8/8/23

The NFL season is quickly approaching us, as we have a lot to look forward to this year. From exciting new rookies, old faces in new places, the 2023-24 season is looking like a good one. That being said, It's only fair to predict that some teams will do better than other teams, and then innevitably be completly wrong about those said predictions. However, I am going to give it my best shot to predict the record of every NFL team this season using playoffpredictors.com. Now given, keep in mind that I am giving a range of team wins this season, so If i predict a team to win 10 games, I wouldn't be shocked if they won 11 or 9, so keep that cushion in mind. I will also try and condence the reasoning for each team's record, because I am sure that any fan would argue that their team is better than what I put and that I forgot to mention or realize a key addition to the team in the off-season. That all being said, let's get straight into it going by division.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Record Prediction: (8-9)

4th in AFC North, 11th in Conference

As much as I loved their free agent signings and draft, I have the Browns finishing just under .500. I like their roster, have a top 10 offensive line in football, a great rushing attack with Nick Chubb and some real good ball-players on defense, I think it is going to be a tough schedule and division for this team. I feel the Steelers have a better defense, the Ravens a better running game, and the Bengals a better offense. They are gonna win a good amount of close games, but I feel like they will lose a lot of close ones too. I think they are good, their record is just a testement to how strong the AFC is.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Record Prediction: (10-7)

3rd in AFC North, 7th in Conference

Maybe the best draft class in the NFL, the Steelers got better this off-season. This is a very young team with a strong defense and a good head coach. The question marks for this team are very straight forward: Will Kenny Pickett take a sophomore year leap? Do they have enough dynamic playmakers on offense to overcome Matt Canada's play-calling? I don't feel confident enough to make a bet one way or another, but I do think this team is going to sneak into the playoffs this season. A healthy T.J. Watt may as well be the best edge rusher in the NFL, a strong secondary, Najee Harris, and the depth of recievers and tight ends I think is enough for this team to win 10 games.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Record Prediction: (11-6)

2nd in AFC North, 5th in Conference

The Ravens, when fully healthy, are one of the best teams in the NFL. I feel the last time we saw a Ravens squad healthy for a full-season, they were the #1 seed in the AFC. Lamar is coming off a dramatic off-season and an injury, but when Lamar is healthy he truly is a game changer. A good offensive line, a good running game, I think they have a solid reciever group this season, and I mean, Baltimore defense's always find a way to be good. Obviously the 'thing' with the Ravens is if they can stay healthy. I don't find it morally correct to predict injuries, nor do I find it realistic that every team in the league is going to stay 100% healthy, so it especially makes predicting a record for this team very difficult as their success is very dependent on it. Assuming for this record prediction that every team is staying relatively healthy, I have the Ravens as a Wild Card team.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Record Prediction: (13-4)

1st in AFC North, 1st in Conference

This is an important year for the Bengals. Not saying that their Super Bowl window is closing anytime soon, but it kind of feels like they should accomplish something this season. Whether it is a Joe Burrow MVP, a Super Bowl appearance or victory, or to beat the Chiefs. This team didn't have a huge offseason really at all, however it is nice to have that addition of Orlando Brown protecting Burrow. I'm not worried if this team is going to win a lot of games, because they will, but I feel like we are going to walk away from this season from them having a strong feeling of something, whether it is good or bad. However, having the best QB-WR combined rooms in the NFL puts them in a position to control any game they play this year.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Record Prediction: (6-11)

4th in AFC East, 13th in Conference

The way the Patriots do, literally anything, is so different than any other team in the NFL. They are kind of like the New York Yankees in a way, where they are kind of odd in the way they go about things and have certain rules, they have a history of success, some even recent, but are currently feel mediocre. This off-season they had a glaring hole: offensive weapons. So they got JuJu and Gesicki? Oh and James Robinson? I mean, those guys certainly are solid ball players, but it still feels a little lackluster. When your QB is a distributor and game manager, you without a doubt need guys around him. Nothing feels special about this team, or transcendent. I like their Cornerbacks, but they are no Leigon of Boom, so it just feels like they aren't in a position to win a whole lot of games this season, especially in the tough AFC.

