Chiefs, Bengals Remain On Top Of Updated AFC Power Rankings
By Hunter Haas
6: New York Jets Fly Up AFC Power Rankings With Addition Of Aaron Rodgers
The Jets narrowly missed qualifying for the postseason last season amid volatile quarterback play. Their response? Trading for a future Hall of Fame talent behind center. Aaron Rodgers is the most talented passer in franchise history, all before he takes a snap.
The roster is ready to compete for a Super Bowl right now. The health of the offensive line will be vital to the team’s success, but all the pieces are there to be a high-end unit in the league. As far as pass catchers go, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, Garrett Wilson, leads the way.
The defense has the potential to be one of the best in the NFL. The 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year, Sauce Gardner, spearheads the group. A healthy Quinnen Williams is the X-factor for the front seven, and he has all the motivation in the world as he enters a contract year.
Head coach Robert Saleh faces Super Bowl or bust expectations. When you have Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, it just comes with the territory. The Jets will embrace this new identity and earn a spot in the 2023 playoff field.
5: Baltimore Ravens Hold On To Top-Five Slot In AFC Power Rankings
Lamar Jackson is back with a lucrative long-term contract. The front office committed to building a more modern, pass-heavy scheme this offseason around its star quarterback. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken takes over for Greg Roman after coaching the Georgia Bulldog offense to back-to-back National Championships.
To implement this system, Baltimore brought in a couple of difference-makers in the wide receiver room. Veteran Odell Beckham Jr. and 2023 first-round pick Zay Flowers figure to see a lot of action in the Monken offense. A healthy J.K. Dobbins and Mark Andrews make for a scary group to defend.
The defense should be even more consistent after finishing sixth in total defense via PFF. Odafe Oweh, Roquan Smith, and Marlon Humphrey possess “top-of-the-position” talent at their respective spots on the depth chart. Assuming the team can fight off the injury bug, Jackson’s crew can contend for a Super Bowl title.