Stu Williams gives his 2023 NFL predictions and favourites to win the Super Bowl ahead of the start of the regular season on Thursday.
Super Bowl LVIII
The Super Bowl LVIII banner will fall at Arrowhead on Thursday night as the curtains rise on the 104th season of the National Football League (NFL) that will see 32 teams vying for a place in Super Bowl LVIII at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday 11th February 2024.
2023 NFL Odds | Super Bowl Winner Odds
- Kansas City Chiefs – 6/1
- Philadelphia Eagles – 8/1
- Buffalo Bills – 10/1
- San Francisco 49ers – 10/1
- Cincinnati Bengals – 11/1
- Dallas Cowboys – 16/1
- New York Jets – 18/1
- Baltimore Ravens – 20/1
- Los Angeles Chargers – 25/1
- Miami Dolphins – 25/1
- Detroit Lions – 25/1
- Jacksonville Jaguars – 30/1
- Seattle Seahawks – 35/1
Who is favourite for Super Bowl LVIII?
The Kansas City Chiefs are the 2023 NFL favourites (best price 6/1) according to the latest Super Bowl odds through oddschecker. The Chiefs have hosted the last five AFC Championship Games and have reached the Super Bowl three times in the last four years, demonstrating their dominance in the AFC since the arrival of two time MVP Patrick Mahomes.
Stu Williams looks at each of the likeliest contenders to win Super Bowl LVIII.
Full terms and conditions for our Million Pound Predictor can be found here.
2023 NFL Predictions
Buffalo Bills Super Bowl Odds
The Buffalo Bills (10/1) were standout favourites to win Super Bowl LVII this time last year on the back of their epic divisional round defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs (Jan 2022). However, it’s fair to say that things didn’t pan out as expected.
Sean McDermott’s defence struggled to generate pressure following Von Miller’s season ending ACL injury and the Bills’ issues were compounded further when Josh Allen suffered an elbow injury in Week 14.
The reigning AFC East champions traded up to add highly regarded Tight End Dalton Kincaid in the first round of the NFL Draft in April and also brought in veteran Defensive End Leonard Floyd via free agency to aid their pass rush.
Floyd will be particularly important in the opening weeks of the season as Von Miller will begin his 2023 campaign on the physically unable to perform list.
The Bills’ AFC East opponents have strengthened significantly throughout the summer and the Bills are certainly no shoo-in to win their division, let alone lift the Lombardi trophy in February.
However, the aforementioned Dalton Kincaid has seemingly hit the ground running during training camp and the preseason and he will hopefully develop into a key weapon for Josh Allen.
Cincinnati Bengals Super Bowl Odds
It was the Cincinnati Bengals (11/1) who ultimately ended the Bills hopes in a snowy Orchard Park in January and the 2021 Super Bowl runners-up are clearly big players once again.
Cincy overcame a sluggish start to their 2022 campaign and were easily one of the best teams in the league when Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins found their stride.
Their dismantling of the Bills, allied to the high ankle sprain suffered by Patrick Mahomes in the Divisional Round, temporarily saw the Bengals trade as favourites for the AFC Championship Game and they made further strides forward during the offseason, most notably adding Super Bowl champion left-tackle Orlando Brown Jr to their roster.
Joe Burrow had everyone sweating when pulling-up sharply with a non-contact injury during training camp last month. However, it ultimately proved to be a minor calf complaint and the former LSU Tiger has already returned to the field.
He therefore remains on track to play in Week 1.
Virtually everything points to the Bengals continuing on their upward trajectory in 2023. However, like the Bills, they will have greater competition within their own division this year as the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers will all have playoff aspirations.
Jacksonville Jaguars Super Bowl Odds
By contrast, the AFC South appears to be at the mercy of the Jacksonville Jaguars (best price 30/1 for the Super Bowl) as the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans will be fielding rookie quarterbacks and the Tennessee Titans, who will hope that the signing of DeAndre Hopkins will aid the progression of second season wide receiver Treylon Burks, need to bounce back from a disappointing 2022.
2021 first overall pick Trevor Lawrence found his stride in year two and demonstrated his maturity when overcoming four interceptions to orchestrate a comeback victory over the Los Angeles Chargers - who held a 27 point lead - in the Wild Card Round.
