On September 7, the Detroit Lions make the trip to Kansas City to face the current champion Chiefs, as the inaugural game of the new NFL regular season gets underway. With the Chiefs reaching three of the last four Super Bowl finals, their sights are firmly set on Super Bowl LVIII.
The NFL holds immense popularity, especially in Canada, and for good reason. We're dissecting the strengths and weaknesses of every team as they aim to make it to Paradise, Nevada for Super Bowl LVIII.
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For years, the AFC East has been a tough battleground, with the Patriots often leading the way. Three out of its four teams are aspiring to leave a mark this season.
Josh Allen is a key player for the Bills, potentially transforming them into an unforgettable team. Although they haven't quite hit that mark yet, they show the potential of a Super Bowl-winning squad once they iron out their defensive issues. This year, expect games with high scores due to their defensive vulnerabilities.
Buffalo Bills
Last year was challenging for the Dolphins, largely due to QB Tua Tagovailoa's concussion troubles. This year, concerns remain as the Jets are likely to step up. Despite a competitive comeback last season, maintaining that level seems uncertain.
Miami Dolphins
Things aren’t looking too bright post-Brady for the Patriots. With improvements seen elsewhere in the division, they might end up trailing behind three teams they used to dominate. Even with Bill Belichick’s genius, this season looks like an uphill battle.
New England Patriots
The acquisition of Aaron Rodgers has ignited optimism in New York. Given limited running options, the team will rely heavily on his passing to drive their offense. They’re solid defensively too, so a 10-7 record wouldn’t be shocking. How they perform in the playoffs remains in question, but improvement is expected.
New York Jets
AFC North games are intense affairs, packed with rivalries and additional excitement, especially during December when playoff spots are on the line.
After finishing as the Super Bowl runners-up in 2021, they were sitting at 4-4 last year until an impressive eight-game winning streak led them to a 12-4 record and clinched the AFC North title. This is unquestionably a skilled team determined to shed any past underachiever labels. Undoubtedly, they're contenders for Super Bowl LVIII.
Cincinnati Bengals
Lamar Jackson is breathtakingly talented, capable of changing games single-handedly. Yet, his increasing fragility and missed games over the past couple of seasons have put the Ravens in a difficult position. While they aren't solely dependent on Jackson, his health is crucial to their success.
Baltimore Ravens
Kenny Pickett took a while to find his rhythm last season but eventually guided the Steelers to five consecutive wins, concluding the season with a 9-8 record. Although that’s a respectable outcome, the team is still hindered by the unpopular offensive strategies of coordinator Matt Canada.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Following a brief period where Baker Mayfield stabilized the quarterback situation in Cleveland, the Browns now turn to Deshaun Watson. With Nick Chubb standing out as an elite running back, can this duo propel the team into the playoffs? It's possible but doubtful.
Cleveland Browns
In 2022, an interesting shift occurred in the division, with an unexpected winner emerging. Can the Jaguars build on their progress, or will the Titans reclaim their dominance?
Trevor Lawrence seemed to crack the code mid-season, leading his team on a winning spree. In such a feeble division, them tallying over ten wins isn’t far-fetched for a team that has suddenly become enjoyable to watch.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Nashville still boasts talent, but age is catching up. Their defensive line ranks among the NFL's finest and Derrick Henry remains an imposing force at running back, yet these elements aren't likely to culminate in a playoff berth for 2023.
Tennessee Titans
The post-Peyton Manning era in Indianapolis sees the team struggling to find its identity. While new draft picks and an eager head coach bring hope, it's unlikely they'll make significant waves this season.
Indianapolis Colts
The team dominated the South by winning four out of five seasons from 2015-2019, but their record has since plummeted to 11-38. It's challenging to find positives about the current team, yet due to their weak division, a 6-12 finish isn't improbable.
Houston Texans
In their division sits the reigning champions, surrounded by teams aiming to improve their displays this year.
Kansas City excelled last year at home with a 7-1 record and maintained perfection in the AFC West with a 6-0 record, capturing the division title for the seventh consecutive year. With Patrick Mahomes at the helm and three recent Super Bowl appearances, they're poised for another deep run.
Kansas City Chiefs
Watching Justin Herbert's growth has been mesmerizing. The Chargers have incrementally improved around him and made the playoffs last year, losing by the slimmest of margins to the Jaguars in an unforgettable game. However, to challenge the Chiefs for the division lead, they'll need further improvements, especially with the Broncos advancing.
Los Angeles Chargers
Derek Carr's departure shook the foundation of the team, leaving a void they now have to fill. Although this allows a fresh start for other players, the Las Vegas squad faces pressure and currently lacks the capability to meet those expectations.
Las Vegas Raiders
The previous year was a disappointment when Nathaniel Hackett couldn't even complete a single season as head coach. With Sean Payton now at the helm, hopes are revived as he once led the Saints to Super Bowl glory in XLIV. This team should perform better than in 2022 and could surprise a few.
