Now that we have ranked and seeded our projected seven playoff teams in the AFC for 2023, we will focus on the NFC.
Philadelphia Eagles (1st Seed) 13-4
Studies have shown that the runner-up from the recent Super Bowl has a significant chance of regressing the following year and possibly not making the playoffs. Anything can happen during the 2023 campaign, but the Philadelphia Eagles’ chances of not returning to playoff contention are relatively slim. Not only did the team reload during the offseason, but they may also have become significantly better than their 2022 squad. With the lack of opposition in the conference, a Super Bowl hangover will not be in the cards for the defending NFC champion.
San Francisco 49ers (2nd Seed) 12-5
By now, you may have seen numerous posts explaining what the 49ers gave up to select former first-round pick Trey Lance in the 2021 NFL Draft and the players that could have had instead. However, folks fail to realize that the 49ers already have a potential franchise quarterback in Brock Purdy on the roster. The former seventh-round pick went undefeated to close out the regular season when he took over for Jimmy Garoppolo last season. With Lance no longer in the fold, Purdy is expected to become the Niners’ main guy under center. One of the biggest takeaways from the Niners having Purdy as their starting QB is that he is producing on a high level while playing on a significantly cheap rookie contract. If the former Iowa State Cyclone shows no signs of regression, the Niners will remain in the thick of things going into December through January.
New Orleans Saints (3rd Seed) 11-6
For the second straight year, the NFC South will take on the label of having the worst division in the league for 2023. So, whoever has a good to great signal caller in the division will most likely be crowned NFC South champions. Right now, that designation belongs to the New Orleans Saints. The presence of former Las Vegas Raider Derek Carr is a massive upgrade over what the Saints had at quarterback over the past two seasons. As for their head coach, Dennis Allen, it’s either get to the playoffs or face the possibility of not having a job after this season.
Detroit Lions (4th Seed) 10-7
When did you last hear the words Detroit Lions and division champion in the same sentence? That’s how confident we are about the Lions winning the NFC North this season. Despite not qualifying for the playoffs last season, Detroit experienced tremendous growth as a football team under head coach Dan Campbell. They closed out the year above .500 for the first time since 2017.
Dallas Cowboys (5th Seed) 12-5
Regardless of how you feel about Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, it would be best to credit him for how he has constructed the team roster. He has put countless resources around his starting quarterback, Dak Prescott, so the team can succeed more in the playoffs. Elements such as a solid offensive line, a formidable receiver group, a stout running game, and an elite defense, to name a few. Now, it’s all up to Prescott to deliver on the football field. Anything less than an NFC championship game appearance may be deemed unacceptable.
Seattle Seahawks (6th Seed) 11-6
Do I believe Geno Smith can repeat what he accomplished last season in Seattle? Yes, I certainly do. The former second-round selection out of West Virginia posted career highs in touchdowns (30) and passing yards (4,282). During the 2023 draft, Seattle added more firepower to their arsenal when they selected Ohio State wide receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba. They also added another playmaker to go along with their talented secondary when they chose cornerback Devon Witherspoon with the fifth overall pick.
Minnesota Vikings (7th Seed) 10-7
No, the Minnesota Vikings will not have a repeat outcome of last year’s season, where they were on the winning side of so many games won in the final seconds, but they will remain a playoff team. They are too talented at many skilled positions to underachieve this season, especially with Aaron Rodgers no longer in the division. If the defense shows significant improvement under the new coordinator, Brian Flores, they could make things interesting once the playoffs occur.
Playoff Bubble Teams
Atlanta Falcons
Washington Commanders
New York Giants
Chicago Bears
