Worst To Best Teams In 2023 - The Bottom Feeders, Pretenders, And Contenders

THE STINKERS

Carolina Panthers 0-5
Remaining Schedule: @MIA, BYE, HOU, IND, @CHI, DAL, @Ten, @TB, @NO, ATL, GB, @JAX, TB

The Panthers may not win a single game this year. No more than 3 wins on the year, and even that would be suprising .

Denver Broncos 1-5
Remaining Schedule: GB, KC, BYE, @BUF, MIN, CLE, @HOU, @LAC, @DET, NE, LAC, @LV

The Broncos may not be favored in any of their remaining games. No more than 4 wins all year.

Arizona Cardinals 1-4
Remaining Schedule: @ LAR, @SEA, BAL, @CLE, ATL, @HOU, LAR, @PIT, BYE, SF, @CHI, @PHI, SEA

Playing in arguably the toughest division in the league won't get them very far as the worst team. No more than 4 wins all year.

Chicago Bears 1-4
Remaining Schedule: MIN, LV, @LAC, @NO, CAR, @DET, @MIN, BYE, DET, @CLE, ARZ, ATL, @gb

The Bears could be a formidable foe, 2 years from now. 5 wins tops this year.

New England Patriots 1-4
Remaining Schedule: @LV, BUF, @MIA, WAS, IND, BYE, @NYG, LAC, @PIT, KC, @den, @BUF, NYJ

While the Patriots still have a decent defense and a Goat HC, they look pathetic on offense. 5 wins at the most this year.

New York Giants 1-4
Remaining Schedule: @BUF, WAS, NYJ, @LV, @DAL, @WAS, NE, BYE, GB, @NO, @PHI, LAR, PHI

They won't survive their remaining schedule. 5 wins tops this year.

ROT SETTING IN ALREADY

Washington Commanders 2-3
Remaining Schedule: @atl, @ NYG, PHI, @NE, @SEA, NYG, @DAL, MIA, BYE, @LAR, @NYJ, SF, DAL

When your HC doesn't speak to the team at halftime while losing to the Bears 24-3 that's not a good sign of things to come. The ceiling is 7 wins on the year.

New York Jets 2-3.
Remaining Schedule: @PHI, BYE, @NYG, LAC, @LV, @BUF, MIA, ATL, HOU, @MIA, WAS, @CLE, @NE.

Jets have a stout defense. QB play will have to improve dramatically for them to win more than 8 games this year.

Las Vegas Raiders 2-3
Remaining Schedule: NE, @CHI, @DET, NYG, NYJ, @ MIA, KC, MIN, LAC, @KC, @IND, DEN

They may very well win four of their next five games, but they are just as likely to lose six of their last seven. 8 wins is their ceiling.

Tennessee Titans 2-3
Remaining Schedule: BAL, BYE, ATL, @PIT, @TB, @JAX, CAR, IND, @MIA, HOU, SEA, @HOU, Jax

If not for a questionable coaching decision by Staley of the Chargers the Titans could be holding on to their single decisive win against the Browns. The Titans have some good players on defense and Henry can take over a game, however, the passing game has been ineffective thus far. The ceiling is 8 wins.

Minnesota Vikings 1-4
Remaining Schedule: @CHI, SF, @gb, @atl, NO, @den, CHI, BYE, @LV, @CIN, DET, GB, DET

Justin Jefferson is on IR but due to return against the Saints Week 10 on November 12th. Cousins is playing well but could get traded before the trade deadline October 31st if they lose one or more of their next three games. They're already in a deep hole. 9 wins is their ceiling which they probably won't reach.

ON THE BUBBLE

Cleveland Browns 2-2
Remaining Schedule: SF, @IND, @SEA, ARZ, @BAL, PIT, @den, @LAR, JAX, CHI, @HOU, NYJ, @CIN

The Browns have been up and down in the win/loss column through four games and sit at .500 in a division that historically plays each other tough. It will be a bit surprising if they win more than 9 games this year.

Houston Texans 2-3
Remaining Schedule: NO, BYE, @CAR, TB, @CIN, ARZ, JAX, DEN, @NYJ, @Ten, CLE, TEN, @IND

The Texans got romped in their first two games but then beat the Jaguars and Steelers back to back and barely lost last week to the Falcons. Their Rookie QB C.J. Stroud is playing anything but like a Rookie. They have a new coach and some young talented players. They will surprise some teams the rest of the way with a favorable schedule and playing in an iffy division. Their ceiling is 9 wins for the year.

Green Bay Packers 2-3
Remaining Schedule: BYE, @den, MIN, LAR, @PIT, LAC, @DET, KC, @NYG, TB, @CAR, @MIN, CHI

The Packers could be sitting at 1-4 if not for a 4th quarter meltdown by the Saints. On the other hand, they coulda, woulda, shoulda, beat the Falcons. They're coming off two straight losses, which could have been four straight. Love has the tools but this is his 1st year as a starter. At this point 9 wins seems like a stretch for the year.

***I Don't Believe Any Of The Above Teams Will Make The Playoffs This Year.***

IN THE HUNT

Baltimore Ravens 3-2
Remaining Schedule: @Ten, DET, @ARZ, SEA, CLE, CIN, @LAC, BYE, LAR, @JAX, @SF, MIA, PIT

The Ravens have lost two of their last three games. Lamar Jackson has been slowed down by those money 💰 bags. He ranks 20th in passing yards with only four TDs with two Ints. His rushing yardage is down by his standards. He has the ability to cut loose. The Ravens rank low in almost every Offensive and Defensive stat except the most important one, winning. They'll be hard pressed to win 10 games this year, probably less.

Cincinnati Bengals 2-3
Remaining Schedule: SEA, BYE, @SF, BUF, HOU, @BAL, PIT, @JAX, IND, MIN, @PIT, @KC, CLE

The slow start will be their Achilles Heel this year. It's hard to find more than 10 wins for Joe and his crew this year, probably less.

Los Angeles Chargers 2-2
Remaining Schedule: DAL, @KC, CHI, @NYJ, DET, @gb, BAL, @NE, DEN, @LV, BUF, @den, KC

The Chargers opened the season with two narrow losses followed by two narrow wins. All four games were decided by one score. Herbert has a cannon and targets like Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. Joey Bosa is a menace on defense. Their ceiling is 10 wins.

Indianapolis Colts 3-2
Remaining Schedule: @JAX, CLE, NO, @CAR, @NE, TB, @Ten, @CIN, PIT, @atl, LV, HOU

The Colts are suprising somewhat with their rookie QB hurt and winning with Gardner Minshew, who may be a bit better than advertised. They now have their best player, Jonathan Taylor, back from his holdout. They found a good running game in his absence. Their remaining schedule could allow them to get to 10 wins.

Dallas Cowboys 3-2
Remaining Schedule: @LAC, BYE, LAR, @PHI, NYG, @CAR, WAS, SEA, PHI, @BUF, @MIA, DET, @WAS

The Cowboys, as usual, get their fan base delusional early in the regular season. Their three victories to date have been against the Giants, Jets, and Patriots. Their two losses have been against the Cardinals and the 49ers, both who walloped them Boyz. Looking at the remainder of their schedule it's hard to be convinced that they will win 10 games this year, probably less.

Atlanta Falcons 3-2
Remaining Schedule: WAS, @TB, TEN, MIN, @ARZ, BYE, NO, @NYJ, TB, @CAR, IND, @CHI, @NO

The Falcons three wins to date have been against the Panthers, Packers, and Texans, the latter two could have been losses and their record could be 1-4. However, all wins count. Desmond Ridder has played ok. His passing yardage is mid pack, however, he only has four TDs against three Ints., but he does have the ability to run. Rookie RB Bijan Robinson looks to be the real deal. He currently ranks 10th in rushing and is also a threat in the passing game. With their early wins the Falcons could win as many as 11 games on the year. Don't bet on it. They more than likely will clown 🤡their way to eight.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-1
Remaining Schedule: DET, ATL, @BUF, @HOU, TEN, @SF, @IND, CAR, @atl, @gb, JAX, NO, @CAR

The Bucs benefit from having the Panthers twice yet to play. They're riding StudeBaker Mayfield off to a hot start. They could fall back to the pack over the next three games. They could win as many as 11 games but may not win more than eight.

Los Angeles Rams 2-3
Remaining Schedule: ARZ, PIT, @DAL, @gb, BYE, SEA, @ARZ, CLE, @BAL, WAS, NO, @NYG, @SF

The Rams discovered a reliable WR in Puka Nacua in the absence of Cooper Kupp. With Kupp now back, the Rams could put enough wins together to make a playoff run. They have Aaron Donald. They will benefit from having the Cards yet twice. Their ceiling is 11wins for the year and should win at least nine.


Seattle Seahawks 3-1
Remaining Schedule: @CIN, ARZ, CLE, @BAL, WAS, @LAR, SF, @DAL, @SF, PHI, @Ten, PIT, @ARZ

Winners of three straight the Seahawks have wins over the lowly Panthers and Giants along with a quality win over the Lions. Their record could be a mirage. They'll benefit from having two games yet to play with the Cardinals, but no other gimmes are on tap. They have a brutal five game stretch in the middle. If they are what their record says they are they could win as many as 11 games this year but maybe as few as nine.


New Orleans Saints 3-2
Remaining Schedule: @HOU, JAX, @IND, CHI, @MIN, BYE, @atl, DET, CAR, NYG, @LAR, @TB, ATL

The Saints schedule sets up favorably in that they play Jax at home on a Thursday night, a short week for both teams. The Jaguars will be traveling on short rest after just one home game between being in London for two straight weeks. The Saints BYE is in week 11. After that they play ATL on the road after a weeks rest. Their final six games are against NFC opponents, four of them played at home. The Saints Defense has been stingy and if the Offense plays to their potential they could be a force to be reckoned with. With my Black and Gold 😎 shades on I'd like to believe the Saints will win their remaining twelve games. The realist in me says their ceiling is 11 wins, maybe ten. A Wildcard Playoff spot is likely. An NFC South Division Title is possible.

