2023 NFL Power Rankings, Week 1: The Champs Sit on Top, AFC Dominance, Young Teams Look to Take a Step Forward
Folks, Week 1 of the NFL season is officially upon us.
At long last, we have meaningful football to talk about that begins just one day from now when the Detroit Lions take on the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Prior to that season-opening matchup, it’s time for the latest edition of the 2023 NFL power rankings. Here is a look at how the teams stack up ahead of the Week 1 action.
The Super Bowl Contenders
This first group is the cream of the crop in the NFL. They have some combination of elite coaching, established franchise QBs, and elite defenses. It would be stunning to see these teams miss out on the playoffs when January rolls around.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
- This Week: 9/7 vs. DET
What more can be said about the Kansas City Chiefs? Coming off their third Super Bowl appearance in four years, this team looks poised to make another deep playoff run in 2023. Travis Kelce hyperextended his knee on Tuesday, but hopefully, he can get back onto the field soon and help Kansas City defend their title.
2. Buffalo Bills
- This Week: 9/11 @ NYJ
The Bills have been relying on Josh Allen to carry them to the playoffs on the offensive side of the ball, but this offseason, they finally made an effort to fix many of the problems that have haunted them. They brought in multiple pieces for their interior offensive line, and Damien Harris will help improve the running game.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
- This Week: 9/10 @ NE
Philadelphia lost both coordinators this offseason which could lead to a few more troubles than they had last season. However, this Eagles team ran through just about every opponent they faced in 2022 until they met Kansas City in the Super Bowl. They will win plenty of games this year and compete for another Super Bowl appearance in the NFC.
4. Cincinnati Bengals
- This Week: 9/10 @ CLE
We can’t say enough about Cincinnati’s offense. Assuming Ja’Marr Chase stays healthy, it will be hard to find a more dominant receiving trio in himself, Tyler Boyd, and Tee Higgins. Orlando Brown should help keep Joe Burrow upright more often as well. Even if their defense ranks around the middle of the pack, this machine of an offense will run through many of their opponents. The addition of Myles Murphy in the draft gives them an excellent pass-rushing presence defensively as well.
5. Baltimore Ravens
- This Week: 9/10 vs. HOU
Lamar Jackson is back for good after inking a massive contract this offseason, and Baltimore gave him a very intriguing receiver in Zay Flowers. Last year, the Ravens went 7-4 in games that Jackson completed, so this team is undeniably a contender when their QB is healthy.
6. Dallas Cowboys
- This Week: 9/10 @ NYG
Under Mike McCarthy, the Dallas Cowboys have put together back-to-back 12-win seasons, and they do it again in 2023. The addition of Brandin Cooks at wide receiver gives their offense three legitimate threats at the position while Tony Pollard looks to prove himself capable of a true RB1 workload. Defensively, they have a few young stars in Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs. This is a complete roster, but their success relies on McCarthy being able to pull the right strings.
Solid Playoff Teams
Heading into the season, these are the teams that are complete enough to make a run to the playoffs. They have playmakers on both sides of the ball and should be competitive throughout the season as long as they can stay healthy.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
- This Week: 9/10 @ IND
This year feels like the true “coming out party” for QB Trevor Lawrence. The Jaguars got off to a dreadful 2-6 start in 2022, but after their bye, Lawrence passed for 1779 yards, 12 TDs, and just 2 INTs over Jacksonville’s final seven games and helped them get to a final record of 9-8 and a ridiculous playoff comeback victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Benefitting from a light schedule, this team could be a surprise contender by the end of the year.
8. New York Jets
- This Week: 9/10 vs. BUF
The New York Jets boast one of the best defenses in the entire league, and they should be ready to compete from the jump. It may take a few weeks for the offense to catch up (as has been the trend for Aaron Rodgers-led teams in recent years), but eventually, they should turn into a very strong group as well. If Rodgers is anything near the QB he was in Green Bay, this team should improve drastically.
9. Denver Broncos
- This Week: 9/10 vs. LV
This is a risk, but I’m betting on a big jump for the Broncos this year under Sean Payton. It is very difficult to believe that Russell Wilson has simply fallen off a cliff and can’t get back to producing at the levels he was just a couple years ago. With Javonte Williams coming back, and some major acquistions on the offensive line, this offense should be much better under Payton.
10. San Francisco 49ers
- This Week: 9/10 @ PIT
The 49ers seem set on starting Brock Purdy to begin the season, who has made a seemingly miraculous recovery from his UCL injury in January. Purdy may not nearly be the best QB in this group, but San Francisco has built a machine on offense that should make things relatively easy on him. Their juggernaut of a defense only got better with the addition of Javon Hargrave as well.
