After the main waves of free agency, there are several teams that have a chance to make a huge jump when the 2023 season begins. It might be way too early to talk about teams who can surprise us, but I think there are some obvious candidates that can truly pop off in 2023 and become legitimate contenders in their respective conferences.
There is still a lot that’s yet to happen between now and the beginning of the 2023 season. Unfortunately, major injuries are likely to happen, and some crazy trades still seem likely to come.
Right now, though, what four teams can make a huge jump in the 2023 season?
Which teams can make an huge jump in the 2023 season?
1. Chicago Bears
Maybe the most obvious candidate of all the teams in the NFL is the Chicago Bears, who finally found a true WR1 in DJ Moore. They also added to their offensive line in free agency by signing guard Nate Davis and added to their defense, which was quite poor in 2023.
With the ninth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, they are in a great spot to land a top offensive lineman and if Justin Fields can build on his second year, the Bears can seriously compete for the NFC North.
2. Denver Broncos
Just by firing Nathaniel Hackett and hiring Sean Payton, the Denver Broncos are one of the few teams that may take a huge leap in 2023. They added to their offensive line in free agency by way of maulers Ben Powers and Mike McGlinchey. They’ve got a nice core of offensive players and a stout defense.
The improvement in coaching from Hackett to Payton will count for at least a few additional wins. Don’t be surprised if the Broncos are back in the playoffs in 2023.
3. Detroit Lions
The Lions needed to get better on the defensive side of the ball, and they’ve done that thus far. They added Emmanuel Moseley, CJ Gardner-Johnson, and Cam Sutton to their secondary. Adding three above average players to a position of need was exactly what the team needed to do.
Replacing Jamaal Williams with a superior running back in David Montgomery was also a nice move, and with two first round picks, this is a team set to win double digit games in the 2023 season.
4. Atlanta Falcons
I think a lot of this hinges on if the Falcons would consider making a move for Lamar Jackson, but even if they don’t, this club can surprise some in 2023. They added to their defense which struggled mightily in 2022. Getting Jessie Bates III in the secondary and David Onyemata on the defensive line were quality moves.
I also like what Arthur Smith has done with the offense. If they don’t land Jackson, they’ll likely throw their support in front of Desmond Ridder. If Ridder can at least show marginal improvement, the Falcons can do some damage in the weak NFC South in 2023.