Image Courtesy: With the First Pick
Can anybody stop Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs train this upcoming season? Kansas City has made five consecutive AFC Championship games even having to play Cincinnati, Buffalo, and Baltimore every season deep into the playoffs. The Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and Dallas Cowboys are expected to be at the top of the NFC yet again. The Eagles look like they can return to the Super Bowl again with QB Jalen Hurts, talented receivers AJ Brown and De’Vonta Smith, and an awesome defense. Here’s how I expect the NFL to look during the 2023-2024 season:
Here are my projected division standings for the 2023-2024 NFL season:
AFC
East
Miami Dolphins (11-6)
Buffalo Bills (10-7)
New York Jets (10-7)
New England Patriots (7-10)
Can the Dolphins upend the Bills and take control of the AFC East? It seems possible with the talent Miami has on the outside with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle even with questions about signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa’s health. The Jets are also a team that the Dolphins have to worry about after they added future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers and extended the contract of star defensive end Quinnen Williams. All three of the Dolphins, Bills, and Jets are real playoff threats while questions loom large in Foxborough. Can Bill O’Brien help Patriots QB Mac Jones out of his sophomore slump for a bounce back third season? That will be big if New England wants to compete in one of the toughest divisions in football.
Top Divisional Games
1.Bills vs. Dolphins (10/1, 1/7)
A 2023 AFC Wild Card rematch could determine the winner of the division during the final weekend of the regular season.
2.Bills vs. Jets (9/11, 11/19)
Two Josh Allen-Aaron Rodgers duels this upcoming season should be fantastic in helping determine the pecking order in the AFC East.
3.Dolphins vs. Jets (11/24, 12/17)
The Jets defense and Miami defense have some of the best defensive backs in the game. New York’s Sauce Gardner and Miami’s Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard will look to stop the opposing offenses, both of which can make long pass plays down the field.
4.Bills vs. Patriots (10/22, 12/31)
The Bills must avoid potential upsets against Bill Belichick’s team, who could wreck the Bills’ dreams of a potential Wild Card off weekend and having the AFC run through Highmark Stadium.
5.Dolphins vs. Patriots (9/17, 10/29)
Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins did not lose to the Patriots last season. But heading to Foxborough is never an easy task so Mike McDaniels’ team has to be careful with the football.
Top Interdivisional Games
1.Dolphins @ Chiefs (11/5)
Miami will be tested like they have not been before at Arrowhead Stadium when they face Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Tua must be able to find former Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill early and often if they want to keep up with Kansas City and win this game.
2.Bills @ Chiefs (12/10)
The match-ups between the Bills and Chiefs in the post-season the past two years have been nothing short of incredible. Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes dueling in Kansas City again should determine who will have home field advantage early on in the playoffs
3.Dolphins @ Eagles (10/22)
Former Alabama QBs Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts battle as they look to position their teams atop their conferences. The talented Dolphins offense against the terrific Eagles defense should be a great battle.
4.Bills @ Eagles (11/26)
Buffalo should have their hands full in Philadelphia when they play the Eagles after Thanksgiving. Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen will duel for playoff placement in their respective conferences as December would loom.
5.Jets @ Cowboys (9/17)
Aaron Rodgers never lost to the Cowboys as a Packer. Will he be able to keep up his phenomenal play against America’s team as a New York Jet? We will find out early in the season when Dallas hosts New York.
Awards
MVP: Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins
2022 Stats: 119 catches, 1710 yards, 7 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins
2022 Stats: See Above
Defensive Player of the Year: Quinnen Williams, DE, New York Jets
2022 Stats: 35 tackles, 12 sacks, 2 FF
Coach of the Year: Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins
North
Baltimore Ravens (11-6)
Cincinnati Bengals (10-7)
Cleveland Browns (9-8)
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-10)
Cincinnati, Baltimore, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh are all capable of winning the AFC North in 2023. They all play so often that the top team in the division could lose half or more of its games against divisional opponents. The toughness of all four of these defenses makes points a premium in these games. With Joe Burrow out at the beginning of the season, this could be the opportunity for the Ravens, Browns, or Steelers to take over this division.
