It’s sad the 2023 NFL season over.
With the 2023 season officially in the history books, we saw some NFL teams play their absolute best football such as the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens, who locked up the one seed to the playoffs, in their respective conferences. Other teams looked like they had a postseason spot on lockdown before they let it all slip away in the final moments.
Here are the final grades for all 32 NFL Teams:
Arizona Cardinals: D+
The Cardinals had themselves a very rocky season, to say the least. Even with Kyler Murray back in the lineup, the Red Birds struggled on offense. Murray needs more Pro Bowl-like wide receivers and tight ends to work with, if the Cardinals want to return to glory. Granted James Conner had a great season on the ground, rushing for over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career. The Cardinals have a lot of improvements to make in the offseason.
Atlanta Falcons: D
It was another disappointing year for the Falcons as they finished with a 7-10 record to close the 2023 season. Desmond Ridder’s inconsistent play didn’t help, by any stretch, despite having great offensive playmakers in Bijon Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. This season also cost head coach, Arthur Smith, his job after a humiliating week 18, 17-48 loss to the New Orleans Saints. However, the on bright side for the Falcons, is defensive star safety Jessie Bates III, who had six interceptions and three forced fumbles on the year and earned his first Pro Bowl appearance. The Falcons need a new head coach and quarterback, immediately, if they want to return to the playoffs.
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Baltimore Ravens: A
The Ravens finished the 2023 season in impressive style. They captured the one seed in the AFC Playoffs and have seven Pro Bowlers including Lamar Jackson. Jackson is having an MVP-like season and was graded at 90.3 according to Pro Football Focus. The Ravens’ defense is also playing lights out, with over 385 quarterback pressures on the season and dominated playoff-caliber opponents like the San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins in weeks 16 and 17 respectively. It is upwards from here for the Ravens as they enter the playoffs. The Ravens are the valedictorian team of the 2023 season!
Buffalo Bills: B-
The Bills season looked like it was going to unravel, but after their week 13 bye week, Buffalo got back on track and took first place in the AFC East from the Miami Dolphins, as well as a home playoff game. Josh Allen threw 29 touchdowns against 18 interceptions this season, and he did score 15 rushing touchdowns- the most of his career, so far. On defense, the Bills had over 1,100 tackles, 54 sacks, and 18 interceptions with Terrel Bernard having 143 tackles and Leonard Floyd having 10.5 sacks. Be very afraid of this Bills team, come playoff time.
Carolina Panthers: F
The Panthers’ disastrous 2023 season is finally over! Despite getting two wins on the year, they enter the offseason with a lot of rebuilding ahead of them. Bryce Young needs a stronger offensive line and more talented Pro Bowl-like offensive weapons to work with. Adam Thielan’s best games may be in the rear view mirror, and the Miles Sanders experiment didn’t work. Overall, the Panthers were a complete mess. Owner, David Tepper, put an exclamation point on the season when he made headlines for throwing a drink at a Jacksonville Jaguars fan. He was fined $300K for his careless actions. Will the Panthers fix everything for Bryce Young for the 2024 season? Only time will tell.
Chicago Bears: D+
Despite a rough start in the Windy City, the Bears managed to finish the season with a 7-10 record but still finished in last place. Justin Fields has been a hit-or-miss quarterback all season long, as he lacked a strong supporting cast outside of DJ Moore. On defense, the Bears managed to drastically improve when they brought in Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders via trade. Sweat is a great addition for the Bears moving forward in 2024. Another silver lining for the Bears is they have sole possession of the 2023 first-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and can potentially draft their next quarterback- if they choose to move on from Fields.
Cincinnati Bengals: C-
The Bengals had a rough end to the 2023 season as Joe Burrow went down with a season-ending wrist injury. Backup Jake Browning filled in quite nicely for Burrow, despite missing out on the playoffs. The Bengals were also 1-5 in division play and need to earn more divisional wins, in an ever-so-competitive AFC North. Head coach Zac Taylor wants to waste no time in rebuilding the team, so they can potentially return to the postseason. However, the Bengals might have to put a franchise tag on Tee Higgins and say goodbye to Joe Mixon via free agency, and find a new running back for Burrow to work with. On defense, the Bengals played fair, but need to step up the play in 2024.
