Its parity makes the NFL one of the best sports leagues in the world. Every year, at least one team comes out of nowhere to compete, flip expectations on their head, and push their way into the postseason.
With that parity comes surprises, twists, and turns throughout the season. Thus making predictions about which teams and players will succeed in any given season is challenging.
The Game Day staff members (Frank Ammirante, Jeff Hicks, Lance Patton, Matt De Lima, Pat Pickens, Sam Wagman, and Scott Engel) do their best to predict the Super Bowl winner and conference champions. Plus, they make their calls on the players who will win MVP, Offensive Player of the Year (OPOY), Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY), Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY), Comeback Player of the Year, and Coach of the Year.
These awards and more are presented at the annual NFL Honors event. The date and time of next year’s event have yet to be announced, but based on past scheduling, the 13th Annual NFL Honors will be on February 8, 2024.
Our experts provide their predictions for the upcoming 2023 NFL season.
NFL Season Predictions 2023-24
| TGD | Super Bowl | AFC Winner | NFC Winner | AFCE Winner | AFCN Winner | AFCS Winner | AFCW Winner | NFCE Winner | NFCN Winner | NFCS Winner | NFCW Winner | MVP | OPOY | DPOY | OROY | DROY | Comeback | Coach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frank Ammirante | Dolphins | Dolphins | Seahawks | Dolphins | Ravens | Jaguars | Chiefs | Eagles | Vikings | Panthers | 49ers | Justin Herbert | Ja'Marr Chase | Micah Parsons | Bryce Young | Will Anderson Jr. | Damar Hamlin | Pete Carroll |
| Jeff Hicks | Eagles | Bengals | Eagles | Dolphins | Bengals | Jaguars | Chiefs | Eagles | Lions | Saints | 49ers | Lamar Jackson | Christian McCaffrey | T.J. Watt | Bryce Young | Tyree Wilson | Damar Hamlin | Mike McDaniel |
| Lance Patton | Bengals | Bengals | 49ers | Bills | Bengals | Colts | Chiefs | Cowboys | Lions | Saints | 49ers | Josh Allen | Christian McCaffrey | Micah Parsons | Anthony Richardson | Jack Campbell | Damar Hamlin | Dan Campbell |
| Matt De Lima | Eagles | Bills | Eagles | Bills | Bengals | Jaguars | Chiefs | Eagles | Vikings | Falcons | 49ers | Jalen Hurts | A.J. Brown | Nick Bosa | Bijan Robinson | Jack Campbell | Damar Hamlin | Robert Saleh |
| Pat Pickens | Bills | Bills | 49ers | Bills | Bengals | Titans | Chiefs | Eagles | Bears | Saints | 49ers | Josh Allen | Christian McCaffrey | Haason Reddick | Bryce Young | Will Anderson Jr. | Aaron Rodgers | Robert Saleh |
| Sam Wagman | Bengals | Bengals | Eagles | Bills | Bengals | Jaguars | Chiefs | Eagles | Vikings | Panthers | Seahawks | Jalen Hurts | Ja'Marr Chase | T.J. Watt | Anthony Richardson | Devon Witherspoon | Russell Wilson | Doug Pederson |
| Scott Engel | Bills | Bills | 49ers | Bills | Ravens | Jaguars | Chiefs | Cowboys | Lions | Saints | 49ers | Lamar Jackson | Ja'Marr Chase | Nick Bosa | Bijan Robinson | Devon Witherspoon | Russell Wilson | Mike McDaniel |
The Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles secured two votes to win Super Bowl LVIII. Ja’Marr Chase was a popular choice for Offensive Player of the Year, receiving three of the six predictions.
T.J. Watt, Micah Parsons, and Nick Bosa are tied up with two votes each for Defensive Player of the Year. There is another three-way tie for Offensive Rookie of the Year split between Anthony Richardson, Bryce Young, and Bijan Robinson.
Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson each got two nods for MVP. Damar Hamlin deservedly dominated the Comeback Player of the Year Award predictions.
There was little consensus for Coach of the Year, but Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel edges out a lead by snagging two predictions.
Super Bowl 58 Winner Predictions
- Frank Ammirante: Miami Dolphins
- Jeff Hicks: Philadelphia Eagles
- Lance Patton: Cincinnati Bengals
- Matt De Lima: Philadelphia Eagles
- Pat Pickens: Buffalo Bills
- Sam Wagman: Cincinnati Bengals
- Scott Engel: Buffalo Bills
Super Bowl 58 Winner: Cincinnati Bengals (+1100)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
The Bengals are priced well at 11/1 in early Super Bowl odds. They’ve been to each of the last two AFC Championship games, Joe Burrow is a rising megastar, and the team not only has two star wide receivers in Chase and Tee Higgins but also a solid defense led by DC Lou Anarumo.