Top Divisional Games
1.Bengals vs. Ravens (9/17, 11/16)
In a division full of great rivalries, the Bengals and Ravens look again to gain control of the AFC North and a chance at a Super Bowl. Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow have had some great battles and they should have some this upcoming this season. Trevor Sim
2.Bengals vs. Browns (9/10, 1/7)
The Browns will look to defeat good Bengals teams on the first and last Sundays of the regular season. Cleveland’s defense has been able to get to Cincinnati QB Joe Burrow so they should look to continue to do the same thing this season. The Bengals should have to start back up Trevor Siemian with Burrow’s injury so it may be easier for star Browns defensive end Myles Garrett to get to the quarterback with his inexperience.
3.Ravens vs. Browns (10/1, 11/12)
The Ravens and Browns defenses will look to stop the other team’s dynamic quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson on the first Sunday in October and the second in November. These games will prove very critical in not only the divisional race but the AFC race overall.
4.Ravens vs. Steelers (10/8, 1/7)
Maybe the best rivalry in the AFC, the Steelers and Ravens always have fierce, competitive battles. TJ Watt and the Steelers must win at least one of these games to stay in the playoff hunt.
5.Browns vs. Steelers (9/18, 11/19)
With the two teams expected to finish at the bottom of the division, the Browns and Steelers battle for necessary wins to in the division and stay the playoff hunt.
Top Interdivisional Games
1.Bengals @ Chiefs (12/31)
In a rematch of the last two AFC Championship game, the winner of the New Year’s Eve duel between Kansas City and Cincinnati could have the advantage entering the final weekend of the regular season to have the Wild Card bye week in the conference.
2.Bills @ Bengals (11/5)
A rematch of the shortened Damar Hamlin tragedy and 2022 AFC Divisional round game should have a lot of implications at the top of the AFC at the beginning of the November as Joe Burrow and Josh Allen match up.
3.Ravens @ 49ers (12/25)
A Super Bowl 57 match up pits two talented defenses against each other in northern California. Lamar Jackson, Odell Beckham Jr., and the Ravens offense will look to get up early against second year signal-caller Brock Purdy and the niners.
4.Dolphins @ Ravens (12/31)
A Lamar Jackson-Tua Tagovailoa QB battle in Baltimore on New Year’s Eve. If each of these teams don’t turn the ball over we could see a great game.
5.49ers @ Steelers (9/10)
Pittsburgh must protect home field advantage and get out to a fast start against a great 49ers team in week one of the NFL season.
Awards
MVP: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
2022 Stats: 87 catches, 1046 yards, 9 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
2022 Stats: See Above
Defensive Player of the Year: TJ Watt, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers
2022 Stats: 27 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 1 FF
Coach of the Year: John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
South
Jacksonville Jaguars (10-7)
Tennessee Titans (8-9)
Indianapolis Colts (8-9)
Houston Texans (4-13)
Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars are the favorites coming into the 2023 season in the AFC South. Having his college teammate Travis Etienne, tight end Evan Engram, and receiver Calvin Ridley to make plays offensively proves they can make a deep run in the playoffs without injuries. Can the Jags prove it with the Titans and Colts breathing down their necks as hard nosed football teams? Doug Pederson has done a phenomenal job as the head coach, play-caller, and mentor to Lawrence after Urban Meyer led the Lawrence and the Jags to a terrible beginning of the season in 2021.
Top Divisional Games
1.Jaguars vs. Titans (11/19, 1/7)
The battle for the top of the AFC South could come down to the final day of the regular season when the Jags and Titans face off.
2.Colts vs. Jaguars (9/10, 10/15)
The Colts must prove they are a formidable team again when they play the Jaguars early and in the middle of the season.
3.Colts vs. Titans (10/8, 12/3)
The Colts and Titans must prove that they are capable of competing with the Jaguars as they face off in October and December.
4.Jaguars vs. Texans (9/24, 11/26)
Texans top three picks in this year’s NFL Draft CJ Stroud (QB) and Will Anderson (OLB) will look to do the difficult task of upending the division favorite Jaguars.
5.Texans vs. Titans (12/17, 12/31)
Texans-Titans battles in the AFC South are always close games and will go a long way in determining the winner of the division.
