NFL Power Rankings ahead of 2023 season: Draft style!
Each new NFL season brings hope and promise, but also expectation. It’s been a long and busy off-season
In this slightly different rankings system, we held a draft for eight of our writers (James Fallows, Peter Ryan, Ian McCallum, Jonny Bisby, Luke Gray, Tom Kelly, Danny Babbage and Rich Hooch) to select teams 1-32, based on a snake draft order.
With kick-off just days away, let’s see who our writers drafted as we go into Week One of the new season…
1. Cincinnati Bengals (James’ pick)
A bit of a surprise at number one, but the Bengals are certainly a team destined for greatness over the next decade. They’ve proven they can beat the Chiefs on any occasion, can shut away their AFC North rivals, and having revamped their offense line and secondary this offseason, they should look an improved unit too.
Burrow needs to stay healthy in 2023 for any chance of success. If he does, the Bengals will certainly be in contention again this year.
2. San Francisco 49ers (Peter’s pick)
The 49ers are a quarterback away from being the most complete team in the entire league. Brock Purdy stood up when his side needed him last year, but he needs to prove that he deserves to be the starting QB in the long-run.
Nick Bosa has added help in the pass rush with Javon Hargrave added, so this could be one of if not the best defense in the NFL again this year. And if Purdy plays as he did in 2022, the 49ers are going to go very far again.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (Ian’s pick)
The reigning Super Bowl champions and the the team to beat in the NFL. You would be mad to bet against the Chiefs in 2023, with Patrick Mahomes looking as hungry as ever, as he tries to cement his position as one of the greatest to ever play the sport, even this early into his career.
If Chris Jones decides to take the fines and not play, then the Chiefs defense could legitimately be in trouble. But with Mahomes and Andy Reid still steering the ship, anything is possible for this team.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (Jonny’s pick)
Another team that has relatively slipped in this draft, the NFC’s top side at the moment are the Philadelphia Eagles, who can so close to a Super Bowl victory back in February. Having added improved depth in their trenches, and kept their key starters in town, all eyes will be on Jalen Hurts after his contract extension. Can he be the guy to break the Chiefs streak in 2023?
5. Buffalo Bills (Luke’s pick)
The Buffalo Bills have been the dominant team in the AFC East for so long. But with Aaron Rodgers joining the Jets and the Dolphins continuing to improve, Josh Allen and co. need to be on their A-game this year.
We’ve known for years just how go good the Bills can be on offense. Allen is a bully, Stefon Diggs remains one of the best receivers in football. They need their defense to step up a gear in 2023, and the absence of Von Miller to start the season could be significant.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars (Tom’s pick)
If Trevor Lawrence isn’t a top-5 quarterback in the NFL at the moment, we’re convinced he will be come the year end. The Jaguars incredible run to make the playoffs and upset the Chargers gives them momentum going into the new season, and with some good business additions and Travon Walker primed to improve, it’s no wonder everyone is excited about this team.
7. Miami Dolphins (Danny’s pick)
It’s unfortunate that their superstar acquisition Jalen Ramsey will be injured for some time this year, but something is really cooking in Miami. Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill might be the best receiving duo in the NFL. Vic Fangio will improve this defense. There are players like Jaelen Phillips and Kader Kohou who are so well primed to breakout this year.
It all comes down to Tua and whether the quarterback can stay healthy. If he can, the Dolphins are serious contenders in the AFC.
8. New York Jets (Rich’s pick)
Trading for Aaron Rodgers has completely revitalised the Jets franchise. New York has transformed from the least fancied team in the AFC East to genuine Super Bowl contenders in the space of just a few months, and it is thanks to one man and the buzz and personnel he’s been able to bring along for the ride.
The pressure is on the Jets to automatically become one of the best teams in the NFL. Their roster is complete, let’s see how well they can really do.
9. Detroit Lions (Rich’s pick)
Another young team continuing to build what is looking to be a scarily good team. The Lions have become one of the most entertaining teams in the NFL, and have addressed their defensive issues this summer to help out their top-five offense.
Expectations are building, but the Lions will be hoping the good, positives times can continue in Detroit for a while. Can Jared Goff keep up the sensational form he showed in 2022? Detroit have backed him this offseason, so will be expecting more big things from the former #1 overall selection.
10. Baltimore Ravens (Danny’s pick)
The Ravens have been the busiest team in the AFC North over the past few months. The business they have done is positive, but like so many deals, there is a lot to prove.
Odell Beckham Jr., coming off an injury hit 2022, will have to be ready to go from day one, similar to Zay Flowers, while Lamar Jackson, having finally got his long-term contract this offseason, will be expected to take his passing game to the next level. No pressure then!
11. New York Giants (Tom’s point)
The Giants have a point-to-prove in 2023 after being a real surprise package last year. But with their elite coaching core, while having also re-signed their stars and improved the roster, it should be more positivity for the Giants this year.
The NFC East is an incredibly difficult division, with the three teams around New York all improving too. But after making the playoffs in 2022, expectations will be high, and it’ll be difficult to bet against the Giants
12. Los Angeles Chargers (Luke’s pick)
With Justin Herbert tied down and the impressive Kellen Moore coming in as offensive coordinator, there are no excuses now for the Chargers. They are a team brimming with talent, and there offseason changes should really help to unleash the offense.
But this feels like a real make-or-break year as what the Chargers really are. Every year it’s time to take the next step and break generational curses, but we’re eventually let down when it comes to the postseason. Let’s hope that can change.
13. Dallas Cowboys (Jonny’s pick)
To get the Cowboys at 13 is a real steal, because they are looking the real deal ahead of the new season. Their offense took a leap in 2022 and their passing game should continue to get better. And with Trey Lance coming in, maybe a project for the future on their hands too?
Their schedule is more difficult in 2023, and they may win a few fewer games, but they filled the holes in their roster from a season ago and could be much more competitive come the playoffs.
14. Minnesota Vikings (Ian’s pick)
We saw the best and worst of the Vikings in 2022. Often electric on offense, but dreadful at leaking points on defense.
They should again be the favourites to win the North again, but won’t get the respect they deserve until they can win when the pressure is really on. This team could easily regress, but let’s hope the talent of Jefferson and Cousins (when he gets it right) can carry them forward.
15. Tennessee Titans (Peter’s pick)
It feels like Tennessee is going through a mini reset under their new general manager. Some of the old guard have been moved on, Ryan Tannehill’s job is under threat yet again. But the Titans will always be competitive with Mike Vrabel at the helm, so expect them to still be in with a chance in the AFC South in 2023.
16. Seattle Seahawks (James’ pick)
The surprise team of 2022, the Seahawks are a great pickup at 16 overall, especially as they are building what is looking like a solid team for the future.
After trading away Russell Wilson last year, Geno Smith ended up outperforming him and has landed a massive contract for his work during the offseason. They won’t sneak up on anyone this year, but they could certainly be very competitive.
