Alright football fans! With the Finals among us in the NRL, we have a huge month of sport coming up. Not only that, but the NFL if just around the corner, with kickoff on Thursday night in the States. This year, I am still trying to educate Cam on the finer points of gridiron, and hoping I can keep her attention long enough to have her learn something. Check out our first episode of Season 2 dropping very soon!
Today’s blog will be my 2023 predictions. Last year’s predictions for the playoffs were famously awful, and I am sure there will be some missteps here, but I highly doubt we see a repeat performance of the defending Super Bowl champions missing out of the playoffs altogether as the LA Rams did last year. Of the 14 teams in the playoffs in 2022-23, I missed out on 5 of 14 teams. Here’s hoping I do better this year.
NFC North Winners – Detroit Lions – Dan Campbell’s men get it done in a weak NFC North. Their offence is key, and Jared Goff will be looking to prove doubters that he is a Top 10 QB.
NFC South Winners – Atlanta Falcons – Led by Rookie of the Year favourite, Bijan Robinson, Arthur Smith will be looking to hammer the rest of another weak division and cruise into the playoffs.
NFC East Winners – Philadelphia Eagles – The powerhouse Eagles have had some turnover on D, but still boast an incredible set of lines, and explosive skill players led by their franchise QB, Jalen Hurts.
NFC West Winners – San Francisco 49ers – The biggest questions is not whether Brock Purdy can lead the Niners to the Super Bowl; rather it is does it really matter who holds down the QB job? The defence looks nasty, and the skill position group is second to none on offence.
NFC Wildcards:
Carolina Panthers – A new coaching staff, rookie QB, and a spicy defence allow the Panthers to sneak past aging New Orleans.
Dallas Cowboys – On paper, they may have the most talented roster on both sides of the ball, but may run into issues under play-caller and head coach Mike McCarthy’s insistence on playing “old school” football. Will still look great, but may lose some close ones.
Seattle Seahawks – The ever surprising Seahawks had another excellent draft, shoring up an offence with more weapons for the resurgent Geno Smith.
AFC North Winners – Cincinnati Bengals – When is Joey B getting the bag? A huge season awaits the Bengals with an ultra-talented offence and sneaky good defence. They will be looking to put their AFC rivals in the killer North down, and set their sights on bigger things; namely the Super Bowl.
AFC South Winners – Jacksonville Jaguars – In perhaps the weakest division in the NFL, the Jags have an opportunity to allow T Law to break out and take them to new heights. Doug Pederson’s calming influence has allowed Lawrence to truly show he is an elite QB in this league.
AFC East Winners – New York Jets – Maybe the hardest division to pick this year, it truly is a three (or four) team race, depending on who you ask. They hype train is chugging hard behind the Jets, and I am happy for it to take me with them.
AFC West Winners – Kansas City Chiefs – Patrick Mahomes is still the QB. Enough said.
AFC Wildcards:
Miami Dolphins – a true wildcard, the McDaniel offence has taken the AFC by storm. Defences have to hope they can get after Tua, or they will see massive chunk plays with Hill and Waddle flying past them.
Buffalo Bills – the twisty, turny 2023 season is an afterthought, as the Bills and Josh Allen look to shake the tough loss in the playoffs last year and get themselves to the promised land.
Los Angeles Chargers – with their man, Herbert, signed to a shiny new deal, the time is now in LA. Their skill group on offence looks top 5, and their offensive line is healthy. Will their defence be able to stand up against KC and other AFC powerhouses? Maybe if Justin can throw for 400 and 4 every game, it won’t matter!
Super Bowl Hot Take:
While it seems chalk to put in teams like the Chiefs, Bills or Bengals in the Super Bowl, I am going off the board an selecting Jacksonville Jags as the AFC representative. Why? Why not?
For the NFC, I think the most well-rounded team in the league, the Eagles, will conquer their NFC Rivals in the Niners to get to the big dance. Jalen Hurts plays his best football on the big stage, and I see him leading them to their 2nd Lombardi Trophy.
Super Bowl Final: Eagles 28 over Jags 13
Finally, without explanation, my award winners for 2023:
MVP – Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers
OPOY – Tyreek Hill, WR, Dolphins
DPOY – TJ Watt, OLB, Steelers
OROY – Tank Bigsby, RB, Jaguars
DROY – Jalen Carter, DT, Eagles
Coach of the Year – Frank Reich, Carolina Panthers
Let me know what you think of my predictions, and remember to check us out on Insta, X and Facebook throughout the NFL season. Also, check out the MIW podcast, and get Cam’s predictions on the 2023 NFL slate.
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