity to compete without Aaron Rodgers in the division. With the 11th easiest schedule, they've addressed some defensive concerns. Rookie RB Jahmyr Gibbs should turn the RB game into a RPO nightmare. The question for Detroit is simply, did they fix the defense? They allowed almost 400 yards per game last year which led the offense having to put up insane numbers to stay in games. Adding Cameron Sutton and Cardner Johnson should help with pass protection. Aidan Hutchinson should be one of the top DE in the league and have 10 sacks or more. This team is on the way up or maybe they’re already there. Can the Lions take over the NFC?
Detroit Lions Prediction: 12-5
Green Bay Packers
Will we all love Jordan Love? It's one of the most intriguing stories in the NFL this season. How will Jordan Love look in his first season? Will he be like Rodgers when he replaced Favre? Will he be able to show flashes of greatness and lead the Pack back to the top of the division? Or will he just be a normal first-year starter with a lukewarm team? The latter is our guess. This team is ready to grow around Jordan Love, and he seems prepared after watching the preseason. The WR corps should be special in a few years, and the defense continues to be solid. As the year progresses, no one will want to face Green Bay. Can't wait to watch.
Green Bay Packers Prediction: 8-9
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are a sneaky team that could be the worst in the NFL or a sleeper that no one sees coming. After the bold move of trading up to draft Will Anderson following the selection of C.J. Stroud, the Texans signaled that they are ready for the big time. However, after watching the preseason, we have concerns about the OL, which struggled to protect against future UPS drivers. While Tunsil stands out, Tytus Howard is ranked 23rd out of 32 right tackles in pressure, according to Sharp Football Analysis. The team lacks a true WR1, a necessity for a young QB like Stroud. This year is a building year for the Texans, but they may shock a few teams because their defense has a few playmakers.
Houston Texans Prediction: 3-14
Indianapolis Colts
Cam Newton mixed with Lamar Jackson has entered the league, and his name is Anthony Richardson. We'll be watching every game of his this season. Richardson should put up great rushing numbers this year since the OL is ranked 18th, mostly due to Bernhard Raimann, who ranks 28th among LTs in pressure, per Sharp Football Analysis. The defense is in the middle of the pack, but Deforest Buckner is still one of the best DTs in the league, along with MLB Shaquille Leonard. If Richardson stays healthy, he should be the Rookie of the Year and make the Colts a team to watch in the future.
Indianapolis Colts Prediction: 6-11
Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence showed last year that even after throwing a bunch of INTs in a playoff game, he could shake it off and be a winner. This team has two WR1s in Christian Kirk and Calvin Ridley, two RBs with Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby, and a defense filled with playmakers like Josh Allen and Travon Walker. The Jaguars have the 12th easiest schedule, but they do have one issue: the OL is ranked 28th and could hold the team back after losing Jawaan Taylor in free agency. Even with an OL that could be last in the league, don't be surprised if the Jaguars make it to the Super Bowl next year.
Jacksonville Jaguars Prediction: 11-6
Kansas City Chiefs
KC has the best QB in the league, and that's not changing this year. Last year showed that it doesn't matter who is the WR on the team; Mahomes will make it all work. A top 5 OL will help the Chiefs continue to be a top 5 offense. Hopefully, Chris Jones will come back to boost a young defense that needs veteran leadership. The Chiefs are still the best team in the league and will continue to top their division.
Kansas City Chiefs Prediction: 11-6
Las Vegas Raiders
Jimmy Garoppolo is a key factor to determine if the Raiders will be a winning team this year but it’s not his play, it’s his health. Jimmy gets injured nearly every year and due to the draft that may be okay. Aidan O’Connell could be the next Brock Purdy since it’s almost guaranteed he will play this year. The Raiders have a great offense with Josh Jacobs, Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow, and Austin Hooper. If the Raider can stay healthy they could beat some of the teams in their division. Don’t forget their defense which should be top 10 with Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones. Can Josh McDaniels finally get the Raiders over the hump?
Las Vegas Raiders Prediction: 8-9
Los Angeles Chargers
Teams often wait years for an elite QB, and most never find one. The Chargers have Justin Herbert but still find ways to not live up to their potential. This team should be similar to last year, with a solid defense featuring Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Derwin James, and Asante Samuel Jr. Honestly, this team doesn't have many holes, but the coach could be a major issue. Will Brandon Staley be replaced if the team doesn't make a deep playoff run? If so, this will be the best coaching job available next year.
If not, this team will be special this year, just like their QB.
Los Angeles Chargers Prediction: 10-7
Los Angeles Rams
It seems the bill is due after saying "forget those picks" for years. The Rams are young at every position besides QB Matthew Stafford, who is out of touch per his wife's podcast. Side note: why does his wife have a podcast? Cooper Kupp is still injured, which means Van Jefferson will be the primary target. The only noticeable player on defense is Aaron Donald, who should have been traded in the offseason. This team should not be good this year and may need to start a rebuild. Sean McVay should have left to become a broadcaster. He may not be ready for another bad season.
Los Angeles Rams Prediction: 5-12
Miami Dolphins
We may be totally wrong on this prediction, but we have no idea if Tua will stay healthy this year. The defense is stacked with Raekwon Davis, Bradley Chubb, and Christian Wilkins. The offense, of course, has Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but the RB room is a major issue. Most of the RBs are either past their prime or injured, which could put too much pressure on Tua and the passing game. Due to the questionable health of Tua Tagovailoa and the limited options at backup QB, this team could be in trouble.
