2023 NFL Predictions!

The time is now. The 2023 NFL season starts tonight, where it will all begin in Arrowhead between the Lions and the defending champion Chiefs. Andy Reid. Patrick Mahomes. Dan Campbell. Amon-Ra St. Brown. Two high powered offenses. We really, really can’t wait. There is still time though to make our Perfect Spiral 2023 NFL predictions this season. We have broken down each division and how we think it will play out along with our playoff predictions plus who we think will hoist the Lombardi. Each member of the Perfect Spiral Team were assigned different divisions, which you will see next to each one. We know that each and every one of you will wholeheartedly agree with every single take we have, so this should be rather easy…right?

AFC EAST - Joe Miglio

1. Miami Dolphins (11-6) LY 9-8

   I will not go into these predictions thinking of injuries. I will not go into these predictions thinking of injuries. Ok, I let it out. Here’s the thing. When the Dolphins were healthy last year, they were the 2nd best team in the AFC. That is a fact. Tua was leading all quarterbacks in many offensive categories and the combination of Tyreek Hill/Jaylen Waddle was giving teams fits. Well, Miami goes into this season with mainly the same offensive unit as last season. They added De’Von Achane to the backfield, and he will absolutely help, but this team has a chance to do special things on offense. It’s’ the defensive side I want to focus on though. Bradley Chubb is now there for a full season. The Fins may have the most improved player on defense on their roster: Jaelan Phillips. This guy is just waiting to explode. And with Christian Wilkins also there, this defensive front has the chance to be really dominant. Their secondary scares me especially without Jalen Ramsey. But if this team can weather the storm, I think they can weather the rest of the AFC East.

2. New York Jets (11-6) LY 7-10

I have the Jets losing a tiebreaker here to the Dolphins based off division record, but that shouldn’t stray you away from this team. The Jets are going to be good. Very good. Put this into perspective. The Jets won 7 games with Zach Wilson as their quarterback. SEVEN. In steps Aaron Rodgers and the team is immediately better. Garrett Wilson is on the verge of superstardom and with the addition of Dalvin Cook, they may have the best 1-2 punch in the league at the running back room. Their defense was elite last year, and they are a year older now and in the system another year. Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed are the best CB tandem in the NFL while Quinnen Williams blossomed into a star last year. The defensive front all of the sudden has depth to it as well. This defense will be a force, and is still the alpha of this team. The defining factor of the Jets season will be its offensive line. At the tackle positions, the team a 38 year old at the left and a former first round pick who has played one game since 2020. That is not ideal. And Rodgers isn’t really a young pup anymore. If the Jets can get adequate play from their o-line, I stand by this prediction. The start to their season is absolutely brutal, but if they can come out of their first 6 games 3-3, this team can go on a serious run in the latter half of the year.

3. Buffalo Bills (10-7) LY 12-4

Oh, the Bills. Count me amongst the people who think their best days are behind them. Folks, this defense is old. The offense is in flux. Stefon Diggs isn’t happy. Last year, we were told Gabe Davis and Isaiah McKenzie would be possible stars - they weren’t. Josh Allen had the most collective turnovers in the league last year. He was also hurt. They got embarrassed at home in the playoffs. And yet, I have them at 10-7. Why? Because they have Josh Allen. And he’s one of the five best quarterbacks in the NFL. He will give the Bills a fighting chance every week. The 10-7 has a lot to do with two things. The first place schedule and the improved AFC East. This is a gauntlet for the Bills to take through. Can I see the Bills going 13-4 and being a Super Bowl threat? Yes. Can I also see them going 7-10 and missing the playoffs completely? Also, yes. SO I have them right in the middle.

4. New England Patriots (6-11) LY 8-9

The storyline this year will be Bill Belichick and whether or not he will want to come back for 2024. This team is simply not good. Mac Jones is not good. The receiving core is not good. Rhamondre is! And the defense will keep them in games. But they play the AFC West and the NFC East this season, and there is an argument to be made that they are the worst team out of all 12. Bill O’Brien is there to help Mac Jones after a dismal 2023, but that may even be a tall task. The schedule doesn’t do them any favors, and the Pats will struggle week in and week out to win games. Bill will always have them prepared, but the heyday of the Pats if officially done.

