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Eastern Division
1. Philadelphia Eagles, 12-5*
Looking at the Eagles roster from top to bottom, it’s hard to see any weakness. The team relies on a star quarterback in Jalen Hurts, talented receivers, a fantastic offensive line and a defense that was one of the best last season. Coach Nick Sirianni is doing a great job with this club and, barring an injury to Hurts, Philadelphia has everything it needs to return to the Super Bowl and hope for a different ending there.
2. Dallas Cowboys, 10-7*
The biggest loss in recent months for the Cowboys is that of their offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who now works for the Los Angeles Chargers. His departure allows head coach Mike McCarthy to now call plays on offense, which isn’t necessarily the best news. Quarterback Dak Prescott, who will have the young Trey Lance in his legs, will certainly want to do better after a season where he had 15 interceptions in just 12 games. The defense remains strong with star Micah Parsons (linebacker) leading it.
3. Giants de New York, 8-9
It wasn’t sexy, but the Giants managed to surprise many fans by slipping into the playoffs last year and even winning a game against the Minnesota Vikings. For 2023, New York has a questionable set of receivers and linebackers. That said, quarterback Daniel Jones has shown some interesting progress while runner Saquon Barkley remains an NFL force. Head coach Brian Daboll should keep his men in the game well into the final weeks of the season.
4. Commanders de Washington, 6-11
Renowned Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has accepted the challenge from the Commanders in the same role. The problem is that Bieniemy will go from Patrick Mahomes to Sam Howell or even Jacoby Brissett to the role of quarterback. Without taking anything away from them, Howell and Brissett are ages away from what Mahomes is. Thus, despite good game makers in Commanders, the potential of this attack remains quite limited. It’s a shame, because the Washington defense, where Quebec cornerback Benjamin St-Juste lines up, is far from ugly (7th in 2022 for points allowed).
Division Nord
1. Detroit Lions, 11-6*
The new attraction of the NFL is this team from Detroit. After years of misery, the Lions finally seem ready to seize the throne in the North division of the National. They rely on a dominant offensive line and a ground game that promises to be explosive. Also, Jared Goff hasn’t been ugly behind center since arriving at Michigan, making this offense diverse. If Detroit wins the honors of its division, it would be a first since 1993!
2. Vikings over Minnesota, 9-8*
Some wonder if the Vikings don’t suffer from impostor syndrome. Minnesota went 13-4 in 2022, winning many of its games by the margin of one possession or less. They also gave up more runs than they scored, which is never a good sign. The Vikings have also cut ties with veterans like carrier Dalvin Cook, receiver Adam Thielen and linebackers Eric Kendricks and Za’Darius Smith. Despite the solid work of quarterback Kirk Cousins and the immense talent of receiver Justin Jefferson, a regression is to be expected.
3. Packers de Green Bay, 8-9
That’s it, a new era is finally beginning for the Packers. After decades of Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, it’s Jordan Love’s turn to take command of the Green Bay offense. The 24-year-old, 26th pick in 2020, has all the pressure on his shoulders. The Packers don’t have a bad club, but if Love struggles as a starter, which is entirely possible, they will miss the playoffs for the second year in a row.
4. Bears de Chicago, 7-10
Having finished last in the overall standings, the Bears can only progress now. Young quarterback Justin Fields demonstrated the extent of his athletic talent by amassing 1,143 yards rushing and a few passing records. What’s interesting about Fields is that he doesn’t seem fully airborne yet. He is better at it and with an improved staff of receivers, he will be able to demonstrate it.
Fields has what it takes to become the first player in his position to throw for 4,000 passing yards and amass more than 1,000 rushing. Chicago’s defense has some great additions, which should get the Bears moving in the right direction.
West Division
1. San Francisco 49ers, 12-5*
In the NFL, the 49ers roster is unquestionably one of the most powerful. Their defense, the best in 2022 with 16.3 points allowed on average, should be just as intimidating this year. The offense is brilliantly balanced with Christian McCaffrey as carrier and receivers such as Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle.
The only question in San Francisco concerns Brock Purdy. This modest 7th round pick in 2022 has been flawless in the nine games he has appeared in. Operated on his elbow after his injury suffered in the National final, will Purdy be able to repeat his exploits when everyone is waiting for him? Having the privilege of counting on one of the greatest offensive geniuses of the NFL in Kyle Shanahan, he is well framed.
2. Seahawks de Seattle, 10-7*
When Russell Wilson left for the Denver Broncos, the forfeiture of the Seahawks was announced. Then, out of nowhere, Geno Smith took over that offense and he had a masterful season to take Seattle to the playoffs to everyone’s surprise. It must also be said that the scouting staff has contributed greatly to this great season with several excellent selections in 2022. Seattle has improved in recent months with other wise additions in defense and attack. If Smith can repeat his prowess, instructor Pete Carroll’s men will have a good campaign.
3. Los Angeles Rams, 6-11
The Rams bet everything to win Super Bowl LVI. Their bet worked, but now they have to pay the price. Their roster is in total disrepair with aging players and multiple breaches on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is now 35 years old and his health is gone. He is also badly surrounded on offense while only receiver Cooper Kupp is threatening. After a 5-12 season, it’s hard to imagine the Rams could do better.
4. Arizona Cardinals, 4-13
When star quarterback Kyler Murray tore his anterior cruciate ligament late in the 2022 season, this campaign had just taken a dramatic turn for the worse. At the moment, Murray is not expected for at least the first four weeks and his absence should extend beyond that. So that should leave poor Josh Dobbs behind center. Adding in the starts of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and veteran defensive end JJ Watt, the recipe is perfect for seeing Arizona in the race for the 2024 1st pick.
Division Sud
1. New Orleans Saints, 9-8
Since the retirement of the venerable Drew Brees, the Saints have experienced several difficulties at quarterback. Now relying on Derek Carr to guide their attack, the team has certainly improved their situation. Without being a member of the elite, Carr has what it takes to offer a decent aerial threat. He will also be supported by a good ground game. Defensively, the Saints are still betting on a perfectly acceptable unit, which allows them to have a head start to extricate themselves at the top of the weakest division in the NFL.
2. Caroline Panthers, 7-10
It’s the start of Bryce Young’s reign with the Panthers this year. Carolina paid a small fortune to secure this promising quarterback and will do everything in their power to allow him to shine. With a new head coach in Frank Reich, the Panthers aren’t a bad team on paper, but they’re far from a force. However, if Young delivers the goods from the start and the defense holds its own, this club could perhaps cause an upset in this unpredictable South Division. Everything will depend on what Young can do.
3. Falcons d’Atlanta, 6-11
Once again, the ground game will dominate in Georgia this year. The Falcons have a solid offensive line, in which Victoriavillois Matthew Bergeron will evolve, and they have invested a very high draft pick to select the promising running back Bijan Robinson. Quarterback Desmond Ridder is also a good athlete who moves well on the court. That said, Ridder has little experience and his skills as a passer need to be developed. The defense, 27th in 2022 for points allowed, has improved, but it remains fragile. Arthur Smith’s squad will want to control the dial and they will be involved in close matches.
4. Buccaneers de Tampa Bay, 5-12
The Buccaneers move from legendary Tom Brady to Baker Mayfield this year. Admittedly, Brady had lost some feathers, but betting on Mayfield as a quarterback is far from an improvement. The 2018 No. 1 pick will be on his fourth team in just two years and hasn’t been able to prove he’s an established starter yet. He can count on excellent receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, but the rest of the attack leaves something to be desired. Tampa Bay’s defense remains quite respectable, but this club, which posted an 8-9 performance last year, is clearly no better.
2023-09-02 08:00:00
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