The NFL playoff picture for 2023 is set with 14 contenders ready to make a run for the Lombardi Trophy. Here is a breakdown of each team, ranked from last to first:
Dolphins (9-8): Despite a strong start to the season, led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins have struggled to maintain consistency, particularly on defense. Tagovailoa’s recent concussion adds an element of uncertainty to the team’s playoff chances.
Seahawks (9-8): Despite a less-than-stellar record, the Seahawks have the benefit of experience on their side with Pete Carroll leading 10 different playoff runs in 13 years. However, their offense has struggled with turnovers in recent games.
Jaguars (9-8): Doug Pederson has done an impressive job with rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence, but the Jaguars’ young and scrappy team may struggle against more experienced opponents in the playoffs.
Giants (9-7-1): The Giants have a strong rushing game led by Saquon Barkley, but their passing game has struggled with a makeshift receiving corps. While they may not have a high ceiling, they have the potential to be early-round spoilers.
Chargers (10-7): The Los Angeles Chargers have all the pieces of a championship contender, including quarterback Justin Herbert and defensive end Joey Bosa, but they struggle to close out games and make key decisions.
Cowboys (12-5): The Cowboys have a strong offense, led by quarterback Dak Prescott, but have struggled with turnovers and a flat ground game in recent games. Additionally, Prescott has not yet proven himself in the playoffs.
Vikings (13-4): The Minnesota Vikings have had a successful season under the leadership of Kevin O’Connell, despite a weak pass defense and an inconsistent year from quarterback Kirk Cousins. While their culture and team dynamic have improved and receiver Justin Jefferson has been a standout player, the Vikings have struggled in tough situations and have yet to convincingly dominate their opponents.
Buccaneers (8-9): The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had a disappointing season, finishing with a record of 8-9. However, they still have a chance in the playoffs thanks to the presence of quarterback Tom Brady. Despite the team’s struggles, Brady has continued to excel, particularly in crunch time. The Buccaneers’ defense has also shown flashes of being a formidable unit. While they may be seen as underdogs, the combination of Brady’s experience and the defense’s potential make them a team that could cause problems in the playoffs.
Ravens (10-7): The Baltimore Ravens enter the playoffs with a 10-7 record, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson who has been absent from practice and game action for the past month due to a knee injury. His availability and athletic capabilities moving forward will be crucial for the Ravens’ success in the postseason. The offense, which relies heavily on the running abilities of Jackson and J.K. Dobbins, may struggle if Jackson is unable to play at his usual level. However, the team’s defense, anchored by Roquan Smith, has been strong this season and averages more than a takeaway per game. The experienced leadership of head coach John Harbaugh also gives the Ravens a fighting chance in the playoffs.
Eagles (14-3): The Philadelphia Eagles enter the postseason with a 14-3 record, but they have not been playing their best football as of late. Their defense, led by Jonathan Gannon, has been strong, leading the league in sacks. However, they have also been prone to giving up points in bunches. On the offensive side, the Eagles will rely on the dual-threat capabilities of quarterback Jalen Hurts and the playmaking ability of wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. The Eagles have shown the ability to win different types of games with their strong trenches and versatile offensive attack. However, they will need to be at their best to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Bengals (12-4): The Cincinnati Bengals have had a strong season, with a 12-4 record and an MVP candidate in quarterback Joe Burrow. While they may not have been dominant down the stretch, they have consistently been reliable in close games, thanks in part to Burrow’s precision passing and the electric playmaking of wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Despite some concerns about their offensive line and overall team health, as long as Burrow is on the field, the Bengals are a tough opponent.
49ers (13-4): The San Francisco 49ers have had a successful season under the guidance of head coach Kyle Shanahan. Despite experiencing injuries in the past, the team has persevered and is currently thriving with its third starting quarterback of the year, rookie Brock Purdy. The 49ers have a strong arsenal of weapons, including Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle, and a formidable defense led by Nick Bosa. However, there is some concern about how Purdy, who is only 23 years old, will perform under pressure in the playoffs.
Bills (13-3): The Buffalo Bills have had a strong season, finishing with a 13-3 record. Led by quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Stefon Diggs, the Bills’ offense has been explosive. The team has also been solid on defense, and is well-coached by Sean McDermott. While Allen is prone to making mistakes, the rest of the team is well-equipped to compensate for any errors. The Bills are considered one of the top contenders in the playoffs and are seen as having a good chance of competing with the Kansas City Chiefs, their playoff nemesis.
Chiefs (14-3): The Kansas City Chiefs, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid, have consistently advanced to the AFC Championship in recent seasons and have a strong track record of delivering in important moments. Despite having a vulnerable defense, the team has a number of strengths, including the ability to utilize Kadarius Toney effectively, the dependability of tight end Travis Kelce, and Mahomes’ skill at making clutch plays. The Chiefs are often compared to the New England Patriots of the past, as they inspire trust and are considered a steady presence in the NFL.