Which NFL teams have the best projected starting offenses entering 2023?
With the exhibition schedule in full swing and the regular season rapidly approaching, NFL teams are rounding out their rosters and preparing for the long journey for the Lombardi trophy.
But how does each team’s starting lineup stack up to the rest of the league?
Today we take a look at grades for every NFL team based on their projected offensive starters entering the upcoming season…
Arizona Cardinals – Grade: F
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Colt McCoy
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Wide Receivers: Marquise Brown, Rondale Moore, Greg Dortch
Tight End: Zach Ertz, Trey McBride
Running Back: James Conner
Offensive Line: DJ Humphries, Eli Wilkinson, Hjalte Froholdt, Will Hernandez, Paris Johnson
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will miss the beginning of the 2023 season as he recovers from offseason knee surgery, leaving veteran backup Colt McCoy or possibly rookie Clayton Tune as Arizona’s placeholder under center. Rookie head coach Jonathan Gannon inherits mediocre talent at the skill spots and below average options on the offensive line, as the Cardinals are without a doubt the worst offensive group in the NFL entering 2023 and likely finish as the league’s worst team this season.
Atlanta Falcons – Grade: C+
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Desmond Ridder
Wide Receivers: Drake London, Mack Hollins
Tight End: Kyle Pitts
Running Back: Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier
Offensive Line: Jake Matthews, Matt Hennessy, Drew Dalman, Chris Lindstrom, Kaleb McGary
Second-year passer Desmond Ridder will take the reins at quarterback for Atlanta in head coach Arthur Smith’s run-first offensive scheme this season. The former third-round pick showed poise and potential in his limited rookie action, but will attempt to prove he can be a capable NFL starter over the long haul of the seventeen game regular season. After adding a generational talent in running back Bijan Robinson in the first-round of this year’s draft, the Falcons now have a deep stable of runners to go with an intriguing set of pass catchers—with fellow former first rounders in receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts headlining the unit. If Ridder can quickly develop into a viable option as the starter at QB, Atlanta could sneak into the playoff picture in a weak NFC South this season.
Baltimore Ravens – Grade: B
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Lamar Jackson
Wide Receivers: Rashod Bateman, Odell Beckham, Zay Flowers
Tight End: Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely
Running Back: JK Dobbins
Offensive Line: Ronnie Stanley, Ben Cleveland, Tyler Linderbaum, Kevin Zeitler, Morgan Moses
Baltimore invested heavily in pass catchers for former MVP quarterback Lamar Jacskon this offseason, drafting dynamic rookie Zay Flowers and signing Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency. Wide receiver Rashod Bateman returns after missing most of his first two seasons dealing with injury issues and new offensive coordinator Todd Monken will look to use the Ravens unique set of weapons in creative ways this upcoming season. If Jackson can finally beat the injury bug and play a full schedule, the Ravens should again contend for a playoff spot in the hyper-competitive AFC North in 2023.
Buffalo Bills – Grade: A
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Josh Allen
Wide Receivers: Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis
Tight End: Dawson Knox, Dalton Kincaid
Running Back: James Cook
Offensive Line: Dion Dawkins, Connor McGovern, Mitch Morse, Ryan Bates, Spencer Brown
The Bills look to be one of the league’s most electric offenses again in 2023, with quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Stefon Diggs set to lead the charge for Buffalo. Second-year running back James Cook steps into a starting role and rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid will also be heavily involved in the Bills new-look attack—with veteran pass catchers Dawson Knox and Gabe Davis also set for increased opportunities this season. With an elite All-Pro connection between quarterback and wide receiver, the Bills should again be one of the most exciting offenses to watch on Sundays this fall.
Carolina Panthers – Grade: C-
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Bryce Young
Wide Receivers: DJ Chark, Adam Thielen, Jonathan Mingo
Tight End: Hayden Hurst
Running Back: Miles Sanders
Offensive Line: Ikem Ekwonu, Brady Christensen, Bradley Bozeman, Cade Mays, Tyler Moton
2022 number one overall pick Bryce Young is expected to be the future at quarterback in Carolina. But with legitimate concerns about the rookie signal caller’s size, while playing behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL—the Panthers 2023 campaign could quickly turn disastrous. Suiting up subpar options at the skill positions and a raw rookie QB, Carolina will have a hard time scoring points and staying competitive next season—likely finishing as one of the league’s worst offenses in 2023.
