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) /

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ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO – FEBRUARY 06: New Denver Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton fields questions from the media during a press conference at UCHealth Training Center on February 06, 2023 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Way too early predictions for the AFC playoff picture – Wild Card teams

5. New York Jets* (Rodgers trade assumed)

Assuming the New York Jets do indeed land Aaron Rodgers, they’ll make the playoffs. They’ve got a stout defense and some nice weapons on the outside. Rodgers doesn’t have any more suitors besides the Jets, so this is probably just a matter of time.

6. Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins have geared up for an “all-in” type of team. In the last year, they’ve traded for Bradley Chubb, Jalen Ramsey, and Tyreek Hill. They also brought on Vic Fangio as their defensive coordinator. They’ll be good, but I’m not sure they can win the division.

7. Denver Broncos

Broncos Country, let’s ride, to the playoffs! In their first year under Sean Payton, the Super Bowl-winning head coach and offensive mastermind lead the Broncos to the playoffs for the first time since 2015, but man, the AFC is just so stacked, I could easily see Denver missing the playoffs.

The Los Angeles Chargers, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens are all extremely worthy of making the playoffs, but I just like the whole setup in Denver more than those other three clubs.

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