NEW YORK JETS

Record Prediction: (8-9)

3rd in AFC East, 9th in Conference

Hold your breath, and yes I know, they traded for Aaron Rodgers this off-season. I know they got some of his favorite weapons, and they are getting Breece Hall back from injury, and the defense is good, I know all of this. But I just don't really think Aaron Rodgers is really that guy anymore. He is coming off a relatively dissapointing season, and it's not like the Packers had a bad roster or head coach last year, I thought they were fine, probably should have made the playoffs if a red-hot Lions team didn't knock them out. I just feel hesitant about the 2023 New York Jets. I don't know if Robert Saleh is a good head coach, I don't know if Rodgers is going to work in a new environment, If people were having these same concerns about Russell Wilson last year it is only fair to have the same ones for Rodgers, who uh, will turn 40 this season. It just all feels too wierd and I can't trust it, although, 8-9 really isn't that bad of a record so you can't get that mad.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Record Prediction: (9-8)

2nd in AFC East, 8th in Conference

I really don't have many thoughts about the dolphins this year, or really any strong opinions. I think they have an explosive offense when healthy, and maybe the best WR duo, but I just have a hard time trusting the defense. Yes they added Jalen Ramsey and Bradley Chubb last year, but I just haven't seen enough of it being elite. However, I do like them this year, I just don't think enough is there for them to take the step to take the division from the Bills.

BUFFALO BILLS

Record Prediction: (12-5)

1st in AFC North, 2nd in Conference

Unlike the Dolphins, I feel like the Bills did get better this off-season. They were already the best roster in their division. I thought they had a great draft, getting Dalton Kincaid seems like an odd first round choice, but as a prospect he was maybe a better reciver than a lot of wide-outs, and then they also go get Torrence in the 2nd as well. Added running back depth, and some good front 7 guys, this roster just got way better. I think they will finish as the 2nd seed in the NFL, as when they are on, that offense can go toe-to-toe with anyone, and has a strong enough defense to have them finish the year above some certain other teams.

TENNESSEE TITANS

Record Prediction: (4-13)

4th in AFC South, 16th in Conference

I know this is a bit of a wierd take, but I think the Titans will finish with the worst record in the AFC. I just don't see the sense in any of the moves they make, nor do I feel like they are really going to make a push for anything. I get what you may be thinking though. "worst record in the AFC?" and to that I would ask, what is objectively good about this team? Derrick Henry is objectivley good, but he is getting old and has injury problems, oh and he is a runningback as well. They just signed Deandre Hopkins, he's good, but he didn't really change things for the Cardinals though, did he? So yeah that initial Texans and Cardinals trade with Hopkins was bad, the Cardinals never did anything with having a star reciver acquired for nothing, so why would it be any different for the Titans? The defense is just ok, they have a few good players, but there's just nothing very good about this team, and I haven't even mentioned the mess that their qb room is. At least they are bringing back the Oilers uniforms, those look cool.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Record Prediction: (6-11)

3rd in AFC South, 14th in Conference

I feel a bit of the same about the Colts, but I think they have more good players and more of an Identity as a team. I love the risk of Anthony Richardson, he could be an absolute league-changer, and I think they have a nice identity on offense and defense. Now the Jonathan Taylor situation isn't real pretty for them, so I think their Owner is a bit of a dummy for messing that up, but I think even without him they would still be around this win total, although don't get me wrong, this team is way better with Jonathan Taylor. A read-option with AR15 and J-Tay? Who in the league is stopping that? This team will likely be in the top 10 for rushing this season, it is just kind of the rest of the team that holds them back from being a winning football team in my eyes. However, I feel like they will be pretty fun to watch this season.

HOUSTON TEXANS

Record Prediction: (7-10)

2nd in AFC South, 12th in Conference

I think the Texans will suprise some people this year. They drafted really well, and made some very smart free agent signings and got a good head coach. CJ Stroud and Will Anderson are 2 very good peices, they have a decent o-line, some decent recievers, and some decent backs. I think that is the perfect word for the Texans: decent. I like their group of guys, they just aren't there yet. Maybe in a few years or even next year they could really start winning a bit of games and making the post-season, but with the AFC the way it is now, and it being a first year head coach and qb, I can't give them too much.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Record Prediction: (10-7)

1st in AFC South, 4th in Conference

I have the Jaguars being the lone playoff team from the AFC South, as it will be kind of another ugly year for that division. Although, I see the Jaguars taking that late season energy from last year and carrying it over to this season. I don't know how to explain it, but I just feel like they are never out of a game, and that they just play every game like it is a playoff game. Obviously the big add was Calvin Ridley, who is a very good reciever, something T-Law hasn't really had since joining the league. Not much to say, they're solid.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Record Prediction: (5-12)

4th in AFC West, 15th in Conference

What an odd team. They have some of the best players in the whole NFL in Maxx Crosby, Josh Jacobs and Davonte Adams, but don't know if they are rolling out Jimmy-G or Aidan O'Connel. I don't think they have a very good head coach, or a very good defense. They won a lot of games last year soley because they had Davonte Adams and Josh Jacobs. I don't think they will be as lucky to do so this year.