Cleveland Browns: B
Despite losing Deshaun Watson for the season, the Browns brought in Joe Flacco. Flacco had a career renaissance by helping the Browns return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. David Njoku and Amari Cooper had great seasons on offense, as both men made the Pro Bowl. The Browns’ defense had a very strong season under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, as they battered and bullied opposing offenses on their way to victories. This Browns’ team is going to be a very exciting unit to watch in the playoffs, as well as, what they do in the 2024 season- if they keep the defensive unit intact.
Dallas Cowboys: B+
The Cowboys finished the 2023 season on a strong note by winning the NFC East and securing a home playoff game in the process. Dak Prescott looked great in the final games of the regular season, but the true offensive MVP for the Cowboys is CeeDee Lamb who scored 12 receiving touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns. Brandin Cooks became relevant again, as he hauled in eight touchdowns on the season and helped the Cowboys offense to victory. On defense, Micah Parsons and DaRon Bland had phenomenal seasons, as well. Don’t be surprised if this Cowboys team gets over the hump and potentially reaches the NFC Championship game and more.
Denver Broncos: D+
Despite a rocky first half to the 2023 season, the Broncos rebounded and had a nice five-game game-winning streak before it all came falling apart in their week 13 loss to the Houston Texans. The Broncos also benched Russell Wilson for Jared Stidham, due to ongoing disagreements with Sean Payton. The Bronco’s showed slight improvements in Denver’s system in the second half of the season. The Broncos’ defense also showed great signs of improvement in the second half of the season, but the rest of the team still has work to do in the offseason- if they want to return to relevance again.
Detroit Lions: B+
It has been a very special season for the Detroit Lions, as they finished with a 12-5 record as well as captured their first division title and home playoff game in 30 years. Jared Goff played very well this season along with Amon-Ra St. Brown and rookies Sam LaPorta and Jahmyr Gibbs. On defense, Aidan Hutchinson was a massive game-changer who struck fear in opposing offenses. Head coach, Dan Campbell, truly brought a strong winning culture to the Motor City this season, and certainly, for years to come.
Green Bay Packers: B-
The Packers’ season was a hit-or-miss until the very end, when the team finished in second place in the division and secured a wildcard spot in the playoffs. Jordan Love showed the world he is the new face of the Packers’ offense. He is set to lead this young team to the playoffs, despite there not being any Pro Bowl-like star power at wide receiver and tight end. The Packers’ defense held their own with 1,245 tackles and 45 sacks in the regular season. The Packers are just a few big names away from returning to the kings of the NFC North.
Houston Texans: B+
The Texans had quite the season, as rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans, and rookie offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik helped this team capture the AFC South championship and reach the playoffs. What a turn around, after a couple of seasons of mediocrity. Stroud is set to potentially win Rookie of the Year honors with his performance. Ryans set himself up as a potential Coach of the Year candidate, for all he’s done so far in Houston. Once Jimmie Ward and Tank Dell recover from their injuries for the 2024 season, look out for this team possibly becoming a playoff juggernaut.
Indianapolis Colts: C+
Despite the tough loss at the end of the season, that knocked the Colts out of playoff contention, this team battled through with backup Gardner Minshew playing very well, as Anthony Richardson recovers from his season-ending shoulder surgery. Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., and rookie Zack Moss had great seasons, as well, for the Colts’ offense. On defense, the Colts shockingly released Shaquille Leonard, after he was disappointed with his limited role with the team. Once Richardson returns to action in 2024, the Colts can potentially return to playoffs.
Jacksonville Jaguars: C-
The Jaguars had a very disappointing end to the 2023 season, as their AFC South and playoff hopes were dashed, due to a four-game losing streak from week 13 to 17 respectively. Add to that, Trevor Lawrence getting hurt with an ankle sprain that took him out for a couple of games. Calvin Ridley and Evan Engram played very well on offense, while on defense, Josh Allen had 66 tackles, 17.5 sacks, and an interception against opposing offenses. The Jaguars need to rebound in 2024 as their offseason begins.
Kansas City Chiefs: C+
After a strong first half to the 2023 season, the defending Super Bowl champions dropped key games they should’ve won. Patrick Mahomes did everything he could with the receiver core, as they won the AFC West. On offense, anyone not named Travis Kelce had terrible production- (Kadarius Toney). Isiah Pacheco had another great season with over 900 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. On defense, the Chiefs were led by Chris Jones who had 44 tackles and 15.5 sacks as they get prepared for the playoffs. For 2024, the Chiefs need to dump Toney and acquire more Pro Bowl-like wide receivers for Mahomes to work with.
