NFL Predictions 2023: Picking each AFC and NFC division winner

AFC East division winner: Miami Dolphins

While the AFC South may be the weakest division in the NFL, there is a strong case to be made for the AFC East being the toughest division in football. The Jets' addition of four-time MVP and Super Bowl champion Aaron Rodgers alongside what was one of the best defenses in the league last season makes them a legitimate threat to compete for more than just the AFC East.

It is a new era in the AFC East. For the first time in a long time, the Patriots may be the worst team in the division. The Patriots haven’t finished last in their division since Bill Belichick first took reigns of the team back in 2000. A team that lacks playmakers on the offensive end, it will be difficult for the Pats to keep up with the rest of the high-flying offenses in this division.

The Bills are a juggernaut that will not be going anywhere any time soon as long as Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, and Co. are healthy and in Buffalo. Josh Allen is a perennial MVP candidate and the Bills continue to boast one of the best home-field advantages in the NFL. After a few disappointing postseason finishes in recent years, it may be Super Bowl or bust for the Bills Mafia.

The Dolphins were 8-5 in Tua Tagovailoa’s 13 starts last season before he suffered multiple head injuries that forced him to miss several weeks, including the Dolphins Wild Card game versus the Bills (which they nearly managed to win in Buffalo with backup quarterback Skylar Thompson under center). Miami averaged nearly 10 more points per game in the 13 games Tua played as opposed to the four regular season games he missed. The additions of Jalen Ramsey and David Long Jr. should also help solidify what was already a good defensive unit.

If Tagovailoa can stay healthy, expect him, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Co. to take another offensive leap under the tutelage of Mike McDaniel in his second year as head coach.

AFC West division winner: Kansas City Chiefs

The reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs will look to defend their title and it starts with winning their division. They are running it back with virtually the same roster as last season, including 2022 MVP Patrick Mahomes and all-world tight end Travis Kelce. Not to mention, the Chiefs have arguably the best coach in the NFL in Andy Reid and he continues to put his team in a position to compete for the Super Bowl every year. The Chiefs have owned the division since 2016, having won the division each of the last seven seasons.

The Chargers are talented and Justin Herbert should continue to improve under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. But, Mahomes has a 7-2 record versus the Chargers in his career. It remains to be seen whether or not Jimmy Garopolo will be healthy enough to play 17 games in his debut season for the Raiders after suffering a foot injury in 2022 that forced the team to include an opt-out clause in the contract he signed this offseason.

It is also uncertain how much Russell Wilson has left in the tank after a miserable and injury-riddled season with the Broncos last year. Stud running back Javonte Williams should be eased into the season after tearing his ACL and LCL and may not be a full go until later in the year. With that said, the Chiefs should cruise to their eighth consecutive AFC West title in 2023.