AFC NORTH - Richie Jones

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (14-3) Last Year (LY) 9-8

   Starting off this division with a bang. In what will the biggest surprise out of any of the divisions covered, the Steelers have the chance to shock everyone. They bring with them the best coach in the division - Mike Tomlin, who has never had a losing season while rocking the black and gold. Obviously, we are expecting a massive, massive jump from Kenny Pickett. He had a rough go of it in his limited time last season, but he has had an entire off-season to make improvements to his game. Pittsburgh quietly has one of the better skill groups in the entire league. They boast a running back tandem of Najee Harris and Jaylen along with pass catchers Diontae Johnson, George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth. Expect Harris to have a bounce back season as the improvements to the quarterback, offensive line and skill group may impact him the most as he will not be asked to do everything that he might’ve during his short career thus far. And don’t forget about the defense. TJ Watt is a top 5 defensive player in the NFL when healthy. They have incredible front seven depth led by Cam Heyward, but also with players such as Alex Highsmith and Larry Ogunjobi. They also addressed the back end by drafting Joey Porter Jr. in Round 2 of the NFL draft whereas a lot of analysts and draft experts had him as a first round talent. Their schedule isn’t overly difficult either as they play the AFC South and NFC West. There is an argument to be made that Pittsburgh can pull together as good as an 7-1/6-2 record in those contests. The division is tough yes, but if everything we spoke about here hits, then the Steelers can have both a Top 10 offense and Top 10 defense.

2. Cincinnati Bengals (12-5) LY 12-4

The defending champs of the North have a legitimate chance at a Super Bowl this upcoming season. And that’s because of Joe Burrow - the best QB in the division. He is an easy top three quarterback in the entire NFL. For years now, the Bengals have been heavily criticized for Burrow’s lack of protection up front. It was apparent in the AFC Championship game last year against Kansas City. So one of the first things the Bengals did was go and poach KC’s left tackle from them and stick him on their line to protect Burrow. Cincy has an array of talent with Joe Mixon, Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase amongst others. They spent their first round selection of the draft on EDGE Myles Murphy out of Clemson to aid their pass rush against elite level QB play in the daunting AFC. There are some questions in the secondary, especially with the loss of both safeties, but the return of Chidobe Awuzie should lighten that a bit. Also look out for rookie Jordan Battle who was drafted on day two. But I would pay attention to that secondary this year as the Bengals play a first place schedule are going against the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Trevor Lawrence and Josh Allen as well as Lamar Jackson and DeShaun Watson. An easier schedule to start should bode well for them and get them into a groove early, but make no mistake - this team will be playing deep into January and even maybe February.

3. Baltimore Ravens (10-7) LY 10-7

Unlike previous Ravens off-seasons, Baltimore garnered a ton of headlines during the summer months due to the standstill they had with the Lamar Jackson contract negotiations. Thankfully, both sides struck a record deal (at the time) and all that seems to be behind them. Baltimore wasn’t done though, as they have assembled the best Wide Receiver group they have had since Jackson has been under center. Odell Beckham has arrived along with Zay Flowers. And with Rashod Bateman coming off injury and Mark Andrews returning, the Ravens have the tools to throw the ball all over the yard. The addition of Todd Monkey as OC should see Lamar’s passing numbers go up as well, potentially making the Ravens more two dimensional than they have been in years past. The issue here is on the defensive side of the football though. Baltimore felt a need to upgrade their pass rush, and did so by adding….Jadaveon Clowney. Clowney is ok, but at this point of his career he is more of a rotational piece than anything else. The injury to Marlon Humphrey will hurt as well. It also seems like they whiffed on the Patrick Queen selection a few years back. This team has not been able to find consistent EDGE play for some time now, and with the types of QBs in the AFC North, that could be a big problem. Talent along here will net them 6-7 wins, but will 10 wins be enough to secure a playoff spot in the AFC this year?

