Game On: A Spectacular Preview of the 2023 NFL Season

By Alex Benjamin

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Welcome to the thrilling kickoff of the 2023 NFL season! It's the 104th season of the National Football League, and the 58th year in the Super Bowl era. The first season since the legendary Tom Brady hung up his cleats. The winds of change are blowing through the league, and they're gustier than ever. Every year, the NFL sees players shuffle teams, and expectations evolve. But there's something uniquely electrifying about this season.

It's not an exaggeration to say that the events of this year could shape the course of the NFL for the next decade, influencing almost half the teams in the league. The quarterback landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. Three rookie quarterbacks are starting their NFL journeys, set to define the futures of the Colts, Panthers, and Texans. Meanwhile, the 49ers and Packers are crossing their fingers, hoping that Brock Purdy and Jordan Love are the answers to their quarterback dilemmas. The Broncos and Browns are praying that their high-profile QBs can deliver, sparing them from future salary cap nightmares. The Cardinals and Buccaneers are taking a shot at revamping their quarterback positions through the draft, while the Raiders and Dolphins are aiming to compete in some of the NFL's most formidable divisions.

But perhaps the most intriguing QB narrative is my New York Jets. Their acquisition of Aaron Rodgers has us fans on edge. Will he catapult the Jets into championship contention, or will it end in fireworks (the bad kind)? History reminders of the Brett Favre experiment in 2008, which didn't have playoff glory. It's no coincidence that this season's chatter revolves almost entirely around quarterbacks. In 2023, the NFL's success hinges on having a franchise quarterback. The days when the Brad Johnsons, Trent Dilfers, and Joe Flaccos of the world could hoist the Lombardi Trophy are gone. And yes I googled worst QBs to win a Superbowl.

The running backs, sadly, have felt the brunt of this shift, as their labor movement failed, leaving them vulnerable to underwhelming contracts.

The stage is set for a season of ambitions and dreams. The Chiefs are eyeing a dynasty, the Eagles want to assert their NFC dominance, the Jets are aiming to break through, and well, the Cardinals are, let's say, obligated to field a football team this season. So, buckle up, football fans! The 2023 NFL season promises thrills, surprises, and perhaps even a glimpse of the future as the league continues its captivating journey into its second century.

Biggest Storylines this Year

1. The AFC Powerhouse Showdown: The AFC is gearing up to be a battlefield like no other. With a roster of formidable teams, this conference is set to be a "murderer's row" for anyone daring to compete. From the Kansas City Chiefs and the reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes to the explosive Buffalo Bills led by the dynamic Josh Allen, the competition is fierce. Not to be overlooked are Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, the electrifying Justin Herbert of the LA Chargers, and the rising star Trevor Lawerence in Jacksonville. Who will emerge as the top dog in the AFC?

2. The Battle for Second-Best QB: While Patrick Mahomes may have a stranglehold on the title of the NFL's best quarterback, the race for second-best is wide open. Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts are all in contention, each bringing their own unique style and flair to the game. Will one of these young guns rise above the rest, or will a dark horse quarterback emerge to challenge Mahomes for the throne?

3. Rodgers Jets In: The New York Jets have made headlines by acquiring none other than Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers legend. This blockbuster trade has raised expectations to dizzying heights for the Jets, a team that hasn't tasted postseason success in over a decade. Rodgers, a two-time league MVP, brings a wealth of experience and talent. Can he lead the Jets to glory, or will the pressure be too much for this storied franchise?

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4. NFC Teams Eyeing Glory: While the AFC hogs the spotlight, the NFC has its own narratives brewing. The Detroit Lions, for instance, are on a quest to win a playoff game for the first time in 32 long years. Their loyal fans are hoping for a Cinderella story that will be talked about for generations. On the West Coast, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is still chasing that elusive Super Bowl victory. Can he finally secure the Lombardi Trophy and etch his name in NFL history? And let's not forget the Dallas Cowboys, a heavyweight franchise that hasn't graced the NFC title game since 1996. Will 2023 be the year they break the drought and make a triumphant return to the big stage?

These storylines are just the tip of the iceberg for what promises to be a season filled with twists, turns, and unforgettable moments. As we gear up for another thrilling NFL season, one thing is clear: 2023 is going to be an absolute rollercoaster ride of football drama that we won't want to miss!

Here are my way too early playoff predictions:

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AFC:

1 Seed- Kansas City Chiefs: The reigning AFC champions, the Chiefs, are once again the team to beat. With Patrick Mahomes leading the charge, they're a formidable force.

2 Seed- New York Jets: Surprising, but I think the Jets secure the second seed. No bias at all.

3 Seed- Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence's 3rd year in the league is one of the most anticipated storylines. Can he elevate the Jaguars to a new level?

4 Seed- Cincinnati Bengals: After their playoff run last season ended in the AFC championship game, the Bengals are looking to build on their success. Joe Burrow and his receiving corps are a potent threat.

5- Baltimore Ravens: Always a contender with Lamar Jackson at the helm, the Ravens are hungry for another deep playoff run.