LAS ANGELES CHARGERS

Record Prediction: (8-9)

3rd in AFC West, 10th in Conference

Another bold take. I don't love the Chargers this year. I think this was an off-season where they needed to add, get guys to stop the run and get weapons, and protect Herbert. They kind of did that, but after that kind of embarrassment in the Wild Card round, I think you needed to do more to reinstill trust in this team. I just don't trust Staley, or this team, especially when teams like the JETS are making drastic moves to change the team energy, just 2 years after they drafted a QB 2nd overall. Like yeah, I have the Jets at 8-9 as well, but there is more respect there because they went for it. Eric Kendricks and Quentin Johnston, good ball players, don't change the trust levels.

DENVER BRONCOS

Record Prediction: (11-6)

2nd in AFC West, 6th in Conference

It's almost like you don't judge an elite Super Bowl winning QB off one bad season in the worst situation in the league, playing on a torn lat, numerous injuries to his weapons the entire season, and got sacked more than any other QB in the league while missing 3 games. An incompetent coach that showed in week 1 that he was in over his head and hired a coach in October to do the game managing for him, and then lost offensive play-calling resposnsibilites shortly after. So while analysts will tell you that Russ is washed, I'm not so sure. His last season in Seattle he had 30 touchdowns and 6 interceptions, with no team around him outside of Metcalf and Lockett, missing games due to injury, then ruhsing back to play from said injury. Guys, it's simple, he is not washed, he may not be as mobile or fast as he used to, but that is the extent of it, it's time to put all of that to bed. Now, the Broncos themselves, they improved the roster extremly well with the limited draft capital and salary cap they had. Oh, and they got the 2nd best offensive mind in the history of the sport as their head coach. Consider 11 wins selling them short, the only reason I can't put them higher, is that the team in 1st place has the #1 best offensive mind of all time.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Record Prediction: (12-5)

1st in AFC West, 3rd in Conference

The Super Bowl Champions will most likely win the AFC West again, but in terms of off-season, they didn't do crazy well. Lost a lot of good ball players, especially some talented recievers and pass rushers. Now, they still have Andy Reid, who will make a top 3 offense in the league with scraps, but it's worth mentioning that I don't think the roster improved at all this off-season. They have Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, so I think they are still going to be okay. If you are wondering why I have them 3rd between them, the Bills, and the Bengals, that is kind of just how the Simulation came out. I think it is clear to all football fans that these 3 teams will be atop the AFC, It is just the order that changes for people. I also just like the Bengals just maybe 1 win more.

AFC PLAYOFF PICTURE

1. BENGALS (13-4)

2. BILLS (12-5)

3. CHIEFS (12-5)

4. JAGUARS (10-7)

5. RAVENS (11-6)

6. BRONCOS (11-6)

7. STEELERS (10-7)

IN THE HUNT:

DOLPHINS (9-8)

JETS (8-9)

CHARGERS (8-9)

CHICAGO BEARS

Record Prediction: (7-10)

4th in NFC North, 12th in Conference

I think you can certainly look at the fact that they come in last in the division and be dissapointed, but the record 7-10 is an improvement to me. I think Justin Fields is talented, no doubt, but there have been a lot of talented QB's who just don't figure it out as a passer in this league. Take Carson Wentz for example, in 2017, his arm was something special to watch as a fan. Carson Wentz at the time of writing this isn't on an NFL team. I have the best hopes for Justin Fields and I want him to be respected, but we do need to see it from him. The Bears got him what he needed in my opinion, they got pass rushers, they got weapons, they got protection, let's see what this kid is made of. I only have them at 7-10 because I want to remain hopeful and optimistic, but I can't go crazy and give them a high win total, 7 wins feels right to me.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Record Prediction: (7-10)

3rd in NFC North, 11th in Conference

The first year without Rodgers, may not go as bad as people think for the cheese-heads. I don't think it will be an immediate transition into success again, but I think Jordan Love has all the talent in the world, and he looked really sharp last season. I thought they drafted really well, tight-ends are a young QB's best friend, and they drafted two very talented ones. I think the defense is decent, and the pass rush lacking. I don't think they are going to win a lot of games, and I think people are expecting that, but I don't think it will be because of the play at QB, but an mediocre roster.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Record Prediction: (8-9)

