Every NFL team has a reason to count them in for a Super Bowl. Some are more beneficial than others, but here is every NFL team's biggest strength heading into the 2023 season:
Miami Dolphins:
The Dolphins have an explosive offense, but the strongest part of that offense is the receiving core. Having the fastest man in the NFL (Tyreek Hill) is a plus. Once Hill has the ball, defenders look stupid trying to take him down. Jaylen Waddle is a reliable go-to 1,000-yard receiver, especially in the slot. If quarterback Tua Tagovialoa stays healthy, this receiving core will be one of the league's strongest.
New York Jets:
The Jets have one of the best defenses, but their biggest strength lies in the running game. They have the NFL's most depth at the running back position, with Breece Hall, Dalvin Cook, Michael Carter, and Zonovan Knight. If Hall, Cook, and Carter somehow get injured, the rushing game will still function well with Zonovan Knight. The offensive line is not the strongest, but efficient enough to keep the running game intact. The rushing scheme won't rely on the o-line as much, with a mixture of inside and outside rushes. With an aging Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, the team will rely on the rushing game for offensive production, and it will prevail.
Buffalo Bills:
The Bills are a very balanced team, but their biggest strength is in the receiving group. Stefon Diggs is a consistent 1,000-yard receiver and is easily a top-ten receiver in the NFL. Gabe Davis is a hugely underrated receiver, and 836 yards in 2022 is quite good for a no. 2 wideout. But Davis is only entering his prime and will likely improve during the 2023 season. Tight end Dawson Knox is especially useful for catching Josh Allen's short, gunslinging passes. The Bills receiving core is loaded with talent and depth, giving Allen the best chance for success at the QB position.
New England Patriots:
When Bill Belichick is coaching this team, their biggest strength is always on the defensive front. This time, it's the pass-rush. Linebacker Mathew Judon has become an elite pass rusher since he started playing under Belichick, in 202. Judon recorded 15.5 sacks in 2022, good for 4th in the NFL. The pass rush ranked 3rd in sacks in 2022 and could climb even higher in those rankings during the 2023 season.
Baltimore Ravens:
While the Ravens did make vast improvements to the receiving core, their biggest strength is the rush defense. 2022 trade deadline acquisition Roquan Smith is easily one of the league's best linebackers, and Patrick Queen is also a quality rush defender. The group ranked 3rd in rushing yards allowed but will likely take first with Roquan Smith on the team for a full season.
Cincinnati Bengals:
Joe Burrow would be as good a quarterback without his stacked receiving core. Jamar Chase is a consistent 1,000-yard and consistent top-10 receiver in the game. He is also the best outside receiver, making incredible catches while miraculously staying in bounds. Tee Higgins is a reliable, go-to target for Burrow, being able to play in the slot and wide. Tyler Boyd is another quality receiver, allowing for a third read and less coverage on the other two. The Bengals' receiving has been and will continue to be a cornerstone of a Super Bowl-contending team.
Dallas Cowboys:
Similarly to their rivals 1,479 miles away, the Cowboys are strongest in the trenches. Zack Martin has been essential for Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliot, and Tony Pollard's careers. Martin is undoubtedly the best guard in the NFL. Tyron Smith is also an offensive lineman of elite caliber, allowing just 2.5 sacks through the past two seasons. The Cowboys certainly would not have gotten far enough to get their butts kicked by the 49ers without their outstanding offensive line.
Pittsburgh Steelers:
The Steelers' biggest strength is the secondary. Pro-bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick led the league in interceptions, helping the team rank first in picks for 2022. The offseason additions of Patrick Peterson and Joey Porter Jr. could allow this group to reach new heights during the 2023 season.
Cleveland Browns:
The Browns' biggest strength in 2022 was the rushing game and will remain their biggest strength in 2023. Nick Chubb is the most consistent running back in the league and one of the most underrated. But 1,000+ yards in each of the past four seasons speaks for itself. The Browns also have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, as well as a rushing scheme that has worked in previous seasons and will continue to work.
Kansas City Chiefs:
The defending champions can owe their success to their defensive line. While it would be easy to credit Patrick Mahomes or Travis Kelce, the defensive line's talent often goes under the radar. They ranked 2nd in sacks the season prior, and little to no changes were made to this vaunte
d pass rush during the offseason. Veteran Chris Jones is one of the best pass rushers in the game, ranking 4th in sacks in 2022, with 15.5. George Karlaftis will likely improve following a promising rookie season.