4. Cleveland Browns (9-8) LY 7-10

Out of all the teams in the AFC North, the Browns probably have the biggest upside and downside of any team. For the first time since 2020, DeShaun Watson has had a full off-season program. The Browns do have the best offensive line in this division, highlighted by Nick Chubb racking up rushing yards year in and year out. The line is led by Joel Bitonio and Jack Conklin, but also has guys such as Wyatt Teller and Jedrick Wills Jr. Speaking of Chubb, there is no Kareem Hunt anymore, so we should see Chubb on the field much more, which is a good thing. They also traded for Elijah Moore, who should garner the “Deebo Samuel” role for Cleveland. So, offense isn’t a problem. The EDGE rushers aren’t either, as Myles Garrett and newly acquired Za’Darius Smith should be a top ten tandem in the league. It’s really everything else defensively. Yes, Denzel Ward is there - but what else? The secondary is rounded out by Grant Delpit, Juan Thornhill and Greg Newsome - which is average. JOK and Anthony Walker are the linebackers. Ok? I’m not wowed. It’s not bad. It’s not stellar either. The thing that benefits the Browns the most is that they are playing a last place schedule. But the inconsistency from the team in years past has me thinking another .500 season is on the horizon.

AFC SOUTH - John McCarthy

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4) LY 9-8

   Folks, it’s time we just say it. The Jacksonville Jaguars have arrived. This team has come together from the turmoil that was Urban Meyer to the leaders that are Trevor Lawrence and Doug Peterson. This team started off slow last season but showed flashes before they ran off 5 straight wins to end the season and 7/8. They pulled off an improbable comeback over the Chargers and had the Chiefs on the ropes until Jamal Agnew fumbled a goal line play to put the game on ice. The addition of Calvin Ridley gives Trevor a clear number one guy who, last time we saw him, was one of the best in the game. The Jags have an impressive set of skill players and an ascending defense with guys such as Travon Walker, Tyson Campbell and Andre Cisco. They play in a really weak AFC South and play an even weaker NFC South this year. This is the year for Trevor Lawrence. A lot of quarterbacks break through in Year 3 - and I expect Trevor to take this team to unexpected heights.

2. Tennessee Titans (8-9) LY 7-10

   Truly, I wanted to like the Titans more than I have them here. The schedule is light, Mike Vrabel is a hell of a coach, but this team just has the feel of being old. Derrick Henry, although successful again last year, quite possibly has the worst offensive line blocking for him in his career. DeAndre Hopkins was having issues even when healthy last year. Ryan Tannehill is just kind of existing also. The Titans spent two drafts in a row on quarterbacks - a third round pick in 2022 on Malik Willis and a second round pick in this past draft on Will Levis. I believe we will see possibly both, but definitely Levis this year. Tennessee will always be in games because of Vrabel and how well he prepares. And some games you will look at Tennessee and say “how did they win that game?” But, they are weeks where you will also say “how did they lose that game!” I think they will be in it until Thanksgiving until things start to go sideways.

3. Houston Texans (5-12) LY 3-13-1

It finally feels like Houston is headed in the right direction after years of turmoil. Demeco Ryans as the new coach seems like the right hire and a guy who is going to bring stability to the organization. They made a big move in this years draft; taking CJ Stroud second and then Will Anderson third overall. Houston potentially got two cornerstone pieces in the same draft. The complete antithesis to the Titans, this team is extremely young. There will be growing pains - and many of them. But one thing about being young is the fact that the team can grow together. Out of all the team not named the Jaguars in this division, the Texans have the best chance to climb the ladder quickly. They may win some surprising games this year. But the future is finally bright in Houston.

4. Indianapolis Colts (5-12) LY 4-12-1

Another young roster who doesn’t have a player over 30 on it. However, we are long gone from the days of Tony Dungy, Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck. This team has had drama all off-season; most notably with Jonathan Taylor. Taylor has an outstanding trade demand and is starting the season on the PUP list. Personally, we don’t think he plays another down in Indy. Jim Irsay has become the new Dan Snyder as the owner who can’t stay out of his own way. It was just a few short years ago this team was considered “close” to getting back to a Super Bowl, and now here we are. The Colts should have started rebuilding years ago, but instead they tried to band-aid the QB position for far too long with names like Philip Rivers and Matt Ryan who were way past their prime. Because of that, the roster suffered and now they are starting from square one. They do have one thing going for them though - Anthony Richardson. While we don’t agree that he should be starting right away, he will have highlight reel plays throughout the year, and he may be the best QB of the current class if everything breaks right. It’s going to be a little while before Indianapolis is competitive again though. And it sure won’t be in 2023.