2nd in NFC North, 9th in Conference

The Vikings will not make the playoffs this season. They have a good offense, or did last season, hopefully will this season, and a bad defense. They lost Dalvin Cook, Adam Theilen, and a lot of key defensive players. I don't think they added enough in the draft or free agency to go 13-4 again, but i think they will be on the bubble to make the playoffs. The Kirk Cousins debate is a very opinionated one, either you think he is underrated, or he is lucky to still be on the Vikings. I think he is somewhere between those two, and that he is a good game manager, but he isn't really a guy who can transcend the team around him. 8-9 seems harsh, until you realize that there is a new top team in the NFC North.

DETROIT LIONS

Record Prediction: (11-6)

1st in NFC North, 3rd in Conference

I am not a fan of the Lions, nor do I have any bias towards them, but man am I ready to watch some Lions football this season. I am eager and excited to see this team ball out on sundays. This was already an elite roster that just barely missed the playoffs, and it somehow got even better!? They have a top 5 offensive line, good recievers, good tight-ends, and a good defense that added some big play-makers. Like him or not, Jared Goff has played in a lot of big games in his life, and I think that kind of experience is extremly important for a young team like this. Did I mention that I loved their draft? Because I did. They drafted studs all throughout the draft in almost every round. You know what? Let me fix their record prediction.

DETROIT LIONS (fixed)

Record Prediction: (12-5)

1st in NFC North, 3rd in Conference

I had to add an extra win in there, This team is too good. They also have a brilliant offensive play-caller, an elite rushing attack, and can actually stop the run on defense. I am going to stop myself before I ramble on, but you get it, the Lions are good, and I swear I have no bias, at all.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

Record Prediction: (5-12)

4th in NFC East, 14th in Conference

Before I start, I will say that I am so glad Dan Snyder is gone. He is not a very good person and should be in no position to own anything, let alone a football team. I hope for the fan's sake, that the new ownership goes about things in a different and more respectable manner. That being said, I don't think this is a team in any position to win very many games. They got Eric Bieniemy, and some pieces on defense. I think they will win some divisional games, and maybe a few more. I do want to take a moment to appreciate Scary Terry. He might be not only the most under-rated receiver in the league, but maybe the most under-rated player period in the league. I think his talent is on the same level as Justin Jefferson.

NEW YORK GIANTS

Record Prediction: (10-7)

3rd in NFC East, 6th in Conference

Last season, the Giants shocked a lot of people and made the playoffs. This year, I think they will return to the playoffs. They drafted very well this off-season and got some weapons in free agency. I think Daniel Jones is good, but he doesn't have my full trust just yet. Not a whole lot to say about the Giants this year, they were a playoff team last year, they improved the roster in the offseason, so why would they not return to the playoffs?

DALLAS COWBOYS

Record Prediction: (11-6)

2nd in NFC East, 5th in Conference

Is it their year? It could be, but a lot of things need to happen. The defense is elite, and it got even better this off-season. The offense is also really solid, good offensive linemen, good recievers, and a good running game. So what is the concern? Dak. I think he is talented, but the turnovers are KILLER. It worries me, because he isn't really a young guy in his first few years figuring it out, He is a veteran, and apparently has decision making problems. This team will go as far as Dak lets them, as I feel his time could be coming to a close if this season doesn't go as planned. They moved on from Zeke, and it turned out okay for them, I think they could be okay if they do the same for Dak if he doesn't perform this season.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Record Prediction: (13-4)

1st in NFC East, 2nd in Conference

One would assume maybe a Super Bowl Hangover, but this roster is just too perfect. It is the best roster in the NFL, and they had a decent draft, and a good offseason as far as free agent signings. They also have a relatively easy schedule. I think they should probably find themselves deep in the playoffs yet again.

TAMPA BAY BUCS

Record Prediction: (3-14)

4th in NFC South, 16th in Conference

So, yeah. I think it comes as no shock to have them at 3 wins. They don't have a direction at QB, which is no big deal, as they'll have a chance to get Caleb Williams next April. On top of the qb situation, is the everything else situation, which is also not good. They have a good reciever duo, and a good o-line, but that is kind of it. I wish I had more to say about the bucs, because it is such an interesting team, but without Brady, they are likely going to go back to the bottom of the NFC.

