Before Week 1, let's evaluate all 32 NFL teams in the 2023 Power Rankings.

After their victory in the Super Bowl, the Kansas City Chiefs have secured the top spot in the initial 2023 NFL power rankings. However, their position may be subject to change following their loss to Detroit in the season opener. Without key players Chris Jones and Travis Kelce, the Chiefs faced a setback. Before Week 1, let's take a closer look at the power rankings for all the teams in the NFL.

2023 NFL power rankings: Worst NFL teams right now

32. Arizona Cardinals

Previously: 29th in NFL power rankings

The Arizona Cardinals are the worst team in the NFL and it’s not close. Quite frankly, Arizona has a shot at only winning two games next season. A bottom-three defense paired with an offense led by Colt McCoy at quarterback for half the 2023 season, that’s a recipe to land the No. 1 pick in 2024. If that happens, Kyler Murray can hit the trade block. As if the Cardinals weren’t already bad enough, they gave away DeAndre Hopkins for free. Do not watch Arizona’s games this season.

31. Los Angeles Rams

Previously: 27th in NFL power rankings

The Los Angeles Rams are officially in a rebuild and it couldn’t come at a better time. The Rams will have the worst defense in 2023 and even with Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp on the field, wins will be rare at SoFi Stadium. Fortunately, every loss puts Sean McVay one step closer to landing an elite quarterback prospect to build his offense around in 2024.

30. Indianapolis Colts

Previously: 29th in NFL power rankings

Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson showed flashes in the preseason, but there were also plenty of moments when he looked like the unfinished Florida Gators star. The Colts are already dealing with injuries to the offensive line and Richardson’s one elite offensive weapon – Jonathan Taylor – is out indefinitely. A bottom-10 defense with a rookie head coach and a first-year quarterback with a bottom-10 supporting cast around him. That’s why the Colts will be one of the worst NFL teams in 2023.

29. Houston Texans

Previously: 32nd in NFL power rankings

Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud displayed improvement as he gained more experience in the preseason, even with the offensive line not fully healthy. We also have high expectations for this defense under first-year coach DeMeco Ryans. With that said, trading a 2024 first-round pick is going to prove to be a mistake when the Texans finish near the bottom of the standings once again.

28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Previously: 25th in NFL power rankings

If you remove quarterback and offensive line from the equation, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster is good enough to rank inside the top 20 of our 2023 NFL power rankings. Unfortunately for the Bucs, that’s not how football works. Mayfield will once again prove to be one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the NFL, especially behind this offensive line.

27. Chicago Bears

Previously: 30th in NFL power rankings

The buzz surrounding quarterback Justin Fields and wide receiver D.J. Moore this summer was extremely promising and we have every reason to believe this offense will take a significant step forward in 2023. However, the Chicago Bears offensive line is already dealing with injuries and this team still projects to have one of the worst defenses in the league. Chicago earned a bump in the 2023 NFL power rankings before Week 1, but it still has a long way to go.

26. Las Vegas Raiders

Previously: 24th in NFL power rankings

Jimmy Garoppolo might execute the fundamentals for Josh McDaniels, but there’s still very reason to believe in the Las Vegas Raiders heading into next season. Las Vegas was one of the most poorly-coached teams in 2022, blowing double-digit leads and collapsing in the fourth quarter. The Raiders also have one of the worst defenses in football. There’s nothing to feel confident in regarding this team’s projection in 2023.

NFL power rankings 2023: On the bubble

25. Denver Broncos

Previously: 23rd in NFL power rankings

Sean Payton will get whatever he can out of Russell Wilson, which should lead to a few more wins in 2023 than we saw last season. However, this still isn’t one of the more talented teams in the AFC and with the top of the conference loaded, Denver will likely get pushed around this fall.

24. Tennessee Titans

Previously: 23rd in NFL power rankings

It’s been a bit of an odd offseason for the Tennessee Titans. They cut ties with several starters then put both Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry on the trade block, signaling a rebuild. However, Henry and Tannehill will be on the field in Week 1 and DeAndre Hopkins now gives Tennessee three solid pass-catching weapons. While we still don’t view Tennessee as a viable threat to win the division, the Titans have earned their ascension in the NFL power rankings.

23. Atlanta Falcons

Previously: 24th in NFL power rankings

Keep an eye on the Atlanta Falcons. While drafting Bijan Robinson is an example of poor use of draft capital, he will immediately be one of the best running backs in the NFL and Arthur Smith will build the offense around him. In addition to Robinson, Atlanta boasts exciting weapons in Drake London and Kyle Pitts, all with a top-10 offensive line and an upgraded defense. Add in that the Falcons have one of the easiest strength of schedules in the NFL and this team could legitimately win the NFC South.

22. Washington Commanders

Previously: 21st in NFL power rankings

Don’t sleep on the Washington Commanders. If Jacoby Brissett wins the starting job, he’ll fit perfectly into the Eric Bieniemy offense and that should translate into far more frequent red-zone scores than we saw in previous years. Add on a top-12 defense and the Commanders are a good team, but there are simply a lot better clubs out there.