AFC WEST - Joe Miglio

1. Kansas City Chiefs (13-4) LY 14-3

   The mainstay of the division. As long as Patrick Mahomes is the QB of this division, this prediction will never change. There really isn’t much else needed to be said. We thought Tyreek Hill would nosedive this team. Nope. Remember a couple of years ago when people thought the league figured out Mahomes? That didn’t work. Hell, the script writers in the NFL office even put Mahomes on one ankle for the playoffs last year. He still won the damn thing. Chris Jones can hold out. Juju Smith-Schuster can go play in New England. Eric Bieniemy can call plays in Washington. Come January, Kansas City will be in the playoffs and looking for their 3rd title in six years.

2. Denver Broncos (9-8) LY 5-12

This prediction should tell you what I think of the arrival of Sean Payton. Payton is a great offensive mind. And he’s in Denver to do one thing: Fix Russell Wilson. The Broncos were struck by Murphy’s law last season where everything that could go wrong…went wrong. Wilson became the most unlikeable character in the entire NFL. From the “Dangerwich” to the cringy Tik Tok videos, even to the kid doing the bathrooms to touchdown ratio. It was just bad, bad, bad. And then, on top of that - injuries. Javonte Williams went down with an ACL. Tim Patrick got hurt. Jerry Jeudy got hurt. Bradley Chubb was shipped off to Miami. Just a bunch of things. Now, Payton is ruling the roost and it seems like things are off to a much better start. However, I think the 5-12 record last year was an indicator of how far this team has to come to be relevant again. A four game increase is a massive, massive jump. The Broncos secondary is solid, but their linebacker core is something to be desired. They are hurt again at the WR position as Marvin Mims is set to be WR2 in Week 1. I think a lot of things have to go right for this team to be a playoff team in 2023, but going 9-8 in Payton’s first full season is a really good step.

3. Los Angeles Chargers (7-10) LY 10-7

This was a tough one to make a call on. But with so many good teams in the AFC, a couple of teams will have to go sideways. Unfortunately, I think that’s the Chargers this year. There are good things going on here. Justin Herbert is 1A. He is a top flight quarterback and just got a massive extension to be there for the foreseeable future. They also found a gem in Asante Samuel Jr. and have a really good secondary. But there were issues with Austin Ekeler in the off-season with the trade demand, then the reneg of the trade demand. I’m not in love with their pass rush. Bosa is very good, yes. But Mack is another year older. Kenneth Murray hasn’t been the show stopper he was in college. Eric Kendricks was in Minnesota last season (that tells you all you need to know). And then worst of all is Brandon Staley. This guy should’ve been on the hot seat when he fumbled the bag in Week 17 of 2021. He got a pass for that. Then his team blew a 27-0 lead in the playoffs last year. Got a pass for that. This year, Staley will be the first Head Coach fired during the season. I can see it happening. When that happens, consider me back in on the Chargers. For now, I’m out.

4. Las Vegas Raiders (5-12) LY 6-11

When I initially did this, I wrote the Raiders in second place. And then I deleted it and put them in 4th. There are way too many question marks with this team. While Josh Jacobs is back and ready to roll, there is now an issue with Chandler Jones. There is something brewing with the happiness of Davante Adams. Darren Waller is gone and was replaced with Austin Hooper and Michael Mayer. On paper, the Raiders have good skill players - Jacobs, Adams, Meyers, Renfrow. But the offensive line is not good, and someone tell me the last time Jimmy G played a full season? On the defensive side of the football, Maxx Crosby is an absolute stud, but there is not much else there. Marcus Peters signed up in the off-season, and while he’s really always been feast or famine, there was a reason Baltimore didn’t re-sign him. And then much like LAC, the Head Coach is a problem. Josh McDaniels was not great in Denver, hoodwinked the Colts, and has now been a massive disappointment in Las Vegas. He is also on the hot seat going into the season. And if things go awry and the Raiders do in fact trade Davante Adams, they will also be looking for a new coach in 2024.

