Gazette star intern takes fresh look at football landscape

Year after year, the NFL is one of the most unpredictable professional sports leagues in the world.

Before last season, no one could have expected the Jaguars to win the AFC South, or the Russell Wilson-led Broncos to finish among the worst in the league. Heck, even the Packers finished below .500.

However, fans of the game still love to predict outcomes, and that’s exactly the theme of the below column, complete with every team’s projected record and reasoning.

(Projected playoff seeds in parentheses).

NFC NORTH

(3) Minnesota Vikings - 10-6-1

The Vikings may take advantage of an underwhelming division in 2023. Their Kirk Cousins-led offense may not be overpowering, but with the help of top receiver Justin Jefferson, the unit will be more than competent. Couple that with a potentially elite defense led by new coordinator Brian Flores, and you’ve got a division winner, even if they do take a step back from last year’s 13-4 overachievement.

(7) Detroit Lions - 9-8

One of the most talked-up teams of this offseason, the Lions will have to overachieve just to meet their new expectations. After finishing 8-2 over their last 10 games last year, Detroit added multiple weapons to its high-powered offense. The defense was atrocious at times last season, but they added a few big names in the secondary, and former second-overall pick Aidan Hutchinson looks to become a superstar on the defensive line. Their improvements sneak the Lions into the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

Chicago Bears - 7-10

Will QB Justin Fields make the jump? That’s the question on everyone’s minds when it comes to Chicago. After he was drafted in 2021, Fields got off to a slow and mistake-ridden start over the past two years, but appeared to pick things up toward the end of last year. He’ll have the help of new arrival DJ Moore, as well as a revamped defensive group, to improve on last year’s 3-14 finish, and the team will be fun to watch, just not quite playoff-ready.

Green Bay Packers - 6-11 The Packers will look a bit different this fall than they have over the past 15 years: Aaron Rodgers won’t be under center. The new-look offense led by Jordan Love faces a rocky climb back to contention, but they have a strong defense led by Jaire Alexander and first-round pick Lukas Van Ness to keep them in games. Nevertheless, a group that went 8-9 last year isn’t likely to improve in ‘23.

NFC WEST

(1) San Francisco 49ers - 14-3

One burning question for the Niners: who’s their starting QB? After third-overall pick Trey Lance went down in Week 2 and Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 13, rookie “Mr. Irrelevant” Brock Purdy finished the season 5-0 and led the team to a conference championship before suffering an elbow injury. Garoppolo has since left for Las Vegas and Purdy is still out, leaving Lance and new acquisition Sam Darnold to battle for first-team reps in training camp. Whenever one of the three is able to take the reins, they’ll helm one of the best teams in football. With a loaded offense featuring RB Christian McCaffrey, and perhaps the best defense in the league, San Francisco is in line for a huge season, no matter who their QB is.

(6) Seattle Seahawks - 11-6

After being projected as one of the league’s worst teams before last season, Seattle shocked the world en route to a 9-8 finish. Many key pieces from last year’s lineup return for this campaign, and the team used its two first-round picks on elite talent in Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon, who should be able to contribute immediately. If journeyman QB Geno Smith can lead this high-powered offense, the Seahawks should be able to improve a bit from last year’s win total.

Los Angeles Rams - 4-13

After the bottom fell out from L.A.’s 2021 Super Bowl team, the Rams opted to use the draft to flesh out their roster, remaining dormant throughout free agency. The team that went 5-12 last year and didn’t make many major changes won’t fare much better this season. Luckily, veteran QB Matthew Stafford should be able to do enough to keep his squad out of the basement.

Arizona Cardinals - 2-15

Things could get ugly for the 2023 Cardinals, who I have finishing two games worse than any other team. Arizona went 4-13 last season and traded their third-overall pick to Houston, instead grabbing Paris Johnson, Jr. at 12th overall. QB Kyler Murray, who tore his ACL in December, is aiming for a return Week 1, and even if he does somehow make it back, the Cardinals, who are led by brand-new coach Jonathan Gannon, are void of talent and look to be headed for a rebuild. One silver lining for Cardinals fans: as a result of the draft-day trade, Arizona owns the first-round pick of Houston, a team that also projects toward the bottom. Could new GM Monti Ossenfort pick 1-2 in the 2024 Draft?

NFC SOUTH

(4) New Orleans Saints - 8-9

The Saints are set to enter a new era in 2023 with Derek Carr under center. The team lost much of its defensive front seven in free agency, but they did their best to replenish it in the draft. They boast several big names on both sides of the ball, but those veterans are beginning to show signs of wear and tear. In perhaps the weakest division in football, Carr and Alvin Kamara (if he manages to avoid a long-term suspension) can carry the team to a division crown, but the roster has too many holes on both sides to be a true contender.