They have the firepower to hold off the Chiefs in the AFC, and any team that can hold off the Chiefs is plenty capable of winning the Super Bowl. — SAM WAGMAN
NFL Conference Winner Predictions 2023-2024
AFC Champion Predictions
- Frank Ammirante: Miami Dolphins
- Jeff Hicks: Cincinnati Bengals
- Lance Patton: Cincinnati Bengals
- Matt De Lima: Buffalo Bills
- Pat Pickens: Buffalo Bills
- Sam Wagman: Cincinnati Bengals
- Scott Engel: Buffalo Bills
AFC Winner: Buffalo Bills (+500)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
Despite finishing the 2022 NFL regular season on a seven-game winning streak, the Buffalo Bills couldn’t get past the Divisional round, getting bounced out of the postseason by the Cincinnati Bengals in a 27-10 loss.
Allen and Co. have made four straight playoffs, and the stars have yet to align for a Super Bowl appearance. James Cook takes the reins as the lead running back, and he’ll be joined by Damien Harris, who was added via free agency from New England.
Bolstered by a stellar defense that held opponents to just 17.9 points per game last season, those struggles change for the better in 2023. — MATT DE LIMA
NFC Champion Predictions
- Frank Ammirante: Seattle Seahawks
- Jeff Hicks: Philadelphia Eagles
- Lance Patton: San Francisco 49ers
- Matt De Lima: Philadelphia Eagles
- Pat Pickens: San Francisco 49ers
- Sam Wagman: Philadelphia Eagles
- Scott Engel: San Francisco 49ers
NFC Winner: San Francisco 49ers (+500)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
The 49ers were down to Josh Johnson, their fourth-string quarterback, last year in the NFC Championship game and had to dial it back to Brock Purdywhen Johnson was concussed. You’d have to assume if San Francisco could catch a break, at least a repeat of a serious Super Bowl run is in the cards.
Purdy may not be ready for Week 1; however, he’ll definitely be back in time to guide this team in the postseason. Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Dre Greenlaw anchor what should be yet another special defensive unit.
Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk are a formidable duo at wide receiver, plus Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle make this offense more than a handful for their opponents. This caliber of team means anything less than a Super Bowl win is a disappointment. — MATT DE LIMA
NFL Division Winner Predictions 2023-2024
AFC East Winner Predictions
- Frank Ammirante: Dolphins
- Jeff Hicks: Dolphins
- Lance Patton: Bills
- Matt De Lima: Bills
- Pat Pickens: Bills
- Sam Wagman: Bills
- Scott Engel: Bills
AFC East Winner: Buffalo Bills (+120)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
The addition of pieces to the offense as well as the presence of Josh Allen make them a tough out for anyone to beat, and getting plus odds at +120 gives me the confidence to take them here. — SAM WAGMAN
AFC North Winner Predictions
- Frank Ammirante: Ravens
- Jeff Hicks: Bengals
- Lance Patton: Bengals
- Matt De Lima: Bengals
- Pat Pickens: Bengals
- Sam Wagman: Bengals
- Scott Engel: Ravens
AFC North Winner: Baltimore Ravens (+220)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
The Ravens have an improved supporting cast on offense with Odell Beckham and Zay Flowers, giving Lamar Jackson the best pass-catching group of his career. New play-caller Todd Monken will have them playing up-tempo with more passing volume, so this offense should look dangerous, helping push Baltimore to the top of the AFC North. — FRANK AMMIRANTE
AFC South Winner Predictions
- Frank Ammirante: Jaguars
- Jeff Hicks: Jaguars
- Lance Patton: Colts
- Matt De Lima: Jaguars
- Pat Pickens: Titans
- Sam Wagman: Jaguars
- Scott Engel: Jaguars
AFC South Winner: Jacksonville Jaguars (-160)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
The Jaguars have the opportunity to do something they’ve never done in this division - win it in consecutive seasons. They’re the only team in the AFC South never to have done so.
The addition of Calvin Ridley is a wild card and the defense is rising, but the step Trevor Lawrence took in 2022 is what brings the most hope. Jacksonville is an ascending team. — JEFF HICKS
AFC West Winner Predictions
- Frank Ammirante: Chiefs
- Jeff Hicks: Chiefs
- Lance Patton: Chiefs
- Matt De Lima: Chiefs
- Pat Pickens: Chiefs
- Sam Wagman: Chiefs
- Scott Engel: Chiefs
AFC West Winner: Kansas City Chiefs (-165)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
Kansas City has won the AFC West in seven straight seasons and with the transcendent Patrick Mahomes still at the helm, there isn’t a reason to see the streak come to an end this season.
