{"id":4916,"date":"2023-09-10T11:40:44","date_gmt":"2023-09-10T15:40:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/?p=4916"},"modified":"2023-09-10T20:14:51","modified_gmt":"2023-09-11T00:14:51","slug":"nfl-2023-predictions-bengals-ready-for-sb-challenge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/nfl-2023-predictions-bengals-ready-for-sb-challenge\/","title":{"rendered":"NFL 2023 Predictions – Bengals Ready for SB Challenge"},"content":{"rendered":"

NFL 2023 Predictions<\/strong>
\nChiefs Face Heavy AFC Competition to Repeat\"\" <\/strong>
\nBengals Ready for SB Challenge<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Eagles and 49ers Hope to Hold Off NFC Risers<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>DraftInsiders.com<\/em> \u2013 NFL 2023 Predictions<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u00a0 Frank Coyle\/ Head scout<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 2023 NFL season is finally here with huge changes across the league giving fans hope their team can get to the elusive Super Bowl. Teams are hard pressed to duplicate the SB, just ask the Los Angeles Rams who fell significantly last season. The Chiefs will seek their third title in four seasons this year, though they will be pressured in the deep talented AFC Conference which is loaded with contenders with premier QBs from top to bottom. <\/em><\/p>\n

Parity reigns across the league with both the AFC East and West and NFC East and West looking like powerhouse divisions which could provide multiple playoff teams each. New upstarts like the Jaguars, Giants, Jets, Lions, Saints and Chargers could all play a huge role in the playoff races while established clubs like Bucs, Packers and Rams may be pressed to return to the NFL postseason. \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

2023 Season Awards<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 MVP Award \u2013 QB Josh Allen \u2013 Bills
\nNFC<\/strong>
\nOffensive Player of the Year – QB Jalen Hurts \u2013 Eagles
\nDefensive Player of the Year \u2013 DE Aidan Hutchinson \u2013 Lions
\nComeback Player of the Year – QB Baker Mayfield \u2013 Bucs<\/p>\n

Rookies of the Year<\/strong>
\nOffense – RB Bijan Robinson \u2013 Falcons
\nDefense – DL Lukas Van Ness \u2013 Packers<\/p>\n

AFC<\/strong>
\nOffensive Player of the Year – QB Trevor Lawrence – Jaguars
\nDefensive Player of the Year – LB T.J. Watt \u2013 Steelers
\nComeback Player of the Year – QB Marc Jones – Patriots<\/p>\n

Rookies of the Year<\/strong>
\nOffense – WR Zay Flowers \u2013 Ravens
\nDefense – LB Will Anderson – Texans<\/p>\n

NFC<\/strong>
\nEAST<\/strong><\/em>
\nPhiladelphia Eagles \u2013 12-5
\nEagles are still the team to beat in the NFC and rely on young QB Jalen Hurts and veteran defense to make another strong run at title.<\/p>\n

New York Giants \u2013 10-7
\nGMen are geared up to make the playoffs again behind an offense directed by young emerging talented Daniel Jones. Their offensive line made looks to RT Evan Neal to take a critical step up. They look to explosive Kayvon Thibodeaux to become a difference maker weekly.<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys \u2013 9-8
\nCowboys are still a contender though need QB Dak Prescott to prove he can beat the top clubs. Their defense depends on big play defenders, LB Micah Parsons and corner Trevon Diggs to set the pace.<\/p>\n

Washington Redskins \u2013 6-11
\nSkins start another new QB in Sam Howell behind a very average line. Their defense loses DE Chase Young early to IR, though front four is one of most in the league.<\/p>\n

NORTH<\/em><\/strong>
\nDetroit Lions \u2013 10-7
\nLions closed winning 8 of final 9 last season and looks to ride that momentum to a playoff appearance. HC Dan Campbell has them playing hard and their defense can step up behind dominant DE Aidan Hutchinson.<\/p>\n

Minnesota Vikings \u2013 9-8
\nVikes will ride QB Kirk Cousin and wideout Justin Jefferson. Their changing defense will determine if they can repeat in the average NFC North.<\/p>\n

Green Bay Packers -7-9
\nThe post Aaron Rodgers ear begins with young QB Jordan Love. Young offense will be challenged. Veteran tough defense should keep them competitive weekly.<\/p>\n

Chicago Bears \u2013 6-11
\nQB Justin Fields was a threat to run and dangerous there, though only an average pocket passer entering his third season. Their young defense probably goes through painful growing challenges.<\/p>\n

SOUTH<\/em><\/strong>
\nNew Orleans Saints \u2013 10-7
\nThe Saints begin the Derek Carr era looking for an explosive offense with wideout Chris Olvie and Michael Thomas. Saints\u2019 defense is a top five unit who keeps them in the postseason chase.<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Bucs \u2013 9-8
\nThe Bucs lose QB Tom Brady to retirement and look to new vet Baker Mayfield to direct this attack. Their veteran talented defense has faded recently and must return to prior levels for this club to challenge for the NFC South.<\/p>\n