Top Interdivisional Games
1.Chiefs @ Jaguars (9/17)
The Jaguars will see their first true test of the season when they face the Super Bowl winning Kansas City Chiefs led by Patrick Mahomes. If they can win that game, they can begin competing for the top seed in the conference.
2.Bills vs. Jaguars (London) (10/8)
On the second Sunday in October, all eyes will be on Bills-Jaguars for placing atop the AFC.
3.Colts @ Bengals (12/10)
The Colts will look to go into Cincinnati and beat the Bengals in one of the top environments in the NFL.
4.Titans @ Dolphins (12/11)
Former Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill comes back to town as a Titan in an important out of division game in the AFC.
5.Bengals @ Titans (10/1)
The Bengals come to Nashville to open October in a game the Titans can’t overlook or they will get dominated by Joe Burrow and his offense.
Awards
MVP: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
2022 Stats: 387-584, 4113 yards, 25 TDs, 8 INT, 62 rushes, 291 yards, 5 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts
2022 Stats: 192 rushes, 861 yards, 4 TDs, 28 catches, 143 yards
Defensive Player of the Year: Shaquille Leonard, DE, Indianapolis Colts
2022 Stats: 8 tackles (injured for most of 2022 season)
Coach of the Year: Doug Pederson, Jacksonville Jaguars
West
Kansas City Chiefs (14-3)
Denver Broncos (9-8)
Los Angeles Chargers (7-10)
Las Vegas Raiders (5-12)
The Kansas City Chiefs have won seven consecutive AFC West division titles. There is no reason why they should not be the favorite to win this division and the Super Bowl in 2024. The Chargers paid their QB Justin Herbert with a new long-term contract. With new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the Chargers could challenge Kansas City. Offensive mastermind Sean Payton takes over a Denver Broncos team that struggled with their new QB Russell Wilson. A rejuvenated Wilson with receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtney Davis should improve in 2023. The Raiders do not seem like threats with second year coach Josh McDaniels parting ways with former QB Derek Carr. Vegas will be looking for a new identity and they will struggle in this tough division this upcoming season.
Top Divisional Games
1.Chargers vs. Chiefs (10/22, 1/7)
The top two QBs in the AFC West match up in Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. The winners of these games will have a great chance at winning the division and a long playoff run.
2.Chiefs vs. Raiders (11/26, 12/25)
The Raiders’ defensive line, led by Maxx Crosby, got into Chiefs backfield a lot last season. They will look to get to Patrick Mahomes more in their match ups this season and win at least one of these match ups against the great Kansas City Chiefs.
3.Broncos vs. Chargers (12/10, 12/31)
The winner of these two games, between the Broncos and Chargers, will propel that team into second in the AFC West, likely behind the Chiefs. The winner could surprise in the playoffs in Kansas City’s shadow.
4.Chargers vs. Raiders (10/1, 12/14)
The Raiders will look to beat the Chargers with a new quarterback as they move on from Derek Carr. Both of these games should be very close but playing with a new quarterback will hurt Las Vegas just a little bit.
5.Broncos vs. Raiders (9/10, 1/7)
Russell Wilson and the Broncos will look to avenge two losses to the Raiders in 2023. With the Raiders’ young coaching staff, the Broncos should be able to at least split with Vegas this upcoming season.
Top Interdivisional Games
1.Eagles @ Chiefs (11/20)
The Super Bowl rematch will be in Kansas City on the Monday before Thanksgiving with everyone watching. Seeing Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts duel again should be a fantastic game.
2.Bengals @ Chiefs (12/31)
See in Top AFC North Interdivisional Games
3.Dolphins @ Chiefs (11/5)
See in Top AFC East Interdivisional Games
4.Bills @ Chiefs (12/10)
See in Top AFC East Interdivisional Games
5.Dolphins @ Chargers (9/10)
The Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa (pick 5 in the 2020 NFL Draft) and the Chargers’ Justin Herbert (pick 6 in 2020 NFL Draft) battle in week 1 of the NFL season. This will be a huge game in not only determining the pecking order of signal callers in the league but who can get a head start on placement in the AFC for the playoffs.
