Just over a month into the 2023 NFL season, and we finally have a good idea on where every team stands.
While nearly one-third of the league is in the Caleb Williams sweepstakes, another third is in the mushy middle. The other third? They look like legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Buckle up, because a crazy sprint to the finish line awaits.
Based on how all 32 teams have fared thus far, let’s rank them all based on their Super Bowl 58 chances from worst to first.
32. Carolina Panthers
Even with one of the league’s easiest schedules, the Panthers dropped each of their first six games ahead of their Week 7 bye.
Bryce Young has endured a bunch of rookie growing pains, and it’s clear that this rebuilding team has a long way to go before they can realistically compete in the NFC.
GM Scott Fitterer should be a hard seller at the trade deadline, which will further damage the slightest-tiniest hopes this team has of winning a Super Bowl.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
31. Arizona Cardinals
Rookie head coach Jonathan Gannon has done pretty well given the lack of talent on this roster, but a tough schedule to open the season was too much for Josh Dobbs and company to overcome.
With several bonafide championship contenders still on Arizona’s schedule, it’s just tough to envision them getting to five wins — let alone a Super Bowl..
30. Denver Broncos
Denver has a Hall of Fame head coach and a Hall of Fame quarterback…and not much else.
Sean Payton’s return to coaching hasn’t come as advertised, and Russell Wilson isn’t playing like a future gold jacket holder. Like the Panthers, expect the Broncos to host a giant fire sale leading up to the trade deadline.
29. New England Patriots
Bill Belichick may be the greatest coach of all-time, but even he can’t overcome the lack of game-changer on the roster, that, ahem, he assembled together himself.
Nevermind a seventh Super Bowl championship celebration this season. We’re all wondering if this is Belichick’s last year in Foxborough.
28. New York Giants
We suppose in Bizarro World, the Giants could go on a hot-second half run and sneak into the postseason with eight or nine wins.
Reminiscent of the ‘07 and 2011 underdog Eli Manning-led Giants that won Super Bowls both those years, Daniel Jones would play lights-out football and lead the G-Men to their five Lombardi Trophy.
If it sounds crazy and impossible, that’s because it kind of is.
It’s just, there are a few clubs far worse and in a much more difficult position to shock the world than Brian Daboll’s 2023 Giants. Make no mistake, this team is headed nowhere but to a top-five selection in next year’s draft.
27. Chicago Bears
Unlike the teams below them on this list, the Bears have actually shown some fight. The Justin Fields-DJ Moore connection has been ultra-dominant, and Chicago’s ground game can overwhelm opponents on any given Sunday.
With a manageable schedule the rest of the way, it’s not scientifically nor mathematically impossible for the Bears to get hot and sneak into the postseason. Even if that did happen, you really think they’re outlasting San Fran, Philly or even Dallas in the NFC?
Not happening. NEXT.
26. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are not totally out of the playoff race, but Kirk Cousins would have to go ultra-Superman mode to get them there.
And with a mediocre offensive line and helpless defense, Minny would be nothing but a one-and-done team in the playoffs anyway.
25. Indianapolis Colts
Gardner Minshew is one of the better backups in the league, but make no mistake – the Colts offense just isn’t the same without rookie sensation Anthony Richardson.
Now, everything must go right for Indy to make the playoffs. We all love Minshew-Mania, but this man ain’t outdueling Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Tua Tagovailoa or Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs.
24. Tennessee Titans
The Titans have looked worse than several clubs that are ranked lower on this list. But at least they have a borderline top-10 defense, an elite running back in Derrick Henry and a Pro Bowl-level wideout in DeAndre Hopkins.
Does Ryan Tannehill turn back the clock to 2019 and get hot when nobody expects it? Or does unused rookie Will Levis come off the bench and save the day? Neither scenario is impossible.
23. Atlanta Falcons
With a ridiculously easy schedule the rest of the way, coupled with the fact they play in football’s worst division, one could argue that Atlanta should be higher on here.
But we don’t see it. Desmond Ridder hasn’t cut it at quarterback, and the offense is over-reliant on Drake London and Bijan Robinson. Unlocking Kyle Pitts would be nice, huh?
Atlanta could win the laughably weak NFC South, but it’s awfully difficult to envision them going far in a loaded NFC. Simply making the playoffs would be a great success for the organization this year.