NFC EAST - John McCarthy

1. Philadelphia Eagles (12-5) LY 14-3

Many times when a team goes to a Super Bowl (win or lose), it is very difficult for a team to retain a lot of the talent they had the year before. And the Eagles did loose players - such as Miles Sanders (Panthers), Javon Hargrave (49ers), TJ Edwards (Bears) and CJ Gardner-Johnson (Lions). However, there is excitement in Philly as Howie Roseman may have actually improved the roster year over year. Roseman drafted Jalen Carter to replace Hargrave, Nolan Smith to replace TJ Edwards and traded for D’Andre Swift to replace Miles Sanders. This is a team that, on paper, is the best team in the NFL. The reason for the two game dip is due to the improvement of the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders. Although the Eagles went 4-2 in the division last year, the game they lost to Dallas was with Gardner Minshew playing QB. The Eagles will be one of the best teams in football and will be playing deep into the postseason.

2. New York Giants (10-7) LY 9-7-1

Pound for pound, the Giants may be one of the most improved teams in the NFL. A playoff team that added Darren Waller, Isiah Simmons and Bobby Okereke doesn’t really get worse. Daniel Jones is back on a 4 year deal while Saquon agreed to a one year contract to keep him in New York for at least another season. The Giants have better weapons than they did in 2022, and that includes rookie receiver Jalin Hyatt. The offensive line should be better, but it’s the defense that can take the real step forward. Another year of Kayon Thibodeaux, Leonard Williams, Dexter Lawrence and Azeez Ojulari as part of a front seven can be dangerous. The only thing that scares me here is that they are starting two rookie corners (Deonte Banks and Tre Hawkins) on the outside, and with teams like the Eagles and Cowboys boasting two very good 1-2 punches at receivers, there might be growing pains on the back end. Don’t get it twisted though, the Giants are improved from 2022.

3. Dallas Cowboys (8-9) LY 12-5

Time is running out in Big D. For the first time in a while, the roster in Dallas is not great. Gone are people like Ezekiel Elliott, Amari Cooper and Dalton Schultz from this offense. Brandin Cooks steps in. Tony Pollard is now ready for a full time role at running back. But the offensive line is significantly older, especially where Tyron Smith sits. He is seemingly injured every season now, and guys like Tyler Biadiasz and Terrence Steele aren’t the show stoppers Zack Martin is and Travis Frederick was. On defense, the line is as good as it gets with Micah Parson and Demarcus Lawrence. However, I am not so sold on what is going on with the rest of the defense. Leighton Vander Esch has chronic injury issues, and Trevon Diggs may be the most overrated player in the entire league. And then the big question: Dak Prescott. What is he? Is he the QB who threw 16 interceptions last year in less than a full season? Or is he 201 Dak and throwing the ball all over the field. There is definitely pressure there as Kellen Moore moved on to LA and Mike McCarthy took over play calling. Add McCarthy to the list of candidates on the hot seat. Winning a playoff game last year against a putrid Bucs team ain’t gonna cut it. And let’s not forget the Cowboys did trade for Trey Lance a couple of weeks back. Things could get interesting in Dallas.

4. Washington Commanders (7-10) LY 8-8-1

The biggest thing going into this season for Washington is the fact that Daniel Snyder is no longer the owner. The group led by Josh Harris now owns the team in DC, and the for the first time in a long time, there is hope in Washington. People forget this team 8-8-1 last year and finished a game out of the playoffs with Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke playing musical chairs all year. Now, it is Sam Howell’s team. Howell was drafted last season out of UNC on day three of the 2022 NFL Draft and will now get an opportunity to show the brass what he is. There are a couple of pieces on this offense. We know about Terry McLaurin, but how about Jahan Dotson? And Brian Robinson Jr.? Not to mention the defensive front, which stars Jonathan Allen and Montez Sweat accompanied by budding star Chase Young and reliable Da’Ron Payne. This team has pieces. But I’m putting the microscope on Ron Rivera. Riverboat Ron has had a go of it since his arrival in Washington, but I think this year is put up or shut up. With the hiring of Eric Bieniemy from Kansas City, I feel like Rivera has to watch his back. I don’t think the Commanders have to make the postseason, but I do think they need to show improvement. They will be frisky for sure, but ultimately may come up short because of the tough division.