Denver Broncos
Predicting outcomes in this division is almost always a challenge. The Eagles stormed back last year and the Cowboys are forever perennial contenders.
Though they fell short in the Super Bowl last season, the Eagles enjoyed an extraordinary run spearheaded by Jalen Hurts. Despite dealing with the runner-up syndrome and a tougher schedule, they seem too formidable to be held back by either.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Cowboys are poised for another strong season, likely securing double-digit wins with Dak Prescott orchestrating the offense. While they might not unseat the Eagles from the top spot, it'll be enough to return them to the postseason. Their early schedule is daunting, featuring road games against the Eagles, 49ers, and Chargers, making for a challenging path to Super Bowl LVIII.
Dallas Cowboys
Return to the playoffs was a highlight last season with Brian Daboll earning Coach of the Year honors. However, the road might be trickier this year, with much depending on Daniel Jones' growth as the offensive leader. An enhanced schedule means they'll need to step up once more.
New York Giants
Their recent success was built on a formidable defense. This year, they seem set to rely on Sam Howell to start as quarterback, an intriguing decision. Howell distinguished himself for throwing a touchdown in every college game, although this is a whole new level for him.
Washington Commanders
A division filled with the Lions, Vikings, and Bears—oh my! Plus, the Packers are forging ahead without Aaron Rodgers. Once heavily lopsided in 2022, this division might be more competitive this season.
The team secured a 13-4 record last year, yet curiously ended with a -3 point differential. This season looks tougher, especially with early games against the Eagles, Chiefs, and 49ers, potentially leaving them at 4-4 by November.
Minnesota Vikings
The Lions have generated a lot of anticipation this offseason, predicted to dominate in 2023. A 5-1 division record from last year set them on a winning path, and with late-season matchups against the Vikings, they could take charge. Both their offensive and defensive lines are powerful—something few teams can boast.
Detroit Lions
No longer having Aaron Rodgers puts the Packers in a dull spot, borrowing from a famous movie line. Nonetheless, their ground game provides some relief for their new QB, Jordan Love. It remains to be seen if this will yield more than a 6-11 season.
Green Bay Packers
Recording a league-worst 3-14 record placed the Bears below even the Texans last year. They traded their top overall pick for wide receiver DJ Moore, who quickly positions as Justin Fields' main target. While an improvement to a 7-10 or 8-9 finish is possible, they don't yet resemble the powerhouse they used to be.
Chicago Bears
Though the Tampa Bay Buccaneers claimed the division with an 8-9 record last season, it wasn't impressive. The current season isn’t promising much improvement, suggesting we may see another default winner.
With Tom Brady retired (for the second time), the Bucs handed the QB reins to Baker Mayfield. This alteration likely means a greater focus on the running game, but with a sub-par RB group, such a strategy could fall flat. This season may end up being one long winded struggle, making it easy to crack ship-sinking jokes.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In-depth team analysis for each squad leading into the 2023 NFL regular season.
Carolina Panthers
The NFL kicks off its new season on September 7, sparking the journey to Super Bowl LVIII. We delve into each team's prospects of raising the iconic trophy.
New Orleans Saints
The NFL's 2023 regular season opener takes place on September 7, with the Detroit Lions challenging the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs on their home turf. The Chiefs, having appeared in three out of the last four Super Bowl finales, are eyeing another run at the title.
Atlanta Falcons
With its immense popularity, the NFL is a beloved sport throughout Canada, and it's no wonder why. We'll dissect each NFL team's abilities and analyze which contenders might head to Paradise, Nevada, to compete for Super Bowl LVIII.
For years, the AFC East has been fiercely competitive with the New England Patriots setting the pace. Three out of the four teams are aiming to make substantial waves this season.
San Francisco 49ers
The Bills boast QB Josh Allen, a potential franchise-changing player. Although they've yet to fully realize their potential, they've shown glimpses of Super Bowl-caliber performances. This year's challenge lies in their defensive strategy, which may lead to some high-scoring matchups.
Seattle Seahawks
The Dolphins faced setbacks last year when QB Tua Tagovailoa's health concerns arose. This remains a worry for the franchise, especially with the Jets' potential rise. The Dolphins have returned to competitiveness, but consistency could be elusive.
Los Angeles Rams
Post-Brady times appear testing for the Patriots. With divisional advancements, they might spend the season trailing teams they once dominated. Bill Belichick's expertise is unrivaled, but even he'll face an uphill battle.
Arizona Cardinals
Aaron Rodgers' arrival in New York has fans dreaming big. With limited run options, his passing game will bear the offensive load. Their defense adds steadiness, making a 10-7 finish plausible. Postseason prospects are uncertain, but improvement is evident for the Jets.
The AFC North is known for its intense rivalries, with matchups often electrifying, particularly in December when playoff aspirations are on the line.
After reaching the Super Bowl final in 2021, a midseason surge last year led them to a 12-4 record and the AFC North title. With immense talent, they aim to leave behind their 'Bungals' days and are definite Super Bowl LVIII contenders.