21. New England Patriots

Previously: 20th in NFL power rankings

One thing is for certain, the New England Patriots are going to have excellent defense in 2023. With Rhamondre Stevenson, one of the best running backs in football, New England should also be quite effective at controlling the pace of games and keeping matchups close. However, there remain significant concerns at quarterback. Mac Jones plays to the talent around him, he was never going to be the star quarterback who makes his receivers look better than they are. Considering the Patriots’ receiving corps is one of the worst in the NFL and this offensive line is shaky, we have major questions with this passing offense. Ultimately, New England has a relatively high floor but there’s a low ceiling, too.

20. Carolina Panthers

Previously: 19th in NFL power rankings

Heading into training camp, the Carolina Panthers offensive line appeared to be a source of confidence for this organization. After a few preseason games and joint practices, there are now fears Carolina’s pass protection and run blocking could be among the league’s worst in 2023. A bad offensive line with a below-average receiving corps is the worst-case scenario for Bryce Young. He could overcome it, but we need to see it first.

2023 NFL power rankings: Playoff threats

19. Green Bay Packers

Previously: 22nd in NFL power rankings

It’s important not to come away from the NFL preseason with massive conclusions and judgments, those are exhibition games when teams aren’t showing much. However, it looked like the Green Bay Packers have one of the best and deepest offensive lines in the NFL. Plus, there’s more speed at the skill positions than ever before and Matt LaFleur finally gets to run the more innovative system that Aaron Rodgers was opposed to. If quarterback Jordan Love shows the same poise, smart decision-making and playmaking that he did in the preseason, the Packers have a shot at double-digit wins and will surge in the NFL power rankings.

18. New Orleans Saints

Previously: 18th in NFL power rankings

The New Orleans Saints have the easiest schedule in 2023 and that has a lot to do with where they land in the NFL power rankings. However, New Orleans also gets this recognition because of its history of excellence defensively and the weapons it has now put around veteran quarterback Derek Carr. We wouldn’t expect the Saints to win a playoff game in January, but winning the NFC South and hosting a Wild Card game is doable.

17. New York Giants

Previously: 16th in NFL power rankings

The New York Giants are essentially running it back with the same team we saw in 2023, albeit with some additions. There’s no denying the buzz surrounding Darren Waller, who will be the focal point of this passing offense, but let’s not forget his durability issues. We also need to wait and see if the Giants’ cornerbacks can hold their own when facing top competition. New York is solid, but we’d bet against the Giants making the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers

Previously: 20th in NFL power rankings

It all comes down to Kenny Pickett. If he takes a second-year leap, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be a playoff team. They addressed holes on both sides of the ball, which should translate to a top-10 defense and a higher-scoring offense. Pair that with Mike Tomlin, who has still never had a losing season, you’ve got reasons for optimism in Pittsburgh.

15. Minnesota Vikings

Previously: 14th in NFL power rankings

It all comes down to the Minnesota Vikings defense. In terms of efficiency, Alexander Mattison should have no issue replicating Dalvin Cook’s role in the offense. Minnesota also upgraded at WR2 with Jordan Addison and Kirk Cousins proved last season he can win close games. With that said, there are far too many questions in the secondary to comfortably bet on the Vikings in 2023.

14. Detroit Lions

Previously: 11th in NFL power rankings

A strong showing by the Detroit Lions in the NFL Kickoff Game captured why they are the favorites in the NFC North. Jahmyr Gibbs had a reduced workload, with Detroit easing him in, but the explosiveness he showed puts him in elite company even in the NFL. Offensively, it would still benefit the Lions to have a No. 2 receiver or a vertical threat, but this is still an above-average offense. Defensively, a better assessment can be made when the Lions face a team that has offensive weapons who aren’t actively hurting their own team.

13. Jacksonville Jaguars

Previously: 10th in NFL power rankings

There are a lot of reasons to be confident in the Jacksonville Jaguars offense. Trevor Lawrence played like an NFL MVP in the second half of the season and that was without No. 1 receiver Calvin Ridley. With a top pass-catcher for Lawrence and Tank Bigsby providing the perfect complement to Travis Etienne, this can be an electrifying attack. However, the Jaguars’ offensive line is a major source for concern and it’s realistic to think Jacksonville will have a bottom-10 defense this year. It’s for those reasons that the Jaguars can’t climb higher in the NFL power rankings.

12. Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns could be one of the NFL’s breakout teams this fall. It starts up front with one of the best offensive lines in football and the unquestioned best pure runner in the game. Supporting that is quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has demonstrated he can play at a Pro Bowl. On the other side of the ball, Myles Garrett is a perennial threat to win Defensive Player of the Year and he finally has more help on the opposite edge and in the secondary. Cleveland just needs a top-12 defense and offense to make the playoffs and there’s more upside, too.

11. Miami Dolphins

Three things keep the Miami Dolphins outside the top 10 in the NFL power rankings. First, the long-term absence of All-Pro corner Jalen Ramsey is a substantial blow for this defense in so many ways. Second, the Dolphins’ offensive line, entering the season viewed as one of the 10 worst lines in football. That’s a terrible set-up to have when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who played at an elite level at times in 2022, is legitimately one head injury away from potentiall retiring.