Chicago Bears – Grade: C
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Justin Fields
Wide Receivers: DJ Moore, Darnell Mooney
Tight End: Cole Kmet
Running Back: Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson
Offensive Line: Braxton Jones, Teven Jenkins, Cody Whitehair, Nate Davis, Darnell Wright
The Chicago Bears made an enormous effort this offseason to surround quarterback Justin Fields with playmakers—trading for wide receiver DJ Moore and adding depth in the backfield behind Khalil Herbert after drafting rookie runner Roschon Johnson. With many expecting Fields to take a Jalen Hurts-like leap forward in 2023, much will depend on his still questionable supporting cast. With the addition of Moore as well as upgrades to the offensive line, Fields and the entire Bears offense should be in line for a boost in production this season.
Cincinnati Bengals – Grade: A
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Joe Burrow
Wide Receivers: Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd
Tight End: Irv Smith Jr.
Running Back: Joe Mixon
Offensive Line: Orlando Brown, Cordell Volson, Ted Karras, Alex Cappa, Jonah Williams
The Bengals potent offensive attack features star quarterback Joe Burrow and a terrific trio of wide receivers in 2023. Despite some extensive legal trouble this summer, running back Joe Mixon remains in the lead role out of the backfield behind an improved offensive line. Tight end Irv Smith was signed in free agency and needs to stay healthy over a full season to show he can be a reliable and effective playmaker in an NFL offense. With an abundance of talent on the offensive side of the football, the Bengals again look to be a dominant force in 2023.
Cleveland Browns – Grade: B-
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Deshaun Watson
Wide Receivers: Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore, Donovan Peoples-Jones
Tight End: David Njoku
Running Back: Nick Chubb
Offensive Line: Jedrick Wills, Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic, Wyatt Teller, Jack Conklin
The success of the Cleveland Browns 2023 season depends almost solely on the play of quarterback Deshaun Watson. Cleveland signed the controversial signal caller to the biggest guaranteed contract in NFL history—giving Watson $230 million in total. After trying to shake off the rust of missing more than a year away from football, Watson looked lost at times while starting the last six games of the 2022 season for the Browns. The much maligned QB will try to live up to his massive mega-deal and return to form as one of the league’s best passers in 2023, operating in a smash-mouth Cleveland offense that features All-Pro running back Nick Chubb in the backfield, a solid set of pass catchers, and an elite group on the offensive line.
Dallas Cowboys – Grade: A
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Dak Prescott
Wide Receivers: CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Michael Gallup
Tight End: Jake Ferguson
Running Back: Tony Pollard
Offensive Line: Tyron Smith, Tyler Smith, Tyler Biadasz, Zach Martin, Terrance Steele
The Dallas Cowboys only area of real weakness entering the upcoming season may be at the tight end spot, with second-year pro Jake Ferguson assuming the starting gig. Dallas returns nine starters on offense, with Ferguson and veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks the only new additions to the Cowboys attack. Burgeoning star running back Tony Pollard is widely expected to take a large leap forward with even more opportunity in 2023, while quarterback Dak Prescott must take much better care of the football after throwing a league-leading fifteen interceptions last season in just twelve games played. With depth and talent all across the lineup, anything but a deep postseason run will be a disappointment for Dallas this season
Denver Broncos – Grade: C+
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Russell Wilson
Wide Receivers: Jerry Juedy, Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims
Tight End: Greg Dulcich
Running Back: Javonte Williams
Offensive Line: Garrett Bolles, Ben Powers, Lloyd Cushenberry III, Quinn Meinerz, Mike McGlinchy
Following an unmitigated disaster of a season in Denver, the Broncos traded for head coach Sean Payton this summer in an attempt to resurrect the career of quarterback Russell Wilson. The former Pro Bowl passer was just a shell of himself in 2022 and Denver finished as the worst scoring offense in the entire NFL. Stud running back Javonte Williams will look to bounce back after a major knee injury robbed him of a year of production, while the young and mostly unproven offense should be at least incrementally improved with Payton now calling the plays in the Mile High city.
Detroit Lions – Grade: B
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Jared Goff
Wide Receivers: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Marvin Jones Jr.