Atlanta Falcons \u2013 7-10
\nFalcons have changed the face of this club recently, but improvement probably depends on first year starting QB Desmond Ridder. Their ground game behind rookie Bijan Robinson gives them a much needed new dimension. Defense ranked with the worst in the league and will have half new starters.<\/p>\n

Carolina Panthers \u2013 6-11
\nPanthers turns the page with top pick QB Lance Young starting behind a much-improved line. Their talented young defense should continue to improve. This club could be the surprise team here, though\u00a0 \u00a0probably a year away of turning them into victories.<\/p>\n

WEST<\/em><\/strong>
\nSan Francisco 49ers \u2013 11-6
\nThe 49ers look to young Brock Purdy to lead this balanced offense which ranks among the best in the league. Wideout Deebo Samuel and TE George Kittle are among the best playmakers in the game. Edge defender Nick Bosa is the games\u2019 best pass rusher. 49ers will challenge for the NFL title.<\/p>\n

Seattle Seahawks \u2013 10-7
\nSeahawks hope to ride the hot hand of Geno Smith for another strong offense. They have rebuilt their once renowned defense and will press for the NFC West division.<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Rams \u2013 9-8
\nRams seem so removed from their SB title from just two years ago. Only a strong performance behind star QB Matthew Stafford can return this club to the postseason. Their once top defense still relies on DT Aaron Donald, though the supporting cast has slipped noticeably recently.<\/p>\n

Arizona Cardinals \u2013 4-13
\nCards will start the season without injured QB Kyler Murray after the worst season of his career. They face massive turnover on both sides of the ball and have the makeup to challenge for the #1 overall pick in the NFL Draft 2024.<\/p>\n

Divisional Champs<\/em><\/strong>
\nEagles, Lions, Saints and 49ers<\/p>\n

Wild Card Clubs<\/em><\/strong>
\nGiants, Seahawks & Cowboys<\/p>\n

NFC Championship<\/em><\/strong>
\n49ers beat Eagles in NFC title game<\/p>\n

AFC<\/em><\/strong>
\nEAST<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Buffalo Bills \u2013 12-5
\nBills are shooting for their 4th consecutive East title behind star QB Josh Allen. Receivers Diggs and Gabriel along with TEs Knox and rookie Dalton Kincaid form a strong contingent.\u00a0 One of the league\u2019s top defenses will have to prove better in big game situations to get that elusive SB title.<\/p>\n

New York Jets \u2013 11-6
\nAaron Rodgers mania is at a high pitch with good reason. Jets\u2019 offense will depend on their line to step up and protect Rodgers. This defense will rank among the top in the game, though must come up big in late key games to make the postseason. Capable of competing vs every NFL club.<\/p>\n

Miami Dolphins \u2013 10-7
\nDolphins ride the health of young QB Tua Tagovailoa to direct this potent offense. They look to new DC Vic Fangio to improve this talented unit. Dolphins capable of returning to the postseason if Tua stays heathy. Must survive the tough AFC East race.<\/p>\n

New England Patriots \u2013 8-9
\nPats are slipping in one of the best divisions. They look to new OC Bill O\u2019Brien to help QB Mac Jones take a huge step up after a disappointing 2022. Bill Belichick will coax this young defense to further improvement. Pats are always in the playoff hunt, though the AFC may be too loaded this season.<\/p>\n

NORTH<\/em><\/strong>
\nCincinnati Bengals \u2013 12-5
\nQB Joe Burrow is a difference maker again and capable of carrying this club to the SB. He goes to wideouts Ja\u2019Marr Chase and Tee Higgins both produced 1000-yard performances. Their defense needs to improve especially in coverage. They look for critical maturing to live up to SB hype.<\/p>\n

Baltimore Ravens \u2013 10-7
\nThe Ravens look for a healthy QB Lamar Jackson to improve their passing game vs top competition. Their ground game is highly productive, though unspectacular. They made major changes in their secondary to improve coverage. Ravens will push to return to postseason, though need a big effort from Jackson vs top clubs.<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Steelers \u2013 10-7
\nSteelers look to young QB Kenny Pickett to continue his fast progress. Wideout George Pickens is ready to emerge to an elite level in year two. Their offensive line must improve to play up to their potential. The Steel defense slipped noticeably especially vs the pass despite edge TJ Watt. This club is a borderline contender and needs offensive line and secondary to step up to make the postseason.<\/p>\n

