How will the AFC stack up in 2023? We have you covered with our AFC power rankings. Which team will battle the Chiefs for the top spot and which team is in for a miserable 2023.
1. Kansas City Chiefs – Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid, Travis Kelce. Need I say more. To be successful in the NFL you have to have a talented and experienced QB and Coach. Continuity is so vital in success. As long as Mahomes and Reid are coach and QB expect the Chiefs to always be at the top or near the top of the NFL. One thing to look at is the loss of Eric Bieniemy and the impact that will have.
2. Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow like fine wine has got better and better each year. His ability to play well in big games make the Bengals an easy choice for #2 in my power rankings.
3. Buffalo Bills – This was a tough one because I could had them at #2 or even #1. Josh Allen is a top tier QB with a solid core around him. Could this be the year they win it all? It very well could be especially if Buffalo has home field advantage.
4. Baltimore Ravens – Man, the Ravens on paper look really really good. They’ve added weapons and Lamar is back! If their defense plays well look for them to be in the AFC Championship or Super Bowl this year.
5. Miami Dolphins – The Dolphins have all the talent in the world. They have a track team on offense and a QB that has shown flashes of brilliance. The issue is the tough division their in and can they stay healthy. Even with that their still deserving of a #5 ranking.
6. Los Angeles Chargers – Justin Herbert has shown he belongs in the NFL and that he’s a force to be reckoned with. The Chargers have a solid defense and of course Austin Ekeler. I expect them to split with the Chiefs this year and probably be a Wild-Card team.
7. New York Jets – Aaron Rodgers is in the AFC, watch out AFC East!! I don’t love the Jets this year and I know they had a great year last year with a mediocre QB but I need to see it to believe it. Aaron Rodgers can still play at a high level I just don’t trust the “Jets” just yet. Even with that they deserve a top 10 ranking because of all their talent on both sides of the ball.
8. New England Patriots – This ranking seems about right there a team that won’t wow you maybe 9-8 or 8-9 but they do have Bill Belichick along with a decent defense. They play in a really tough division which is why I expect them around .500. Rumor has it Deandre Hopkins could be coming, and that would bump them up maybe a rank or two.
9. Tennessee Titans – Titans are always solid and especially when you have Derek Henry. Ryan Tannehill has shown he can sling the ball as well as manage the offense in an effective manner. With Vrabel at the helm, they will always have a tough defense.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars – The Jaguars could be higher than this, but this is a credit to how good the AFC is. I like this team just not better than the others.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers – What should we expect from Kenny Pickett this year? He played well at times last year but he needs to be more consistent. The Steelers will need another good year from Najee Harris and they need their receivers to show up too. Like the Patriots expect them to hover around .500 especially when they play in the AFC North where the Ravens and Bengals are.
12. Denver Broncos – Russell Wilson struggled last year mightily! I expect him to bounce back but still struggle at times. Let’s face it, he’s not the same QB he was in Seattle.
13. Las Vegas Raiders – No more Derek Carr. Jimmy G is in town with McDaniel’s as head coach. I expect them to hold their own but not make the playoffs.
14. Indianapolis Colts – Colts have a new coach in town and Gardner Minshew at QB. Look for them to hover around .500, don’t expect them to make the playoffs.
15. Cleveland Browns – Does Deshaun Watson bounce back this year? I believe the Browns will be better but still struggle among a pretty tough division.
16. Houston Texans – There’s a lot to be excited about in Houston. They have a new coach and drafted a bright young QB. Expect them to struggle this year but the future is looking good.
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