The NFL offseason is manufactured, packaged hope.

As quickly as one Tremendous Bowl ends, all 32 fan bases begin speaking themselves into the notion that subsequent 12 months shall be their 12 months, or within the case of 1 fanbase, that subsequent 12 months will once more be their 12 months. If their favourite Staff simply drafts the best gamers and/or provides the best free brokers, then the Lombardi Trophy awaits.

Nonetheless, whereas all 32 groups imagine they’ve a shot at glory, the truth is one thing completely different. Some groups have a greater shot than others. Some groups will see these Tremendous Bowl desires fade within the fall, others may need to attend till the winter to see these hopes dashed, and in the long run, only one staff will savor that final glory, leaving 31 different groups hoping anew.

Listed below are the 32 groups, ranked by their Tremendous Bowl possibilities earlier than the season begins.

32. Arizona Cardinals

Are the Arizona Cardinals tanking?

As a result of it definitely feels just like the Arizona Cardinals are tanking.

The staff lately traded away former first-round choice Isaiah Simmons (getting a seventh-round decide in return) in addition to sort out Josh Jones. Jones was not projected to be within the beginning lineup, and Simmons by no means fairly materialized into the do-it-all defensive weapon many thought he can be within the NFL.

Nonetheless, these strikes, together with a few of their draft-time trades, have observers believing the Cardinals are getting set to regulate the 2024 NFL Draft.

Which doesn’t bode effectively for his or her ideas concerning the 2023 season itself.

31. Los Angeles Rams

Look on the brilliant facet: USC QB Caleb Williams received’t need to journey far for his subsequent dwelling.

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Congratulations, Baker Mayfield is your quarterback.

I’m so, so sorry that Baker Mayfield is your quarterback.

The Buccaneers limped into the playoffs with Tom Brady and I don’t understand how we are able to count on them to bounce again with Baker main them. There’s a lot expertise on this roster that may win proper now, however they’re missing pop at a very powerful place in soccer. This 12 months is about throwing stuff on the wall and seeing what is going to stick, however time will inform if holding on the current and delaying a rebuild shall be a long-term mistake for Tampa Bay.

29. Houston Texans

The Texans and the Colts discover themselves in practically the identical spot. Each usher in first 12 months head coaches who squared off within the NFC title sport (Shane Steichen for the Colts, Demeco Ryans for the Texans), have rookie QBs beginning (CJ Stroud for Houston, Anthony Richardson for the Colts) and have the bones to be aggressive in a number of years. Houston already has an excellent sort out duo in Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard, and including Shaq Mason on the inside ought to assist insulate Stroud early. Dameon Pierce is a enjoyable RB who will preserve that Offense buzzing, and the staff loves Nico Collins, John Metchie and rookie WR Tank Dell. Robert Woods being the OG within the room needs to be a profit.

Defensively, they’re very gifted. Security Jalen Pitre is a budding star who ought to thrive in Ryans’ protection, and pairing him with Jimmie Ward provides them a enjoyable security duo. Derek Stingley Jr. was misplaced amongst all of the Sauce Gardner hype, but when he stays wholesome he needs to be good. Oh yeah, and the Texans traded as much as draft Will Anderson, the perfect participant within the 2023 NFL Draft class. He’s a constructing block for the Texans’ protection, and has already made performs this preseason. They’re not going to make the playoffs 12 months one, however they need to be aggressive, with 2024 being the start of the run.

28. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers aren’t all for being informed this 12 months is about incremental enchancment and a gradual rebuild. As an alternative they’ve made it clear they’re going for it proper now.

It’s simple to neglect that Carolina have been a 7-10 staff preventing for a playoff spot till the ultimate weeks of the season, even after buying and selling away Christian McCaffrey and counting on Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold at QB. It’s this staff’s perception that they will contend within the convention proper now with Bryce Younger below heart.

Big questions stay relating to the Panthers’ weapons. Outdoors of a dearth of expertise at receiver, there’s loads to love about this staff. Miles Sanders was a superb stop-gap pickup at RB, and whereas they’ll completely miss the top-end expertise of D.J. Moore on the surface, they did an honest job in free company by including Adam Thielen, D.J. Chark and Hayden Hurst to present Younger somebody to throw to.