The Los Angeles Chargers will surely be a formidable opponent, the Denver Broncos with Sean Payton could take a step forward, and Kansas City lost a few key pieces this offseason – specifically on the offensive line. Even so, the Chiefs own the AFC West until someone proves otherwise.— LANCE PATTON
NFC East Winner Predictions
- Frank Ammirante: Eagles
- Jeff Hicks: Eagles
- Lance Patton: Cowboys
- Matt De Lima: Eagles
- Pat Pickens: Eagles
- Sam Wagman: Eagles
- Scott Engel: Cowboys
NFC East Winner: Dallas Cowboys (+190)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
There has not been a repeat champion in the NFC East since 2003-04, and the Philadelphia Eagles will be dealing with some key personnel losses. Meanwhile, there is much pressure on Mike McCarthy and Dak Prescott to avoid another season of disappointment.
The needed addition of Brandin Cooks as the No. 2 WR and the elevation of Tony Pollard to a pure feature back will elevate the offense as McCarthy directs the play-calling. The defensive line is formidable and the Dallas secondary may be the best in the NFC after adding Stephon Gilmore. — SCOTT ENGEL
NFC North Winner Predictions
- Frank Ammirante: Vikings
- Jeff Hicks: Lions
- Lance Patton: Lions
- Matt De Lima: Vikings
- Pat Pickens: Bears
- Sam Wagman: Vikings
- Scott Engel: Lions
NFC North Winner:Detroit Lions (+140)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
The Lions are set up better than any NFC North team. Their defense is realistically no worse than top-10 with the secondary bordering on elite, while the offense has a smart veteran QB and a receiver with some of the best hands in the league.
The infusion of youth mixed with veterans as offensive weapons is exactly what a team needs to have staying power. Detroit has staying power and fewer questions to answer in the North. — JEFF HICKS
NFC South Winner Predictions
- Frank Ammirante: Panthers
- Jeff Hicks: Saints
- Lance Patton: Saints
- Matt De Lima: Falcons
- Pat Pickens: Saints
- Sam Wagman: Panthers
- Scott Engel: Saints
NFC South Winner: Carolina Panthers (+400)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
The Panthers added a potential franchise quarterback in Bryce Young while upgrading their coaching staff with Frank Reich. This is a team with an emerging defense that features talented players at key positions like edge-rusher Brian Burns, defensive tackle Derrick Brown, and cornerback Jaycee Horn. Look for Carolina to play above expectations and win the NFC South. — FRANK AMMIRANTE
NFC West Winner Predictions
- Frank Ammirante: 49ers
- Jeff Hicks: 49ers
- Lance Patton: 49ers
- Matt De Lima: 49ers
- Pat Pickens: 49ers
- Sam Wagman: Seahawks
- Scott Engel: 49ers
NFC West Winner: San Francisco 49ers (-160)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
It is going to be a two-team race in the NFC West between the 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. While the QB situation is not fully stable in San Francisco, as Brock Purdy still needs to show he can build on last year’s magical late run, the Niners are stacked everywhere else.
San Francisco has the best defense in the NFL, and the unit became even scarier with the addition of Javon Hargrave. The offense is flush with playmakers to support whoever ultimately prevails at QB. — SCOTT ENGEL
NFL Award Predictions 2024
NFL MVP Predictions
- Frank Ammirante: Justin Herbert
- Jeff Hicks: Lamar Jackson
- Lance Patton: Josh Allen
- Matt De Lima: Jalen Hurts
- Pat Pickens: Josh Allen
- Sam Wagman: Jalen Hurts
- Scott Engel: Lamar Jackson
NFL MVP Winner: Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens (+1500)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
Jackson has a chance to stick it to management for dragging the process of signing him. That’s a bit down #NarrativeStreet, but it’s a tie-in to an expected increase in pace and passing with new OC Todd Monken.
Even a small boost of both means Jackson can flirt with 4,000 passing yards to go along with his dynamic rushing ability. For one of the best talents in the NFL, +1500 is a great value. — JEFF HICKS
We’ve got more NFL MVP odds and best bets coverage that will be updated throughout the year and into the 2023 NFL season.
NFL Offensive Player of the Year Prediction
- Frank Ammirante: Ja’Marr Chase
- Jeff Hicks: Christian McCaffrey
- Lance Patton: Christian McCaffrey
- Matt De Lima: A.J. Brown
- Pat Pickens: Christian McCaffrey
- Sam Wagman: Ja’Marr Chase
- Scott Engel: Ja’Marr Chase
NFL OPOY Winner: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals (+1000)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
Chase is a perfect bet for OPOY this year if you were a fan of Justin Jefferson winning the award last year.
He closed out the season strong with four straight games of 11+ targets after being on pace for nearly 1,500 yards before his early-season injury. He should be heavily targeted again this year since he is eligible for extension talks after the 2023 season.
If the Bengals go on a run this year, it stands to reason that Chase is the driving factor statistically. — SAM WAGMAN
Find more in-depth coverage of the NFL Offensive Player Award odds, along with best bets and sleeper picks.
