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Week 17 of the NFL season falls on New Year’s Day, when many NFL teams will be able to get a head start on their resolutions for 2023.
Some teams will be in the mix for a Super Bowl on Feb. 12, while many others will get an early sense of direction to prepare for the offseason.
Here are some things all 32 NFL teams can look forward to next year:AFC East
Buffalo: Is this the year Josh Allen and the Bills finally break through? After two straight postseasons of falling to the Chiefs, the Bills hope their third time is the charm. Allen has entered his prime, and a Bills championship would bring validation, and help the memories of losing four straight Super Bowls in the ’90s.
Miami: If the Dolphins makes the playoffs, the road to rebuilding will ultimately be worth it. Even for one season. But are they a fringe .500 team or potential powerhouse? Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion issues in 2022 cloud Miami’s future, but a postseason run would show Miami is trending up and not down.
New England: Life after Tom Brady hasn’t been so kind to Bill Belichick and the Patriots. The Patriots are on the brink of a playoff run, but have clear holes to fill this offseason, both on their roster and on their coaching staff. Still, it might not be enough to help them return to their historic glory.
New York Jets: The Jets hope the New Year brings a new quarterback. Could Derek Carr be the answer? Maybe short term, but not in the long term. Robert Saleh needs both a young prospect and bridge starter so his rebuild in New York can keep pace with their stadium roommate.
NFL PLAYOFF PICTURE: Three teams can clinch divisions
NEVER MISS A MOMENT: Follow our sports newsletter for daily updatesAFC North
Baltimore: It’ll be up to Lamar Jackson, who is dealing with a knee injury before the playoffs, to push the Ravens into the AFC’s elite this postseason. But his contract negotiation this offseason, and keeping Jackson happy financially, will determine the fate of the franchise.
Cincinnati: Two straight Super Bowl runs would certainly shift the AFC in the Bengals’ favor. They have done what the Bills haven’t, unseating the Chiefs last year. But this year is about doing it again, and finding the missing pieces to help Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and others get over the hump and win a championship.
Cleveland: The Browns’ first season navigating Deshaun Watson’s suspension is over, and they can turn to a new year during which they can see if acquiring him, and entering contention, was worth the public relations nightmare and $230 million guaranteed contract.
Pittsburgh: Mike Tomlin’s team remains in transition after Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, and will enter Year 2 of the Kenny Pickett era wondering if he’s truly their quarterback of the future, or if the Steelers need to quickly search elsewhere.AFC South
Houston: The No. 1 pick, whether C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young, will breathe new life into a floundering franchise that’s hopefully seen the last of their consequences for trading away star players and future draft picks.
Indianapolis: Maybe, Jeff Saturday will be the new Colts coach from his run as interim coach.