The Jaguars drafted running back Tank Bigsby, tight end Brenton Strange and wide receiver Parker Washington to provide Lawrence with more weapons this term. However, the most impactful addition will surely prove to be Calvin Ridley, who arrived prior to the trade deadline last year but was ineligible to play due to a suspension.
The chemistry between Lawrence and Ridley was reportedly instant and he will give the former Clemson signal caller another serious weapon in the passing game on top of Christian Kirk and Evan Engram.
Running-back Travis Etienne enjoyed a successful 2022 campaign and looks sure to build upon that in 2023. The Jaguars look ready to take the next step.
New York Jets Super Bowl Odds
It’s been a long time since the New York Jets (18/1) made their presence felt in the NFL; however, they are arguably the team that has been making the most noise this summer.
There’s a sense of history repeating itself as Aaron Rodgers, like his Green Bay Packers predecessor Brett Favre, swapped titletown for the big apple prior to the NFL draft, bringing trusty long-term allies Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb along for the ride.
They join a wide receiver room featuring last year’s offensive rookie of the year Garrett Wilson, who has already earned high praise from his four-time MVP winning quarterback, and Super Bowl champion Mecole Hardman, who is accustomed to catching passes from an MVP signal caller having spent the last four years with the Kansas City Chiefs.
That talent is mirrored in the backfield too following Dalvin Cook’s arrival in free agency.
The four time Pro-Bowler will work in tandem with 2022 second round pick Breece Hall, who was quickly developing into one of the most feared running backs in the league prior to suffering a season ending ACL injury in Week 7.
On the other side of the ball, the ink is still wet on star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams’ long term contact and he will be joined by first round picks Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald on what is arguably one of the most ferocious defensive lines in the entire NFL.
While reigning defensive rookie of the year Sauce Gardner, who also earned All-Pro honours last year, will headline the Jets secondary.
Naturally there is a risk of growing pains early in the year. However, the Jets seemingly have all of requisite pieces to challenge for a Lombardi trophy and optimism is at an all-time high.
Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl Odds
From one team in green to another, the Philadelphia Eagles (8/1) came agonisingly close to lifting the Lombardi trophy last February and general manager Howie Roseman has once again negotiated both the NFL draft and free agency with aplomb.
The Eagles added arguably the most talented player in the entire class when selecting Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle Jalen Carter ninth overall, before doubling down by adding Carter’s collegiate teammate Nolan Smith at the back of the first round.
That duo will join Haason Reddick, Brandon Graham and Jordan Davies - yet another former Bulldog - on Philadelphia’s fearsome defensive line and it would come as no surprise were they to lead the league in sacks once again this term.
The arrival of wide receiver A.J Brown elevated Jalen Hurts to MVP contention last year and he, alongside fellow wideout DeVonta Smith, will be key to the Eagles success this term.
Philadelphia will face a significantly tougher schedule this time around and teams should be much better prepared for their patented, and highly successful, ‘QB sneak’.
However, they easily boast one of the most complete rosters in the entire league at present and the NFC seemingly lacks depth, which makes their task slightly easier.
San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl Odds
The San Francisco 49ers (10/1) may well prove to be the Eagles’ biggest test within their conference once again having come off second best during the NFC Championship Game in January - a game that was marred by injuries to both of the 49ers quarterbacks.
San Francisco’s quarterback battle ranked as one of more of the most intriguing storylines heading into training camp this year as Trey Lance, who cost the 49ers three first round picks when drafted third overall in 2020, did battle with 2022 Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy, who took over the offence in Week 13 and won seven straight games culminating in an impressive showing against the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round, throwing for 332 yards, 3 passing touchdowns and 0 interceptions, while adding a further score on the ground.
Purdy ultimately won out in camp and Trey Lance was traded to the Dallas Cowboys after Sam Darnold was named the back-up.
The Iowa State product will be dealing the ball to Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle this winter, in addition to one of the league’s premier running back’s Christian McCaffrey, who made an instant impact upon his arrival from Carolina last October and who is ideally suited to Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme.
San Fran made a splash in free agency when adding defensive tackle Javon Hargrave to a defence that already boasts All-Pro defenders Nick Bosa, Fred Warner and Talanoa Hufanga.
That said, last year’s defensive player of the year Nick Bosa is currently holding out for a new contract and is not certain to take the field until that new deal is signed.
