NFL predictions: Picking each division winner and wild-card team for 2023 season

Let me talk you through who I believe will take their respective divisions by storm and be crowned champions before stepping into the playoffs with the chance to win it all. Let’s get started in the NFC…

NFC North

Prediction: Detroit Lions

It’s a tough call with the division being so open. I expect all four teams to have a chance but overall, Detroit look solid and this is too good a chance for them not to take it.

It’s hard to back against all three of their rivals. The Bears have improved their roster massively, the Packers still have plenty to like, especially if Love can perform even at an average level. The Vikings are the main danger, but I just can’t find the extra spark needed to put them ahead of the Lions. 

NFC East

Prediction: Philadelphia Eagles

History suggests the Eagles won’t go back to back in the East, but this team can certainly change that and I trust their QB Jalen Hurts the most. The Commanders don’t get the love they maybe could get if they were in a different division but it’s tough when they are up against such talent.

The Giants are the team I see pushing the Eagles, they are really good and they have improved enough for me to place them ahead of the Cowboys. The Cowboys might do much better than I think, but I just can’t see it and I worry that Dak doesn’t flourish under McCarthy’s play calling. 

NFC South

Prediction: New Orleans Saints

The South looks and feels pretty up for grabs. For me though, it looks more like the Saints’ to lose. Carr has really good weapons to go out and put up big numbers and their defence is always reliable. Carolina will have some good games and moments in 2023 but I see them being more of a team for the coming years and not this season.

It then comes down to who I think can keep the Saints looking over their shoulders and I’m taking the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the Atlanta Falcons. Falcons have some exciting players, but I see Mayfield performing better than Ridder and if that is the case then Tampa can perform better than expected. 

NFC West

Prediction: San Francisco 49ers

It’s a two horse race in the West, as both the Rams and the Cardinals look to be firmly out of contention. Leaving the West to be battled out between the 49ers and the Seahawks. This will be tight and I could see the Seahawks seriously pushing the 49ers but falling just short of taking the West.

Purdy looked really good and I’m not buying into any doubts that he comes back not as good as last season. Purdy has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal and a formidable defence waiting in the wings. They are just too good all over the field, for me to not give them the crown. 

NFC Wildcard spots

Prediction: New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks & Minnesota Vikings

The Giants have improved a lot – they were really good last year and I see them returning to the playoffs. Seahawks are going under the radar and they could go far, they just get pipped by the 49ers but could get some revenge. When Justin Jefferson is on your team, then I have to trust that he could pull the Vikings over the line, they get a tentative vote. 

Now we come to the loaded and I mean loaded AFC. This was tough…

AFC North

Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers

This was not easy and you can make a good case for each team but Mike Tomlin is one of the best and I trust that he can get the Steelers to come out on top. The Ravens could be great but I worry about both OBJ and Lamar Jackson’s ability to stay healthy for the season. If either of them spent time out, their rivals would take advantage of it.

Cleveland again is another team who could be really good but it’s just such a good division and I can’t go with them until I see that Watson is back to his best. It was really tough to not take the Bengals, I really like the Bengals, it will be nip and tuck between them and the Steelers but I am sticking firm with my decision.

The breakout season for Kenny Pickett that I am confident will happen, also gives me that extra confidence to believe that Pittsburgh could have a special season. 

AFC East

Prediction: New York Jets

Once again this was incredibly difficult but all of last season, the Jets were only a QB away and now they have one of the best QB’s to ever play the game. You add in the youthful superstars in their line-up and the potential for this defence to be even better, it is just hard to not see them proving the hype is real.

The Bills are so good but I worry that the confidence and team chemistry isn’t what it was so for that reason I worry that they fall off just a little this season and that leaves the door open. The Patriots will have an okay season but I can’t put them ahead of any of their rivals. The Miami Dolphins are the team I see pushing the Jets all the way and only just missing out on the top spot. 

AFC South

Prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars

The South is the Jaguars for the taking and I really struggle to make a case for the other teams. The Texans and Colts have got their QB now but under new first time HC’s and without the rosters that many other AFC sides are blessed with, I can’t see them taking down the Jaguars.

I do however see the Texans having the better year over the Colts. The Titans were there till the end last season but the Jaguars look like too much to handle. Jacksonville are real players in the AFC and they have scope to improve big time yet again this season. 

AFC West

Prediction: Los Angeles Chargers

This was not easy and it is very difficult to not pick the Chiefs, who own the West, to come out on top. However, it is so hard to continually be the best and with the ongoing hold out from Jones (who is the man on defence that they would be vulnerable without, he is that impactful) they may struggle.

The Chargers need to produce this year and with new offensive coordinator Moore, I can see them improving enough to clinch top spot. The Raiders and Broncos will have better years but I don’t think this is the year they come out on top of the West. 

AFC Wildcard spots

Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals & Miami Dolphins

The Chiefs aren’t not getting in, it was so tough not to give them the division win again but they will be in the playoffs where they belong and with a chip on their shoulder. The Bengals join the Chiefs as I just can’t see Burrow and that WR room not getting in.

I see Tua having a really big season and getting a big contract because of it, so I can’t not see the Dolphins getting in. Fangio can add a lot to this defence and with the speed and creativity they have offensively, Miami have to be in.