6 Seed- Buffalo Bills: The Bills, with their talented roster, are eyeing the postseason. Can they overcome the Chiefs and reach the Super Bowl?

7 Seed- Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert's development is a major storyline here. The Chargers could be a dark horse in this stacked conference.

In the wild card round, the Jets show their mettle by defeating the Chargers, the Bills advance past the Jaguars, and the Ravens prove too much for the Bengals.

Moving on to the divisional round, the Bills deliver a stunning upset by ousting the Chiefs, while the Jets continue their surprising run by defeating the Ravens.

In the AFC Championship game, the Jets and Bills engage in an epic battle, with the Jets prevailing and earning their ticket to the Super Bowl.

NFC:

1 Seed- Dallas Cowboys: America's Team is back with high expectations. Dak Prescott and the Cowboys look to make a statement.

2 Seed- San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers are eager to return to Super Bowl contention. Their dynamic offense and staunch defense make them a formidable opponent.

3 Seed- Detroit Lions: A dark horse emerges from the NFC North. The Lions, led by an inspired Jared Goff, look to turn their fortunes around.

4 Seed- New Orleans Saints: Post-Drew Brees, the Saints are in a rebuilding phase. But don't count them out entirely; Derek Carr works magic.

5 Seed- Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts and the Eagles aim to win it all this postseason.

6 Seed- Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings have been on the cusp for years. Could this be the season they break through?

7 Seed- New York Giants: The Giants sneak into the playoffs as the seventh seed. Can they surprise everyone?

In the wild card round, the 49ers assert their dominance over the Giants, the Lions overcome the Vikings, and the Eagles will crush the Saints.

The divisional round sees the Eagles pull off a stunning upset by defeating the Cowboys, while the 49ers prove too much for the Lions.

In the NFC Championship game, the 49ers and Eagles clash in a memorable battle, with the 49ers emerging victorious.

And now, the moment we've all been waiting for - the Super Bowl: Jets vs. 49ers. It's an exciting matchup, featuring the surprise team of the season against a perennial contender. In a thrilling game, the New York Jets pull off the ultimate underdog victory, winning Super Bowl 2023.

I genially think the Jets will win the super bowl. They have the weapons, experience, leadership and coaching to do it. Whether they fulfill their potential remains to be seen.

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Predicting the 2023 NFL Awards

A Year of Surprises and Standouts. It's that time of year when predictions and speculations run wild, especially when it comes to the coveted NFL awards. Here are my predictions:

MVP: Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

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The MVP race is always an exciting one, with Patrick Mahomes typically at the forefront. However, in an effort to spice things up a bit, I'm predicting a second MVP win for Lamar Jackson. Jackson's dynamic style of play, coupled with his proven ability to win this award before, makes him a compelling choice. If the Ravens' passing game undergoes successful reconstruction, Jackson could once again establish himself as the league's greatest dual-threat quarterback.

Offensive Player of the Year: Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings

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The Offensive Player of the Year award often goes to the player who racks up impressive stats. While Tyreek Hill may have aspirations of reaching 2,000 receiving yards, I'm leaning towards Justin Jefferson. He's not only the NFL's best receiver but also one of the most complete. Jefferson's ability to make big plays and consistently perform at a high level makes him a strong contender for this award.

Defensive Player of the Year: Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys

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The Dallas defense is poised to be a dominant force under the guidance of Dan Quinn, and Micah Parsons is primed for league-wide recognition. Parsons has the versatility and disruptive playstyle that can rival recent DPOY winners like T.J. Watt, and Nick Bosa. Despite his young age and position-switching, he's long overdue for this honor and could even challenge Aaron Donald's title as the best NFL defender.

Coach of the Year: Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions

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It's a bold prediction, but Dan Campbell's infectious enthusiasm and the Lions' potential to win a division they haven't conquered in decades make him a compelling choice for Coach of the Year. FanDuel's favorite, Campbell, has a chance to prove that anything is possible in the NFL.

Comeback Player of the Year: Damar Hamlin, Buffalo Bills

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This might be the easiest prediction of them all. Damar Hamlin's return to the NFL after a life-threatening scare last season is a heartwarming story. Regardless of whether he plays a snap for the Bills, his journey is a triumph in itself, and the Comeback Player of the Year award seems destined for him.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons

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While rookie quarterbacks often garner attention, I'm looking at a different direction. Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons is my pick. The cool and innovative ways the Falcons use Robinson could set him apart. After all, Offensive Rookies of the Year are usually QBs or standout skill players, and Robinson fits the "cool" category.

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Will Anderson, Houston Texans

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Filling up the stat sheet is essential in the race for Defensive Rookie of the Year, and Will Anderson of the Houston Texans is set to do just that. As a day one starter for the Texans, his athleticism and ability to make plays on all three downs make him a strong contender for this prestigious award.

In the ever-unpredictable world of the NFL, these predictions are sure to keep us on our toes throughout the 2023 season. Whether these selections hold true or not, one thing is for certain: the upcoming NFL season promises to be filled with thrilling moments, jaw-dropping plays, and unforgettable performances that will keep us all on the edge of our seats. Let the games begin!