Tight End: Sam LaPorta
Running Back: Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery
Offensive Line: Taylor Decker, Jonah Jackson, Frank Ragnow, Graham Glasgow, Penei Sewell
After just missing out on a playoff berth in 2022, expectations are at an all-time high for this year’s Detroit Lions squad. Boasting arguably the best offensive line in the entire NFL, Detroit plays a physical, attacking brand of football operated by veteran quarterback Jared Goff. Aside from Pro Bowl wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, Goff will be working with an almost entirely new set of weapons this season. With rookies expected to play significant roles at running back and tight end, there will likely be some inconsistencies and growing pains over the course of the arduous and extensive 17-game NFL campaign. But with so much young talent across the lineup, the Lions offense should be one of the league’s more productive units in 2023.
Green Bay Packers – Grade: C+
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Jordan Love
Wide Receivers: Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs
Tight End: Luke Musgrave
Running Back: Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon
Offensive Line: David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, Jon Runyan, Zach Tom
Green Bay will have a new Week 1 starter at quarterback for just the third time since 1992, as Jordan Love takes over under center after future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets this offseason. The Packers are extremely inexperienced at the skill positions apart from their running back room—where veterans Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon will lead the way for Green Bay on offense this season. Hyper-athletic rookie tight end Luke Musgrave has been the talk of training camp, while the Packers also continue to develop their duo of second year receivers in Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs along with rookie slot specialist Jayden Reed. Green Bay is an absolute enigma entering the upcoming NFL season, as uber-creative head coach Matt LaFluer looks to mastermind a brand new offense with an unheralded group of young playmakers in the ultra-competitive NFC North.
Houston Texans – Grade: C-
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: CJ Stroud
Wide Receivers: Nico Collins, Robert Woods, Tank Dell
Tight End: Dalton Schultz
Running Back: Dameon Pierce
Offensive Line: Laremy Tunsil, Kenyon Green, Juice Scruggs, Shaq Mason, Tytus Howard
New head coach DeMeco Ryans and rookie quarterback CJ Stroud will attempt to turn around the fortunes of the Texans as the young squad seeks to establish a new identity in 2023. While the current roster combination lacks true top end talent, Houston has some budding young breakout candidates in second-year running back Dameon Pierce and third-year receiver Nico Collins. The Texans must practice patience with their plethora of young playmakers this season, but could potentially pick up a few more wins then most are expecting as Houston rebuilds their offense around Stroud and a surprisingly deep pass catching group in 2023.
Indianapolis Colts – Grade: C-
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Anthony Richardson
Wide Receivers: Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce, Josh Downs
Tight End: Jelani Woods
Running Back: Jonathan Taylor
Offensive Line: Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, Braden Smith
The Indianapolis Colts are in the early phases of a rebuild—drafting dynamic developmental quarterback Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft. After a supremely subpar season in 2022, the Colts and new head coach Shane Steichen need their franchise cornerstone running back Jonathan Taylor under contract and on the field to have any chance at winning games this season. With inexperience and uncertainty in abundance across the depth chart, Indianapolis will likely finish among the league’s worst offenses in 2023, despite the exciting potential of their raw rookie quarterback.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Grade: B+
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Trevor Lawrence
Wide Receivers: Calvin RIdley, Christian Kirk, Zay Jones
Tight End: Evan Engram
Running Back: Travis Etienne
Offensive Line: Walker Little, Ben Bartch, Luke Fortner, Brandon Scherff, Anton Harrison
Jacksonville was much improved in 2022, as head coach Doug Pederson unlocked the elite potential of Trevor Lawrence at quarterback in leading the Jaguars to an improbable and historic playoff victory against the Los Angeles Chargers last season. Adding Calvin Ridley to pair with Christian Kirk at receiver will help take the Jags offense to the next level—with tight end Evan Engram and running back Travis Etienne also playing featured roles. Jacksonville should compete for the AFC South crown once again in 2023 led by their young star at QB with an upgraded and underrated supporting cast on offense.
Kansas City Chiefs – Grade: A+
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes
Wide Receivers: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore
Tight End: Travis Kelce
Running Back: Isaiah Pacheco
Offensive Line: Donovan Smith, Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Jawaan Taylor
The reigning Super Bowl champions are a seemingly unstoppable offensive force—with two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes at quarterback throwing to arguably the best tight end of all-time in Travis Kelce. After upgrading on the offensive line in free agency, the Chiefs could somehow be even better in 2023—even with a mostly mixed bag at wide receiver as Mahomes looks to spread the wealth again this season in Kansas CIty’s high-octane offensive attack.