Awards
MVP: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
2022 Stats: 435-648, 5250 yards, 41 TDs, 12 INT, 61 rushes, 358 yards, 4 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
2022 Stats: See Above
Defensive Player of the Year: Derwin James, S, Los Angeles Chargers
2022 Stats: 64 tackles, 2 interceptions, 4 sacks, 2 FF
Coach of the Year: Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs
Top AFC Games
1.Bengals @ Chiefs (12/31)
2.Dolphins @ Chiefs (11/5)
3.Bills @ Chiefs (12/10)
4.Bills vs. Dolphins (10/1, 1/7)
5.Bengals vs. Ravens (9/17, 11/16)
6.Bills @ Bengals (11/5)
7.Bills vs. Jets (9/11, 11/19)
8.Dolphins vs. Jets (11/24, 12/17)
9.Chiefs @ Jaguars (9/17)
10.Chargers vs. Chiefs (10/22, 1/7)
NFC
East
Philadelphia Eagles (12-5)
Dallas Cowboys (11-6)
New York Giants (8-9)
Washington Commanders (6-11)
The Eagles will look to return to the Super Bowl with a similar roster while the Cowboys will look to return to the game for the first time since 1996. Philadelphia’s offense is scary with QB Jalen Hurts, receiver De’Vonta Smith, and receiver AJ Brown with an even scarier defense. The Giants improved their abysmal receiving core with the draft pick of Tennessee Volunteer Jalin Hyatt and free agent Paris Campbell. That should make New York a competitive team again this upcoming season. The Commanders should be vastly improved with second year signalcaller Sam Howell and Dan Snyder out of ownership in Landover.
Top Divisional Games
1.Cowboys vs. Eagles (11/5, 12/10)
After getting destroyed in Philadelphia early last season, the Cowboys turned their Christmas Eve win over the Eagles into a shootout where they forced a few turnovers which helped them lock up a second consecutive playoff spot. Now, Dallas must use the games against a vaunted Eagles team to prepare them for games deep in the playoffs. The Eagles should be able to handle the Cowboys at home if they stay focused but on their trip to Arlington they will be looking for revenge.
2.Eagles vs. Giants (12/25, 1/7)
After sweeping the Giants last season, the Eagles will look to do the same in 2023-2024. For both squads, playing each other two times in the last three weeks of the seasons brings some unique feelings to the games. Some playoff spots will already be locked up but some definitely won’t. So, these two games will definitely have some meaning at the end of the regular season.
3.Cowboys vs. Giants (9/10, 11/12)
Known for being a Sunday night “snoozfest” with the lack of wins deep in the playoffs for both franchise, the Cowboys-Giants series brought two Dallas wins in 2022. However, both teams only got better so the Giants opportunity will be on opening Sunday night in East Rutherford to protect their home field and get a head start in making a playoff push. Dallas QB Dak Prescott has an incredible 10-2 record against New York so it will be a challenge, but Brian Daboll and the Giants will sure have something to say in 2023 when they face their division rivals.
4.Cowboys vs. Commanders (11/23, 1/7)
The Commanders were sold by long time owner Dan Snyder. With the toxicity out of the building for the first time in many years, fans are believing that the Commanders could make a playoff push this season. The two division rivals split the match ups last season and with new Commanders QB Sam Howell looking good, the Cowboys should be aware of this improved squad in 2023.
5.Commanders vs. Giants (10/22, 11/19)
With what I mentioned about the Commanders above, they should definitely look at the Giants games on the schedules as games they can win. The Giants won one meeting and the two tied in the other meeting. Giants QB Daniel Jones needs to have a big year to prove his worth in the NFL while RB Saquon Barkley plays on a one-year contract with all tailbacks’ pay down in 2023. terry McLaurin and the Commanders The Commanders-Giants games should be good ones this years.
Top Interdivisional Games
1.Eagles @ Chiefs (11/20)
See Top AFC West Interdivisional Games
2.49ers @ Eagles (12/3)
Last season’s NFC Championship rematch was in Philadelphia in January and will be at Lincoln Financial Field again in 2023. The 49ers offense, led by second year QB Brock Purdy, receiver Deebo Samuel, and tailback Christian McCaffrey will have to score against a tough Eagles defense again on the road, which should prove to be a difficult task. On the other side, Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense will face off against another difficult defense in Nick Bosa and the niners. So, to me, the better offense wins this game.
