Way too early NFL predictions for the AFC playoff picture in 2023

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 21: head coach Doug Pederson of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs onto the field during introductions against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 21, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 21: head coach Doug Pederson of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs onto the field during introductions against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 21, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
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Even though we haven’t even hit the 2023 NFL Draft, let’s take a stab at predicting the seven AFC playoff teams for the 2023 season.  The AFC is yet again going to be a super competitive conference.

I think it’s pretty obvious that the AFC is much better than the NFC.  There appear to be several Super Bowl contenders in this conference alone, and it should be a bloodbath for the seven playoff seeds.

With three divisions within the AFC, I could make an argument we could all have three teams make the postseason.  It really is a shame that the conference can only send seven clubs to the playoffs.

Let’s try to predict the seven playoff teams in the AFC for the 2023 season.

NFL predictions
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 13: Kansas City Chiefs MVP Quarterback Patrick Mahomes stands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during a press conference at Phoenix Convention Center on February 13, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Way too early NFL predictions for the AFC playoff picture – Division winners: Top four seeds

1. Cincinnati Bengals

Ok, why not?  The Bengals have gone toe to toe with the Chiefs over the last couple of seasons.  They’ve knocked them off once in the AFC Championship Game and have their number in regular season matchups.  The Bengals should field an improved offensive line, which should be a huge boost to their team.

2. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are here and will stay here until they prove otherwise.  Andy Reid likely isn’t coaching much longer, but he’s still the HC in KC, so they’ll win a ton of games and probably make a deep playoff run, as usual.

3. Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills are a team that is great on paper but don’t seem to be able to hit their true ceiling.  To me, they are a distant third behind the Bengals and the Chiefs.  Josh Allen is not as good as some think, in my opinion.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

The top four seeds in the AFC from 2022 will again be the top four seeds in 2023, and I think the Jaguars have the easiest path to again with their division.  They’ll get an MVP-caliber season from Trevor Lawrence.