The results from the previous week heading into the New Year have primed this week's games to potentially shake up the NFL Standings 2023.
NFL Standings 2023: Kicking the New Year Off with a Bang
Let's start with the teams that waltz into the new year without a need for resolutions. The Baltimore Ravens, led by MVP favorite quarterback Lamar Jackson, have made their case of being the best team in the NFL; as they clinched both their AFC North Division along with the first round bye. And like last week, the Ravens did this through an absolutely convincing win over the Miami Dolphins; leaving the Baltimore Ravens with the best record in the NFL Standings 2023.
As for the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers also clinched the bye week along with their NFC West Division. Although defeating the Washington Commanders isn't necessarily a statement win, they needed it to lock up the one seed. Unfortunately, the Niners did suffer from this victory, as lead running back and 2023 NFL MVP candidate Christian McCaffrey suffered a calf strain injury during this game. Luckily, it was said to be a minor strain and McCaffery will be having a couple weeks off to heal up as the 49ers look to the playoffs.
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NFL Standings 2023: Duals of Fate
We are blessed to have the two headline games this week aired on primetime slots. The Houston Texans wish to steal a wildcard spot or even the AFC South Division with a win over the Indianapolis Colts Saturday Night, and the Buffalo Bills look to further their playoff charge with a win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday Night in an AFC East Division Title showdown.
Both the Texans and the Colts square up to fight for a playoff spot, whether it be a wild card one or even for the AFC South Division Title, granted if the Jacksonville Jaguars lose to the Tennessee Titans this week. Houston, not only with a bright future, may also be able to cash in with a playoff appearance this year thanks to the astounding rookie season led by potential Offensive Rookie of the Year quarterback C.J. Stroud. Meanwhile, the Colts have been without their star rookie quarterback, Anthony Richardson, since NFL Week 5. But through this the Colts still found ways to win games with quarterback Gardner Minshew at the helm. Indianapolis being one of many teams this year that have proven the importance of the backup quarterback role.
Now for the game that can flip the NFL Standings 2023 upside down is the Bills vs. the Dolphins on Sunday Night Football. Both teams have faced some adversity this season, as the Dolphins struggled to beat playoff caliber teams and the Bills seemed to be allergic to consistency at times. Miami may be coming off a loss to Baltimore, but it's not like the Ravens didn't also manhandle the 49ers the week prior as well. The Bills continue to roll as they stomp on the New England Patriots in Week 17. Buffalo have found their groove offensively since they parted ways with offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey back in Week 10 and Miami gained some confidence after the Week 16 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Although the Dolphins already clinched the playoffs, the Bills can snatch the AFC East Division Title with a win on Sunday.
NFL Standings 2023: Playoff Shuffle
Finally, we can sum up the rest of the NFL Standings 2023 heading into the last week, Week 18. For the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs have locked up the AFC West Division title and the Cleveland Browns clinched a wild card playoff spot with Joe Flacco leading the way. The Pittsburgh Steelers hang on in the playoff hunt, hoping Baltimore rests their starters as a win this week can at least give them some chance of playoff dreams.
Now in the NFC, we can be in store for a bit of a shake up in the final week of the NFL regular season. The NFC East can fall to either the Dallas Cowboys or the Philadelphia Eagles, both having clinched playoffs already but still will need to determine who holds the division this week. The Detroit Lions have sealed the NFC North Division for the first time in 30 years. The Los Angeles Rams have willed their way to clinch the second wild card spot in the NFC. The Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Seattle Seahawks all hover around the final wild card spot. And lastly, the forgotten division title of the NFC South. Currently held by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons still have a chance to usurp it at the last second.
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