JACKSONVILLE – Senior writer John Oehser's pre-Week 1 2023 NFL power rankings. And we all know how important these are …

Rank.Team (2022 record) | Comment

1. Kansas City Chiefs (14-3) | No. 1 until they're not
2. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) | Clear best team in NFC entering 2023
3. Cincinnati Bengals (12-4) | Feels like a team that could be No. 1
4. San Francisco 49ers (13-4) | NFC title game three of four seasons
5. Buffalo Bills (13-3) | No. 3 in AFC for a while, task now is to get past KC and Cincy
6. Dallas Cowboys (12-5) | Twelve victories each of the past two seasons
7. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8) | Offense could be among NFL's best
8. New York Jets (7-10) | Because he's Aaron Rodgers
9. Miami Dolphins (9-8) | The AFC East could be really, really strong
10. Baltimore Ravens (10-7) | So consistent for so long
11. Los Angeles Chargers (10-7) | Took a step last season, need another in '23
12. Detroit Lions (9-8) | Seem poised for a playoff push
13. Minnesota Vikings (13-4) | Most underrated consistent team in NFL
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-8) | No losing seasons since 2003
15. New York Giants (9-7-1) | Oddly overlooked for a good playoff team
16. Seattle Seahawks (9-8) | Always contend under Carroll
17. New England Patriots (8-9) | Two losing seasons in last three years after none since 2000
18. Tennessee Titans (7-10) | This won't be the same team that faded in 2022
19. Cleveland Browns (7-10) | Season may depend largely on DeShaun Watson
20. New Orleans Saints (7-10) | The Derek Carr Era begins
21. Denver Broncos (5-12) | The Sean Payton Era begins
22. Chicago Bears (3-14) | Is Justin Fields the real deal?
23. Atlanta Falcons (7-10) | Strong running game, versatile offense makes them intriguing
24. Green Bay Packers (8-9) | Life after Rodgers begins
25. Carolina Panthers (7-10) | The Bryce Young Era begins
26. Washington Commanders (8-8-1) | Sneaky good in 2022; can they improve in 2023?
27. Las Vegas Raiders (6-11) | The Jimmy G Era begins
28. 2Los Angeles Rams (5-12) | Brutal early schedule for team trying to rebound
29. Indianapolis Colts (4-12-1) | Up next: Home against Duuuval
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9) | The Baker Mayfield Era begins
31. Houston Texans (3-13-1) | The C.J. Stroud Era begins
32. Arizona Cardinals (4-13) | Major questions at quarterback as season begins