22. Washington Commanders
Washington’s offense has been better than expected under QB Sam Howell. Unfortunately, a defense that was top-10 a year ago is suddenly one of the NFL’s worst. Again.
If the Commanders are to do the impossible, the defense must revert to its 2020 and 2022 form. Pure and simple.
21. Green Bay Packers
The Packers’ defense is loaded with talent, but it remains a work in progress with very few positives up to this point. Jordan Love’s play has been inconsistent, and the AJ Dillon-Aaron Jones rushing duo hasn’t been dynamic as expected.
But who knows? Maybe the defense, Jones and Dillon all get going. Maybe Love gets better as the season progresses and goes off with Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs.
That’s a whole lot of “maybes”, though.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield has been just OK as the Bucs’ starting QB, but there are several things to like about Todd Bowles’ Bucs this year.
The defense is a top-10 unit again. The o-line is keeping Mayfield upright, plus Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are doing just fine without Tom Brady. If Tampa wins the NFC South, they just gotta win one home game and then two road contests to get to the Super Bowl.
Crazier things have happened, folks…
19. Houston Texans
CJ Stroud has been far better than expected as a rookie. Nico Collins and rookie sensation Tank Dell have surprisingly emerged as a dynamic receiving duo, not to mention that Dameon Pierce, Robert Woods and Dalton Schultz are producing nicely, too.
Throw in a defense that has shown vast improvement under rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans, and you have the makings of a dark horse contender.
18. Las Vegas Raiders
It’s Davante Adams and, incredibly, it’s Jakobi Meyers and the defense that have kept the Raiders afloat this year — NOT the passing game nor Josh Jacobs.
Josh McDaniels’ Raiders are a pesky bunch that are learning how to win low-scoring games, something this group never did in the Derek Carr era. If Jimmy Garoppolo can just get healthy down the stretch, and if Jacobs regains his all-world form? Look out. These guys will be a tough out for anybody.
17. New Orleans Saints
Still feels like we haven’t seen the best of these Saints yet.
Luckily, they play in the hapless NFC South. There’s a long way to go, but if the Saints win the division and their home wild card game, consider this: They’d have Carr, Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, Michael Thomas and a borderline top-five defense needing just two road wins to get to the Super Bowl.
Absolutely not impossible. If Carr can get the passing game going, this team’s a dark horse Super Bowl contender.
16. New York Jets
The Jets barely crack the top half for two reasons. 1) Aaron Rodgers seems ultra-confident that he’ll return this year and 2) the Jets’ lights-out defense can steal a game any day — see Week 1 vs. Buffalo or Week 6 vs. Philly.
If Rodgers returns – BIG IF, we know — these Jets are true title contenders. A four-time league MVP with Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson and this defense would be downright terrifying for the rest of the league.
15. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are here because of star power and nothing else. Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen, Austin Ekeler, Derwin James Jr., Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa will always give this team a chance.
That said, we aren’t buying Brandon Staley as a guy who can coach this team to a championship. The defense is soft, and you can never trust a team that has a long history of choking big games in the most miraculous ways.
14. Los Angeles Rams
Sean McVay has his Rams in playoff contention despite missing Cooper Kupp for the first four games, and despite a grueling five-game schedule to open the year. A testament to his coaching, alright.
Only two years removed from a championship, the Rams still have Kupp, Matt Stafford, Aaron Donald and star rookie Puka Nacua leading the way. With their star power and championship pedigree, no one should rule out these Rams if they manage to sneak into the playoffs.
Hey, at least they have the star power to give this fanbase SOME hope.
13. Cleveland Browns
The Browns are this high because of one word: “Defense.”
Nick Chubb’s out for the year. Deshaun Watson carries injury concerns and still hasn’t looked good when on the field anyway. But this is a D that allowed just 1,002 yards through its first five games.
By the way, that’s the fewest yards allowed by a team in its first five games. EVER. And what do they say about defense winning championships? Buy these guys as a darkhorse contender, folks.
If Watson returns to full strength and regains his Pro Bowl form? Woof. Watch out, NFL.
12. Pittsburgh Steelers
You know that the TJ Watt-Alex Highsmith-led defense will always keep the Steelers in games. Not to mention that Mike Tomlin is a Hall of Fame coach.