3.Cowboys @ 49ers (10/8)
The NFC Divisional Round rematch between the Cowboys and 49ers will again be played in San Francisco. If the Cowboys could not win it in January, what tells us they can do it now? The 49ers’ steady offense and pummeling defense will have it out for Dak Prescott and what should be an improved aerial attack in Dallas. This Sunday Night game should be fun.
4.Dolphins @ Eagles (10/22)
See Top AFC East Interdivisional Games
5.Jets @ Cowboys (9/17)
See Top AFC East Interdivisional Games
Awards
MVP: Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
2022 Stats: 306-460, 3701 yards, 22 TDs, 6 INT, 165 carries, 760 yards, 13 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
2022 Stats: See Above
Defensive Player of the Year: Micah Parsons, DE, Dallas Cowboys
2022 Stats: 42 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 3 FF
Coach of the Year: Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia Eagles
North
Detroit Lions (9-8)
Minnesota Vikings (8-9)
Green Bay Packers (7-10)
Chicago Bears (6-11)
The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings will look to stake their claim atop the NFC North with Aaron Rodgers out in Green Bay and in New York. The Vikings won the division last season and with star receiver Justin Jefferson looking as great as ever and Kirk Cousins’ consistent play behind center, they should be the favorites. But Dan Campbell’s Lions have the roster to win the division as well: Amon-Ra St. Brown has had a fantastic young career while former Rams QB Jared Goff has looked like a player that can play in Detroit long term. Chicago’s offense must improve a ton in year three with QB Justin Fields if they want to even think about another NFC North title to their trophy case. The Packers could still be a player in the NFC race even without their Hall of Fame gunslinger. Jordan Love has a lot to prove as the new Green Bay QB but if he proves he can be a quality starter, the Packers can contend in this division.
Top Divisional Games
1.Lions vs. Vikings (12/24, 1/7)
With Aaron Rodgers now out of the division, the battles between Detroit and Minnesota should be for the division this season. In addition, the two rivals will face off in two of the last three weeks of the season making these games that much more important. The teams’ QBs Kirk Cousins and Jared Goff are two veteran in this league and their play will definitely be a big factor in determining games against the opposite teams, both of two have decent defense.
2.Packers vs. Vikings (10/29, 12/31)
If the Lions do not step up and win the NFC North during the upcoming season, the division could be won the Packers yet again. New Green Bay QB Jordan Love’s NFL experience is very small but his upside is big. The Love to receiver Christian Watson connection will be important in beating a Vikings team that won the NFC North fairly easily in 2022. Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson are a scary offensive duo and they will not be easy to stop against a Green Bay defense that is not as good as it was just a few seasons ago.
3.Lions vs. Packers (9/28, 11/23)
With the Packers and Lions facing off at the end of September and on Thanksgiving, the two teams will have to focus on winning one or both of these games to make the playoffs.
4.Bears vs. Packers (9/10, 1/7)
With Aaron Rodgers out in Green Bay, the Bears finally have an opportunity to beat the Packers again. Justin Fields can prove himself in this rivalry without a Hall of Fame QB as his opposition. The Packers should win this game still but the games should definitely be closer.
5.Bears vs. Lions (11/19, 12/10)
The Bears and Lions are used to battling for third in the NFC North. Both teams will look to prove that they are quality teams in this league by winning these games against a team in their own division.
Top Interdivisional Games
1.Lions @ Chiefs (9/7)
The Lions will look to defeat the defending Super Bowl Champion Chiefs in Kansas City in the debut game of the NFL season. Dan Campbell’s defense will have to stop reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and the awesome Kansas City offense in this one.
2.Vikings @ Eagles (9/17)
After a dominant performance by Philadelphia over Minnesota last season, the Vikings will look to avenge the loss in 2023 with a good offensive performance led by QB Kirk Cousins and receiver Justin Jefferson.
3.49ers @ Vikings (10/23)
After facing last season’s NFC champion team back in September on the road, the Vikings host the NFC championship runner-up in October. The VIkings again will have to rely on their offense against a vaunted 49ers defensive unit.
