Anticipating the NFL 2023/24 Season: A Comprehensive Forecast of Win/Loss Outcomes
Updated on: July 18, 2023 / 09:02 AM

Anticipating the NFL 2023/24 Season: A Comprehensive Forecast of Win/Loss Outcomes

As the 2023 NFL season inches closer, fans and experts alike are brimming with anticipation. The season is expected to be a thrilling roller coaster ride, with its share of unforgettable moments, stellar performances, and potential surprises. This comprehensive forecast aims to provide an early prediction of each team's win-loss outcomes, offering insights and analysis to prepare for the gridiron action ahead.


NFL 2023/24 Season: An Overview

The 2023/24 NFL season is poised to commence with a scintillating match between the Detroit Lions and the reigning champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, on September 7th. The excitement is palpable, but predicting the season's outcomes is no easy task, thanks to the dynamic nature of the league. Teams that were previously underdogs can rise to become formidable opponents, making each game an unpredictable spectacle.

Last year, for instance, the Week 16 Thursday night game between the New York Jets and the Jacksonville Jaguars was anticipated to be a lackluster encounter, yet it turned out to be a gripping face-off between budding teams competing for playoff spots. This unpredictability is a significant part of the NFL's charm, making the anticipation of the upcoming season even more thrilling.


Prediction of win/loss outcomes

The following win-loss predictions are based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including previous season results, off-season roster changes, and the strength of schedule based on the previous year's winning percentages. While teams have no control over their opponents, certain factors can influence the toughness of their schedule. This year, for instance, teams in the AFC East are set to face the AFC West and NFC East, divisions that collectively sent five teams to the playoffs last year. Add the AFC East's own two playoff contenders, and the challenge becomes even more daunting.


Who's Poised for a Leap, and Who Might Stumble?

The upcoming NFL season may witness teams making significant strides, while others may experience a setback. The following sections delve into these potential shifts, providing an early forecast of each team's win-loss outcomes.


NFC East:

  • Philadelphia Eagles: The Philadelphia Eagles are predicted to break the NFC East's long-standing tradition of no repeat champions since 2004. The Eagles' robust defense and top-tier offense are expected to propel them to the top of their division. Key statistics such as their +7 turnover differential and 47.6% third-down conversion rate serve as indicators of their potential for success in the forthcoming season.
  • Dallas Cowboys: The Dallas Cowboys are tipped to continue their winning streak under coach Mike McCarthy. With two consecutive 12- win seasons and a sixth-place ranking in the Football Outsiders Total DVOA last season, the Cowboys are well- positioned for success. The inclusion of Stephon Gilmore and Mazi Smith on their defense, coupled with the performances of wide receivers Brandin Cooks and Michael Gallup, could make the Cowboys a championship-worthy team.
  • New York Giants: The New York Giants, despite exceeding NFL predictions in 2022, still face an uphill battle. Despite head coach Brian Daboll's leadership leading to improvements in their offensive consistency, a lack of sufficient talent and depth prevents them from challenging Dallas and Philadelphia for the divisional title. However, they may still pose a threat for a Wild Card spot in the NFC.
  • Washington Commanders: The Washington Commanders' decision to continue with Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett as their starting quarterbacks could hamper their chances of becoming a viable contender. Despite boasting a top-10 defense and a surprisingly robust offense, their questionable quarterback and head coach selections could potentially exclude them from the playoff mix.

NFC South

  • Carolina Panthers: The Carolina Panthers are predicted to dominate the open NFC East in 2023. The team's coaching staff, led by Frank Reich, is touted as one of the best in the NFL, and their ability to develop a top-15 defense and above-average offense could lead to a successful season.
  • New Orleans Saints: The New Orleans Saints are anticipated to undertake another run, despite the looming need for a foundation rebuild due to past financial decisions. The stabilizing presence of Derek Carr as quarterback, along with wide receivers Chris Olave and Michael Thomas, could help the Saints compete against the Carolina Panthers for the divisional title.
  • Atlanta Falcons: The Atlanta Falcons, newly freed from salary cap constraints, have used their financial freedom to revamp their roster effectively. With a skill group featuring Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts, the Falcons could potentially win the NFC South if Desmond Ridder can prove his mettle.
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' decision to bet on Baker Mayfield could potentially backfire, given Mayfield's inconsistent performance history. Despite their defense's potential to fare reasonably well, a lackluster offensive line and one of the league's worst quarterback situations could make the Buccaneers a team to avoid in the 2023 season.