Las Vegas Raiders – Grade: C
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Jimmy Garoppolo
Wide Receivers: Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, Hunter Renfrow
Tight End: Michael Mayer
Running Back: Josh Jacobs
Offensive Line: Kolton Miller, Dylan Parham, Andre James, Alex Bars, Jermaine Eluemunor
The Raiders offense is in a state of flux entering 2023, with disgruntled star running back Josh Jacobs currently holding out for a new contract—leaving a gaping void that would be tough to fill with second year back Zamir White and veteran Ameer Abdullah. All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams will lead the Las Vegas offense again this season but will have to quickly establish a connection with new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in head coach Josh McDaniels’ west coast scheme. With so many question marks all across the unit, the likely outcome is a middling offense in what could be Josh McDaniels last chance as an NFL head coach
Los Angeles Chargers – Grade: A+
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Justin Herbert
Wide Receivers: Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Quentin Johnston
Tight End: Gerald Everett
Running Back: Austin Ekeler
Offensive Line: Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Corey Linsley, Jamaree Salyer, Trey Pipkins III
Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore comes over from the Dallas Cowboys to orchestrate the arsenal for Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. With a litany of weapons in the passing game as well as running back Austin Ekeler the ever-constant threat out of the backfield—the Chargers are poised to be one of the NFL’s best offenses for the foreseeable future. Add in an adequate offensive line and Los Angeles looks poised for a potential deep playoff run in 2023.
Los Angeles Rams – Grade: C
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Matthew Stafford
Wide Receivers: Cooper Kupp, Van Jefferson, Puka Nacua
Tight End: Tyler Higbee
Running Back: Cam Akers
Offensive Line: Joe Noteboom, Steve Avila, Brian Allen, Tremayne Anchrum, Rob Havenstein
The Los Angeles Rams offense went from one of the league’s best during their 2021 Super Bowl winning season to one of the worst in the NFL in 2022—bottoming out after injuries to quarterback Matthew Stafford and All-Pro wide receiver Cooper Kupp. With veteran tight end Tyler Higbee as the only notable pass catcher outside of Kupp on offense, as well as a more than questionable offensive line grouping—the Rams may struggle to ever again reach their former high-scoring form with their aging superstars legitimate risks for injury and regression.
Miami Dolphins – Grade: B+
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Tua Tagovailoa
Wide Receivers: Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle
Tight End: Durham Smythe
Running Back: Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, Devon Achane
Offensive Line: Terron Armstead, Liam Eichenberg, Connor WIlliams, Robert Hunt, Austin Jackson
The success of the Miami Dolphins’ 2023 season on offense will almost entirely depend on the health and availability of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. With the outstanding receiver duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle out wide, defenses will often be trying to catch their breath against the Dolphins fast paced attack. But with below league average play at tight end and up front in protection, Miami could potentially take a slight step back in 2023—particularly if head coach Mike McDaniel cannot find some semblance of balance offensively with a complimentary running game. Rookie Devon Achane could be the answer out of the backfield, but will have to show promise in pass protection to surpass the veterans in front of him on the depth chart. As long as health permits, the Dolphins dynamic offense should have no problem putting up points while trying to keep pace in the jam-packed AFC East this season.
Minnesota Vikings – Grade: A
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Kirk Cousins
Wide Receivers: Justin Jefferson, KJ Osborn, Jordan Addison
Tight End: TJ Hockenson
Running Back: Alexander Mattison
Offensive Line: Christian Darrisaw, Ezra Cleveland, Garrett Bradbury, Ed Ingram, Brian O’Neill
The Minnesota Vikings’ explosive offense will again feature familiar names in quarterback Kirk Cousins and All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson—while also attempting to assimilate new targets to key roles in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s complex scheme. Tight end TJ Hockenson will look to assume the security blanket role in the middle of the field for Cousins, with rookie first-round pick Jordan Addison providing a serious deep threat opposite Jefferson for defenses to consider along with steady veteran slot man KJ Osborn. Former super-sub Alexander Mattison steps into the lead role at running back after the departure of Dalvin Cook and will get to show his worth as the starter behind a bruising brick-wall of an offensive line in 2023.