4.Chiefs @ Packers (12/3)
The Packers host the Chiefs for the first time without Aaron Rodgers. New Green Bay QB Jordan Love will look to out-duel Patrick Mahomes and upset Kansas City.
5.Lions @ Cowboys (12/30)
The Lions and Cowboys had some playoff history at the beginning of the 2010s and with the Lions finally a better team now under Dan Campbell, this New Year’s Eve Eve battle should be a game that has playoff implications with just a week left in the regular season left.
Awards
MVP: Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
2022 Stats: 128 catches, 1809 yards, 8 TDs, 4 rushes, 24 yards, 1 TD
Offensive Player of the Year: Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
2022 Stats: See Above
Defensive Player of the Year: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions
2022 Stats: 34 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 3 INT
Coach of the Year: Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions
South
New Orleans Saints (10-7)
Atlanta Falcons (8-9)
Carolina Panthers (6-11)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-13)
The NFC South is wide open with Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski retired and out in Tampa. The Buccaneers may be the worst team in the division with veteran Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask and QB with a defense that is not as good as the one that shut down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. New Orleans added Derek Carr to replace Jameis Winston at QB and they will have to trust that Chris Olave continues to be great at receiver and Alvin Kamara keeps working as their running back one. Carolina and Atlanta built up through the draft this year with the Panthers adding terrific Alabama QB Bryce Young and the Falcons adding star running back Bijan Robinson within the first ten picks.
Top Divisional Games
1.Falcons vs. Saints (11/26, 1/7)
In one of the top rivalries in the NFL, the Saints and Falcons play this year as the expected top two teams in the division. Both defenses will have to stop new stars on the offensive side of the ball in Saints QB Derek Carr and Falcons RB Bijan Robinson.
2.Panthers vs. Saints (9/18, 12/10)
Bryce Young and the Panthers will look to defeat a Saints team that is primed to win the division after having to deal with Tom Brady and the Bucs for the last two seasons.
3.Falcons vs. Panthers (9/10, 12/17)
Young stars Bijan Robinson (Falcons) and Bryce Young (Panthers) look to help their teams battle for placing in the playoffs as they begin their seasons against each other and then three weeks from the end of the year.
4.Buccaneers vs. Saints (10/1, 12/31)
The Saints were able to beat Tom Brady and the Buccaneers multiple times when he was in Tampa Bay. New Orleans will look to continue that streak as they face a new signal caller for the Bucs with their veteran defense.
5.Buccaneers vs. Falcons (10/22, 12/10)
The Falcons must win both of these games if they want a shot to win the NFC South and make a deep run in the playoffs against. ayoung Buccaneers team.
Top Interdivisional Games
1.Saints @ Rams (12/21)
In a rematch of the 2019 NFC Championship Game, the Saints face a Rams team that struggled after winning the Super Bowl in 2022.
2.Jaguars @ Saints (10/19)
New Orleans hosts a Jaguars team that has one of the best young offenses in the league. So, this will be a tough challenge for a Saints team with a new QB and an inexperienced head coach.
3.Falcons @ Jaguars (10/1)
Like the Saints, the Falcons facing off with the Jaguars will not be an easy game. Trevor Lawrence and his receivers will not back down against a Falcons defense that has been up and down.
4.Falcons @ Lions (9/24)
A tough Lions team will not back down against the Falcons, with a very young roster. Veteran QB Jared Goff and receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown will be a difficult duo to stop for Atlanta on the road.
5.Panthers @ Jaguars (12/31)
In a match-up of number one picks, Carolina’s Bryce Young will look to prove himself against Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars. This game might be one of the more underrated games of the upcoming season.