11. Detroit Lions
- This Week: 9/7 @ KC
Everyone and their neighbor has been hyping up the Detroit Lions this offseason. It’s for good reason. After having one of the worst defenses in the league last year, Detroit made huge moves to improve the group in 2023. They signed Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley in free agency, bringing veteran leadership to the secondary, and drafted S Brian Branch as well as LB Jack Campbell.
The “Swing” Teams
As the year goes on, and we learn more about each team, this tier will eventually shrink down. Teams will either rise up towards the playoffs, or down out of contention. For now, though, these are the teams that could really go either way. It wouldn’t be too surprising for them to win a playoff game, but it also wouldn’t be a shock if they miss the playoffs altogether.
12. Miami Dolphins
- This Week: 9/10 @ LAC
Everything in Miami comes down to health. Jalen Ramsey is out until December at least while Terron Armstead is already going through injury troubles as well. If Miami can’t protect Tua this fall, they won’t be able to fully unleash their offense on the rest of the league. However, if their QB can remain upright, this could be one of the NFL’s highest scoring teams.
13. Minnesota Vikings
- This Week: 9/10 vs. TB
Big changes occurred in Minnesota on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. They have a new defensive coordinator in Brian Flores and virtually a brand new group at cornerback. Changes were for good reason on that side of the ball, considering they ranked among the worst in just about every metric during 2022. There is not much more to say about an offense led by the star power of Justin Jefferson, either. If everything goes right in Minnesota, they have a path towards a deep playoff run.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers
- This Week: 9/10 @ CLE
Pittsburgh’s success depends on the steps forward that Kenny Pickett can take at QB. With Pickett under center in 2022, the Steelers were a 7-5 team and won six of their final seven games to keep Mike Tomlin’s streak of winning seasons alive.
15. Seattle Seahawks
- This Week: 9/10 vs. LAR
The Seahawks have a promising roster that may have gotten better with selections of CB Devon Witherspoon, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and RB Zach Charbonnet. If Geno Smith can replicate the magic of 2022, Seattle has a chance to compete in 2023.
16. New York Giants
- This Week: 9/10 vs. DAL
The New York Giants are relying on Daniel Jones and his new four-year/$160 million contract to carry them to the promised land. Saquon Barkley coming back for another year gives them a star running back, and Deonte Banks is a strong addition to the secondary. Many questions around this team are in regard to their depth, but if Jones can play well again, the Giants could be in the mix for a playoff spot.
17. Cleveland Browns
- This Week: 9/10 vs. CIN
Questions regarding the offense and Deshaun Watson place the Browns this far down the list. That being said, the defense remains a fearsome group. Additions of Za’Darius Smith and Dalvin Tomlinson will help take some pressure off of Myles Garrett. The secondary of Greg Newsome and Denzel Ward should keep passing offenses in check as well.
18. Carolina Panthers
- This Week: 9/10 @ ATL
The Carolina Panthers were one of the biggest spenders in free agency, and they were not shy about adding offensive weapons. They signed DJ Chark, Hayden Hurst, Miles Sanders, and Adam Thielen while also giving Bradley Bozeman a new contract. With the selection of Jonathan Mingo in the draft as well, rookie QB Bryce Young will have plenty of weapons to throw to this season.
19. New Orleans Saints
- This Week: 9/10 vs. TEN
New Orleans added Derek Carr at the QB position, and their defense still has plenty of stars in the secondary. Ultimately, though, their success will depend on the health of Michael Thomas as well as the production of Alvin Kamara when he comes back from suspension.
20. Los Angeles Chargers
- This Week: 9/10 vs. MIA
It feels like trouble might be brewing in Los Angeles. While Austin Ekeler’s contract situation was semi-resolved, the veteran RB can’t feel great about not getting a long-term commitment from his team. It’s tough to bank on health with an aging roster at WR and on defense.
Promising Upside, but a Year or Two Away
This tier features teams that have a promising young core, but they still feel a few pieces and a couple years of development away from being true playoff contenders.
21. New England Patriots
- This Week: 9/10 vs. PHI
This Patriots group feels like a team that is multiple pieces away from contending in the AFC. Mac Jones had a strong rookie campaign, but in 2022, he threw for under 3000 yards and had just 14 passing TDs compared to 11 INTs over 14 games.
Defensively, Christian Gonzalez looks like a stud in the secondary, and this group could be relied upon to keep them in games once again. Ultimately, consider the Patriots a feisty team once again in 2023, but their offense will fall just short in many of these tough games down the stretch of the season.
