With the NFL season now in full swing, it’s time to take a deep dive into the large tales taking form up to now in 2023. From essentially the most intriguing storylines to the can’t-miss video games, there’s one thing for everybody to sit up for this fall.
The Defending Champs: Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
The Chiefs are displaying no let-up as they search their third Tremendous Bowl title in 5 years. Regardless of dropping on opening evening once they didn’t have Travis Kelce, the champs have rattled off 5 straight wins and have taken command within the AFC as soon as once more. Led by Patrick Mahomes, one of many league’s most dynamic quarterbacks, the Chiefs have a potent offense that may rating factors in bunches. With Chris Jones resigning, the protection ought to proceed to be an element because the season progresses.
New Faces, New Locations
A number of groups are coming into the 2023 season with new faces at quarterback. These have led to some combined outcomes. Essentially the most notable transitions embody the next:
- Baker Mayfield: The brand new quarterback has helped Tampa Bay followers utter out, “Tom Who?” By way of the primary quarter of the 2023 season, the previous Browns, Panthers, and Rams gunslinger has the Buccaneers offense working effectively, main them to a wholesome 3-1 begin. If he retains up this degree of play, Mayfield may assist the Bucs win their third straight NFC South title. In Week 1, he led the Bucs to an enormous upset win over the Vikings on the highway. Mayfield threw for 317 yards in a house win in opposition to the Bears after which went 25-for-32 for 246 and three touchdowns in an enormous highway win in New Orleans. He at present boasts a passer ranking of 101.5.
- Derek Carr: Total, Carr has performed nicely at instances for the Saints however has additionally proven a whole lot of inconsistency, going 98-for-150 for 946 yards with 4 touchdowns and two interceptions. An damage to his shoulder may have been a detriment in his poor outing in opposition to the Bucs, however he rebounded by serving to his group shutout the Patriots 34-0 per week in the past. Playmakers like Chris Olave and Michael Thomas have helped him settle in.
- Jimmy Garoppolo: It’s been a little bit of a curler coaster journey for Garoppolo up to now, with some wins, some losses, and an damage and concussion thrown within the combine. He’s proven the flexibility to steer game-winning drives however has additionally struggled with turnovers. He’s constructed nice chemistry with broad receiver Jakobi Meyers up to now however nonetheless appears to be attempting to get on the identical web page with Davante Adams. The Raiders are 2-2 via the season’s first quarter with Jimmy G as starter (2-3 total) and are coming off a stable victory over the Packers. Garoppolo has thrown six touchdowns and 7 interceptions and amassed 917 yards in his first season with the Raiders.
The Most Intriguing Division Races
A number of sizzling divisional battles are already taking form within the NFL. Listed below are essentially the most aggressive divisions that look to be thrilling all 12 months lengthy:
- AFC South: For the longest time, the AFC South was the worst division in soccer. However issues have modified with the Jaguars making a Tremendous Bowl run final 12 months and the Houston Texans displaying unbelievable promise with their new head coach and rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud. The Jaguars and Colts are each 3-2, main the Texans and Titans by only one recreation. The Colts’ large victory on the highway in Baltimore and the Jaguars’ win over the Payments in London illustrate that this division is for actual and may stay aggressive all 12 months.
- AFC North: This division race is broad open in 2023, with the Ravens, Bengals, Browns, and Steelers all battling for the highest spot. At present, the Steelers and the Ravens are main the best way at 3-2, however the preseason-favorite Bengals bounced again within the race per week in the past when Joe Burrow appeared wholesome and like his outdated self. They’re tied with the Browns with two wins.
- AFC East: Whereas it’s not essentially a 4-way race just like the divisions above (primarily as a result of the Patriots look horrible and the Jets are with out Aaron Rodgers), the battle for first between the Dolphins and Payments may very well be the most effective storylines this 12 months. The Payments acquired the higher hand in Week 4, beating their division rivals 48-20, however the Dolphins have a one-game lead on the Payments at 4-1. They’ll meet in Miami for a essential matchup on Jan. 7.
New Contenders Emerge
The Chiefs, Payments, Eagles, and 49ers nonetheless appear to be the 4 groups that almost all groups take a look at when selecting Tremendous Bowl favorites for the 2023 season. The Bengals are additionally to not be discounted after two straight AFC Championship journeys. Regardless of a gradual begin, Joe Burrow is getting wholesome, and that’s at all times a harmful factor. Keep watch over the NFL Week 14 odds when the Chiefs and Payments battle in Kansas Metropolis.
However new groups are coming into the scene. The Detroit Lions are the one group to knock off the Chiefs this 12 months and are sitting in fine condition within the NFC North at 4-1. In Week 6, they tackle one other shock starter, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1), who will sport their outdated creamsicle jerseys at residence in a late begin at Raymond James Stadium.
The Dolphins have sprinted out to a 4-1 begin, and we do imply sprinted. Their offensive velocity is not like something the NFL has ever seen. They scored 70 factors on the Broncos Week 3, amassing an NFL-record 725 yards. Behind Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and DeVon Achane, they seem like the latest model of the “Biggest Present on Turf” (or relatively grass).
From teaching adjustments to blockbuster trades, the lead-up to NFL Kickoff 2023 has been a whirlwind that we’re now seeing play out. With the common season underway, the drama on the gridiron is taking heart stage. Each recreation represents an opportunity for gamers to cement legacies and groups to stake their declare. After months of anticipation, soccer season is lastly again.