Carolina Panthers - 7-10

After a meddling 7-10 finish last season, the Panthers made one of the biggest moves of the entire offseason when they traded up from the ninth pick to select Bryce Young first overall. But in the trade, the team had to give up premier pass-catcher DJ Moore, and their new-look receiving corps is lackluster to say the least. A defensive unit stocked with young, high-caliber draft picks will keep them in games, but Young will have to be a quick learner to improve on last year’s record.

Atlanta Falcons - 7-10

The Falcons had the second-most salary cap space coming into the offseason, and they used it on a ton of signings that I’d call “pretty good”. They grabbed safety Jessie Bates III and defensive lineman Calais Campbell, but the rest of the team’s acquisitions won’t blow anyone away. After picking up top RB Bijan Robinson in the draft, Atlanta may become even more run-heavy than last season, which hardly seems possible. Can second-year QB Desmond Ridder do enough to keep them competitive?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 5-12

After QB Tom Brady retired, many thought the Bucs would tear it all down and start from scratch. With some unexpected re-signings like Lavonte David and Jamel Dean, along with putting Baker Mayfield under center, the 2021 Super Bowl champs aren’t done swinging just yet. Mayfield is only in Tampa on a one-year deal, though, and the future of this team is largely uncertain.

NFC EAST

(2) Philadelphia Eagles - 13-4

After last year’s Super Bowl run, the Eagles lost a handful of key defensive players, but did a great job of replenishing them through the draft with two first-rounders, unique for a team with recent success. Led by superstar QB Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia should be just as dominant this season as they hope to get over the hump in February.

(5) Dallas Cowboys - 11-6

After back-to-back 12-win seasons, the Cowboys will look to at least make a conference championship for the first time since 1995. Coaching shuffling resulted in Mike McCarthy calling plays this fall, and the team added proven talents like Brandin Cooks and Stephon Gilmore to an already-talented roster. Their post-Thanksgiving schedule is brutal, and despite hopefully having Dak Prescott back under center for all 17 games, the Cowboys are overshadowed by Philadelphia all season, and continue their championship drought.

New York Giants - 9-8 What’s next for RB Saquon Barkley? The superstar is reportedly contemplating a holdout after he was franchise tagged, claiming that he’s grossly underpaid due to his position. If he’s not available at any point, it’ll be up to QB Daniel Jones to shoulder the load as his career continues to progress. Despite adding tight end Darren Waller and drafting a solid group, New York falls victim to one of the best divisions in the league, just missing the playoffs via tiebreaker.

Washington Commanders - 5-12

The Commanders didn’t fix much from their 2022 campaign, save for the hiring of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. It appears Sam Howell is “the guy” at quarterback this season, but is Washington throwing its 22-year-old off the deep end? With a great WR tandem of Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, he’ll get a fair shot, but this team is the NFC Least of the NFC East, at least for now.

AFC NORTH

(2) Cincinnati Bengals - 13-4

The Bengals lost practically their entire defensive secondary this offseason, but made up for it with the signing of offensive tackle Orlando Brown. Behind QB Joe Burrow, this offense can do no wrong, and after finally signing a premier pass-blocker, Burrow will be able to get the ball out to Ja’Marr Chase practically at will. Cincinnati’s defensive unit raises some eyebrows, but the Bengals can simply outscore their opponents more often than not.

(5) Baltimore Ravens - 11-6

After QB Lamar Jackson finally got his long-term contract, they surrounded him with weapons for the first time in his career. With WR additions including Odell Beckham, Jr., Nelson Agholor, and rookie Zay Flowers, the Ravens’ offense could be explosive. With a handful of new additions on the defensive side of the ball, the unit will have to gel quickly, but Baltimore will be a playoff contender come January.

Pittsburgh Steelers - 9-8

The Steelers finished middle-of-the-pack with QB Kenny Pickett at the helm last season, and decided to do something about it this summer. With a handful of solid veteran signings, plus perhaps the best draft in terms of value, Pittsburgh has a roster full of decent pieces. It’s tough to imagine Pickett turning into an elite passer overnight, though, and their run defense could be atrocious without much experience at linebacker, so they could find themselves outside the playoffs looking in.

Cleveland Browns - 7-10

After a rocky 2022 campaign, the Browns’ first draft pick wasn’t until the third round, but the team still did a great job of maximizing value. A handful of veteran additions will surround Deshaun Watson as he hopes to have the rust knocked off from well over a year off, and if he can return to his prior form, Cleveland could be one of the most intriguing teams in the league this fall.

AFC WEST

(1) Kansas City Chiefs - 14-3

The defending Super Bowl champs lost more talent than they gained in free agency, and have a few holes in their roster, including the lack of a true alpha wide receiver. However, with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce connecting a dozen times per game under the watchful eye of head coach Andy Reid, this team will be in Super Bowl contention. Enough said.