NFC North

  • Detroit Lions: The Detroit Lions, despite not having won a playoff game since 1991, have the potential to clinch the NFC North title. Their robust roster and potential for a defensive turnaround could make them a formidable contender, possibly hosting a playoff game for the first time since January 8, 1994.
  • Minnesota Vikings: The Minnesota Vikings, despite winning 13 regular-season games last year, are predicted to experience regression. Their success last year was largely due to a historic record in one-score games and a -3 point differential that ranked 15th. Despite the hiring of Kevin O'Connell and Brian Flores to handle offense and defense, respectively, their lack of depth and experience could limit them to 11 wins at most.
  • Green Bay Packers: The Green Bay Packers face a new era, with a starting quarterback not named Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers for the first time since 1991. Despite having a strong offensive line, quality skill group, and a talented coaching staff, their chances of success depend heavily on quarterback Jordan Love. If Love fails to live up to expectations, the Packers could potentially miss the playoffs.
  • Chicago Bears: The Chicago Bears are predicted to have a challenging season. Despite improvements in their offensive line, their defensive shortcomings could be their downfall. Unless quarterback Justin Fields delivers a standout season, the Bears are likely to finish at the bottom of the NFC North.

NFC West

  • San Francisco 49ers: The San Francisco 49ers, boasting the most talented roster in the NFL, are tipped to be one of the best teams in the NFC. Their quarterback is almost irrelevant; as long as the offense is executed according to Kyle Shanahan's plan, they can secure wins. With Steve Wilks as their defensive coordinator and a strong defensive lineup, they could be the overwhelming Super Bowl favorites if they secure a star quarterback.
  • Seattle Seahawks: The Seattle Seahawks, led by Geno Smith, are predicted to maintain their top-10 quarterback position. With the best receiving corps in the NFL and a strong duo at running back, they could potentially win the NFC West.
  • Los Angeles Rams: The Los Angeles Rams are expected to face a challenging season, having to repay their all-in approach's dues. Credit to the front office for hitting the reset button, trading bad contracts for draft picks, and potentially setting up for a more successful 2024 season.
  • Arizona Cardinals: The Arizona Cardinals are likely to struggle in the upcoming season. Their offseason decision to strip down the roster and enter a complete rebuild signals their aim for securing one of the top picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. This likely means a challenging season for quarterback Kyler Murray in his last season with the Cardinals.

AFC East

  • New York Jets: The New York Jets, with Aaron Rodgers as their new quarterback, are predicted to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC title. Even if Rodgers doesn't deliver an MVP-caliber performance, his presence will elevate the entire offense and alleviate pressure on one of the league's best defenses.
  • Buffalo Bills: The Buffalo Bills, having delivered four double-digit win seasons in the last four years, are well-positioned for success. If Josh Allen can recover from his late-season regression and the team's rushing attack and defense remain healthy, the Bills could potentially go far in the season.
  • Miami Dolphins: The Miami Dolphins have a roster capable of winning the Lombardi Trophy. With Vic Fangio possibly lifting their defense to new heights and a dynamic offense led by Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, they could compete with any team. However, their success depends heavily on Tua Tagovailoa's ability to stay fit throughout the season.
  • New England Patriots: The New England Patriots, having improved their offensive line and added more continuity to their offense, could potentially contend for a Wild Card spot. However, questions surrounding their pass-catching group and the inconsistent performance of quarterback Mac Jones could pose challenges.

AFC South

  • Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jacksonville Jaguars, under the leadership of Doug Pederson, are predicted to dominate the AFC South. With an improved performance from quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the addition of Calvin Ridley to their offensive arsenal, the Jaguars could potentially be the team to beat.
  • Indianapolis Colts: The Indianapolis Colts are predicted to have a challenging season. While rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson's expected struggles could help him grow, the inconsistency from a young team will likely prevent them from competing for a playoff spot.
  • Tennessee Titans: The Tennessee Titans, despite being coached by one of the best in the NFL, Mike Vrabel, are predicted to have a challenging season. With key players Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry falling victim to age, and an underperforming offensive line, the Titans will likely be battling for a top-10 pick.
  • Houston Texans: The Houston Texans, despite having one of the worst rosters in the NFL, are predicted to have their highest win total in four years. However, the bar is set low, and the Texans are still in the early stages of their rebuild.

AFC North

  • Cincinnati Bengals: The Cincinnati Bengals, led by Joe Burrow, are predicted to have an open championship window. Despite potential difficulties in maintaining their core team, their offense could be even stronger than before, potentially challenging for the AFC title.
  • Baltimore Ravens: The Baltimore Ravens, with Lamar Jackson returning to form and a revamped offense under Todd Monken, could potentially be the best Ravens team in years. If Jackson can avoid another injury-plagued season, the Ravens could rise to the top.
  • Cleveland Browns: The Cleveland Browns' season hinges on Deshaun Watson. If Watson can return to his peak performance, the Browns could potentially go all the way to the Super Bowl. However, anything short of that could put head coach Kevin Stefanski on the hot seat.
  • Pittsburgh Steelers: The Pittsburgh Steelers, despite facing several challenges in 2022, are predicted to have a more successful season. With improved performance from quarterback Kenny Pickett and an improved offensive line, the Steelers could potentially rise in the rankings. However, the strength of the AFC North could pose challenges.

AFC West

  • Kansas City Chiefs: The Kansas City Chiefs, having won the Super Bowl, are predicted to repeat their success. Their young defense could potentially grow and improve, bolstering their chances of success.
  • Los Angeles Chargers: The Los Angeles Chargers, despite suffering injuries and inconsistency in their offensive coordination, are predicted to have a successful season. The arrival of Kellen Moore as the play-caller and a more consistent offense could potentially lift the Chargers to new heights.
  • Denver Broncos: The Denver Broncos, having escaped one of the worst coaching stints in NFL history, are predicted to have a more successful season. With Russell Wilson as their quarterback and Sean Payton as their coach, the Broncos could potentially be more competitive in the 2023 season.
  • Las Vegas Raiders: The Las Vegas Raiders, having replaced Derek Carr with the injury-prone Jimmy Garoppolo, are predicted to have a challenging season. Garoppolo's history of injuries suggests that the Raiders may not reach their best-case scenario of seven wins.

Projecting the Super Bowl 2023/24 Contenders

The 2023/24 NFL season is predicted to culminate in a Super Bowl LVIII showdown between the dominant Kansas City Chiefs and the formidable San Francisco 49ers. This matchup would be a thrilling rematch of Super Bowl LIV, which the Chiefs won 31-20.


Predicted 2023/24 NFL Statistics Leaders

The upcoming NFL season may witness some players delivering standout performances in their respective categories. The following predictions are based on an analysis of past season performances and potential growth in the upcoming season.


Passing Leaders

Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs is predicted to lead in passing yards with over 5,108 yards, closely followed by Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers with 5,037 passing yards. Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins, and Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks are also expected to deliver strong performances.


Rushing Leaders

In the rushing category, Nick Chubb of the Cleveland Browns is tipped to lead with 1,567 rushing yards, followed by Tony Pollard of the Dallas Cowboys and Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers. Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons and Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders are also predicted to stand out.


Receiving Leaders

Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings is predicted to lead in receiving yards, closely followed by Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins and CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys. Other players expected to shine include Jaylen Waddle of the Miami Dolphins and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs.


Wrapping Up

While these predictions provide an early forecast of the 2023/24 NFL season, the true excitement of the sport lies in its unpredictability. As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to a thrilling roller coaster ride of emotions, upsets, victories, and unforgettable moments on the gridiron.


Author: Dan Anderson