Week 1 of the NFL preseason is here, which will put all 32 teams in action for the first time in 2023. Although they are only exhibition games, they will serve as a sneak peek of some things to come during the regular season, positive and negative.
Since free agency and the NFL draft, not too much has changed in terms of personnel and scheming, but now it's time to factor in vibes and buzz coming out of camp, trying to filter the noise from substantive hype or lack thereof. Here's looking again at the league's hierarchy, starting again with the reigning Super Bowl champions:
MORE: NFL offseason grades for all 32 teams
NFL power rankings 2023
1. Kansas City Chiefs (previous 2023 ranking: 1)
Watching "Quarterback" is a reminder of how much Mahomes stands out as the NFL's best QB with Tom Brady retired (for now) as the GOAT. The Chiefs' veteran core of Mahomes, Chris Jones, Travis Kelce and others remain intact and another injection of youth is ready to serve them well again as the team to beat, bordering on Patriots-like dynasty status.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (2)
The Eagles were expecting a free-agent exodus offensively and defensively but thanks to their previous drafting and recent reloading, they are in good shape to vie for another NFC title. The offensive line overall blocking and versatile pass rush remain signature strengths. They just need to keep adjusting well to a camp without Shane Steichen and Jonathan Gannon gone from the coaching staff.
3. San Francisco 49ers (5)
The 49ers didn't take many hits and also stole from the Eagles in adding Javon Hargrave to their defensive front with Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. They are intact at a high level everywhere offensively with Christian McCaffrey for a full season and they're getting the right preseason answer on the health of Brock Purdy.
4. Cincinnati Bengals (3)
The Bengals survived the major camp injury scare with Joe Burrow and he's on track to be healthy before Week 1 when it counts in the regular season. He comes back to more help on the offense with Orlando Brown Jr. and Irv Smith Jr. The key to watch in Lou Anarumo's defense will be key secondary changes behind a strong front.
5. Buffalo Bills (4)
The Bills are still holding up well as the AFC East favorites but there's some preseason feeling that more might be on Josh Allen, especially with the recent playoff disappointments vs. massive expectations. In reality, Buffalo will hope for the traditional running game and defense to prove they can ease his burden.
6. New York Jets (7)
Aaron Rodgers likely won't be stepping on the field for preseason action, so that part of the Jets' hype plane will be under wraps, but there are big signs pointing to the necessary offensive improvement to complement a dominant defense. The Bills have much less margin for error ahead of the Jets and Dolphins. No they just need to avoid sweating "Hard Knocks"
7. Detroit Lions (6)
The Lions are buzzing with their rookies and young players to build on a budding offensive and defensive core. A year removed from "Hard Knocks" and following a 9-8 finish, Detroit has given no reason to indicate that isn't the new preseason favorite to win the NFC North under Dan Campbell.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (10)
The Jaguars profile as the next big breakout team in the AFC to challenge the Chiefs after getting ahead of schedule with Doug Pederson last season. They did finish only 9-8, but won of seven of final nine games, including the thrilling playoff comeback vs. the Chargers. With Trevor Lawrence revving up as an MVP contender, they are surefire for double-digit wins in the South.
9. Dallas Cowboys (8)
The Cowboys have gone through some offensive lumps as Mike McCarthy and Brian Schottenheimer have taken charge. But despite the viral Dak Prescott passing mistakes in camp, featuring Tony Pollard and adding Brandin Cooks have been key, testing and bringing out even better play out of the defense.
10. Baltimore Ravens (14)
The Ravens' new "more explosive" passing offense has had mixed results so far with Lamar Jackson going his first major schematic change. But there still is plenty of promise with his revamped weapons and the defense is the typical reloaded strength. Look for the preseason to be an ironing-out period, as it has been during an incredible 23-game winning streak.
11. Miami Dolphins (11)
The Dolphins don't have many offensive questions in Year 2 with Mike McDaniel after hoping Tua Tagovailoa stays health. The defense still feels underrated behind Christian Wilkins, Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb and will get a boost whenever Jalen Ramsey can return to upgrade the playmaking in coverage.
12. Los Angeles Chargers (9)
The Chargers paid Justin Herbert very well for the long term and he's rewarding them by responding well to Kellen Moore's offense. There's no question their passing game will Austin Ekeler and their improved receivers will be fine. Brandon Staley is working to be a better players coach and needs his defense to flash to recover from the wild-card disaster vs. Jacksonville.
13. Seattle Seahawks (12)
The Seahawks are holding steady as a potential return playoff team. They got deeper at running back and wide receiver to better support Geno Smith and the offensive line. They also got more cleanup on defense after welcoming back Bobby Wagner.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (13)
As usual, there's little worry about the Steelers' healthier and reloaded defense But after some rookie QB lumps for Kenny Pickett and the team retaining Matt Canada, the offense will have the pressure on early to show improvement after considerable attempts to upgrade. Pickett's Year 2 growth will determine whether Pittsburgh can turn another winning season under Mike Tomlin into a playoff return.