Just imagine if Kenny Pickett can get this offense going at some point. With Najee Harris, Diontae Johnson and George Pickens at his disposal, there’s no excuse for this offense to be stuck in mud much longer.
11. Dallas Cowboys
Few teams top the Cowboys in terms of star power and depth. But this is the Cowboys.
They’ve been choking every season since 1996. Can we really trust them to get over the playoff shortcomings and go all the way? Again, the talent is there to happen. If they somehow avoid the 49ers in the playoffs, then everything’s on the table.
Yes, even a Super Bowl.
10. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle’s got a top-10 offense again, and their defense has improved tremendously under rookie corner Devon Witherspoon.
They’re a tier below San Fran and Philly in the NFC for now, but make no mistake, these guys are dangerous. Geno Smith, Ken Walker, Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf are a top-tier offensive nucleus, and the young defense should only get better as the season progresses.
9. Cincinnati Bengals
After an ugly 0-2 start, the Bengals are back and look every bit like the contender we expected.
Joe Burrow is finding his rhythm. Now imagine if Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd and Joe Mixon got it going offensively. Coming off a second straight final four appearance, we say anybody would be foolish to rule out these Bengals.
No AFC team is better-suited to dethrone the Chiefs, after all….
8. Detroit Lions
The Lions have been a fixture in the top-five for our power rankings this year. So why the low ranking when they’ve exposed no weaknesses thus far?
Well, the lack of postseason experience is definitely alarming. You never see a team go from long-term rebuild to Super Bowl champion with the same core. Also, are we sure Jared Goff can beat Brock Purdy or Jalen Hurts on the road in the playoffs? His postseason play with the Rams left a lot to be desired…
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars reached the elite eight last year in what was supposed to be a rebuilding year.
Trevor Lawrence has been even better in 2023. Travis Etienne Jr. is making his case as a top-five RB. And the offense has embraced the arrival of Calvin Ridley, and this underrated defense can hold just about any offense in check.
Oh, and Doug Pederson’s a Super Bowl-winning coach. Need anything else? These guys are legitimate.
6. Baltimore Ravens
The revamped offense around Lamar Jackson hasn’t peaked yet, but the lockdown defense has made up for. As a result, the Ravens remain in the mix for the AFC’s top seed.
Baltimore has, in our eyes, the most dangerous secondary in the AFC with Kyle Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Williams. Even if their passing game isn’t on par with the NFL’s best, the Jackson-led ground game can win it in any given moment.
These Ravens are absolutely a legitimate title contender, folks.
5. Miami Dolphins
Miami has the No. 1 offense in the league which can be summed up in one word: Speed. They have a TON of it.
Tyreek Hill. Jaylen Waddle. Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane. No defense has been able to fully shut down the unit led by Tua Tagovailoa this season. Yet.
The defense has been a major disappointment thus far, but the game’s best corner in Jalen Ramsey will return before the postseason. If Miami’s D can go from awful to average, you can argue they’re the team to beat in the AFC.
4. Buffalo Bills
Everyone knows who the Bills are at this point. They have a top-five offense and defense. The only question is if they’ll show up come January, or if Bills Mafia is bound for another gut-wrenching playoff exit.
Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Von Miller, Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde give Sean McDermott and company a wealth of game-wreckers. Now it’s time to finally take care of business in the postseason.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
Philly’s offense has been inconsistent, and the banged-up secondary has struggled mightily. So why should they be this high?
Isn’t it obvious? They were this-close to a Super Bowl championship a season ago. They still have Jalen Hurts, AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, the league’s best o-line and a ferocious pass rush that’s still overwhelming opponents.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
Not much needs to be said here. The Chiefs have played in the Super Bowl in three of Patrick Mahomes’ five years as a starter. Five AFC title appearances and two championship rings speaks for itself.
Mahomes is still Mahomes, and the defense has never looked this good under Steve Spagnuolo. The team to beat in the AFC….carry on…
1. San Francisco 49ers
They have the best defense in the NFC — if not the entire NFL. Brock Purdy almost never loses. Christian McCaffrey is the best non-QB in the NFL. George Kittle, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk are also superstars.
And we haven’t mentioned Trent Williams and the powerful o-line yet. Yep, this is your team to beat, folks. Jerry Jones said it himself. Good luck stopping them.
What is your current Super Bowl 58 prediction?