NFC North - Richie Jones

1. Detroit Lions (11-6) LY 9-8

   I think the Lions are here to stay folks. A team who two years ago gave away Matthew Stafford for Jared Goff is now talking about extending that very same QB. The Lions were exciting last year - on offense at least. They put up points all year. Amon-Ra St. Brown became a household name. The offensive line finally got recognized for being a top three unit. Jamaal Williams had 18 rushing touchdowns. The Lions get flexed into SNF on the last week of the season, and even though they were eliminated before the game played, they beat the Green Bay Packers in Lambeau to send Aaron Rodgers packing. It was a marvelous season; so much so that the NFL decided to make the Detroit Lions the first game of the 2023 NFL season. The aforementioned Jamaal Williams is now in New Orleans and D’Andre Swift is in Philadelphia. But they signed David Montgomery and spent their first (of two) round draft picks on Jahmyr Gibbs. The offense got better. They drafted Sam LaPorta to play tight end. The offense got better. They used their other first round pick on Jack Campbell. The defense got better. They plucked CJ Gardner-Johnson from the Eagles. The defense got better. They also drafted Brian Branch and signed Cam Sutton from Pittsburgh to play corner. The defense got better. See the theme? The Lions are better everywhere. And in a division where there is uncertainty around the three other teams, the only team that seems to know what and who they are…is the Lions.

2. Minnesota Vikings (10-7) LY 13-4

This may be the easiest prediction to make. A team that went 9-0 in one score games last year and had a -3 scoring differential will suffer a regression. The team improved offensively - if you can believe it, by drafting Jordan Addison to replace an aging Adam Thielen. They also decided to move on from Dalvin Cook and gave the keys to Alexander Mattison. Mattison had more explosion than Cook the past two seasons, but doesn’t have the knack to catch the ball like Dalvin did. Minnesota should still put up points offensively. But anyone with a pulse knows that the Vikings issues came from the defensive side of the ball. Yes, they re-signed Danielle Hunter. But they lost two of their better defensive players last year in Eric Kendricks (Chargers) and Patrick Peterson (Steelers). The biggest “addition” to this defense was the hiring of Brian Flores as the DC. Flores will bring an energy to the team they haven’t seen in some time, but we may be a year away before he can really inject his serum into this defense. Minnesota will still win games because they are just too talented on offense, but their defense will cost them games again. It’s also ridiculous to assume they will go undefeated again in one score games. I almost went a whole paragraph without mentioning Justin Jefferson - yea, he’s still really really good.

3. Green Bay Packers (8-9) LY 8-9

A lot of change this season in Titletown. Out is Aaron Rodgers and in is Jordan Love. The Packers have undergone and embraced a full youth movement with this team. Consider me skeptical on the Jordan Love hype train. The skill group is young, and I am not sure either Christian Watson or Romeo Doubs have “number one wide receiver” potential in them. Watson can’t take over a game like Davonte Adams used to do, or even a Jordy Nelson used to do . Their best offensive player is Aaron Jones, who they willingly split carries with. The offensive line has good for a while now, but David Bhaktiari is a man who has trade speculation swirling around him, especially to join Rodgers in New York if things go sour quick in Green Bay. With all these new pieces on offense coming together, it may be difficult for them to gel right away. And as a result, they may struggle this season. Very similar to the Houston Texans, the Packers future actually seems like it could go somewhere, but growing pains will happen. The defense will keep them in games, but the offenses inability to put up consistent points will hamper this team in 2023.

4. Chicago Bears (7-10) LY 3-14

We are expecting some improvement from Chicago this season. Bears fans are excited for Justin Fields upcoming third season - mainly because of his new toy, DJ Moore. Moore came over in a trade with the Panthers to be the new number one. The front office for Chicago is hoping that Moore can do for Fields with AJ Brown and Stefon Diggs did for Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen, respectively. They addressed the offensive line woes by drafting Darnell Wright in the first round at pick 10, but not really much else there. On the defensive side of the ball, the Bears signed Tremaine Edmunds and TJ Edwards to play linebacker while signing Yannick Ngakoue to be their premier pass rusher. The Bears will be improved on offense and defense, but the two things that question me is their secondary and the fact that they may be the worst pass defense in the league. And then, of course, the Justin Fields accuracy issues. We all know Fields can run, and he can escape pressure. But for Fields, it’s about being consistently accurate. There were way too many games last year where Fields was unable to be effective as a passer. That needs to change. And they are hoping that DJ Moore can have that effect on Fields.