(7) Los Angeles Chargers - 9-8

After a 10-7 finish and playoff meltdown last season, the Chargers elected to remain quiet in free agency. With a decent draft headlined by WR Quentin Johnston, who has clear superstar potential, L.A. will be in playoff contention, especially with Justin Herbert under center. However, this roster has a few too many holes to make a serious Super Bowl run.

Denver Broncos - 8-8-1

Denver’s 5-12 record last season doesn’t tell the whole story - after abysmal head coach Nathaniel Hackett was fired, the team is hoping for a fresh start with surefire Hall-of-Fame coach Sean Payton. If he can get QB Russell Wilson playing like his days with the Seahawks, the Broncos could hang around the playoff picture. After an overhaul of the offensive line, plus a great value draft, the Broncos are looking to get back in the thick of a strong AFC West.

Las Vegas Raiders - 5-12

The Raiders are a transitioning team, as evidenced by the signing of Jimmy Garoppolo as a seemingly stopgap quarterback. Despite being the top rusher in the league last season, the status of Josh Jacobs is uncertain, a product of his underpaid position, much like Barkley’s situation. The team made a handful of splashy moves over the summer, and will steal a few games to keep their season from being an utter disaster.

AFC SOUTH

(4) Jacksonville Jaguars - 11-6

No one expected Jacksonville’s turnaround to happen so quickly, yet here we are - the Jaguars made their first playoff appearance since 2017 last year. The team didn’t do much in free agency, but also hardly lost anyone - the perfect storm for QB Trevor Lawrence, who I expect to have an MVP-caliber year. With a stacked draft class and new offensive additions including WR Calvin Ridley, the Jaguars are a near-lock to improve upon last year’s surprising 9-8 finish.

Tennessee Titans - 8-9

The Titans are a team caught in limbo for this season. After a 7-10 year, Tennessee needed to clear a number of high-dollar, low-value contracts as they ushered in a new era in Nashville. Ryan Tannehill projects to open the season at quarterback, but it’s only a matter of time before second-round pick Will Levis gets his shot. The team did recently add star wideout DeAndre Hopkins, but he and RB Derrick Henry will be asked to shoulder much of the offensive workload. They won’t get much help from a thin defensive unit, either. Nevertheless, the Titans’ easy strength of schedule and handful of stars should get them near the .500 mark.

Indianapolis Colts - 6-11 One burning question consumes Colts fans at this point in the offseason: when will rookie QB Anthony Richardson be given the keys to the offense? Despite being one of the most athletic quarterbacks to ever enter the league, Richardson has significant holes in his game as a result of his inexperience. His learning curve will be steep and mistake-ridden, but if new head coach Shane Steichen can properly develop him, the team can look to 2024 optimistically. He’ll have the help of stars including RB Jonathan Taylor and LB Shaquille Leonard, as well as an offensive line hoping to bounce back after a rough season.

Houston Texans - 4-13

The Texans used the draft to get its cornerstones on both sides of the ball with the second and third-overall picks, used on QB CJ Stroud and edge rusher Will Anderson, Jr., respectively.

The group has potential, but this season is more about developing their young talent than wins and losses.

AFC EAST

(3) Buffalo Bills - 12-5

The team that finished 13-3 last season will likely face a bit of regression defensively from the unit that has been among the best in the league the last several years. Coordinator Leslie Frazier is taking a year off from coaching, and the unit parted ways with Tremaine Edmunds and a handful of depth pieces in free agency. However, Buffalo still boasts a very complete team, and they add TE Dalton Kincaid and G O’Cyrus Torrence to last year’s explosive offensive unit. Can

QB Josh Allen limit his mistakes throwing the ball as head coach Sean McDermott aims to limit his rushing skill set?

(6) New England Patriots - 10-7

The Patriots’ offense stumbled through last season while their defensive unit kept them in the thick of things, and the unit should be able to pick up where it left off. Meanwhile, QB Mac Jones’s offense, which struggled largely due to defensive-minded Matt Patricia calling plays, is now under the direction of offensive guru Bill O’Brien. If the improved system helps Jones flourish, the Patriots could be lethal once more.

Miami Dolphins - 8-9

After losing QB Tua Tagovailoa to another concussion in Week 16, the Dolphins stumbled into the playoffs and fell to the Bills in the first round. This season, Tagovailoa is “ready to go”, and will join a very talented offensive group. However, with a somewhat re-imagined defensive unit, as well as health concerns for Tagovailoa after some time off, Miami falls victim to a high-powered AFC East, missing out on the playoffs by a game.

New York Jets - 8-9

All eyes are on new addition Aaron Rodgers under center, and that’s just how he likes it. The offensive attack is brand new, with coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb arriving in New York as well. The Jets boasted the offensive and defensive rookies of the year last season in Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner, and they have a clearly special young group. It will be difficult for the “old guys” to gel with their new team, and New York faces a brutal schedule to open the campaign, sending them to the bottom of the division.

Editor’s note: Check Tuesday for Isaac and R.B. Headley’s playoff picks.