And just like that, the 2023 NFL season has come to an end, in very similar fashion to the 2019 season; the Chiefs overcome a 10-point deficit to beat the 49ers. The Chiefs have now won back-to-back Super Bowls, and three in the last five years. Patrick Mahomes has gone to the AFC Championship game all six years he’s been a starter and frankly, has a very good argument that he should be 6-0 in those games. He could potentially have four or five SB wins right now, at just 28 years old. As it stands, he has 3 Lombardi trophies (and 3 SB MVPs) and certainly has a realistic shot at catching Tom Brady. Sure, it’s unlikely, but the fact we’re even talking about him having a realistic shot is incredible.
It's never too early to look ahead to next season, so just for fun here are the 14 teams I am currently picking to make the playoffs (keep in mind this is subject to change once free agency and the draft take place). In no particular order for the AFC, I like: Jets, Bengals, Texans, Chiefs, Chargers, Colts, Browns. In the NFC, I’ll take: 49ers, Packers, Lions, Saints, Cowboys, Bears, Rams.
As for the 2023 season, here are the final rankings.
1. Kansas City Chiefs: The formula is clear; a great quarterback and a great defense is what it takes to win in the NFL. We officially have the next dynasty – the question is, how long will it last?
2. San Francisco 49ers: From top to bottom, they’re the best team in football but now I wonder if their championship window may be closing.
3. Baltimore Ravens: Lamar just isn’t a guy who you can win a Super Bowl because of. You might be able to win with him, but not because of him.
4. Green Bay Packers: In a rebuilding year, the Packers smashed the #2 seed, outplayed the #1 seed, and during the regular season, torched the team that ended up as Super Bowl Champs. Assuming good health, this team should be the best in the NFC next year.
5. Detroit Lions: Jared Goff played very well this season but I still wonder if he is really the guy that can get this team to where they want to go.
6. Buffalo Bills: Buffalo is another team that I wonder if their championship window may be closing.
7. Houston Texans: The Texans are the Packers of the AFC. A team that should scare people for the foreseeable future, especially if they add some pieces on defense.
8. Miami Dolphins: Tyreek Hill isn’t getting any younger. I think this team is going to have to find a way to replace him in the next year or two.
9. Dallas Cowboys: I really like the addition of Mike Zimmer as the defensive coordinator. It goes without saying that this is Mike McCarthy’s last chance to get Dallas over the hump.
10. Cleveland Browns: With Nick Chubb and Deshaun Watson back next year, I expect this team to make even more noise next year.
11. Los Angeles Rams: The Rams are a team to watch next year, especially if Cooper Kupp stays healthy. I expect them to add some pieces on defense in the draft.
12. Philadelphia Eagles: Perhaps the biggest question in the NFC is whether or not Jalen Hurts can return to his 2022 form.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (24): This team has a lot of priorities this off-season, particularly re-signing Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers: Is Kenny Pickett the answer or does this team go after a veteran QB (Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, etc) in the off-season?
15. Jacksonville Jaguars: I did not see the Jags collapsing like they did, but they still have a bright future with Trevor Lawrence – but it certainly became much more challenging now that CJ Stroud is in the division.
16. Indianapolis Colts: Speaking of the AFC South, if Anthony Richardson ends up being a franchise QB, the Colts have a bright future as well.
17. New Orleans Saints: I don’t know what to make of the Saints if I’m being honest. They have a lot of talent on the roster but just aren’t consistent. I expect Dennis Allen to be one of the first coaches on the hot seat next season.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Moving on from Pete Carroll was a shock to everyone – but if they don’t figure something out at quarterback, I don’t think it will matter.
19. Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals will start next season in the top 10 and, assuming Burrow stays healthy, should remain there all season.
20. Chicago Bears: The biggest question as it relates to the draft is what will the Bears do with the #1 pick?
21. Las Vegas Raiders: The players wanted Antonio Pierce as their coach and their wish was granted. However, this roster still needs a little work if they want to be taken seriously in the AFC West.
22. Denver Broncos: Who their quarterback will be Week 1 next year is anybody’s guess. But if they don’t get it right, I have to believe Sean Payton will be on thin ice.
23. Minnesota Vikings: I believe there’s a distinct possibility this team finishes last in the NFC North next season.
24. Tennessee Titans: I still don’t understand the firing of Mike Vrabel. Titans fans could be in for a rough few years with the way their division is shaping up.
25. Arizona Cardinals: It feels like Kyler Murray is the guy moving forward – but whether or not that’s the right choice is still a question in my eyes.
26. New York Jets: A healthy Aaron Rodgers next year should put this team in the AFC Championship. Perhaps he’ll have more luck there than he did in NFC Championship games, now that he has a legitimate defense.
27. New York Giants: The Giants will have an interesting off-season to say the least. Is Daniel Jones still the guy? Do they resign Saquon Barkley? What do they do in the draft?
28. Atlanta Falcons: Get the quarterback right. I know this team has an average defense, but with the weapons they have on offense, they can become an instant contender if they find the right QB.
29. Los Angeles Chargers: I’m already on the Chargers’ bandwagon for next year. I fully expect Jim Harbaugh to turn this team around in year 1.
30. New England Patriots: The weirdest thing next season will be watching Patriots games and not seeing Bill Belichick on the sidelines.
31. Washington Commanders: This team has perhaps more question marks than any team in the NFL going in to 2024.
32. Carolina Panthers: There’s nowhere to go but up in Carolina.
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