In consequence Carolina appears like a staff that might win 11 video games and runaway with the NFC South, or be a sub-.500 staff filled with hubris for believing they may win so shortly. It doesn’t really feel like there’s a lot in between for the Panthers.

27. Chicago Bears

The Bears have nowhere to go however up after ending with the worst document within the NFL final season. Chicago’s future hinges on quarterback Justin Fields, who proved to be some of the dynamic working QBs ever in his first 12 months as a starter, however nonetheless must show he will be an NFL-quality passer. Chicago made huge strikes to improve the receiving corps by swinging trades for each D.J. Moore and Chase Claypool, however the offensive line stays a serious query mark with a number of key starters going through accidents with Week 1 on the horizon. The Bears’ protection needs to be improved after an offseason splurge to enhance the linebackers by signing Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, however the line of defense might battle each dashing the passer and stopping the run. Nobody is anticipating the Bears to win the Tremendous Bowl this 12 months coming off a three-win season, however competing round .500 can be a welcomed step ahead. Assuming the road can preserve him upright, Fields lastly has the weapons to point out he’s extra than simply the perfect working QB alive.

26. Atlanta Falcons

That is the put up or shut up 12 months for the Falcons’ latest draft technique. It actually all comes all the way down to what Desmond Ridder is ready to do (if something). The NFC South is vast open in 2023, and actually anybody might win the division with each staff in some part of rebuilding.

Ridder is the wild card right here. Deciding to go on Justin Fields to take Kyle Pitts in 2021 shall be an iconic draft resolution, however one which’s washed away if Ridder performs effectively. The identical will be mentioned for taking Bijan Robinson at No. 8 this 12 months, and leaving Will Levis to plummet to the second spherical.

There’s nothing functionally fallacious with both participant. In reality, each Pitts and Robinson might outline the NFL at their place over the subsequent 5-7 years. That mentioned, there’s been a surprising lack of organizational consciousness relating to quarterback, and the Falcons have received video games despite their QB play, not due to it. Successful cures all, nevertheless it’s actually shaky to have an excessive amount of confidence in Atlanta this 12 months due to who’s below heart.

25. Tennessee Titans

The Titans are a bizarre staff. On the brilliant facet, they’re coached arduous by Mike Vrabel, will all the time play powerful, and have some of the fearsome defensive strains within the NFL, led by Jeffrey Simmons and Denico Autry. Offensively, Derrick Henry continues to be Derrick Henry, and now you add Deandre Hopkins to the combination and there’s one thing there.

Nonetheless, the offensive line continues to be an enormous work in progress. First spherical decide Peter Skoronski takes over at guard, however Andre Dillard is hoping be a reclamation mission at left sort out, and their proper sort out was suspended for the primary 4 video games of the season as part of the NFL’s probe into playing. Not a fantastic combine, particularly contemplating QB Ryan Tannehill is 36 years previous coming off ankle surgical procedure, knocking his mobility down a bit. This staff might push the Jaguars within the division, or it might be one of many worst groups within the league. We’re simply not too positive.

24. Washington Commanders

Dan Snyder is out because the proprietor in Washington.

Which you could possibly argue improves their Tremendous Bowl odds virtually in a single day.

This can be a pivotal 12 months for head coach Ron Rivera, who has put the offense within the palms of second-year quarterback Sam Howell. However with Eric Bieniemy calling the photographs, the offense might present extra creativity and explosiveness than it did a 12 months in the past. The NFC East appears to be one of many more durable divisions in soccer, however with the Commanders having simply missed out on the playoffs final season, a run to the postseason isn’t out of the query.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers

There appears to be some buzz constructing across the Pittsburgh Steelers.

We all know what this staff will be on the defensive facet of the soccer. Pittsburgh is stout up entrance, led by T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, and Alex Highsmith, contemporary off signing a brand new contract. However their offense is intriguing and is likely to be on the forefront of a scheme shift within the NFL.

Contemplate this: The Steelers added Allen Robinson through free company, and drafted Darnell Washington out of Georgia. Whereas rookie tight ends are sometimes troublesome to depend on, Pittsburgh has laid the muse for an offense that can lean closely into 12 personnel, two tight finish appears. That package deal, consisting of Robinson and George Pickens on the surface, Pat Freiermuth and Washington on the tight finish spots, and Najee Harris within the backfield, might pose issues for defenses.

Add into that Kenny Pickett taking a step ahead in 12 months two, and also you may need one thing right here.

