Chiefs, Bengals Remain On Top Of Updated AFC Power Rankings
By Hunter Haas
8: Jacksonville Jaguars Charging Up AFC Power Rankings
Trevor Lawrence is on the way to realizing his otherworldly potential by becoming a top quarterback in the NFL. Head coach Doug Pederson deserves a ton of credit for Lawrence’s development throughout 2022. The duo sparked a historic playoff comeback vs. the Chargers, earning them what they hope to be their first of many postseason victories together.
One of the most slept-on moves of the offseason came when the Jaguars traded for the suspended Calvin Ridley. Before his suspension, Ridley owned a first-round pedigree with a 1,300-yard season under his belt. Now, he has a chance to be the top target in the passing game for Jacksonville.
The defense returns several young players, with the hope they all continue an upward ascension in 2023. Tyson Campbell and Travon Walker look like building blocks on the defensive side, and Josh Allen is one of the most effective pass rushers in the conference.
The Jaguars must prove they are more than a one-year wonder. With Ridley in tow and another year of growth for the defense, Duval could see its second division title in as many seasons. The AFC South is ripe for the picking.
7: Los Angeles Chargers Hope To Rebound From Disappointing Playoff Collapse
It might seem counterintuitive to rank the Jaguars behind the team they sent packing in the postseason a few months ago. However, Justin Herbert and the additions from the 2023 NFL Draft serve as the tiebreaker in these Power Rankings.
Wide receiver Quentin Johnston boosts the pass-catching corps by adding an explosive wrinkle to the fold. Defenders like Daiyan Henley and Tuli Tuipulotu are instant starters and will transform the unit from the jump.
Herbert will take another leap in development after dealing with a nagging rib injury throughout the 2022 campaign. A healthy Herbert, alongside an impressive stable of weapons, will result in another playoff trip for the Bolts. Hopefully, with a better outcome this time.