With the NFL preseason coming into its final weekend, finishing this Sunday, August 27th, it is nearly time for the 2023 season to begin. The first game between the Chiefs and the Lions is set to take place on September 8th, with both teams, as it stands, taking a win and a loss in preseason. There are many twists and turns expected, as with every season. Here are six NFL season predictions we’re watching.
2023-24 Season Set to Begin
Week One
The season’s opening game is between the Chiefs and the Lions on Thursday, September 7, 8:20 pm EST. The odds this season lean towards the Chiefs taking the win, but many Lions fans expect their team to step to the next level, with this opening win becoming a springboard for what has the potential of one of the greatest seasons they have had in a long time.
Week One Full Schedule
September 10
(Home, Away)
Browns, Bengals
Ravens, Texans
Vikings, Buccaneers
Falcons, Panthers
Commanders, Cardinals
Colts, Jaguars
Steelers, 49ers
Saints, Titans
Broncos, Raiders
Patriots, Eagles
Seahawks, Rams
Chargers, Dolphins
Bears, Packers
Giants, Cowboys
September 11
Jets, Bills
6 NFL Season Predictions for 2023-24
The season ahead elicits various predictions of how teams will perform. There are many areas to look at with all teams looking for a successful road toward the Super Bowl and the NFL playoff spot.
Philadelphia Eagles
The NFC East league hasn’t seen a repeat winner in nearly 20 years, but the season ahead is looking to end this streak with the Philadelphia Eagles trying to retain the trophy for a second year. The Eagles have one of the best NFL offenses in the league and rank pretty high in the defensive rankings. It will be a tight year, with the Dallas Cowboys also being a strong contender.
Prediction: Not as dominant as last year. Lose to the 49ers in the Conference Championship game.
Carolina Panthers
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There should be plenty of competition in the NFC South in 2023, and the Carolina Panthers should be the team to beat. Undoubtedly, the Panthers have one of the best coaching staffs in the NFL in Frank Reich and Bryce Young. With an above-average offense and a top-15 defense, Carolina can compete for a winning record in the fall. Carolina might not be able to win more than one division in its current state, but it’s playing in an ideal division.
Prediction: Bryce Young doesn’t hit his stride until late in the season. Panthers miss playoffs.
Detroit Lions
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A Detroit Lions playoff victory hasn’t occurred since 1991, when the team last made the playoffs. Expect Detroit to win the rebuilding NFC North this season, making an end one of the most extended championship droughts in sports history. The Lions have one of the strongest rosters in the entire NFC, with their defense looking to hold the capabilities of delivering a significant turnaround compared to previous seasons. Jared Goff should be good enough. It will be the first playoff game Detroit has hosted since January 8th, 1994, if the Lions win the NFC North.
Prediction: The Lions get out of the NFC North and finally make the playoffs — and they win a game.
San Francisco 49ers
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There is almost no meaningful difference between the San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback and the backup. Arguably the most talented roster in the NFL makes it possible for any quarterback to win games when he executes Kyle Shanahan’s offense. The team’s life would always be easier, with Steve Wilks controlling the defense with many weapons to unleash, including the Defensive Player of the Year, Nick Bosa. The 49ers are possibly the best team in the entire NFC, only made more incredible with “Mr. Relevant” Brock Purdy at quarterback. It will be fun to see how he does in his sophomore season in hopes of delivering a Super Bowl.
Prediction: 49ers beat the Eagles in the NFC Championship
New York Jets
The New York Jets had some severe misfortune regarding their quarterback scenario, along with running back Breece Hall missing ten games. This equated to the Jets finishing the season with a 7–10 record. Although Aaron Rodgers is no longer an MVP-level quarterback, his presence elevates the entire offense and relieves some severe pressure from one of the best defenses in the league. Expect Rodgers to continue to play as a top-10 quarterback; if New York manages to avoid significant injuries, there is potential they climb out of a jam-packed AFC East. Josh Allen, however, will not go down lightly.
Prediction: New York Jets earn wild card spot
Kansas City Chiefs
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The Kansas City Chiefs, by no mistake, are the most outstanding football team in the NFL, having won the Super Bowl last season, and should be repeat favorites to lift the trophy once again. While the Chiefs have lost some of the critical veterans in the team, they have managed to bring in some vital members to their defensive line. The defense is one of the youngest in the league, with considerable growth from these players. We could see the emergence of an even more potent offense than what we had seen from the Super Bowl-winning team. And they have Patrick Mahomes. He’s good at football.
Prediction: Kansas City loses to Buffalo in the AFC Conference Championship
The moments before the season commences are always exciting for fans. This should be a season full of surprises.