Pittsburgh Steelers 3-2
Remaining Schedule: BYE, @LAR, JAX, TEN GB, @CLE, @CIN, ARZ, NE, @IND, CIN, @SEA, @BAL

Coaching. MikeTomlin has never had a losing season with the Steelers, now in his 17th year. They currently sit in 1st Place in the AFC North. Kenny Pickett Pocket is starting to get the hang of the game. Getting 11 wins is possible but it may be a hard row to hoe to get there, and they will most likely fall short of that by a few.

Jacksonville Jaguars 3-2
Remaining Schedule: IND, @NO, @PIT, BYE, SF, TEN, @HOU, CIN, @CLE, BAL, TB, CAR, TEN

The Jaguars appear to be the best team in their division at this point coming off two straight wins, against the Falcons and the Bills. However, their division appears to be tight top to bottom. 11 wins are possible but not likely.

Buffalo Bills 3-2
Remaining Schedule: NYG, @NE, TB, @CIN, DEN, NYJ, @PHI, BYE, @KC, DAL, @LAC, NE, @MIA

The Bills own dominating wins over the high flying Dolphins and the grounded Commanders. They benefit by having two games yet to be played against the Patriots, one against John Denver and one against the G-strings but otherwise they have some tough match-ups along the way. Josh Allen is worth a few extra wins. They may win as many as 11games this year but may fall a few short of that.

THOSE ON CRUISE CONTROL

Philadelphia Eagles 5-0
Remaining Schedule: @NYJ, MIA, @WAS, DAL, BYE, @KC, BUF, SF, @DAL, @SEA, NYG, ARZ, @NYG

While the Eagles are undefeated now, they will be well tested before things are said and done. They are gifted the final three games of the year. 14 games may be possible. Anything less than twelve would be a disappointment.

Miami Dolphins 4-1
Remaining Schedule: CAR, @PHI, NE, @KC, BYE, LV, @NYJ, @WAS, TEN, NYJ, DAL, @BAL, BUF

The high flying Dolphins threw up 70 points against the Broncos, the 2nd highest amount in NFL history, then had a coming down the following week in their only loss to date, a 48-20 smack down by the Bills. The Dolphins Offense, "The Greatest Show On Surf", is on pace to break record marks for total yardage held by the Rams "Greatest Show On Turf". They still have the Bills nipping at their heels and owners of a division win over them but it's no doubt that Miami is one of the elite teams in the league. Speed Kills! 15 wins seems possible, twelve or less would be a disappointment.

Detroit Lions 4-1
Remaining Schedule: @TB, @BAL, LV, BYE, @LAC, CHI, GB, @NO, @CHI, DEN, @MIN, @DAL, MIN

The Lions may be favored in all of their remaining games on schedule. That's foreign language. They served notice with an opening day win over the Chiefs at Arrowhead. 15 wins seems possible, twelve or less would be a disappointment.

Kansas City Chiefs 5-1
Remaining Schedule: LAC, @den, MIA, BYE, PHI, @LV, @gb, BUF, @NE, LV, CIN, @LAC

The defending SuperBowl Champion Chiefs, winners of five straight games are the Kings of the league until someone can knock them off. Mahomes is the best QB in the league on any given Sunday. Andy Reid is the 4th highest winning Head Coach of all time. Kelce is unstoppable in the passing game. 15 wins may be possible. Anything less than twelve would be a disappointment.

San Francisco 49ers 5-0
Remaining Schedule: @CLE, @MIN, CIN, BYE, @JAX, TB, @SEA, @PHI, SEA, @ARZ, BAL, @WAS, LAR

The 49ers look the part. They will be favored to win all of their remaining games. They won't. They have the most balance of any team in the league. Playmakers on both sides of the ball. Their Defense is wicked. It looked as if they were told what the plays Dallas were going to run last week. They could win 16 games this year. Anything less than twelve wins would be a major disappointment.

PROJECTED DIVISION WINNERS

AFC West - KC Chiefs
AFC East - Miami Dolphins
AFC North- Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC South- Jacksonville Jaguars

NFC West - San Francisco 49ers
NFC East - Philadelphia Eagles
NFC North- Detroit Lions
NFC South- New Orleans Saints

WILDCARD PLAYOFF TEAMS

AFC - Buffalo Bills, L.A. Chargers, Indianapolis Colts

NFC - Seatle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

So this is what I think at this stage of the season. A lot could happen over the next few weeks to change this up a bit. This week alone will separate the very bad from the very good with a lot of hope in between. Torn between Colts and Bengals for last AFC Wildcard spot and between Bucs and Cowboys for the final NFC Wildcard spot.

Any Thoughts Welcomed.