22. Las Vegas Raiders

As preseason video games wind down, a wholesome share of Las Vegas Raiders followers are clamoring for rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell to get vital taking part in time this season.

Okay our work is completed right here.

21. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts are within the strategy of rebuilding their staff after final 12 months’s debacle, and all of it facilities round one man: QB Anthony Richardson. The Colts’ first spherical draft decide will want reps and endurance (solely performed 13 video games on the College of Florida), however he’s already displaying his tantalizing potential and expertise. Round Richardson is a pleasant assortment of expertise, together with first 12 months head coach Shane Steichen, who comes from the Philadelphia Eagles. Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce are two good, younger wideouts, and if Jonathan Taylor truly needs to be there, then this offense will be very enjoyable.

Defensively, they’re going to be very younger at vital spots. The positives are that DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart and Shaquille Leonard nonetheless roam the entrance seven, with Zaire Franklin on his solution to changing into a star. They’ll want extra from EDGE Kwity Paye, however they nonetheless have expertise up entrance. The secondary shall be taking part in a variety of younger guys, particularly on the surface, however that’s anticipated. The Colts simply want to point out proof of idea this 12 months, then in 2024 get able to compete.

20. Denver Broncos

As a part of our in depth NFL Preview this season, our writers are tackling quite a lot of matters. James Dator is diving into the “State of the NFL,” Mark Schofield is looking at Lamar Jackson within the new Ravens offense, and our personal Joseph Acosta is tackling this query:

Is Russell Wilson cooked?

Now, possibly Wilson’s finest days should not behind him. Possibly Sean Payton can information Wilson to a rebound after a disastrous 2022 season. Possibly the brand new head coach is correct, in that Wilson and the Broncos endured a brutal teaching job a season in the past and that with the best stewardship, every little thing shall be mounted in Denver this season.

Then once more.

Possibly he’s fallacious.

Possibly Wilson is cooked.

19. New England Patriots

Invoice Belichick appears to be placing collectively one of many extra gifted defenses within the NFL this season. The Patriots reached a brand new take care of Matthew Judon, preserving the go rusher on the town for a number of extra years, they added Christian Gonzalez, who appears like he was in-built a lab to play cornerback for Belichick, they usually have versatility in any respect three ranges of their protection.

This can be a unit constructed to maintain the Patriots in video games.

The larger query, nonetheless, is whether or not the offense shall be ok below third-year quarterback Mac Jones to win these video games.

18. New Orleans Saints

Is Derek Carr sufficient to take a 7-10 Saints staff and win the NFC South? Sure, sure he’s. That’s the state of the division proper now.

New Orleans did a variety of work past Carr to assemble the perfect win-now staff they may contemplating the circumstances. They misplaced some worthwhile free brokers, signed some others, and the top result’s that they really feel loads just like the Saints of previous. The distinction is that Carr would possibly have the ability to extract extra manufacturing out of Chris Olave (who was phenomenal his rookie season) and probably get Michael Thomas again within the combine.

If both (or each) of these issues occurs due to Carr this staff is a protected lock to be eradicated of their first playoff sport.

17. Inexperienced Bay Packers

The rumors of the Packers’ demise would possibly’ve been tremendously exaggerated. Inexperienced Bay traded away franchise QB Aaron Rodgers this offseason, turning over the keys to the offense to Jordan Love, a QB who we’ve seen little or no of. Nonetheless, within the restricted time that he’s performed, he confirmed progress that makes the Packers assured in what they’ve in quantity 10. Outdoors of QB, this offense is younger on the talent positions, with Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed all being rookies or second-year gamers. The Packers drafted two tight ends again to again in Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft, and whenever you mix that with how efficient that RB pairing of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon is, you may have the method for an offense that may win the division. They want the offensive line to remain wholesome, however there’s motive for optimism.

Defensively, this staff is extraordinarily gifted. Six first spherical picks litter the beginning lineup on that facet of the ball, not together with 2023 rookie Lukas Van Ness and CB Eric Stokes, who’s on the PUP listing. Nonetheless, final 12 months was a battle for them, ending twenty seventh within the NFL in Success Price. Nonetheless, there’s extra optimism that with a staff this gifted, they will get again to being a formidable group within the NFL.

Possibly Love is the man for Inexperienced Bay. Possibly GM Brian Gutekunst was proper all alongside. We’ll see.