Awards
MVP: Derek Carr, QB, New Orleans Saints
2022 Stats: 305-502, 3522 yards, 24 TDs, 14 INT, 24 rushes, 104 yards
Offensive Player of the Year: Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
2022 Stats: 258 rushes, 1580 yards, 18 TDs, 19 catches, 314 yards, 2 TD (@ Texas)
Defensive Player of the Year: Brian Burns, DE, Carolina Panthers
2022 Stats: 34 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 1 FF
Coach of the Year: Frank Reich, Carolina Panthers
West
San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
Los Angeles Rams (10-7)
Seattle Seahawks (8-9)
Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
Will the Rams bounce back after not making the playoffs following a Super Bowl 56 win? The 49ers are poised to remain at the top of the division with offensive playmakers Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey aboard. It will be up to the play of second year QB Brock Purdy after his injury in the NFC Championship game about whether they can return to the Super Bowl. The Seahawks paid QB Geno Smith after a successful season with him in 2022 while the Cardinals look like one of the worst teams in the NFL with new head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Top Divisional Games
1.49ers vs. Rams (9/17, 1/7)
The top game in the NFC West over the last few seasons should see two phenomenal match ups this upcoming season. The 49ers all-around talent will be tough to deal with but the Rams offense will be looking for a bounce back season with star receiver Cooper Kupp back from injury.
2.49ers vs. Seahawks (11/23, 12/10)
Last season’s top two finishers in the NFC West will battle on Thanksgiving and just over two weeks later in December. The Seahawks less than potent offense will have to rely on receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett to win these games against a terrific 49ers defense.
3.Rams vs. Seahawks (9/10, 11/19)
The likely battle for second place in the division will be between the Rams and Seahawks. If the Rams defense is able to stop the Seahawks offense, their high powered offense can win these games.
4.49ers vs. Cardinals (10/1, 12/17)
The Cardinals will have to rely on star QB Kyler Murray if they want to beat the talented 49ers. The lack of talented skill players for Arizona will surely lead to two San Francisco wins.
5.Rams vs. Cardinals (10/15, 11/26)
Arizona should hope for at least a single win over the Rams with LA’s inconsistencies last season. Their defense needs to be able to stop an LA offense that will be hard to stop deep into the season.
Top Interdivisional Games
1.49ers @ Eagles (12/3)
Top NFC East Interdivisional Games
2.Bengals @ 49ers (1o/29)
One of the 49ers toughest home tests is against Joe Burrow and the Bengals. San Francisco’s secondary will be tested against great receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins while Cincinnati’s defense will have to stop the running game of Christian McCaffrey.
3.Eagles @ Rams (10/8)
The Rams will be tested when the reigning NFC champion Eagles come to town. It will be up to LA’s defense to stop the high powered Philadelphia offense, led by Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, and AJ Brown.
4.Rams @ Bengals (9/24)
An early road trip for the Rams to Cincinnati should be a difficult one for LA to handle. The Rams defensive line will test the unproven Bengals offensive line when they face off in a cross conference match up.
5.Seahawks @ Ravens (11/5)
A huge road game for Seattle in the middle of the season pits them against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. The Seahawks offense must be good if they want to go into Baltimore and win this one.
Awards
MVP: Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Franciso 49ers
2022 Stats: 244 rushes, 1139 yards, 8 TDs, 85 catches, 741 yards, 5 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
2022 Stats: 75 catches, 812 yards, 6 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: Nick Bosa, DE, San Francisco 49ers
2022 Stats: 41 tackles, 18.5 sacks, 2 FF
Coach of the Year: Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers
Top NFC Games
1.49ers @ Eagles (12/3)
2.Cowboys @ 49ers (10/1)
3.Cowboys vs. Eagles (11/5, 12/10)
4.49ers vs. Rams (9/17, 1/7)
5.49ers vs. Seahawks (11/23, 12/10)
6.Lions vs. Vikings (12/24, 1/7)
7.Vikings @ Eagles (9/17)
8.49ers @ Vikings (10/23)
9.Rams vs. Seahawks (9/10, 11/19)
10.Eagles vs. Giants (12/25, 1/7)
My Projected Playoff Bracket (Based off of my projected standings):
AFC
1.Kansas City Chiefs (14-3)
2.Baltimore Ravens (11-6)
3.Miami Dolphins (11-6)
4.Jacksonville Jaguars (10-7)
5.Cincinnati Bengals (10-7)
6.Buffalo Bills (10-7)
7.New York Jets (10-7)
The AFC runs through Kansas City until further notice. With the Chiefs appearing in the in last five AFC Championship games and winning two of the last four Super Bowls. Cincinnati, Buffalo, and Baltimore have been the toughest competition since the Chiefs won their first in the Patrick Mahomes era in 2020 but the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars have emerged with talent of their own as well.