New England Patriots – Grade: C+
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Mac Jones
Wide Receivers: DeVante Parker, JuJu Smith-Schuster
Tight End: Hunter Henry, Mike Gesicki
Running Back: Rhamondre Stevenson, Ezekiel Elliot
Offensive Line: Trent Brown, Cole Strange, David Andrews, Mike Onwenu, Riley Reiff
Bill O’Brien returns as the New England Patriots offensive coordinator in 2023 after quarterback Mac Jones and the entire offense struggled in a directionless scheme last season. O’Brien was the play-caller at Alabama for Jones and their previous connection should translate to immediate success on offense in New England. The Patriots made some solid but unexciting signings in free agency, adding wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, tight end Mike Gesicki, and running back Ezekiel Elliot as veteran options with recent production. With a dominating offensive line already in place, the Patriots will likely employ a classic run-heavy, ball-control style of attack featuring a two-headed running back rotation that will wear down defenses and limit opponents time of possession. In a seemingly stacked division, New England will have to play almost perfect football to push for a return to the playoffs next season.
New Orleans Saints – Grade: B-
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Derek Carr
Wide Receivers: Chris Olave, Michael Thomas
Tight End: Juwan Johnson, Taysom Hill
Running Back: Jamaal Williams
Offensive Line: Trevor Penning, Andrus Peat, Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz, Ryan Ramczyk
With running back Alvin Kamara out due to suspension for the first three games of 2023, New Orleans will rely on Jamaal Williams to carry the load in the backfield with help from rookie Kendre Miller. The Saints aerial attack is now led by quarterback Derek Carr and features uber-talented second-year receiver Chris Olave, along with veteran Michael Thomas—who again attempts to return from injury after missing most of the last three seasons due to foot problems. New Orleans’ strengths lie at tight end and on the offensive line, with a tremendous mixture of youth and experience paving the way for what should be a balanced and dangerous Saints offense in 2023.
New York Giants – Grade: C
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Daniel Jones
Wide Receivers: Isaiah Hodgins, Darius Slayton, Parris Campbell
Tight End: Darren Waller
Running Back: Saquon Barkley
Offensive Line: Andrew Thomas, Ben Bredeson, John Michael Schmitz, Mark Glowinski, Evan Neal
After making a surprise playoff run in 2022, head coach Brian Daboll and the Giants are hoping to exceed expectations again this season. Superstar running back Saquon Barkley will lead the charge for New York on offense, as newly-extended quarterback Daniel Jones looks to improve upon a shockingly efficient season and go from game manager to face of the franchise. The Giants traded for former Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller this summer in a concerted effort to find an alpha playmaker for Jones in the passing game but could struggle to contend for a playoff spot in a brutal NFC East that sent three teams to the playoffs last season. If Jones should regress or injuries unfortunately strike, the Giants could easily finish as one of the worst offenses in all of football.
New York Jets – Grade: B
*****THIS RATING WAS WITH AARON RODGERS PRE-INJURY
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers
Wide Receivers: Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard
Tight End: Tyler Conklin
Running Back: Dalvin Cook, Breece Hall
Offensive Line: Duane Brown, Laken Tomlinson, Connor McGovern, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Mekhi Becton
The New York Jets upgraded their offense in a big way this summer—trading for future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers and also signing Pro-Bowl running back Dalvin Cook in free agency. The Jets attack will look drastically different from last season’s debacle after New York also brought in offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett to direct the offense with Rodgers in 2023. Hackett flamed out fast as the head coach of the Denver Broncos in 2022 but has a close relationship with Rodgers from their time together in Green Bay. With tantalizing young talent at wide receiver and running back, expectations in New York are sky high. The Jets must find a way get the most out of an underachieving offensive line and keep their 39 year old quarterback protected to make the leap into contender status this season.
Philadelphia Eagles – Grade: A+
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Jalen Hurts
Wide Receivers: AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith
Tight End: Dallas Goedert
Running Back: Rashaad Penny, DeAndre Swift
Offensive Line: Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Jason Kelce, Cam Jurgens, Lane Johnson
After an incredible season ended in a tough Super Bowl loss in 2022, the Philadelphia Eagles reloaded their roster and have the potential to be even better this year. Brian Johnson was elevated from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator after helping Jalen Hurts make a monumental leap forward last season and the Eagles upgraded their running back room after adding DeAndre Swift and Rashaad Penny this offseason to replace former starter Miles Sanders. With every other starter returning besides running back, Philadelphia will again be one of the league’s most explosive offenses in 2023 and should push for another deep playoff run.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Grade: B-
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Kenny Pickett
Wide Receivers: Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson
Tight End: Pat Freiermuth
Running Back: Najee Harris
Offensive Line: Dan Moore, Isaac Seumalo, Mason Cole, James Daniels, Chukwuma Okorafor
The Steelers glaring weakness remains at offensive line while second-year QB Kenny Pickett will look to improve upon last year’s up and down rookie season. With starpower at nearly every skill spot and just needing incremental improvement from the protection up front, Pittsburgh should again challenge for a playoff spot in the brutal AFC North in 2023. If Pickett can play up to his potential under center, the Steelers have enough talent around the young quarterback to make some serious noise this season.