Las Vegas Raiders: C-
After Josh McDaniels was fired as head coach, interim head coach Antonio Pierce brought a stronger culture to the Raiders. They played much better under his leadership. Backup quarterback Aidan O’Connell had some good moments while Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers stepped up, as a strong receiver duo. Jack Jones played well after getting traded from the New England Patriots to the silver and black and Maxx Crosby had a strong season where he earned his third straight Pro Bowl nod. If the Raiders keep Pierce as head coach, the Raiders can potentially go far in 2024.
Los Angeles Chargers: D
The second half of the season was a disaster for the Chargers, as head coach Brandon Staley was fired and Justin Herbert’s season ended with thumb surgery. Khalil Mack had another strong season with 74 tackles, 17 sacks, and five forced fumbles while Keenan Allen and rookie Quentin Johnston both had a very good season on offense. Despite the horrific finish to the 2023 season, the Chargers have talent on both ends of the ball and need a new head coach who can lead this team to a much better 2024 season.
Los Angeles Rams: B-
The Rams rebounded from their disastrous 2022 season and finished 2023 on a higher note. They finished with a 10-7 record and went 7-1 after their week 10 bye week which also saw them secure a spot in the playoffs. Matthew Stafford played very well and showed everyone what experience looks like. Puka Nacua broke the rookie total receptions record, and the total receiving yards record. On defense, Aaron Donald had another strong Pro Bowl season and the team had 1,164 tackles, 41 sacks, and 10 interceptions to close out the 2023 season in strong fashion.
Miami Dolphins: C+
The Dolphins almost had the AFC East division on lockdown, until they lost key games to the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills in weeks 17 and 18, respectively. Despite that, Tua Tagovailoa had a great third season as the Dolphins quarterback while Raheem Mostert had his first 1,000 rushing yard season and led the league with 18 rushing touchdowns. On defense, Jalen Ramsey had a great season after returning from a torn meniscus injury. The Dolphins did lose Bradley Chubb to a torn ACL injury, which is a painful sting for the team to overcome. Will the Dolphins rebound and win the AFC East in 2024? We’ll just wait and see.
Minnesota Vikings: D+
Losing Kirk Cousins to a torn Achilles was heartbreaking for the Vikings, as they had some trouble finding the right replacement to put into the helm in the second half of the season. Joshua Dobbs had some slight success before he was benched for Nick Mullens. Cam Aikers was playing decently with the Vikings but also suffered a torn Achilles. Justin Jefferson had another 1,000 receiving yard season, despite being injured and playing in 10 games, rookie Jordan Addison had a great year with over 900 receiving yards. On defense, Danielle Hunter earned his fourth Pro Bowl nod and Harrison Smith had 85 tackles and five interceptions. For 2024, the Vikings need to either find a way to re-sign Cousins, or find another star quarterback, whether it’s through free agency or the draft- if they want to return to the playoffs.
New England Patriots: D-
It was quite a tough fall from grace for the Patriots, as they finished in last place in the AFC East for the first time since 2000. Mac Jones had a disastrous season and was benched for Bailey Zappe who played slightly better than the latter, but still doesn’t look like the guy to lead the Pats moving forward. Ezekiel Elliot led the Patriots in rushing yards with 641 and DeMario Douglas led the Pats in receiving yards with 561. The Patriots’ defense couldn’t stop any opposing offenses. Bill Belichick and the team mutually agreed to part ways at the end of the season, which opens the door for a new head coach to take the helm in 2024.
New Orleans Saints: C+
Despite some hit-or-miss performances from Derek Carr, the Saints handled themselves fairly well, and were pretty close to making the playoffs, in a weak but competitive NFC South. The offense saw some good production from Rashid Shaheed, Alvin Kamara, and Chris Olave. On defense, the Saints saw good production from Demario Davis, Cameron Jordan, and Tyrann Mathieu. Carr needs to step up for the Saints in 2024, if they want to steal the NFC South from competition like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons, respectively.