However, that does appear to be just a matter of time and the 49ers defence should prove dominant once again.
Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl Odds
The Dallas Cowboys (16/1) have also been making moves during the offseason, adding the aforementioned Trey Lance to their quarterback room, Super Bowl winning cornerback Stephon Gilmore and veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who should enjoy some favourable matchups this year with CeeDee Lamb playing opposite.
America’s team drafted highly regarded defensive tackle Mazi Smith in the first round of the NFL Draft in April and he too should find some nice matchups given the presence of Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence.
Tony Pollard is poised to have a big year following the exit of long-term lead back Ezekiel Elliott and he will be supported, in part, by rookie Deuce Vaughan, who was one of the more heartwarming stories to come out of the draft as his father Chris, who is a scout for the Cowboys, was allowed to make the life-changing phone call himself.
Dallas appear to be set on both sides of the ball and they will certainly fancy their chances given the aforementioned lack of depth in the conference.
It would be remiss not to mention the Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers given they all possess the rosters to compete in a loaded AFC.
Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl Odds
The Baltimore Ravens (20/1) tied down former MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson to a new long term deal this summer and presented him with two new weapons, namely Odell Beckham Jr and first round pick Zay Flowers.
These additions should help the Ravens to expand their passing game under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, which will put less stress on the legs of Lamar Jackson and hopefully minimise his risk of injury - having missed time in each of the last two seasons.
Los Angeles Chargers Super Bowl Odds
The Chargers (25/1) somewhat mirror the Ravens having made Justin Herbert the highest paid Quarterback in the league this summer, having spent their first round pick on wide receiver Quentin Johnston and having hired a new offensive coordinator in the form of Kellan Moore.
Many fancied the Chargers to make their presence felt last year, however, Herbert suffered a rib injury against the Chiefs in Week 2 and then had to make do without starting wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams for stretches during the season, which arguably took away from his strongest asset - the deep ball.
Throw star running back Austin Ekeler into the mix and the Chargers offence clearly possesses all of the key ingredients to be amongst the league’s very best if everyone stays healthy, which is obviously easier said than done.
Miami Dolphins Super Bowl Odds
The Miami Dolphins (25/1) were also ultimately found out by injuries last year as their Super Bowl hopes were dashed when Tua Tagovailoa was forced to miss the final few games of the season due to being in the concussion protocol.
Wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle were leaving defensive backs in different postcodes for much of the season and Miami managed to add another speedster in the third round of the NFL Draft when selecting Texas A&M track star De’Von Achane, who could make a big impact out of the backfield given both his burst and catching ability.
The Dolphins traded for star cornerback Jalen Ramsey this summer to pair with Xavien Howard, however, the two-time first team All-Pro will begin his season on IR after suffering a meniscus injury in July that required surgery.
Miami also made the smart move of hiring defensive mastermind Vic Fangio to run their defence and that will obviously only further aid their prospects in their hunt for a Lombardi trophy.
Detroit Lions Super Bowl Odds
The Detroit Lions (25/1) have never been to a Super Bowl let alone get their hands on the Lombardi trophy. However, they have spent the last three years assembling a group of players that may be able to take them to the promise land.
The Lions demonstrated their offensive prowess when ranking as the fourth best offence behind Kansas City, Buffalo and Philadelphia in 2022. However, it’s almost impossible to capitalise on that when your defence is ranked thirty-second.
The additions of first round linebacker Jack Campbell and second round safety Brian Branch should go some way to turning the tide. While second year defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is easily one of the most exciting young players currently rushing the passer.
First round running back Jahmyr Gibbs and second round tight end Sam LaPorta look like plug and play starters in Jared Goff’s high-power offence that already features Amon-Ra St. Brown and David Montgomery.
While last year’s 12 overall pick Jameson Williams will be eager to show his worth when returning to the team in week 7 - following a six-game suspension for betting violations.
Dan Campbell is prominent in the Coach Of The Year markets and it’s fair to say there is significant reason for optimism heading into 2023.
Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl Odds
The Seattle Seahawks (35/1) were a surprise package last year aided in part by a rookie class that featured running back Kenneth Walker and defensive back Tariq Woolen, both of whom made instant impacts.
