2023 NFL Standings Prediction

My 2023 NFL Standings prediction, including a few surprises in the AFC and another underwhelming year in the NFC.

Call me a fool, but I’m doing it. I believe in the 2023 Jets. And I’m not sure I even understand the skepticism surrounding them. Their defense was excellent last year, ranking sixth in EPA/play. All of those key pieces are back, and the most important ones have gained critical experience. Their defensive line/pass rush will be among the top five in the NFL, and behind that is one of the top cornerbacks in the league.

Offensively, the Jets added one of the best quarterbacks of all-time to an offense they know he will be familiar with. I don’t think Nathaniel Hackett is a great OC, but together he and Aaron Rodgers will find a process that works. After an injury-riddled season, the Jets offensive line will finally be the group Joe Douglas envisioned. And Garrett Wilson should be one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. A big old chip on Rodgers’ shoulder won’t hurt things either.

The Bills or Dolphins could easily win this division, especially if the Jets take awhile to get going on offense. Buffalo is less scary on paper than a year ago, and I’m pretty worried about their tackles going into the season. But Josh Allen is still a supernova, and the addition of Dalton Kincaid will help the offense. Defensively, they need Von Miller at the top of his game. Is that still possible?

There are a lot of questions about the Bills roster, but not so much with Miami. They are loaded for a run at the AFC title. But is Tua Tagovailoa good enough to paint outside the numbers? Is the offensive line? The Jalen Ramsey injury puts a real damper on the Dolphins’ outlook. In another division, they’d be the favorites to win the crown, but in the AFC East they could be fighting for a playoff spot.

The AFC North is the East’s closest rival for best division in the NFL. Still, the Bengals are the class of the group. Cincinnati might have the best roster in the NFL, and they have a bonafide star at quarterback. They are easily the first or second best team in the conference.