NFL Predictions 2023: Picking each AFC and NFC division winner

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NFC West division winner: San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers are coming off a year in which they went 13-4 with three different quarterbacks playing for them at times last season. Head coach Kyle Shanahan is one of the brightest coaching minds the NFL has to offer and his scheme was able to drive the 49ers to victory regardless of who was under center last year. They feature one of the best offensive skill position groups in the NFL, led by three former All-Pros: Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle.

When Brock Purdy, also known as 2022’s “Mr. Irrelevant,” got the opportunity to start with the 49ers, he never looked back. He recorded a 5-0 record in his five regular-season starts en route to leading the team to the NFC Championship Game as a rookie. If it wasn't for a mid-game elbow injury that forced him to get UCL surgery in March, the 49ers could’ve represented the NFC in the Super Bowl.

San Francisco has one of the best pass-rushing units in the league behind the likes of 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw, and newly-acquired Javon Hargrave in addition to arguably the best defensive field general in the NFL in Fred Warner. Look for SF to win the NFC West again.

NFC East division winner: Philadelphia Eagles

Last season’s NFC Champions are ready to make another splash this offseason. Despite losing a few important pieces, the Eagles were able to retain the nucleus of the roster that got them to the Super Bowl last season while also replacing the players they lost adequately. They replaced Javon Hargrave with No. 9 overall pick Jalen Carter, Miles Sanders with the duo of Rashaad Penny and D’Andre Swift, and have second-year pro Nakobe Dean ready to step into a full-time linebacker role to help fill the void created by the departures of T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White. Jalen Hurts will look to build on the incredible season he had last year that saw him finish second to Patrick Mahomes in MVP voting and earned him a $255 million contract extension

The Cowboys are the Eagles’ biggest threat to steal their division crown led by Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb, Trevon Diggs, and more. However, they must now prepare for life after Ezekiel Elliot, who has been the engine of their offense since he was drafted in 2016. The Cowboys also parted ways with up-and-coming offensive coordinator Moore, who is assuredly going to find himself in the head coaching interview cycle sooner than later.

The Commanders have new ownership and finally can put the Dan Snyder era behind them. They have a talented front seven led by Daron Payne and Chase Young while also boasting one of the most dynamic receiving trios in the NFL. However, they are rolling with Sam Howell at quarterback to start the season, so their ceiling remains limited.

Then there are the NY Giants, who just extended their franchise left tackle, Andrew Thomas, while also resolving the Saquon Barkley contract dispute in hopes of building on their postseason run from last season. With the additions of Darren Waller and Parris Campbell, the Giants are doing their best to surround Daniel Jones with playmakers and Brian Daboll is putting him in positions to succeed. The Giants’ ability to hang with the Eagles (or even the Cowboys) will be determined by whether or not Jones can take yet another step forward as a passer.

The Eagles' combination of talent and continuity should propel them to yet another NFC East title.

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