On September 7, the 2023 NFL season will kick off with a thrilling matchup between the perennial Super Bowl contending Kansas City Chiefs and a team on the rise, the Detroit Lions.
Fans eagerly await the action-packed game as the Chiefs’ main goal is to secure a back-to-back Super Bowl victory. Conversely, the Lions show strong dedication to capitalize on their recent success, hoping to end the team’s historic mediocrity with a deep playoff run.
As anticipation builds, fans can boost their NFL experience by following the best betting sites of 2023 for reliable reviews and guides.
But, for now, keep reading to learn more about what to expect during the start of the 2023 NFL kickoff and the rest of the season.
Mahomes’ Place in the Chiefs’ Mission for Victory
This season, it’s worth watching out for the Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes—a two-time NFL ‘Most Valuable Player’ winner and an absolute power force in the AFC.
Mahomes’ outstanding performances have a history of propelling the team to five AFC Championship games, making him a yearly talking point for MVP honors. But Mahomes isn’t alone in the AFC. Ready to pounce are several highly capable quarterbacks nipping at his heels.
Buffalo’s Josh Allen has an incredibly trajectory. If not for some key injuries on the defensive side of the ball, not to mention a decimated offensive line, Allen’s Bills might have made the team’s fifth trip to the Super Bowl. The Chiefs-Bills rivalry is a real thing.
There is also first-ballot Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers who left the Green Bay Packers to ply his trade for the New York Jets. With a new team, we could see the Rodgers of old—and if we do, it could be scary!
And then there is Joe Burrow. The Bengals’ pivot is calm, cool, and collected. If the Chief-Bills rivalry is on, we can easily make that a good ole three-way rivalry: Chiefs-Bills-Bengals. But Joe isn’t alone in the AFC North, which has turned into a quarterbacking Mecca. The Ravens re-upped Lamar Jackson and the Browns have a huge outlier in Deshaun Watson.
As great as Mahomes is, one slip up and there are many ready to pounce who may be just as good. Let’s see the 2023 NFL kickoff in week one and see if he picks up where he left off, as most expect.
Coaching Shifts and Offense Alterations
The Chiefs have switched around their coaching staff, with Eric Bieniemy, the former offense coordinator, departing from the team to join forces with the Commanders. The former head of the Chicago Bears, Matt Nagy, is stepping into Bieniemy’s ex-role – bringing in new strategies to lead the team to triumph.
Keep an eye out for other changes in the Kansas City Chiefs, like adjustments to the team’s offense line and receiving squad. We all know the adage, “what isn’t broke, don’t fix”, but can Andy Reid assure the changes that are made will be for the better? Likely it’s trial by combat. Luckily Reid is usually up for that battle.
Lions’ Previous Success and Title Targets
Interestingly, the Lions’ closed the previous season with a solid finish, winning eight out of ten of the last games. The rise in performance has amplified buzz surrounding the team, with speculators trusting the team will take home the NFC North title. With Green Bay going through a major change with Aaron Rodgers “out” and Jordan Love “in”, it may be down to the Vikings and Bears to take down the Lions while things get sorted in PackerLand.
The Lions are, of course, eager to make a statement in the upcoming months, with quarterback Jared Goff and new additions – like running back Jahymr Gibbs and defensive backs Brian Branch, Cameron Sutton, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson – showing dedication not to disappoint.
Other Transitions Impacting the Season
New York Jets add Aaron Rodgers
We already discussed Rodgers’ move to the New York Jets, capturing headlines and adding a twist to this season. Fans can expect to see Rodgers working hard for the Jets to bring home the Lombardi Trophy, while Packers will be showcasing lots of fresh new talents with the same goal.
Justin Fields Ready to Run?
Moreover, the Chicago Bears are expecting great things from a young quarterback, Justin Fields, as they hope to rebuild following last year’s disappointing season. Fields’ first season campaign, along with the acquisition of the former Panthers player DJ Moore, fosters hope for the Bears’ future.
Can Bryce Young Deliver?
While touching base on the Carolina Panthers, it is also worth mentioning that the team has selected young Bryce Young from Alabama as its top pick in the 2023 draft, bringing fresh energy into the group that seeks to impact this highly-anticipated league.
With Frank Reich (HC), Thomas Brown (OC), and Ejiro Evero (DC) making up a revamped coaching tandem in Carolina, the questions marks abound.
Sean Payton in the Mile High
The most intriguing new head coach hire might be Sean Payton in Denver. The new Broncos coach has a wealth of experience and will bring a complete change of pace to Denver. Russell Wilson was a flop, but with Payton there who helped to get the best out of Hall-of-Famer Drew Brees in New Orleans, that could all change. We could get back to seeing the Wilson of old.
This Super Bowl-winning Head Coach will bring stability, and will surely deliver having inherited some great puzzle pieces.
Intense Competition in the Pipeline
As September creeps up, fans can expect numerous thrilling storylines and competition throughout the forthcoming season. From the emergence of fresh young talent and tense divisional matchups, momentous moments are coming to the field.