16. New York Giants

The Giants would possibly truly be kinda good? Ending 9-7-1 didn’t encourage a ton of confidence a 12 months in the past, however there’s loads to love about this staff. Brian Daboll is the actual deal at coach, and whereas the choice to pony up huge cash for Daniel Jones might be a long-term mistake (Learn: It’s a long-term mistake), additionally they made some actually sensible strikes within the offseason.

Deonte Banks goes to be a giant addition to the secondary this season for the G-Males and Jalin Hyatt provides one other weapon for Jones. The signing of Bobby Okereke is one which flies below the radar, however he provides the staff an organizational power within the center they’ve been sorely missing.

It’s too early to have a lot postseason confidence within the Giants simply but, however there’s one thing about this staff that actually might shock contemplating the Cowboys elected to spin their tires a bit this offseason.

15. Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings pulled off a seemingly not possible activity final season: they completed 13-4 whereas being out-scored by their opponents. The Vikings’ thrilling common season outlined by final second victories gave solution to a predictable playoff end result — a gap playoff loss to the New York Giants that noticed QB Kirk Cousins unfathomably test down on a 4th-and-8 to finish their season. Even Vikings’ entrance workplace wasn’t fooled by the common season document, apparently, as a result of the offseason noticed the staff let go a number of long-time veterans, together with edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, RB Dalvin Cook dinner, WR Adam Thielen, and LB Eric Kendricks. The Vikings ought to nonetheless have a puncher’s likelihood taking part in in a completely uninspiring NFC North, however this principally appears like a staff in transition. The offense might be actually good with Cousins throwing passes to Justin Jefferson, who simply is likely to be the perfect receiver within the sport right now, in addition to TJ Hockenson and first spherical rookie Jordan Addison. The protection is a giant query mark, significantly within the backfield, nevertheless it’s not like they need to face established QBs within the division. The Vikings badly want a plan for locating their QB of the long run, nevertheless it’s arduous to count on them to be dangerous sufficient to get a excessive draft decide. As an alternative, it is a basic Kirk Cousins staff: profitable and shedding on a razor’s margin week-by-week, extra doubtless than to not be caught within the center.

14. Seattle Seahawks

Final summer time, each media outlet believed that the Seattle Seahawks have been in the midst of a rebuild.

The Seahawks, nonetheless, spent final summer time attempting to persuade anybody who would hear that they have been a a lot, a lot better staff than believed.

They have been proper, as Seattle put collectively a slightly surprising run to the playoffs. Led by Geno Smith, the NFL’s Comeback Participant of the Yr, the Seahawks crashed the postseason celebration.

Seattle is not going to sneak up on anybody this 12 months, however they is likely to be able to make a fair deeper run than they did a season in the past. Armed with the draft capital from the Russell Wilson commerce, the Seahawks added a pair of gifted gamers within the first spherical of the 2023 NFL Draft: Jaxon Smith-Njigba on offense and Devon Witherspoon on protection.

Make no mistake, the Seahawks are for actual.

13. Detroit Lions

All hail the Detroit Lions, winners of the NFL offseason and laying stake to the declare of being the true, “America’s Crew”. Sure, your entire world is behind this 12 months being the 12 months of the Lions lastly profitable the division and returning to the playoffs for the primary time since 2016, and all of it begins on the offensive line. The group led by burgeoning celebrity RT Penei Sewell is dominant in each facet of the sport, however they will get after groups within the run sport. Add first spherical RB Jahmyr Gibbs and star WR Amon-Ra St. Brown on high of that and you’ve got an offense that might crack the highest ten within the NFL. Defensively, they’re younger and have room for progress, but when go rusher Aidan Hutchinson can turn into a real power towards the go then there’s room for optimism. New security Brian Department is already making waves in minicamp, and CJ Gardner-Johnson brings an edge to the DB room that they haven’t had shortly.

In the end, how far this staff goes lies on the best arm of Jared Goff. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson did an excellent job of coaxing him into attacking the center of the sphere extra, to nice success, however for this offense to take off he needs to be higher in true dropback conditions. Can Goff try this? It’s but to be seen, however Lions followers are optimistic, for the primary time in what appears like ages.

