32. Arizona Cardinals

With quarterback Kyler Murray likely out for most of the upcoming season, it could be a real struggle for the Cardinals. They did bring in a new head coach but one that came with some questions and without his star player, it could be tough sledding. However, it isn’t all lost for Arizona as they will have two first round picks next season. It could lead them to having two top picks in the draft next season if they struggle again. And let’s be honest, it could benefit them to struggle this season and then load up in the draft next year.

They have been dealing with the DeAndre Hopkins rumors all offseason and it remains to be seen if he will be on the team. Arizona doesn’t have a great defense and their running game has been inconsistent behind a bad offensive line. The Cardinals and their fans could be in for a long season with the hope for a brighter future.

31. Houston Texans

Houston drafted foundational pieces in C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. It may take a few seasons to acquire the talent needed to win football games, but the future is bright. Texans fans need to be patient because they will win at best three games next season. Skill and trenches players are a weakness for Houston.

H-Town, y'all ready? 🤘 pic.twitter.com/REsTD4BvbG

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) April 29, 2023

30. Los Angeles Rams

It’s pretty wild that the Rams find themselves this far down on the list, just two seasons removed from winning the Super Bowl. But this is the reality for this team. They have aging stars on some bad contracts and while they will likely improve in 2023, it remains to be seen how much. Quarterback Matthew Stafford should be back from his injury and he will likely play better but the rest of the team isn’t on par with their Super Bowl team. They should also get star wide receiver Cooper Kupp back which will help the offense out as well. But the offensive line still is a problem and that will likely be their doom as the season goes on.

Star Aaron Donald still heads up the defense but there isn’t a ton of depth. It’s a weird mix of star players and guys that they are hopeful on. The Rams will want to be competitive, but they may have better chances in 2024 when contracts come off the books.

29. Indianapolis Colts

Anthony Richardson will be thrown into the starting lineup, but he will not be ready. The Colts young quarterback will have growing pains and needs time to develop before he can be counted on for wins. Shane Steichen’s experience working with Jalen Hurts will bode well for Richardson in a few years.

28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers are entering this year PB (post Brady). They saw firsthand at how losing a player of his magnitude can play into a team’s season after Brady left New England for Tampa Bay a few seasons ago. They did sign Baker Mayfield to head the ship and he did show some flashes during his time with the Los Angeles Rams last season. But Mayfield likely won’t win too many games for this team and will rely on his defense and weapons around him to help.

They have a lot of questions on this roster, and they may be answered closer to the trade deadline, when the team can see where they are and decide how to proceed. Luckily for Tampa Bay, the NFC South is a weak division, and they may be able to get into the postseason winning eight or nine games.

27. Las Vegas Raiders

It’s surprising that a roster with Davante Adams, Josh Jacobs, and Maxx Crosby is so low on the power ranking. I believe it’s time for Las Vegas to have a complete rebuild. The Raiders lack depth and experience at too many positions to have a successful season.

26. Tennessee Titans

The Titans lack talent on their roster compared to opposing NFL teams and serious questions at quarterback. Ryan Tannehill, Malik Willis, and Will Levis could all be starters at a point this season. Tennessee will likely struggle to get wins.

25. Denver Broncos

Sean Payton will have to work a miracle to turn the Broncos around in one season. Russell Wilson needs to play better and focus on building trust with his teammates. The defense will be strong, but that will not be enough as the offense will struggle.

24. Green Bay Packers

The post Aaron Rodgers era starts for the Packers and for the first time in forever, they will have someone other than Rodgers or Brett Favre starting the season as the quarterback. It is Jordan Love time in Green Bay and questions still remain about his longevity at the position. He hasn’t seen much playing time and rightfully so with Rodgers there, but the team seems confident in the ability of Love. For their sake, they better hope that they are right because the fans in Packer land won’t be forgiving if the team struggles.

The Packers got him some weapons and added to their defense but that may not be enough. The NFC North is much stronger than last season and Green Bay could find themselves in the middle of the pack if they aren’t careful.

23. Chicago Bears

Apparently, Justin Fields has grown “a lot” as a quarterback over this offseason and for sake of the team, we can hope that is true. The former first round pick is dynamic in the running game but has struggled to consistently throw the football on a week-to-week basis. If he really has made strides, it would benefit this team a ton. Chicago has some nice weapons on offense to help Fields, but their passing attack has been subpar since his arrival to the Windy City. Getting wide receiver DJ Moore should provide some extra fuel to this offense and finally, Fields has a true number one receiver.