New York Giants: D+
Although it was a very disappointing finish to the 2023 season for the G-Men, they made the best of what they could with backups Tyrod Taylor and Tommy DeVito even after Daniel Jones went down with a torn ACL. Sterling Shepherd and Saquon Barkley both had great seasons statistically but are unrestricted free agents in 2024. On defense, Dexter Lawrence made the Pro Bowl, while the rest of the defense has some work to do, if they want to have a stronger 2024 season. Once the 2024 offseason begins, the Giants need to fix their offensive line, immediately, if Daniel Jones or any other quarterback under center is going to have success.
New York Jets: D+
Despite some inconsistent play from Zach Wilson as Aaron Rodgers recovers from his Achilles injury. The Jets did have some bright spots in a disappointing 2023 season. On the up side, the team didn’t finish in last place in the AFC East. Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson both had a very strong season on offense, and the Jets’ ferocious defense played very well under the leadership of C.J. Mosley, Quinnen Williams, Quincy Williams, and Sauce Gardner. The Jets need to fix up their offensive line, so Rodgers or anyone who is under center at quarterback can lead the Jets back to the playoffs.
Philadelphia Eagles: C+
The Eagles looked like they were going to win the NFC East until they went 3-5 after their week 10 bye week. Jalen Hurts played well, but had some inconsistent moments and hurt his finger in the final regular season game. A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and D’Andre Swift had excellent seasons on offense while Brandon Graham, Haason Reddick, and Darius Slay kept the defense playing hard and physical. The Eagles may not have won the NFC East, but they can potentially make it up in the playoffs as an underdog team.
Pittsburgh Steelers: C+
Even though quarterback play from Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky was inconsistent all season long, the Steelers still managed to get into the playoffs, thanks to Najee Harris and the defense led by T.J. Watt. The Steelers need a much better quarterback in the 2024 season if they want to truly compete for the AFC North against the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns respectively.
San Francisco 49ers: A-
The 49ers have had a monstrous season as they clobbered and dominated most of their opponents, enroute to the one seed in the NFC playoffs. Brock Purdy is truly the guy who’s gone from Mr. Irrelevant to quarterback superstar, in the Bay Area, with the help of George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and Christian McCaffrey on offense. The 49ers’ defense pulverized opposing offenses in their way, as they have their eyes set on much bigger prizes in the playoffs.
Seattle Seahawks: C+
The Seahawks put up a decent fight in the NFC West, but came short of returning to the playoffs. Geno Smith had a good season, but it wasn’t like the season he had in 2022. The rest of the Seahawks offense played very well and the defense remained very strong led by Bobby Wagner, Devon Witherspoon, and Julian Love- who all made the Pro Bowl. Pete Carroll also stepped down as head coach and will become an advisor to the Seahawks as they look for a new head coach to lead them in 2024.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B-
Despite Baker Mayfield’s so-and-so production, the Buccaneers soldiered through and won the NFC South, in a last-second rally, under Todd Bowles’ leadership and returned to the playoffs. Chris Godwin and Mike Evans both had strong performances, all season, while the Bucs’ defense was hard-hitting and kept the ship afloat when battling opposing offenses. For 2024, will the Bucs stick with Baker Mayfield at quarterback, even though he’s set to become a free agent? Who knows? Time will tell what happens from here.
Tennessee Titans: D
It was a very disappointing season for the Titans as they struggled for the majority of the season. Will Levis’ performance as the Titans’ offensive line, was not great, even though Ryan Tannehill was hurt for most of the season he eventually returned, but it was too little too late. DeAndre Hopkins had a great season. Derrick Henry also had an excellent season, on the ground, but is set to become a free agent in 2024. On defense, the Titans had some good moments but couldn’t get the job done in the Music City. The Titans did finish the 2023 season with a victory, but shockingly fired head coach Mike Vrabel, due to front-office conflicts. The Titans need to fix the offensive line if they choose to move forward with Will Levis in 2024.
Washington Commanders: F
It was a complete disaster for the Commanders, as they finished the 2023 season in last place. Sam Howell’s production, all season, was very inconsistent. He is not the answer at quarterback for the Commanders. The Commanders also haven’t won a game since week nine when they defeated the New England Patriots 20-17. They ended up firing head coach, Ron Rivera, after the season concluded in week 18. The Commanders have to find a new quarterback whether it’s through free agency or the draft and a new head coach- if they want to return to glory in 2024.