Miami Dolphins Prediction: 6-11
Minnesota Vikings
Kirk Cousins was great last year and may put up better numbers this year with Justin Jefferson and rookie Jordan Addison. The team won most of their games by 3 points or less, which means they're a middle-of-the-road team no matter the record. This year seems to continue with the same issue; the defense will again be close to last in the league. Last year, the defense allowed 388 yards per game, and they may not change this year. If it doesn't, the Vikings will restart the build and replace Kirk Cousins. Next year's draft has a ton of QB prospects.
Minnesota Vikings Prediction: 5-12
New England Patriots
Bill O'Brien should improve the offensive scheme, but Mac Jones still doesn't have reliable weapons. Can JuJu Smith-Schuster really be a WR1? Who can be WR2, DeVante Parker? Parker has only averaged more than 800 yards once in his 8-year career. The offense, without weapons, will struggle like last year, no matter the coordinator. On the other hand, the defense will be great as always, and adding rookie Christian Gonzalez. The Patriots have the hardest strength of schedule this year, and according to the wise guys, they think they'll have the same record as us.
New England Patriots Prediction: 7-10
New Orleans Saints
The easiest strength of schedule should make the Saints one of the best teams in the NFL. Adding Derek Carr to this team will make the offense improve to top 5. We do not know if the coach is the coach of the future, but we do know they have a franchise QB. A top-10 defense in pass protection but bottom-10 in rushing yards allowed could continue this year. Adding rookie Bryan Bresee could improve the run defense, but this team should easily win their division.
New Orleans Saints Prediction: 11-6
New York Giants
A playoff team last year, the NY Giants added an amazing weapon in Darren Waller. The WR corps is still lacking, and with a year for teams to review the scheme, will Daniel Jones regress? After receiving a 100 million-plus contract, we hope Jones will continue to improve, but he has to show consistency. Thibodeauz should continue to improve to help a defense that gave up 144 rushing yards per game. With the 19th hardest defense in the league, the Giants will have a tough season.
New York Giants Prediction: 7-10
New York Jets
The New York Jets have the 26th hardest schedule, but that doesn't matter when you have the GOAT, right? Aaron Rodgers went from the darkness to the bright lights of New York. The team has weapons at every position, with Garrett Wilson looking to become the next elite #17. The team has the best CB in the league with Sauce Gardner and one of the best defenses with players like Quinnen Williams. Last year, this team was a QB away, and they have one.
New York Jets Prediction: 13-4
Pittsburgh Steelers
Another year and another winning season for coach Mike Tomlin. Trying to predict if Kenny Pickett will improve should be easy with the WR corps of George Pickens, Donte Johnson, and Allen Robinson. This team will be a tough out and could make the playoffs with the 8th easiest schedule. The defense is basically middle of the pack, but that is enough with an offense that should be top 10. Again, another year and another winning season for the Steelers.
Pittsburgh Steelers Prediction: 9-8
Philadelphia Eagles
Could the Eagles go back to the Super Bowl after losing to the Chiefs? Yes, they can. Jalen Hurts should be better after an MVP-caliber season. The RB room is retooled, but we don't know if Swift will be better than Sanders. Rashaad Penny is also on the team now. The WR corps is deep after adding Zaccheaus to the team as WR 4. The OL is still ranking #1 in the league. Jalen Carter may be the best defensive player in the league, and that's paired with an already top 5 defense. This team should continue to dominate.
Philadelphia Eagles Prediction: 13-4
San Francisco 49ers
It’s good to be young. Brock Purdy returned back ahead of schedule to lead the 49ers into this season. Will he continue to be undefeated? No but he should continue to run the Shanahan offense like a pro. Brock Purdy may not fit well on any other team but he is a true QB1 for the 9ers. The 9ers also has the 9th easiest schedule and should be able to make the playoffs again. The defense again should be the #1 defense in the league and adding Hargrave will help with run defense. This team may regress in terms of record but they will be a force in the playoffs again.
San Francisco 49ers Prediction: 10-7
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks can be better, and Geno Smith should be better. Adding Jaxon Smith-Njigba to DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett makes the WR corps one of the best. Jake Bobo looks like a great up-and-coming WR. Walker III is back running the ball with Charbonnet. The defense should be better with Bobby Wagner coming back to provide veteran leadership. Seattle has an easy schedule and should be in the playoff hunt again this year.
Seattle Seahawks Prediction: 9-8
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Will Baker Mayfield go back to being Shake n Baker? The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are an example of the soft rebuild. Baker will not be allowed to have a bunch of INTs during a few games' stretch without getting pulled from starting. This team has players at every position, but if Baker doesn't win the first few, they could go into rebuild mode and start trading players. The division is easy, and they should be able to compete for a playoff spot with all this talent or be one of the teams that start to trade players before the deadline.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Prediction: 8-9
Tennessee Titans
You keep drafting QB when you have a QB is crazy certainly since now of them seems to be the future of the Titans. You keep drafting QBs when you have a QB, which is crazy, especially since none of them seems to be developing. The Titans keep drafting QBs, creating uncertainty about Tannehill's future. King Henry is back, and Hopkins adds depth. However, they face a challenging schedule. A rebuild may be in their future.
Tennessee Titans Prediction: 4-13
Washington Commanders
With new ownership and changes, the Commanders are in transition. Sam Howell shows promise, and the defense is solid. A new coach next year will have a good foundation to build upon.Their OL is ranked #1 in the league, and they have a great DL. A solid defense and OL should make this team one of the best in the NFL. Chase Young may be a bust but Sweat, Payne, and Allen are great. The coach next year will have a good team to build around.
Washington Commanders Prediction: 3-14
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