Bottom-Ranked Teams in Every NFL Division: As training camps for the NFL 2023 season start up, excitement builds among fans around the globe as predictions are made about what awaits us during its upcoming run. Prognostications are plentiful among these experts and attract widespread admiration among football enthusiasts worldwide. Though most narratives focus on teams’ positive aspects, such as signings and returning players to fitness, we must acknowledge that less favorable results could also occur. We will explore each division, examining its contenders and forecasting which team will likely finish last in each division. Of the eight carefully chosen teams, some have experienced past difficulties while others could face newfound ones. A surprise addition to this group of eight teams would be Bill Belichick’s New England Patriots; their projections suggest they may finish last in AFC East, creating shockwaves throughout the league.
AFC East: New England Patriots
The New England Patriots had an encouraging 2022 campaign, finishing 8-9 and earning third place in their division. Under Bill Belichick’s direction, their defense ranked among the league’s best; however, their offense struggled due to Matt Patricia’s dysfunctional approach under the offensive coordinator. Quarterback Mac Jones experienced regression after an impressive rookie campaign. Although adding new pass-catching options like JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mike Gesicki is promising, uncertainty about their offensive potential remains an obvious drawback; with strong division rivals like Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and Miami Dolphins, it’s unlikely they can compete at that level again this season.
AFC North: Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns had an underwhelming 2022 campaign, finishing last in AFC North with a 7-10 record and making limited moves due to the high acquisition cost of quarterback Deshaun Watson. Although they made some notable additions, including safety Juan Thornhill and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, their defense could have fulfilled its full potential. On offense, the Browns overpaid to acquire wide receiver Elijah Moore and lack depth behind Pro Bowl receiver Amari Cooper. Watson’s absence due to injury adds additional doubt to their performance in 2023 in a competitive division that also features strong teams like Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals.
AFC South: Houston Texans
Houston Texans had an atrocious 2022 campaign, posting a subpar 3-13-1 record and finishing last in their AFC South division. On offense, their quarterbacks struggled mightily while defense remained weak; the scoring average was among the lowest in the league. Lovie Smith was replaced with DeMeco Ryans as a coach; positive moves included selecting Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud as their young QB and adding vital offensive targets; however, they remain some way away from becoming competitive compared to division rivals. Thus they are predicted to finish last come 2023.
AFC West: Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas Raiders had an underwhelming 2022 campaign, finishing third in the AFC West with a 6-11 record and led by wide receiver Davante Adams’ impressive performance, leading the league in receiving yards and touchdowns. Unfortunately for Davante Adams’ stature alone, challenges still exist this season due to different play styles between Derek Carr and Jimmy Garoppolo as quarterback. Their defense also fared poorly; significant edge rusher upgrades may also be needed – all factors contributing to a projected last-place finish for 2023 in this competitive division alongside teams like Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers.
NFC East: Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders had an average season, finishing last in the NFC East with an 8-8-1 record. Their defense, led by an effective defensive line, performed admirably; however, their quarterback situation remains undecided. With new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy expected to aid their development further – yet neither Sam Howell nor Jacoby Brissett appears likely for breakout performances next season; further complicating matters are division rivals like Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants that make it challenging to project any success for future seasons ahead.
NFC North: Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears had an underwhelming 2022 campaign, finishing last in the NFC North with a 3-14 record. Although they made some critical acquisitions through draft picks and wide receiver D.J. Moore, their free-agent spending raised some eyebrows. Defensive pass rush performance ranked last in various categories, while offensive line upgrades did not help progress; combined with tough divisional competition, they are projected to finish last in 2023.
NFC South: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers endured an uninspiring 2022 season, finishing first in the NFC South with an 8-9 record but missing the playoffs through wild-card round defeat. While they retained vital defensive players and boast a strong defense, relying heavily on Baker Mayfield may cause significant issues given his inconsistency and tendency for turnovers as starting quarterback. With formidable division rivals like New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, and Atlanta Falcons making life hard in 2023 for Tampa Bay, they may struggle further and finish last.
NFC West: Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals had an unimpressive 2022 campaign, finishing last in the NFC West with an unimpressive 4-13 record and needing to rebuild after Kyler Murray suffered an ACL injury and DeAndre Hopkins was released without compensation. While they made some positive draft moves, such as adding Paris Johnson Jr to remain competitive next season, unfortunately, they’re projected to finish last again.
Predicting the last-place teams in each NFL division for 2023 considers several factors, including team performance, off-season acquisitions, divisional competition, and any potential for improvement within each group. Some groups may show growth potential, while others face significant obstacles that keep them at the bottom. New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders, Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Arizona Cardinals have been projected as being at risk of finishing last in their respective divisions; only time will reveal whether these predictions hold or if any surprises await during this exciting football season. Stay tuned for the latest NFL updates in Canada.