11. Miami Dolphins

Three things keep the Miami Dolphins outside the top 10 in the NFL power rankings. First, the long-term absence of All-Pro corner Jalen Ramsey is a substantial blow for this defense in so many ways. Second, the Dolphins’ offensive line, entering the season viewed as one of the 10 worst lines in football. That’s a terrible set-up to have when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who played at an elite level at times in 2022, is legitimately one head injury away from potentiall retiring.

NFL power rankings: Best NFL teams in 2023

10. Seattle Seahawks

What the Seattle Seahawks accomplished in 2022 wasn’t a fluke. Geno Smith was statistically one of the best quarterbacks in football in critical situations and he helped make this an elite offense. Now, Seattle possesses one of the best receiving corps in the NFL and they have a two-headed force at running back. Far more importantly for the upcoming season, the Seahawks defense should take a step forward from a bottom-10 unit to a league-average group. If that happens, don’t be surprised if Seattle makes a deep playoff run in the NFC.

9. Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers could go in a wide array of directions this season. If everything goes right and Los Angeles avoids season-changing injuries to star players, it could go to the AFC Championship Game. Then again, we haven’t ever seen this team stay healthy. What will ultimately decide whether the Chargers win playoff games or don’t even make it is Brandon Staley. History suggests Los Angeles will disappoint, but there’s a realistic possibility for a top-10 offense and defense in 2023.

8. Baltimore Ravens

It all comes down to health with the Baltimore Ravens. Ronnie Stanley, Lamar Jackson and Marlon Humphrey have all missed substantial time in the last two seasons. It’s one of the biggest reasons why Baltimore has fallen short of expectations so often. But styles make fights and the Ravens can match up with anyone in the league when everyone is available. One thing is for certain, Baltimore’s passing attack will look far better this fall than it did in the previous two years.

7. Buffalo Bills

It’s very likely this is the floor for the Buffalo Bills in our 2023 NFL power rankings. Josh Allen struggled late in the year, posting a pedestrian 87.5 quarterback rating with a 60.7 percent completion rate and 10 interceptions in his final 10 regular-season games. However, that can be attributed to the nagging elbow injury. Buffalo’s run game should take a step forward this fall, which would all but guarantee a top-3 offense. Ultimately, our concern with Buffalo is Von Miller’s immediate absence and how damaging his being sidelined hurts the pass rush and exposes the Bills’ No. 2 corner.

6. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow is on track to start in Week 1 and that’s imperative for the Cincinnati Bengals with the season opening against the Browns and Ravens. The AFC North will be a physical battle this year, though, the Bengals’ core and MVP-caliber quarterback give them the edge. If there’s one thing that will derail Cincinnati’s season, it will be an unproven secondary with a lot of inexperience that will make it more difficult for defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to execute his scheme and versatile game plans.

5. Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys can be the best NFL team in 2023 when the final whistle blows. While Dak Prescott threw a league-high 15 interceptions last season, is likely an outlier because he has the ninth-lowest interception rate in NFL history. Defensively, the additions of Mazi Smith and Stephon Gilmore filled the most two glaring needs and remove the ceiling so Dallas could have the No. 1 defense in the league. So, that leaves Mike McCarthy’s clock management and play-calling as the ultimate X-factor that determines if Dallas makes it to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since Jan. 28, 1996, or if McCarthy is fired.

4. New York Jets

It all comes down to the offensive line. If the New York Jets can protect Aaron Rodgers and his recurring calf injury doesn’t linger into the regular season, this team can hoist the Lombardi Trophy. The Jets’ defense is elite with a front seven that might close the gap with an elite secondary. Of course, the difference-maker for the Jets in 2023 is an offense that now features Rodgers, Dalvin Cook, Garrett Wilson and a healthy Breece Hall.

3. San Francisco 49ers

Put one of the 10 best quarterbacks in football under center for the San Francisco 49ers and they are No. 1 in the 2023 NFL power rankings. Brock Purdy looked sharp last season, but he also showed a few flaws that would’ve been exposed over a full season. With that said, the 49ers have the best defense in the league and Kyle Shanahan is the best offensive play-caller in recent history with a skill group that trumps everyone. If Purdy takes a step forward and key stars stay healthy, the 49ers will be Super Bowl champions.

2. Philadelphia Eagles

The reigning NFC champions bring the core back together for the 2023 season, but the Philadelphia Eagles are the first team since the 1994 San Francisco 49ers to lose both coordinators after reaching the Super Bowl. It hangs a significant question mark over this team, not to mention some of the defensive questions at linebacker and safety. With that said, a top-5 offense and top-10 defense would still make the Eagles a Super Bowl threat.

1. Kansas City Chiefs

All things considered, that could’ve been a lot worse for the Kansas City Chiefs. There aren’t any significant long-term concerns that would knock Kanas City out of the Super Bowl picture and this team nearly beat a top-12 contender despite not having its second and third-best player. With that said, Kansas City will be dropping in the Week 2 NFL power rankings because its receiving corps is worse than expected and the front office won’t bite the bullet and pay what it costs to get Chris Jones back on the field.

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