Chicago has some hope that they will be better than 2022 and that is all they can do currently. They gained some extra draft capital for the future by trading away the first overall pick, so the future is bright for the Bears.

22. Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta enters this upcoming season with a beefed-up defense. The biggest name was them landing safety Jessie Bates in free agency, who should provide some leadership and real talent to their secondary. The Falcons decided that they needed to improve on the defensive side of the ball and went out to spend like it. For them, they know that their division may not be that great so winning eight or nine games could get them a home playoff game.

They did draft running back Bijan Robinson in the first round and for a team that already ran the ball so much, it was a home run pick. They are building weapons around young quarterback Desmond Ridder, including tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Drake London. Even if Ridder isn’t their future starter, they are setting themselves up to just slot in someone else and they will be ready to really be competitive. Like others on this list, the future is shining down on Atlanta brightly.

21. Carolina Panthers

The future is now for the Panthers. After years and years of mediocre quarterback play after Cam Newton, the team has a new franchise quarterback. Drafting Bryce Young first overall gives this team come hope that they can get back to being really competitive. His leadership skills and talent overshadow any size concerns entering the league and Young will be ready to lead this squad.

They still have a good defense and good enough weapons around him, so the Panthers could surprise some this coming season. Carolina is set up well and everything centers around putting Young in the best possible situation to find success.

20. Washington Commanders

It looks like second year player Sam Howell will open the season as the Commanders starting quarterback. He showed some nice traits during limited time last season and the team seems to believe in him. If he can find some foundation for them, it could go a long way. Much like the Carolina Panthers, the Commanders have been missing good, consistent quarterback play. It has held them back despite having a good defense and solid offensive weapons.

Head coach Ron Rivera will have his guys ready to go and they also find a way to remain competitive somehow. It’s a testament to the leadership of Rivera but now it will be tested with a mostly unproven quarterback. Washington could surprise people, but it will take a real commitment and focus from the entire unit.

19. New Orleans Saints

It’s the Derek Carr show down south now after the team signed him to a lucrative contract this offseason. Carr has shown that he can be a capable starter in the league when he is surrounded by a good running game and decent enough defense. Well, the Saints do still have Alvin Kamara and their defense can be solid at times. New Orleans likely won’t be a Super Bowl contender, but they surely will compete for the division crown.

They will have to answer some questions as the season goes on and depending on where they are come the trade deadline, maybe they decide to sell off some players for future draft capital. Expect a weird year in the Bayou but one that could result in a playoff appearance due to their weak division.

18. Cleveland Browns

Deshaun Watson showed flashes of a top tier quarterback but hasn’t put it all together. Cleveland has the ability to establish the run and play good defense. Like the story with many teams, the Browns success will be dependent on Watson’s play.

17. New England Patriots

Mac Jones and Bill Belichick relationship is going in the wrong direction after a tough season last year. The Patriots young quarterback had inexperienced offensive coaches calling the plays last season which contributed to their lack of success. Bill O’Brien is the new offensive coordinator, so I expect to see an improved Jones that will result in better football being played offensively.

The schedule drops Thursday night ✍️ 👀

Our 2023 opponents. pic.twitter.com/cm6sxcFnCx

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 8, 2023

16. Pittsburgh Steelers

Defense is elite. Offense is inconsistent at times. Second year quarterback Kenny Pickett needs to play better, if he does Pittsburgh will make the playoffs. This could be a surprise team in 2023.

15. Minnesota Vikings

After winning the NFC North last season, the Vikings melted down in their playoff game against the New York Giants. It was a bitter defeat that has had the team wondering what happened all offseason. Yet, this team still has one of the better offenses in the league with Justin Jefferson leading the charge. They drafted Jordan Addison out of USC to pair with him after letting veteran Adam Thielen go. Addison could be the perfect compliment to Jefferson and gives quarterback Kirk Cousins more explosive options to work with.

They also have a full season of T.J. Hockenson as well and with Dalvin Cook at running back, they have a loaded offense. With a full year under his belt, head coach Kevin O’Connor should improve and will have learned some tricks of the trade. He did a great job in his first season but has more winning expectations on his plate now. The Vikings are the one of the favorites in the NFC North, but they also can’t stay stagnant. The Lions will be better and are coming to challenge them this season.