It’s fair to say that trading Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos was a smart move by general manager John Schneider, who has seemingly taken full advantage of the draft capital that his franchise received.
The Seahawks added Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon and Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft and both have the potential to be true starts in this league.
Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Odds
Last, but certainly by no means least, we must discuss the reigning and defending world champions the Kansas City Chiefs (6/1 favourites), who claimed a second title in four years when defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in Glendale Arizona in February.
The Chiefs have hosted the last five AFC Championship Games and have reached the Super Bowl three times in the last four years, which clearly demonstrates their dominance in the AFC since the arrival of two time MVP Patrick Mahomes.
Many predicated that the Chiefs would take a step back last year following Tyreek Hill’s departure. However, the former Texas Tech gunslinger responded by leading the league in touchdowns, passing yards, first downs, passes of 25+ yards, EPA, QBR and he also set a new record for the most offensive yards in a single season en route to winning his second MVP, second Super Bowl MVP and second Super Bowl ring.
Of course, it helps when you have arguably the greatest offensive minded coach in the history of the league drawing up plays and a tight end who has already booked his ticket to Canton, Ohio.
While star defensive tackle Chris Jones was arguably unlucky not to win the Defensive Player Of The Year award after a dominant showing in 2022, leading a defensive line that recorded the second most sacks in the league.
The Chiefs are currently in the same situation as the San Francisco 49ers and Nick Bosa, as Jones has yet to report to the Chiefs as he would like a new contract.
Hopefully that situation will be resolved soon and the Kansas City Chiefs will be at full strength in their quest to go back-to-back.
2024 Super Bowl Predictions
The Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, Los Angeles Chargers and the Jacksonville Jaguars are just a handful of teams who could easily emerge as the AFC representatives in Super Bowl LVIII and none would be a shock.
However, I think most NFL fans would agree that one team currently boasts the best coach, best quarterback, best tight end and arguably the best defensive tackle in football at present, and that team is the Kansas City Chiefs.
While many players and coaches have come and gone, Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones have been the pillars of the Chiefs recent success and it’s easy to come to the conclusion that the team who have hosted the last five AFC Championship Games and have been to three super bowls in the last four years - winning twice - have a fantastic chance of making it to the Allegiant Stadium in February, especially as they are better equipped now than they were at this time last year.
The NFC East will play a strong hand this year as the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and arguably the New York Giants have reason to believe that this could be their year.
The Eagles were betting favourites to beat the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII and are currently favourites to win the conference.
While the Cowboys weren’t a million miles away last year and have added some key veterans during the offseason.
However, the San Francisco 49ers have an offence to rival the Philadelphia Eagles and a star studded defence that includes Nick Bosa, Javon Hargrave, Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga.
The 49ers finished 2022 strongly and who knows what would have happened in the NFC Championship Game had Brock Purdy and back-up Josh Johnson not been forced out with injuries.
Kyle Shanahan has guided his team to the NFC Championship Game three times in the last four years and also took his team to Super Bowl LIV (February 2020), where they fell victim to the aforementioned Kansas City Chiefs.
That was a dramatic game as the Mahomes led Chiefs trailed by 10 points with just six minutes and 15 seconds remaining. A repeat of that encounter would make for great viewing.
NFL MVP Odds: Who is favourite to win MVP 2023?
Adrian Peterson was the last non-quarterback to be crowned the NFL MVP (2012) and it’s hard to envisage another position group reigning supreme this year given the depth of top class quarterbacks currently operating in the league.
Last year we witnessed the emergence of Jalen Hurts, who finished second in MVP voting after leading the Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl.
Hurts easily has one of the best offensive lines in the league and an elite wide receiver tandem in the form of AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, which should see him enjoy another highly productive year.
Josh Allen was favourite to win this award last year and he certainly shouldn’t be overlooked now given that his new weapon - first round tight end Dalton Kincaid - should allow him to show off his arm talent more frequently.
Kincaid, who has been likened to Travis Kelce by virtue of his route running ability, will be operating out of the slot primarily while Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis cause chaos deeper down the field.
Only Patrick Mahomes threw more touchdown passes than Joe Burrow in 2022 and the Cincinnati Bengals play caller looks poised to have another big year.
Like the aforementioned Hurts, Burrow can call upon the support of star wideouts in the form of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins and his upgrade at left-tackle should not be overlooked.