NFC
1.Philadelphia Eagles (12-5)
2.San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
3.New Orleans Saints (10-7)
4.Detroit Lions (9-8)
5.Dallas Cowboys (11-6)
6.Los Angeles Rams (10-7)
7.Minnesota Vikings (8-9)
The Eagles are the overwhelming favorite to make it back to the Super Bowl in 2024 with QB Jalen Hurts, receivers AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, and a terrific defense filled with veteran and young talent. I project the 49ers to tie the Eagles with their regular season record if they find the right QB between Trey Lance, Brock Purdy, or someone else. If not, New Orleans, who I have improving a ton with new QB Derek Carr in a terrible NFC South and Cowboys, Rams, Lions, and Vikings can compete for the 2024 NFC title and another Super Bowl appearance.
Playoff Projections
Wild Card Round (January 13-15)
AFC
2.Baltimore Ravens over 7.New York Jets
The Ravens will avoid a Wild Card upset in a win over the Jets instead of getting upset like they did as the one seed in the AFC in the winter of 2019.
3.Miami Dolphins over 6.Buffalo Bills
The Dolphins avenge a divisional round loss a year ago against division rival Buffalo.
5.Cincinnati Bengals over 4.Jacksonville Jaguars
With Joe Burrow likely back to full health, he would lead his offense to a field day over the Jaguars and a mini upset in Jacksonville.
NFC
2.San Francisco 49ers over 7.Minnesota Vikings
San Francisco knocks Minnesota out of the playoffs in the Wild Card round for the second consecutive season.
6.Los Angeles Rams over 3.New Orleans Saints
The play of Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald will lead the Rams to upset the Saints.
5.Dallas Cowboys over 4.Detroit Lions
The Cowboys continue their success over the Lions with what would be their third consecutive Wuld Card victory.
Divisional Round (January 20-21)
AFC
1.Kansas City Chiefs over 5.Cincinnati Bengals
In a rematch of the last two season’s AFC Championship games, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs would beat the Bengals and return to the AFC Championship game for the sixth consecutive time.
3.Miami Dolphins over 2.Baltimore Ravens
Miami upsets Baltimore with the help of their QB Tua Tagovailoa and their great defensive backfield led by Xavien Howard and Jalen Ramsey.
NFC
1.Philadelphia Eagles over 6.Los Angeles Rams
Philadelphia returns to the NFC Championship game with a dominant win over the Rams.
5.Dallas Cowboys over 2.San Francisco 49ers
The Cowboys upset the 49ers in a divisional round matchup from last season and return to the NFC Championship for the first time since 1996.
Conference Championship Round (January 28)
AFC
1.Kansas City Chiefs over 3.Miami Dolphins
Kansas City uses their terrific offense to upend their former star receiver Tyreek Hill and the upstart Dolphins.
NFC
1.Philadelphia Eagles over 5.Dallas Cowboys
In a huge NFC East rivalry, Philadelphia keeps the Cowboys from ending their Super Bowl drought with a great performance by QB Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ terrific defensive front and secondary.
Super Bowl 58 (February 11)
1.Kansas City Chiefs vs. 1.Philadelphia Eagles
In a rematch of Super Bowl 57, Philadelphia finds a way to beat Kansas City and would keep them from winning a third Super Bowl in five opportunities.
Winner: 1.Philadelphia Eagles
Awards:
MVP: Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
2022 Stats: 306-460, 3701 yards, 22 TDs, 6 INT, 165 carries, 760 yards, 13 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
2022 Stats: 75 catches, 812 yards, 6 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: Nick Bosa, DE, 49ers
2022 Stats: 41 tackles, 18.5 sacks, 2 FF
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
2022 Stats: 258 rushes, 1580 yards, 18 TDs, 19 catches, 314 yards, 2 TD (@ Texas)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Will Anderson, OLB, Houston Texans
2022 Stats: 51 tackles, 17 TFL, 10 sacks (@ Alabama)
Comeback Player of the Year: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins
2022 Stats: 259-400, 3,548 yards, 25 TD, 8 INT, 24 carries, 70 yards
Coach of the Year: Andy Reed, Kansas City Chiefs