NFC SOUTH - Joe Miglio

1. Atlanta Falcons (10-7) LY 7-10

   Let me start off by saying this. There is always a team that goes from worst to first every season. Last year, it was Jacksonville. This year, it will be Atlanta. This team is oozing with talent. For years now, they have been ramping up this offense. First Kyle Pitts, then Drake London, and now Bijan Robinson. All three of those guys were top ten picks. The offensive line is a unit led by Chris Lindstrom. This is a team that ran the ball really, really well last year with Tyler Allgeier and Cordarelle Patterson. Their defense is sneaky as it’s led by Grady Jarrett and AJ Terrell. The signing of Jesse Bates III will absolutely help the back end. The reason Atlanta didn’t make the playoffs last year was because of sub-par quarterback play. I was clamoring for Atlanta to make a move for Lamar Jackson when he asked for a trade, but alas, that didn’t happen. Desmond Ridder was good at Cincinnati, even taking them to the CFP two years ago. But Ridder wasn’t good in his four game audition last season. That will need to change. All Ridder needs to do this season is be adequate in order for the Falcons to make a three game swing and be a 10 win team. 10 wins will be enough to get a division crown this year.

2. New Orleans Saints (8-9) LY 7-10

I really wanted to make the Saints win this division. But what I saw last year from Derek Carr was frightening. He looked like a guy that just lost it. It got masked because everyone was poking fun at Russell Wilson and Zach Wilson all year long, but Carr was not good. He gets a fresh start in New Orleans where the QB position has been a black hole since Drew Brees retired. They are without Alvin Kamara for their first three games where they play Tennessee, Carolina and Green Bay. None of those games are gimmes. The budding star on this team is Chris Olave. Last year, I had him as my number one ranked receiver (ahead of Garrett Wilson) and much like Wilson, Olave had a very good year with really lousy QB play. Carr is better than what the Saints had last year, so Olave should improve. I liked this defense a lot in years past, but I think it’s starting to get worn a bit. Cam Jordan seems like he’s been there since the Patriots dynasty, and Marshon Lattimore’s name has been in the news more than it has been on the field. They still have Demario Davis and Marcus Maye, but I’m not sure this team has enough energy and moxey to keep up with Atlanta. Their coach also doesn’t have any redeeming qualities. A bad season in New Orleans could mean a coaching change is coming.

3. Carolina Panthers (5-12) LY 7-10

The two game dip here comes at the expense of Atlanta and New Orleans being slightly better. Carolina has a lot of issues on their team right now. The offensive line is a mess, their WR group is already banged up, and I don’t trust their running game. Bryce Young was getting pummeled in the pre-season against second team defenses. Their defense is young and has some ballers on it, but this is a group that will be worse before they get better. I think them and Atlanta will be good in a couple of years. But right now, they aren’t there yet. Frank Reich is the right guy for Bryce Young though. Will be an interesting watch.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-13) LY 8-9

If this team didn’t have the defense it had, it could actually go 1-16. With an aging Tom Brady last year, this team went 8-9 and were “crowned” NFC South champs. They got dismantled against Dallas in the playoffs, and it left a sour taste in everyones mouth. Fast forward a year, and Baker Mayfield is heading the ship now. Playoff Lenny is gone as well as Rob Gronkowski. The offense still has Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, but there is already talk about the Bucs shipping out Mike Evans for the right price. The defense is still good. Lavonte David, Jamel Dean, Antoine Winfield, JTS, Devin White, etc. can all ball. That will keep them in games. But I really think this team is going to struggle and can be shipping off players all year. And don’t get me started with Todd Bowles. He is the worst coach in the NFL. It’s not really close either. If Brandon Staley isn’t canned first during the season, Bowles is next in line.

NFC WEST - John McCarthy

1. San Francisco 49ers (13-4) LY 13-4

   The creme dela creme of the NFL in terms of team building. After a run to the NFC title game, the 49ers brought back nearly everyone and added Javon Hargrave to the mix. As of this article, Nick Bosa is now the highest paid defensive player in NFL history as well, so he will be back for the season. This team is absolutely legit, and there is no real threat to them in their division. The only question mark is Brock Purdy. Mr. Irrelevant came in towards the latter half of last season and still hasn’t lost a game he both started and finished. He is already back from his partially torn UCL, but that will be something to monitor as the year goes on. San Francisco should be in it from beginning to end this year.