San Francisco 49ers – Grade: A-
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Brock Purdy
Wide Receivers: Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk
Tight End: George Kittle
Running Back: Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell
Offensive Line: Trent Williams, Aaron Banks, Jake Brendel, Spencer Burford, Colton McKivitz
All eyes will be on second-year sensation Brock Purdy as well as former first-round pick Trey Lance at quarterback in the Bay in 2023 after the 49ers officially moved on from old flame Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason. With Jimmy G now in Las Vegas with the Raiders, Purdy will get first crack at the top job after putting on a masterclass in his seven game stint as the San Francisco starter after both Lance and Garoppolo went down to injury during last season. All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams anchors an otherwise underwhelming offensive line but with San Francisco legitimately loaded at every skill position, head coach Kyle Shanahan should again craft his group into one of the most potent attacks in the NFL.
Seattle Seahawks – Grade: B+
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Geno Smith
Wide Receivers: DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Tight End: Noah Fant
Running Back: Kenneth Walker III, Zach Charbonnet
Offensive Line: Charles Cross, Damien Lewis, Evan Brown, Phil Haynes, Abraham Lucas
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith was a revelation last season, winning Comeback Player of the Year after throwing for over 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns while leading the NFL in completion percentage. Smith will attempt to replicate his standout season—this time with even more firepower at receiver after Seattle selected electric Ohio State slot man Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the first round of this year’s draft. With a terrific trio out wide and second-year battering ram Kenneth Walker III combining with rookie Zach Charbonnet in the backfield, Smith and the Seahawks should soar to new heights as one of the league’s best offenses in 2023.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Grade: C+
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Baker Mayfield
Wide Receivers: Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Trey Palmer
Tight End: Cade Otton
Running Back: Rachaad White, Chase Edmonds
Offensive Line: Tristan Wirfs, Matt Feiler, Ryan Jensen, Cody Mauch, Luke Goedeke
Former first overall pick Baker Mayfield is now on his fourth team since being drafted in 2018, but will arguably have the best supporting cast he’s ever played with in Tampa Bay. Stocked with superb talent at wide receiver and a solid group of pass protectors, Mayfield is on his last chance to show he can succeed as an NFL starter. Add in their underrated young talent at running back and tight end, and the Buccaneers offense could potentially surprise in 2023—depending mainly on Mayfield’s performance under center.
Tennessee Titans – Grade: C
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Ryan Tannehill
Wide Receivers: DeAndre Hopkins, Treylon Burks, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
Tight End: Chigoziem Okonkwo
Running Back: Derrick Henry
Offensive Line: Andre Dillard, Peter Skoronski, Aaron Brewer, Daniel Brunskill, Chris Hubbard
Even after signing veteran wideout DeAndre Hopkins this offseason, the Titans offense is basically devoid of talent other than All-Pro running back Derrick Henry. The makeshift offensive line is of particular concern, especially in such a run-heavy scheme with quarterback Ryan Tannehill coming off injury and entering his age thirty five campaign. Second-year tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo flashed often as a rookie and will likely be the second option in the passing game behind Hopkins this season. Expect Tennessee to rely heavily on Henry once again in what should be a slow-paced but slightly more balanced Titans attack with Hopkins soaking up the lion’s share of targets from Tannehill through the air.
Washington Commanders – Grade: B-
2023 Projected Offensive Starters
Quarterback: Sam Howell
Wide Receivers: Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel
Tight End: Logan Thomas
Running Back: Brian Robinson, Antonio Gibson
Offensive Line: Charles Leno, Chris Paul, Nick Gates, Sam Cosmi, Andrew Wylie
Former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy comes to Washington with a championship pedigree and should instantly inject some much-needed juice into this annually underachieving offense. The Commanders’ skill positions are the obvious strength of the unit, but major question marks remain at tight end, on the offensive line, and at quarterback. Should second-year QB Sam Howell prove to be the answer under center in DC, don’t be shocked if the perennial punchline makes a potential playoff push in 2023.