Cleveland Browns \u2013 7-10
\nBrowns started vet QB Deshaun Watson after his 11 game suspension where he was noticeably rusty. No excuses this season for their poor passing game. Back Nick Chubb is a workhorse. Their highly rated defense gives up too much air yardage and points and will have to improve for this club to contend.<\/p>\n

SOUTH<\/em><\/strong>
\nJacksonville Jaguars \u2013 11-6
\nJaguars rode the hot hand of young QB Trevor Lawrence to the divisional round. HC Doug Pederson can improve this offense further with new wideout Clavin Ridley joining a strong receiving group. Their young defense is loaded and looks to edge Travon Walker and Mike LB Devin Lloyd to become playmakers. This club can take another step up with Lawrence directing this club to another AFC South title.<\/p>\n

Tennessee Titans \u2013 9-8
\nThe Titans slipped significantly last season and will be hard pressed to win a playoff spot. They need both QB Ryan Tannehill and premier back Derrick Henry to return to prior form. Their OL must improve after surrendering too many sacks. Their defense crashed last season and their young corners must improve especially vs playoff clubs. Tough team with limited playmakers on both sides of the ball. Long shot for postseason.<\/p>\n

Houston Texans \u2013 7-10
\nNew regime and field leadership in HC DeMeco Ryans and QB CJ Stroud and edge Will Anderson. Stroud gets the starting call to begin a new era. Their defense ranks among the worst in the league and equally inept vs the pass and run. HC Ryans will continue their massive roster turnover, hoping he can turn more games into W while he develops their young talent.<\/p>\n

Indianapolis Colts \u2013 5-12
\nThe Colts have fallen quickly attempting to maintain playoff levels with veteran passers. They turn the page with raw rookie QB Anthony Richardson. Stud runner Jon Taylor may move in a trade which could begin a bigger house cleaning. Their young defense has failed to improve and a big reason they could land in the basement.<\/p>\n

WEST<\/em><\/strong>
\nKansas City Chiefs \u2013 12-5
\nChiefs look for their 8th consecutive West title behind elite QB Patrick Mahomes. He will rely on TE Travis Kelce to lead a changing receiving corps. Their defense looks to CB McDuffie and edge rusher Karlaftis to become playmakers. \u00a0Veterans DT Chris Jones ranks with the best interior linemen in the league. SB contender plays in the toughest conference and will be pushed to the fullest with every team capable of West title.<\/p>\n

San Diego Chargers \u2013 11-6
\nThe Chargers look to young QB Justin Herbert to lead this potent offense to the playoffs again. Herbert was outstanding and adds top pick WR Quinten Johnston. The line looks to a healthy LT Slater to stabilize their front. They can surprise for the West title, though need improvement from their young defense especially healthy vets, LB Joey Bosa, CB J.C. Jackson and safety Darwin James.<\/p>\n

Denver Broncos \u2013 9-8
\nBroncos have missed the playoffs since 2016 with vet QB Russell Wilson playing poorly. He must return to prior levels for this club to compete in the tough AFC. Their highly regarded defense performed only average with marginal pressure and average coverage. \u00a0Club is hoping new HC Sean Payton can get Wilson right and defense returns to prior levels.<\/p>\n

Oakland Raiders \u2013 7-10
\nRaiders parted ways with talented QB Derek Car and replaced by vet Jimmy Garoppolo. This club has fall significantly off horrible draft classes from 2019 thru 2021 with five of six top picks released or let go. Wideout Davante Adams and runner Josh Jacobs need to carry this offense. \u00a0Edge rushers Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones are difference makers, though have a marginal supporting cast. Raiders will be hard pressed to play over .500 in the tough AFC and probably a few draft classes from postseason.<\/p>\n

Divisional Champs<\/strong>
\nBills, Bengals, Jaguars and Chiefs<\/p>\n

Wild Card Clubs<\/strong>
\nJets, Dolphins & Ravens<\/p>\n

AFC Championship<\/em><\/strong>
\nBengals beat the Chiefs<\/p>\n

Super Bowl Matchup<\/em><\/strong>
\nBengals over 49ers
\nJoe Burrow drives Bengals to a SB title<\/p>\n

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NFL 2023 Predictions Chiefs Face Heavy AFC Competition to Repeat Bengals Ready for SB Challenge Eagles and 49ers Hope to Hold Off NFC Risers \u00a0DraftInsiders.com \u2013 NFL 2023 Predictions \u00a0 Frank Coyle\/ Head [read more…]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1946,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,9,43,11],"tags":[32],"class_list":{"0":"post-4916","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-ahead-of-the-curve","8":"category-in-the-huddle","9":"category-nfl-headlines","10":"category-nfl-news","11":"tag-draft-insider-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4916","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4916"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4916\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4919,"href":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4916\/revisions\/4919"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1946"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4916"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4916"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4916"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}