NFL Defensive Player of the Year Predictions
- Frank Ammirante: Micah Parsons
- Jeff Hicks: T.J. Watt
- Lance Patton: Micah Parsons
- Matt De Lima: Nick Bosa
- Pat Pickens: Haason Reddick
- Sam Wagman: T.J. Watt
- Scott Engel: Nick Bosa
NFL DPOY Winner: Micah Parsons, EDGE, Dallas Cowboys (+650)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
The best bet for Defensive Player of the Year is almost always a pass rusher. Since 2010, nine of the 12 winners have been able to get after the quarterback at a high rate.
That makes Parsons, who is the best player on one of the top defenses in the NFL, look like a strong bet. He racked up 13.5 sacks last season, putting his career total at 26.5 in only two years.
While Parsons is the current favorite, this is still worth a shot at +650 odds due to his dominance as an edge rusher combined with a strong supporting cast. — FRANK AMMIRANTE
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Predictions
- Frank Ammirante: Bryce Young
- Jeff Hicks: Bryce Young
- Lance Patton: Anthony Richardson
- Matt De Lima: Bijan Robinson
- Pat Pickens: Bryce Young
- Sam Wagman: Anthony Richardson
- Scott Engel: Bijan Robinson
NFL OROY Winner: Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons (+250)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
We are certainly in an era where NFL teams often devalue running backs more than in the past. The Falcons spent a No. 8 overall pick on Robinson, and that speaks major volumes on how the Atlanta front office views him, as he has been referred to as a “generational back".
Last season, Atlanta ranked second in the NFL in run/pass ratio, and the drafting of Robinson is an apparent signal of a continued commitment to the ground game. He is also a promising pass-catcher and will be the crux of the Atlanta offense, progressively gaining a larger domination of the RB workload as his pass-blocking improves. — SCOTT ENGEL
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Predictions
- Frank Ammirante: Will Anderson Jr.
- Jeff Hicks: Tyree Wilson
- Lance Patton: Jack Campbell
- Matt De Lima: Jack Campbell
- Pat Pickens: Will Anderson Jr.
- Sam Wagman: Devon Witherspoon
- Scott Engel: Devon Witherspoon
NFL DROY Winner: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Seattle Seahawks (+900)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
The fact that Seattle took Witherspoon fifth overall is significant because the Seahawks have a drafting approach of taking the best available player and did not have a pressing need at cornerback. Pete Carroll has become so prolific at identifying and employing top defensive backs, and he gets a superb talent to plug in right away.
Carroll is clearly building his vision of Legion of Boom 2.0 with the addition of Witherspoon, who will combine with last year’s fifth-round gem Tariq Woolen, to form what may be the best CB duo in the NFC.
Witherspoon is a ballhawk who also provides strong run support. These are the type of traits that Carroll seeks and which turned Richard Sherman into a future Hall of Famer. — SCOTT ENGEL
NFL Comeback Player of the Year Predictions
- Frank Ammirante: Damar Hamlin
- Jeff Hicks: Damar Hamlin
- Lance Patton: Damar Hamlin
- Matt De Lima: Damar Hamlin
- Pat Pickens: Aaron Rodgers
- Sam Wagman: Russell Wilson
- Scott Engel: Russell Wilson
NFL Comeback Player Winner: Damar Hamlin, S, Buffalo Bills (-500)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
It’s great to see Hamlin make a full recovery after going into cardiac arrest in Week 17 last season. He has been cleared to play once again, which is a miraculous comeback from such a scary incident.
Even if Hamlin only plays a few snaps per game, there’s a high chance he’ll win Comeback Player of the Year because of what he went through.
Quite frankly, it’s hard to see any other player winning this award, which is reflected in the -500 odds. — FRANK AMMIRANTE
NFL Coach of the Year Predictions
- Frank Ammirante: Pete Carroll
- Jeff Hicks: Mike McDaniel
- Lance Patton: Dan Campbell
- Matt De Lima: Robert Saleh
- Pat Pickens: Robert Saleh
- Sam Wagman: Doug Pederson
- Scott Engel: Mike McDaniel
NFL Coach of the Year Winner: Robert Saleh, New York Jets (+1500)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
Assuming he works his Aaron Rodgers magic in the Jets’ offense, this franchise could provide something special in 2023. The defense was already looking top-notch, with an impact rookie season from Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams providing a tough interior along the defensive line.
The addition of Rodgers will also be aided by what hopes to be a healthy season for second-year running back Breece Hall. In his third season, the pieces are in place for Saleh to make a serious run at the Coach of the Year award. — MATT DE LIMA
The Game Day’s Lance Patton delivers more NFL Coach of the Year award, best bets, and sleeper predictions that will be updated all year.
See more NFL predictions for this season from the Caps Off Podcast crew:
