By Marvin Moore August 25, 2023
Parity is again rearing its head in the National Football League, and a whopping five divisions boast teams with a legitimate shot at winning the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Although injuries to key players will play a significant role in determining which squad is victorious at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas next February, the number of contenders promises to make the 2023 regular season a roller coaster ride for NFL fanatics.
Will Kansas City tame the AFC West again?
The reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs are the favorites to capture their seventh straight AFC West title. However, All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones has threatened to sit out the first eight games unless he receives a contract extension, and both the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos have the talent to win the division this season.
Patrick Mahomes & Co. won all four games against the Chargers and Broncos last year. But three of those victories were by just three points, and six points decided the other contest. Los Angeles head coach Brandon Staley needs a successful season to save his job, and new Denver head coach Sean Payton has a talent-laden roster. All good things must come to an end, and Kansas City will be in a dog fight to earn its eighth consecutive division crown.
Can Dallas reclaim its past Super Bowl glory?
The Philadelphia Eagles narrowly missed winning their second Super Bowl title in six years this past February. Adding collegiate defensive standouts Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith in the draft solidifies one of the league’s top units. But a loaded NFC East that featured a trio of playoff squads in 2022, along with a schedule that includes dates against 11 postseason teams, poses a severe threat to the Eagles’ championship dreams.
The Dallas Cowboys added free agents Stephen Gilmore and Brandin Cooks and look prime to challenge for their first league championship since 1995. Head coach Mike McCarthy will call the offensive plays and probably needs a trip to the NFC Championship game to save his job. Quarterback Dak Prescott is also under pressure from the Cowboys nation to escape the ghost of Tony Romo and deliver in the playoffs.
Is this the year Buffalo erases its playoff demons?
The Buffalo Bills have won five AFC East crowns over the past six seasons. Yet, head coach Sean McDermott might need a deep postseason run to ensure he is roaming the sidelines at Highmark Stadium next year. The Bills have a wealth of talent on both sides of the ball but have yet to enjoy playoff success with Pro Bowl quarterback Josh Allen under center.
The New York Jets became instant Super Bowl contenders by signing future Hall of Fame signal-caller Aaron Rodgers. Like the Bills, the Jets have a plethora of playmakers on offense and defense. If Rodgers can stay healthy, New York will be in contention for the division title and more. The Miami Dolphins also have all the tools to make some noise this season. The Dolphins sports one of the league’s most explosive offensive units, and new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has a history of producing elite defenses.
Will Cleveland shock the NFL world?
Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals are the betting favorites to win the AFC North crown. The reigning division champion enters the 2023 season with 10 wins in their last 11 games but will have to overcome a pair of stout obstacles – the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns – in hopes of taking the top spot again.
The Ravens have installed a modern passing attack that could elevate Lamar Jackson into the MVP picture. But the Cinderella team with the talent to rise to new heights is the Browns. Cleveland has an improved pass rush, a solid defensive backfield, and an elite running back. If Deshaun Watson can return to his pre-scandal level, the Dawg Pound will be rockin’ this winter.
Can San Francisco win with Purdy and Darnold?
The San Francisco 49ers will once again trot out a top-five defensive unit. But head coach Kyle Shanahan’s penchant for trying to win with inferior quarterbacks will continue to prevent the 49ers from reaching the NFL’s biggest stage. Brock Purdy will get benched or hurt, and Sam Darnold does not have the talent to beat the Eagles or Cowboys.
The Seattle Seahawks surprised the naysayers a year ago and will be even better this season. Veteran head coach Pete Carroll has an array of offensive playmakers, and the Seahawks’ youthful defense continues to improve. While all the pundits line up to give the NFC West title to San Francisco, I’m taking Seattle to win its second division crown in four years.
There you have it. The Super Bowl champion will come from one of these five divisions, but with no runaway favorites, this upcoming season will be full of nail biters and shocking upsets. On any given Sunday this year, expect the unexpected.