15. Green Bay Packers (22)
As expected, Jordan Love has had an up-and-down first camp as the starting QB. Part of that is tied to youth around him at wide receiver and tight end. Another is the fact the Packers' talent-loaded defense has flashed to live up to expectations. The system, offensive line and running game are all further positive signs they can win more than expected with Love.
16. New York Giants (15)
The Giants were the last AFC wild-card team in a promising first season under Brian Daboll. The bonus was a successful playoff experience. Although the Giants are trying to improve Daniel Jones' passing to match their overall running to get closer to the Eagles and Cowboys, they won't shy away too much from a defensive-minded winning approach.
17. Minnesota Vikings (21)
The Vikings had an inflated record based on their 2022 statistics and improbable slate of comebacks. They have few offensive concerns, but they need to get more confidence in the rushing attack and backfield receiving after letting Dalvin Cook go. Defensive is a different story, as it's caught in the intersection of unproven youth and fading age.
18. Cleveland Browns (18)
The Browns are a hard team to figure out because it's uncertain which version of Deshaun Watson they will get. With their offensive support and Myles Garrett-led defense, they can challenge for a wild card. But they need to look put-together again like they were in Kevin Stefanski's rookie season.
19. New Orleans Saints (16)
The Saints were gutted a bit defensively but they are counting to be offense-reliable in 2023 with Derek Carr stabilizing their quarterback mess under his one-time Raiders coach, Dennis Allen. New Orleans now needs to show it can take advantage of Carr, who gives them a big QB edge in the weak division.
20. Denver Broncos (17)
The Broncos are feeling confident they can erase last year's mess, starting with Sean Payton. But they've take some offensive hits early and trying to sort how things will flow in the passing game with Russell Wilson. They'll need flash more out of their defensive front, to believe they can rebound into the playoffs.
21. New England Patriots (25)
The Patriots are like the Steelers in the fact defense continues to no issue from year to year with Bill Belichick with ideal personnel from versatile, savvy edge rusher Matthew Judon to first-round athletic corner Christian Gonzalez. Now it's up to the run-heavy offense to feel confident again with its pieces under Bill O'Brien.
22. Atlanta Falcons (26)
The Falcons know their run-heavy offensive identity will be success with their mighty offensive line, rookie Bijan Robinson and an athletic Desmond Ridder. They will hope their wholesale defensive changes start to materialize for the better in a new Saints-like scheme.
23. Carolina Panthers (24)
The Panthers are a sneaky threat to win the NFC South should Bryce Young live up to his first overall QB expectations soon. Their formula will be similar to the Falcons with a young passer, only with a lesser running game and better overall defense.
24. Chicago Bears (20)
The Bears should be improved offensively around Justin Fields with D.J. Moore and Darnell Wright. That can make them a lot more competitive in the NFC North, but the question comes down to whether a piecemeal defense can have the needed pass rush and coverage impact between an elite linebacker corps.
25. Washington Commanders (30)
The Commanders are hoping their offensive reboot with Sam Howell and Eric Bieniemy will take better advantage of their skill players. Likewise, the defense has underachieved with fine pieces from Montez Sweat to Kamren Curl and Ron Rivera will hope Chase Young can make any kind of difference.
26. Los Angeles Rams (23)
The Rams are getting encouraging signs from Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp as they try to keep the offense together for one more year with Sean McVay but behind Aaron Donald there are considerable holes that will become evident soon.
27. Las Vegas Raiders (19)
The Raiders' vibes aren't great with Jimmy Garoppolo needing to be the bridge for Josh McDaniels and the unfavorable impasse with Josh Jacobs. There's also not a sense the defense is that much better behind Maxx Crosby.
28. Tennessee Titans (28)
The Titans will take one more shot at becoming a playoff team behind the Jaguars in the AFC South with the Derrick Henry-fueled run-heavy formula and defensive strengths. It will be interesting to see when Tennessee decides to move forward with the eventual QB transition to Will Levis.
29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (27)
The Buccaneers are expected to go first back to worst in the NFC South with Baker Mayfield bridging at QB for retired Tom Brady. They will lean a lot on Rachaad White in the backfield and hope they have enough defensive pop for Todd Bowles to steal a division full of offenses with questions.
30. Indianapolis Colts (29)
The Colts look like they're leaning toward starting Anthony Richardson from the get-go, taking his flashes of arm and athleticism with the lumps of raw passing and overall inexperience. Indianapolis needs a lot more from its supporting talent, and the Jonathan Taylor situation for now doesn't help.
31. Houston Texans (31)
The Texans eschewed QB last season by just taking another shot with Davis Mills. Now C.J. Stroud brings a stable presence in a 49ers-like spread passing game and the aggressive rebuild carries over from offense to defense under DeMeco Ryans. It just will take time for all the changes to take positive effect.
32. Arizona Cardinals (32)
The Cardinals went from a seasoned, experienced roster to one full of injury or inexperience, starting with Kyler Murray in a new offense under defensive-minded coach Jonathan Gannon. A long year with more veterans hitting a wall is coming, so they need to see promise of youth soon.