Los Angeles Chargers:
The Chargers have a stacked offense, but their biggest strength is on the defensive side of the ball. They have the best linebacker situation in the NFL, with the two elite linebackers in Kahlil Mack and Joey Bosa. Mack is no longer in his prime but is still a quality linebacker, and Bosa will likely record 10+ sacks in 2023 if he can stay healthy.
Las Vegas Raiders:
The Raiders' biggest strength is at the defensive end position. Maxx Crosby is one of the league's best pass-rushers, recording a career-high 12.5 sacks in 2022, and will likely have an even better 2023 season. These 12.5 sacks were good enough for 8th in the NFL. Chandler Jones is no longer in his prime but is still a defensive end of high caliber.
Denver Broncos:
The Broncos have one of the league's best defenses. But their biggest strength is not on the defensive front but on the offensive line. The Broncos' o-line underwent a complete overhaul during the offseason and should vastly improve. The arrivals of Ben Powers and Mike McGlinchey will make the o-line the team's biggest strength.
Tenessee Titans:
This one is obvious. The Titans' rushing game has always been a cornerstone of the team and will continue to be. Derrick Henry is a bulldozer once he has the ball, embarrassing defenders. While the offensive line is not as strong, the rushing scheme and the entire offensive scheme revolve around Henry. As long as Derrick Henry is on the roster, the rushing game will not be a question mark.
Jacksonville Jaguars:
The Jaguars certainly would not have made it to the divisional round without their star-studded receiving core. Zay Jones, Christian Kirk, and Evan Engram are not superstars but consistent and reliable receivers. The free agency acquisition of Calvin Ridley improved an already elite group of receivers. Ridley has not played during a regular season since 2021, so expect some growing pains. But once he finds his groove, a 1,000-yard season is likely.
Houston Texans:
The Texans are one of the weakest teams, making it difficult to find strength. Nevertheless, rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud looks very promising, with no glaring weaknesses, unlike many other rookie QBs. Stroud is also very versatile. He can pass in the pocket, scramble, run the ball, and throw deep. He may struggle during the 2023 season with a shallow receiving core, but it is still the bright spot in one of the league's worst teams.
Indianapolis Colts:
The Colts are also an inept team heading into the upcoming season. But the Colts also have a strong quarterback situation. Rookie Anthony Richardson looks promising, and maybe drafting a new franchise QB instead of buying a washed-up veteran might work this time. Backup Gardner Minshew is one of the best second-string quarterbacks and a fan favorite. The Colts at least have things figured out at the quarterback position, something they have lacked since the loss of Andrew Luck.
Washington Commanders:
Quarterback Sam Howell will need all the help he can get, and he fortunately has a top-tier receiving core. Terry McClaurin is easily a 1,000-yarder and a top-ten receiver in the game. Curtis Samuel and Jahon Dotson are reliable secondary options. Dotson had a promising rookie season and will likely improve in 2023. The receiving group was responsible for much of the offense's production in 2022 and will be responsible for even more in 2023.
New York Giants:
The Giants had a surprisingly strong defense in 2022, but it won't be as surprising in 2023, thanks to head coach Brian Daboll and defensive coordinator Don Martindale. The team was a complete mess before Daboll and Martindale were hired during the 2022 off-season. The Giants had not gained any acquisitions during that offseason, making the new coaches easy to credit for the team's playoff berth.
Philadelphia Eagles:
The Eagles' defensive line is often mentioned for being the team's biggest strength. While that may be true, the offensive line's talent has been overlooked. The Eagles have unquestionably the best O-line in the NFL, with the best center in the game in Jason Kelce. Kelce is a cornerstone in the passing and rushing schemes, but this elite o-line also contains one of the best tackles in Lane Johnson, who has not allowed a sack since 2020. They lost a starter from the group during the offseason, but Cam Jurgens is more than capable of filling that gap.
Green Bay Packers:
During the offseason, what has remained constant is the rushing game. The rushing offense was heavily relied on due to Davante Adams's departure and prevailed. Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon are not just good running backs but are different types of running backs, allowing for a versatile and effective running scheme. The Packers' offensive line has been high caliber for many seasons and will continue to be as long as David Bakhtiari is part of the line. The rushing game will be relied on even more with a new starting QB and will prevail again.