12. Los Angeles Chargers

If Kellen Moore, the brand new Chargers’ Offensive Coordinator, can unlock the huge potential of Justin Herbert by means of an explosive, downfield passing sport, the Chargers would possibly lastly stay as much as the annual expectations heaped on them by these of us within the media house.

If not, then Moore together with head coach Brandon Staley is likely to be on the lookout for new jobs come wintertime.

In that state of affairs, nonetheless, these two coaches can take coronary heart in figuring out that Boltman will doubtless be there to pay his respects to their careers.

11. Cleveland Browns

The Browns is likely to be the NFL’s greatest query mark of a staff. Are they gifted? Completely. Amari Cooper continues to be among the finest vast receivers within the sport, and Nick Chubb is, for my cash, the perfect working again within the sport. Add in a gifted protection led by celebrity EDGE Myles Garrett and this staff needs to be good.

Ought to, nonetheless, doesn’t win video games. And this Browns staff shall be taken so far as their QB will take them. QB Deshaun Watson performed poorly in his first six video games following his suspension for alleged sexual harassment, however the offense shall be schemed round his strengths as a passer and a runner, so the hope is the offense will get up to the mark.

Nicely, it higher, or else that’s $230 million totally assured going in direction of one other misplaced Browns season.

10. Dallas Cowboys

It’s Dallas. We’ve executed this dance earlier than. The Cowboys are ceaselessly locked in a cycle the place they perpetually look higher on paper than they present when the chips are down. This can be a common season monster who turns right into a kitten within the playoffs, and it’s troublesome to see the place something modified from final season to this one.

Brandin Cooks is an honest pickup so as to add to the offense. Outdoors of that it’s actually been about circling the wagons for future monetary solvency (aka, chopping Ezekiel Elliot). Is that this staff higher than a 12 months in the past? I don’t assume so. Are they higher coached than a 12 months in the past? Nicely, they misplaced Kellen Moore, so not likely.

I don’t actually get what the plan is to get this staff over the hump, which makes it troublesome to be bullish on them.

9. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are persistently among the finest groups within the AFC, and this 12 months shouldn’t change that. All eyes are on QB Lamar Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who comes from the College of Georgia to run the Ravens offense. Early returns have been good, however the subsequent step for Jackson and the Ravens is unlocking the receiving core. By including rookie wideout Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr, the offense ought to get again to the electrifying one we all know with Jackson on the helm.

Defensively, the Ravens quietly put collectively an excellent season. They’re versatile within the secondary, and first 12 months DC Mike MacDonald put collectively a tricky and quick unit. LB Roquan Smith is likely one of the finest within the sport, and his presence unlocked many of the different defenders on the staff. What’ll assist the Ravens go from good to nice is how a lot they will get out of their go rush. We’re nonetheless ready on the Odafe Oweh breakout, and David Ojabo is getting back from a critical Achilles damage suffered through the draft course of final 12 months.

If all of the items come collectively, the Ravens shall be not solely contenders within the division, however the AFC as effectively.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars are the speak of the city after profitable the AFC South and upsetting the Los Angeles Chargers in among the finest comebacks in NFL historical past final season, then including former Professional Bowl WR Calvin Ridley to the combination this offseason. QB Trevor Lawrence started his ascent into the highest ten QB membership, with Doug Pederson pulling the strings behind an offense that extraordinarily environment friendly. With the deepest talent place group in franchise historical past, the offense shall be excessive powered for the primary time since Jimmy Smith, Mark Brunell and Keenan McCardell donned the teal and black.

Nonetheless, there are causes for concern. The offensive line depth has taken main hits within the offseason, in addition to beginning LT Cam Robinson being suspended for the primary 4 video games of the season because of a violation of the NFL’s PED guidelines. What was as soon as a power now has turn into an enormous challenge, and might be a long run drawback if not addressed accurately. The protection nonetheless has rising to do, however in an AFC South with out a lot true competitors, the Jaguars ought to proceed their ascent into the NFL’s elite.

7. Miami Dolphins

This was a playoff staff a 12 months in the past, and with a wholesome Tua Tagovailoa for your entire season, the Dolphins might be greater than only a playoff staff.

They might be a staff that makes a deep run into the postseason.

Tagovailoa’s well being shall be an enormous story for the Dolphins this season, but when they’ve him working level of their offense for your entire season, this Miami staff goes to attain factors in bunches.

And make life troublesome for opposing defenses.

That could be a recipe for wins in right now’s NFL.