22. Chicago Bears
- This Week: 9/10 vs. GB
Justin Fields took some decent steps forward as a QB in his second NFL season, and now heading into year three, he has the best receiving group of his career with D.J. Moore, Darnell Mooney, Chase Claypool, and rookie Tyler Scott. Defensively, Chicago was a big free agency spender with additions of T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds. There is still work to be done for Ryan Poles and the Bears, but they are headed in the right direction.
23. Green Bay Packers
- This Week: 9/10 @ CHI
The Packers are moving forward with Jordan Love at quarterback after trading Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets this offseason. Surprisingly, though, the offense may remain the best part of this team even with the QB change. A young receiving trio of Romeo Doubs, Jaylen Reed, and Christian Watson should help Love in a major way while Green Bay still has a strong RB group headlined by Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon. That Joe Barry defense causes some concern, though.
24. Atlanta Falcons
- This Week: 9/10 vs. CAR
Atlanta was another team that spent a lot of money in free agency on veterans. Defensively, they landed both Kaden Elliss and David Onyemata from the Saints and gave their secondary some help with Jessie Bates. Calais Campbell may not be what he was a few years ago, but he offers a veteran pass-rushing presence as well. Bijan Robinson looks like an immediate star at RB, but Desmond Ridder needs to take a leap as a QB if this team is going to compete in the NFC South.
25. Indianapolis Colts
- This Week: 9/10 vs. JAX
The Jonathan Taylor saga dampens some of the hopes for Indianapolis this season. Overall, though, this remains a rather intriguing team around fourth overall pick Anthony Richardson. Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman form a respectable pass-catching duo while rookie RB Evan Hull could make some noise out of the backfield.
On the Outside Looking In
This tier of teams all have intriguing players, and particularly at the top, the defenses could lead them to a few extra wins. However, it would be rather surprising to see any of them in the playoffs come January.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- This Week: 9/10 @ MIN
The Buccaneers offense could be the group that holds Tampa Bay back from repeating as division champs this year. Baker Mayfield is going to be a stark difference from Tom Brady, so the Bucs likely will lose a few extra games this season. That being said, this defense is still legit and will keep them in games.
27. Washington Commanders
- This Week: 9/10 vs. ARI
The Washington Commanders seem intent on giving Sam Howell a chance to run the offense this year. The North Carolina product had a couple strong seasons over the course of his collegiate career, so this team could be the true wild card in the division. Ultimately, the expectation here is that their defense will remain an elite unit this season, but their offense could hold them back.
28. Tennessee Titans
- This Week: 9/10 @ NO
It’s difficult to bet against Mike Vrabel after all he’s done in Tennessee, but there doesn’t seem to be a clear direction for this Titans team. They brought in DeAndre Hopkins, but there are three QBs vying for playing time. Derrick Henry is another year older, too. Does he still have the tread to cary this offense for another year?
29. Houston Texans
- This Week: 9/10 @ BAL
The Houston Texans made big moves in this spring’s draft by drafting both C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson, giving them cornerstones to build around on each side of the ball. However, when looking at who Stroud is going to be throwing the ball to during his rookie season, it becomes tough to see this team scoring enough points to keep up with many teams. Tank Dell has made strides this summer, but outside of him, Houston goes into the season relying on Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz, and Robert Woods.
The “Tank for Caleb” Club
The final tier speaks for itself. These teams won’t be doing much winning this season, and as a result, they should be in line to select top QB prospects next spring.
30. Las Vegas Raiders
- This Week: 9/10 @ DEN
Like their divison rivals in Los Angeles, it seems that there is some unease from Las Vegas’ star players heading into the season. Josh Jacobs wasn’t able to secure a long-term contract, and Chandler Jones recently took to social media and expressed frustration with the franchise. On top of that, how healthy can Jimmy Garoppolo be this year? In a tough division, this team seems bound for struggles during 2023.
31. Los Angeles Rams
- This Week: 9/10 @ SEA
While Aaron Donald, Matthew Stafford, and Cooper Kupp are still Rams, the losses will be difficult to overcome. On defense alone, Los Angeles lost Leonard Floyd, Jalen Ramsey, Nick Scott, and Bobby Wagner. David Edwards left the offensive line, and they needed to replace a slew of special teamers including K Matt Gay, P Riley Dixon, and LS Matthew Orzech.
32. Arizona Cardinals
- This Week: 9/10 @ WSH
The Cardinals made their intentions clear for the 2023 season when they released WR DeAndre Hopkins and traded LB Isaiah Simmons for pennies on the dollar. They want to maximize their 2024 draft stock. Holding their own 2024 first-round pick as well as that of the Houston Texans, there is potential for them to pick twice within the first five selections. Without Kyler Murray at QB, this team could find themselves struggling regularly.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.