ATLANTA FALCONS

Record Prediction: (8-9)

3rd in NFC South, 10th in Conference

I think how you feel about the Falcons depends on how good you think Desmond Ridder is, and if Bijan can be a difference maker right away. I think Ridder has poise in the pocket and plays like a seasoned vet, and his second season hasn't even started yet. But when you look at their depth chart... I don't hate it. It is a pretty solid roster all around. I think they might be a year or two out, but I like the Falcons this year. Who knows, next season I could have the Falcons, Bears, and Texans winning their respected divisions.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Record Prediction: (9-8)

2nd in NFC South, 8th in Conference

I have the Saints just barely missing the playoffs this season. When I went through and filled out the predictions, it gave a team to be named later the playoff spot due to win %. The Saints are okay, they have a decent roster, with some very solid players. I don't think they are really in a position to win a ton of games, because they have some holes. However, it is the Saints, and it always feels like they find ways to win games, find ways to make the playoffs, so, I gave them some cushion. It will also be very interesting to see Carr outside of the Raiders organization and see how he fairs.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Record Prediction: (9-8)

1st in NFC South, 4th in Conference

I have the Panthers winning the NFC South this season. Bryce Young is going to lead this group of young guys mixed with seasoned veterans. All around a solid roster, but nothing super crazy for them to win 10+ games. They played some really good ball to end the year, and now they have a talented QB and some recievers to help out? I think they'll win the division, but barely.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Record Prediction: (3-14)

4th in NFC West, 15th in Conference

Not much you can do when your QB is Colt Mccoy for most of the season. The roster is going into complete reset mode. I don't know who their young core is moving forward outside Kyler Murray and Hollywood Brown. I hope they figure it out soon, but until then, they will not win football games with a team like this.

LOS ANGELES RAMS

Record Prediction: (5-12)

3rd in NFC West, 13th in Conference

But F*** them picks, right? The Rams sold their future for a ring right away, and while the ring was probably worth it, they have to endure these rough, not so pretty years. I think this is what they signed up for and knew it, as this is going to be a rough season, and the seasons for years to come. The Rams will be a cautionary tale for teams when it comes to GM moves, do you sell 5 years of your teams future for a Super Bowl ring? I do like Cooper Kupp when he is healthy, but as for Matt Stafford and Aaron Donald, I think their regression has begun. As far as a young core, they don't have much to build around at the moment, but I do have them scraping 5 wins together this season.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Record Prediction: (9-8)

2nd in NFC West, 7th in Conference

I have the Seahawks sneaking into the playoffs just above the Saints this season. The Seahawks have a good roster, and shocked some people last season. Well, they had an alright off-season, some decent free agent signings, and an over-rated draft. A lot of people gave them a good grade for their draft this April, but I think it was pretty dissapointing. They had a lot of picks so they landed a lot of good players, but they didn't address their biggest need. To go far in the playoffs, you have to be able to stop the run, something that they were putrid at last season. They signed Dre'mont Jones, and Bobby Wagner for that. While I think that will help, its not enough, Wagner is old, and Jones comes from a Broncos team that didn't stop the run all that well either. The other factor for Seattle, is Geno. While he was a nice story last season, I think defensive cordinators and head coaches probably know how to gameplan around him this season, something they couldn't have done last season, given there wasn't really tape on Geno for them to gameplan against. I still like the roster, but I think a little regression and ignoring the run defense keeps them at only 9 wins.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Record Prediction: (13-4)

1st in NFC West, 1st in Conference

The Niners are really good. To be completely honest, I think they probably could have beat the Eagles in the NFC Championship had Purdy not gone down. This is the 2nd best roster in the entire NFL, game changing players all over the field on both sides of the ball. They run the ball well, they stop the run well, they stop the pass, and if they need to shootout with a team, they have guys for that as well. They do everything extremely well, the only thing I am a little concerned about is they didn't add a whole lot this off-season, but they could have a major upgrade at QB if they role out a healthy Trey Lance. The niners are my 1 seed.

NFC PLAYOFF PICTURE

1. NINERS (13-4)

2. EAGLES (13-4)

3. LIONS (12-5)

4. PANTHERS (9-8)

5. COWBOYS (11-6)

6. GIANTS (10-7)

7. SEAHAWKS (9-8)

IN THE HUNT:

SAINTS (9-8)

VIKINGS (8-9)

FALCONS (8-9)

WRITTEN BY Ryan Upp

8/8/23