2. Seattle Seahawks (9-8) LY 9-8

A team that many people (including us) to be one of the worst teams in football last year shocked everyone when they ended up playing in January. We can’t dismiss the job that Pete Carroll has done in Seattle. After bringing a Super Bowl there, we saw the Legion of Boom dismantle, Russell Wilson cook and then uncook, trade Wilson to Denver and still be relevant. It’s a truly remarkable job. This is one of the deepest rosters in the league, and it’s a shame they play in the same division as San Francisco. Adding Jaxon Smith-Njigba to an already good receiver group of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett really gives teams like the Bengals and Dolphins a run for their money for “best WR core”. But let’s not forget about the other first round pick - Devon Witherspoon. The corner out of Illinois is the most polished corner that came out of the draft with great length and speed to be a perfect future lockdown guy. He will man the secondary with Tariq Woolen. Bobby Wagner is back after a vacation in LA as well. Lastly, Geno Smith had an insane season last year - throwing 30 touchdown passes and completion over 70% of his passes. It was just remarkable. Even if Geno regresses a bit, the roster is deep enough to pick him up and find themselves playing in January again.

3. Los Angeles Rams (4-13) LY 5-12

Let’s do a quick exercise. Take out Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp, Matthew Stafford and Cam Akers. How many of you can name three more Rams players on their roster? That’s how quick a team can be broken down. Now, the “f them picks” strategy did net the Rams a Super Bowl, so it’s not a failure. But these are the repercussions you now have to pay. This is a bad football team. And with Cooper Kupp already ruled out for Week 1 (and a possible IR stint) there is actually no positive thing going on with LA this season. Their defense is young and raw with Donald being the only guy teams need to worry about. The Rams are officially on Caleb Williams watch.

4. Arizona Cardinals (2-15) LY 4-13

This is the worst roster in football - bar none. It’s really an abysmal roster from top to bottom. The Cardinals cut DeAndre Hopkins. They gave away Isiah Simmons. Kyler Murray may not play this year. It was recently reported that Josh Dobbs is going to start Week 1 against Washington. Dobbs has been with the team less than a month. The three guys on this team are James Conner, Hollywood Brown and Budda Baker. Conner is a crazy fantasy value, but in terms of real NFL, he’s running behind a weak offensive line and will need loaded boxes every game. Baker will be traded at some point. To where, I don’t know. But he will be. He’s too good to keep on this team. It will be interesting to see what happens if this team ends up with the number one pick and gave Kyler all that money. Doesn’t Jonathan Gannon give you Adam Gase vibes?

PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

AFC

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

2. Kansas City Chiefs

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

4. Miami Dolphins

5. Cincinnati Bengals

6. New York Jets

7. Buffalo Bills

NFC

1. San Francisco 49ers

2. Philadelphia Eagles

3. Detroit Lions

4. Atlanta Falcons

5. New York Giants

6. Minnesota Vikings

7. Seattle Seahawks

Wild Card Round

Chiefs defeat Bills

Jaguars defeat Jets

Bengals defeat Dolphins

Eagles defeat Seahawks

Lions defeat Vikings

Giants defeat Falcons

Divisional Round

Jaguars defeat Chiefs

Bengals defeat Steelers

Eagles defeat Lions

49ers defeat Giants

Championship Round

Eagles defeat 49ers

Jaguars defeat Bengals

SUPER BOWL

EAGLES defeat Jaguars 26-20

To be clear, Joe did not pick the Jaguars to go to the Super Bowl. He picked the Bengals. But John and Richie felt so strongly about Jacksonville beating a hypothetical Bengals team that majority won over. However, in the Super Bowl, John and Richie were split, so it was down to Joe to pick who won the Super Bowl. Ultimately, he chose to take the “Maurice Jones-Drew” approach. If you aren’t familiar with that, MJD chose the opposition down the stretch last year against the Jaguars every time to bring the Jags good luck - and it was perfect until the Chiefs playoff game. So Joe decided to take that route and took the Eagles. But in all seriousness, the Eagles are probably the most complete team on paper going into the NFL season. In this hypothetical scenario, Jacksonville would struggle with Philadelphia’s defensive line rotations and Hurts ability to run. But Lawrence going to the Super Bowl in his third season would put him in the elite of elite with Mahomes, Burrow and Hurts. He would be ahead of Allen, Jackson and Herbert. We hope you all enjoyed this as much as we did. Football starts TOMORROW! GET HYPED!