Chicago Bears:
One of the few bright spots of an otherwise abysmal 2022 season was Justin Fields' dual-threat abilities. Fields should improve with a more talented set of pass-catchers for the upcoming season. But his ability to run the ball explosively and effectively gives the Bears' offense an edge.
Detroit Lions:
The Lions have an explosive offense. What makes that offense explosive is the offensive line. With two of the best o-linemen in Frank Ragnow and Penei Sewell, the strongest part of the Lions' roster is the trenches. Through 1,074 snaps, Ragnow allowed a career-low one sack in 2022. Sewell allowed just two sacks but committed ten penalties. This offensive line has also done an exceptional job of protecting the pocket passer, Jared Goff.
Minnesota Vikings:
The Vikings immensely declined during the offseason and in nearly every area of the roster. But where they are yet to decline is in the head coaching position. While Justin Jefferson would be the more popular choice, one man receiving cores never ends well. During his rookie 2022 season, Head coach Kevin O'Connell turned a mediocre Vikings team into a mediocre Vikings team that could win close games. Considering that he increased the team's win total by five during his rookie season, he is the man keeping this team together.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
The Bucs' biggest strength is a wide receiver position. Mike Evan has recorded a 1,000-yard season for every one of his nine seasons. If that is not consistent, then I don't know what is. And there is no reason to doubt him recording 1,000+ yards during the 2023 season. Chris Godwin has only recorded 1,000+ yards for half of his seasons but is a hugely underrated and versatile wideout, being able to catch passes from the slot and wide.
Carolina Panthers:
The Panthers made plenty of improvements on the offense, and where they improved the most is in the rushing game. Free agency acquisition Miles Sanders ran for over 1,000 yards in 2022. He might not reach the level in 2023 with a less skilled O-line, but the O-line is not much worse than the Eagles, his former team. Sanders is also a versatile running back, allowing him to fit into a plethora of different schemes. But rookie quarterback Bryce Young can also run the ball effectively, though he probably shouldn't because he's 5'10 and 190 pounds, so one bad hit could end his career.
New Orleans Saints:
The Saints' strength is not necessarily the rushing game but the depth at the running back position. Alvin Kamara was suspended for three games, which would be a big deal, but the backup, Jamaal Williams, is arguably a better running back and an effective inside rusher. Once Kamara is back, the two running backs could make an impressive duo and scheme.
Atlanta Falcons:
The Falcons did not need to draft another running back, Bijan Robinson, but they did nevertheless. They have a solid line, but what makes the rushing game strong is their three quality running backs. While Robinson has not played a single regular season snap, 2nd string Tyler Allgeir proved to be a promising running back in 2022, rushing for over 1,000 yards in his rookie season, a feat that even some of the best RBs did not accomplish. 3rd string Cordarelle Patterson is one of the most versatile players in the NFL, and he even called his position, "Wideback", a combination of running back and wide receiver. This trio could give defenses a headache.
San Francisco 49ers:
The 49ers are one of the league's strongest teams, but where they stand out the most is their rush defense. Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, and Arik Armstead make up a rush defense that ranked 2nd in rushing yards given up and will likely rank 1st in 2023. The amount of depth and talent that the 49ers have on that part of the field is unmatched.
Seattle Seahawks:
The Seahawks' defense vastly improved during the offseason, but their receiving core remains their biggest strength. Tyler Lockett and D.K Metcalf are the perfect wideout duo. Metcalf is the speedy slot receiver, and Lockett is the outside deep threat. No matter who is throwing, they have consistently put up exceptional stats, and it is genuinely a mystery as to which one will record more yards in a season.
Los Angeles Rams:
The Rams will be one of the weakest teams in 2023, but they are still somewhat strong in the receiving core. Cooper Kupp may not win the receiving title again, but is still a receiver of high caliber. Van Jefferson and Tyler Higbee aren't exactly 1,000-yarders, but will still shine if a good quarterback is throwing to them, and Matthew Stafford is a good quarterback.
Arizona Cardinals:
The Cardinals will likely be the winners of the first-round draft pick in the 2023 season, but at least have a quality running back in James Conner, even if the offensive line is not up to par. Conner is the only bright spot on an otherwise inept team since Budda Baker now wants out of Arizona.
Comments