AFC Contenders in 2023
Which AFC teams can contend for the Lombardi in 2023?
We’ve heard it time and time again lately. The AFC is absolutely stacked in terms of teams and certainly quarterback play. Over half of the conference feels they have a shot just because of who they have under center. But which teams can truly contend from the conference in 2023? Let’s talk about it a bit.
Kansas City Chiefs
Let’s cut right to the chase. The conversation starts and ends with the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Heading into last season, all the talk was “How are they going to replace Tyreek Hill?” The Chiefs were just fine even without Hill because that Patrick Mahomes fellow is still a pretty good quarterback and Andy Reid can still coach his butt off.
It’s a similar story heading into 2023. How will the receiving group look after losing a veteran like JuJu Smith-Schuster? Well, this could be the year Skyy Moore takes a big step forward and Kadarius Toney has had a full offseason with the team after being a key piece in the Super Bowl win over the Eagles. Oh yeah, and they still have that Travis Kelce guy — even though he is dealing with an injured knee.
As long as the Chiefs still have No. 15 throwing the football, they’re going to be just fine.
Buffalo Bills
So close and yet so far. That’s been the Buffalo Bills over the past three seasons. Is this the year Buffalo finally gets over the hump and reaches the Super Bowl for the first time in about 30 years? As long as they have Josh Allen, they will always remain in contention. Not having Von Miller for at least the first four games of the season will sting — Buffalo has the Jets, Raiders, Commanders and Dolphins to start — and we’ll watch to see how they replace Tremaine Edmunds at linebacker.
We should also start seeing more of James Cook so perhaps Buffalo will finally start getting more out of the rushing attack. They’re the favorites in the AFC East again but the division is loaded this season. Still, this team should be in the mix once again for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. If they can get it, the Bills could very well head to Las Vegas in February.
Cincinnati Bengals
