As the preseason wraps up and September quickly approaches, football fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the official start of another exhilarating NFL season. The NFL never fails to provide and captivate with breathtaking plays, compelling storylines, and intense competition. The upcoming 2023 NFL season promises to be no different.
So, what should fans and bettors expect this year?
Offseason Moves
The NFL offseason is the time when franchises make changes and recalibrate plans. And this year’s offseason witnessed many high-profile transactions that could potentially reshape the NFL’s landscape.
Since quarterbacks are often the focal point of any franchise’s success, offseason transactions are usually focused on them. For example, the changing of superstar quarterbacks dominated this 2023 NFL offseason.
The Green Bay Packers’ iconic signal-caller, Aaron Rodgers, surprised the league and its fans by leaving the Packers and joining the Denver Broncos. This move added a new dimension to the existing offensive strategy of the Broncos.
Moreover, star quarterback Russell Wilson decided to leave the Seattle Seahawks, where he has been the franchise’s face. He joined the New Orleans Saints and is expected to inject exciting energy into the Big Easy city. In addition, established quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Gardner Minshew have also found new homes in the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles, respectively.
These quarterback movements undoubtedly have impacted the current NFL Spreads. Many franchises’ power rankings and odds will surely be affected by the quarterback carousel that happened during the offseason.
Retirements
When the 2023 NFL season starts, four familiar names will no longer be in gear to play for their respective franchises. They’ve officially hanged their helmets and called it a career.
Here are the four notable retirements that happened during the 2023 NFL season:
- Quarterback Tom Bradyis a seven-time Super Bowl champion, 15-time Pro Bowler, six-time All-Pro, and three-time NFL MVP. He played for the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during his 23-year career.
- Wide Receiver A. J. Greenis a seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro. He played for the Cincinnati Bengals and the Arizona Cardinals during his 12-year career.
- Defense Tackle Gerald McCoyis a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro. He played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, and Las Vegas Raiders during his 12-year career.
- Defensive End J. J. Wattis a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, five-time Pro Bowler, and seven-time All-Pro. He played for the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals during his 12-year career.
Rule Changes
The NFL Owners’ Meeting approved the following rule changes for the 2023 NFL season:
- The jersey numbering system was modified to allow all positions to wear single-digit numbers and use 0 in their uniforms. Placekickers and punters are now also allowed to wear 0 to 49 and 90 to 99.
- Timing rules are modified when the ruling on the field is reversed. The play clock will be 40 seconds if outside a two-minute warning. If inside the two-minute warning, the play clock would be set to 30 seconds.
- Plays resulting in a turnover on downs are now allowed to be booth-reviewed.
- Tripping was upgraded to a personal foul.
- Launching from one foot to attack an opponent is now illegal.
- Allowing a third quarterback to join the roster if the franchise’s first two quarterbacks are either injured or disqualified.
Emerging Storyline
The 2023 NFL season will again showcase how established stars now compete, interact, and collaborate with the league’s young players. Both parties are looking to solidify their legacies and make their marks in the league.
All eyes will be on the highly touted 2023 NFL Draft class, especially on quarterback Spencer Rattler, wide receiver Garret Wilson, and defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux. They are all expected to immediately impact their respective teams and splashes in the league. Their performance will be closely monitored and scrutinized by fans and experts.
Meanwhile, established NFL stars Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and Josh Allen aim to continue to dazzle the league with their exceptional skills and talents. The battle for superstar supremacy will not falter this season; instead, it will only intensify further with the addition of energetic young players.
Notable Franchise Previews
Here are the notable franchise previews according to football experts:
- The defending champion Kansas City Chiefs, led by its dynamic duo Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill, wants to continue its league dominance. They’re still a force to be reckoned with. Their revamped offensive line and improved defense will help their repeat campaign for a second Super Bowl championship.
- Fresh from the retirement of Tom Brady, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aim to have continued league success in their post-Brady era. They’ve recently replenished their roster with solid players to fill in the void that league legend Tom Brady left.
- The Buffalo Bills want to continue its strong performances in the hopes of finally winning the Super Bowl. Led by quarterback Josh Allen, the Bills have emerged as a strong contender in recent years because of its potent offense and solid defense.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming 2023 NFL season promises to be thrilling for fans and experts. It’s most likely to be filled with intense rivalries, captivating storylines, and breathtaking moments.
Many of the superstar quarterbacks joined new teams, while some league legends called it a career. There’s also the implementation of new league rules, which could affect the rise of younger players wanting to make a mark and the chances of perennial contenders for the Super Bowl championship. Quite possibly, the 2023 NFL season will surely be nothing short of an unforgettable season.