Justin Herbert reset the market for quarterbacks this summer and the Chargers will expect the face of their franchise to be competing for this honour every year.
The appointment of Kellan Moore could easily take the Chargers offence to another level this term and Herbert has the weapons to put up very big numbers.
Aaron Rogers is only one season removed from landing back-to-back MVP awards and the Jets have put him into a situation where he will be competing once again.
The future hall of famer will lock horns with Josh Allen (twice), Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert and Tua Tagovailoa (twice) this season and those games present the thirty-nine-year-old with the opportunity to put his name firmly in the MVP picture.
Lamar Jackson was a unanimous MVP in 2019 and he will enter this year with arguably the best set of weapons he has ever had.
Jackson is well known for his ability to make plays with his legs. However, the Ravens have clearly indicated their intention to pass the ball more this season, which will allow Jackson to demonstrate his prowess in that department too.
While those mentioned above are worthy contenders, it would be hard to bet against reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes repeating the feat given what he achieved last year.
As mentioned previously, Mahomes led the league in touchdowns, passing yards, first downs, passes of 25+ yards, EPA, QBR in 2022, in addition to setting a new record for the most offensive yards in a single season.
The 27-year-old was named MVP; First Team All-Pro; Pro-Bowl starter; Players All-Pro; and Super Bowl MVP. In addition to winning the ESPY for the NFL’s best player and placing first in the NFL’s Top 100 - a list that is voted on by his peers.
Somewhat ominously for his rivals, while the Chiefs still don’t have an obvious blue chip wide receiver on their roster, they do arguably have the deepest group of receivers during the Patrick Mahomes era.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid and General Manager Brett Veach certainly feel that way as they broke with tradition and decided to carry seven wide receivers on their 53 man roster this year, with Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Justin Watson, Ritchie James, Rashee Rice and Justyn Ross all making the cut.
And that’s before you factor in Travis Kelce, who will be bidding for an eighth consecutive year with over 1000 receiving yards, and running back Isiah Pacheco, who was a pleasant surprise last season.
The Chiefs boast one of the best interior offensive lines in the entire league with Joe Thuney and Trey Smith lining up either side of Creed Humphrey. And they have also upgraded the right tackle position after splashing out on Jawaan Taylor in free agency.
Left tackle Donovan Smith is another new addition and the pair appear to have settled in well if the limited snaps we saw in preseason are anything to go by.
Patrick Mahomes’ brilliance allowed him to defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles in the postseason while dealing with a high-ankle sprain suffered in the first half of the Chiefs Divisional Round game, displaying that his pain threshold is equal to his talent.
His current odds look more than fair.
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds
The Atlanta Falcons selected highly touted running back Bijan Robinson with the eighth overall pick in the NFL Draft and it’s no surprise to see that he is the bookmakers’ favourite to land this award.
However, he wasn’t the only running back taken in the first round of this year’s draft as the Detroit Lions selected Jahmyr Gibbs twelfth overall and he looks great value at more than three times the price of Robinson.
Gibbs amassed 2,132 rushing yards, 1,227 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns in three collegiate years, including 1,370 all-purpose yards in his solitary year with Alabama after transferring from Georgia Tech.
The Detroit Lions offence ranked fourth in 2022 and they had the NFL’s top touchdown scorer in the form of running back Jamaal Williams, who decided to join the New Orleans Saints this offseason.
Obviously Jahmyr Gibbs will have to split carries with David Montgomery as he adjusts to life in the NFL. However, Gibbs speed and route running ability make him a greater threat in the passing game and he should get plenty of opportunities inside the red zone.
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds
While I’m happy to take on Offensive Rookie Of The Year favourite Bijan Robinson, I most certainly want to be with Defensive Rookie Of The Year favourite Will Anderson Jr.
After taking C.J Stroud with the second overall pick, the Texans traded back up to third to draft Will Anderson following a hugely impressive three-year career with the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he recorded 207 pressures, 34.5 sacks and 204 total tackles.
The 6’4, 243 pound 22-year-old struck fear into opposing quarterbacks throughout his collegiate career and he has already flashed his ability in preseason, when recording a strip sack against Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson.
The two time SEC Defensive Player Of The Year will have plenty of opportunities to rush the quarterback this season and he’s certainly going to be fun to watch.
