The free agency period has already been concluded, of course, and while there remain plenty of important transfers to be completed, there’s no doubt that the majority of the roster-building portion of the 2023 NFL offseason has come to an end.
You can also access more informed NFL and AFC odds online as a result, while we’d urge you to read more on this website about the best online betting sites before committing your hard-earned cash.
But who are the AFC teams to keep your eyes on during the 2023 offseason, and what business have they already completed? Let’s find out!
The Cleveland Browns
The Browns endured another difficult campaign through 2022, failing to qualify for the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Overall, they finished fourth in the AFC North Division, while their record of 7-10 was even worse than their return from the previous campaign (8-9).
The side’s primary issues existed in the defensive line, where the indefatigable Myles Garrett finally buckled under the sheer weight of pressure and expectation on his shoulders. Fortunately, Cleveland have sought to address this issue in the offseason, bringing in Dalvin Tomlinson, the excellent edge rusher Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and defensive end Zédarius Smith as a trade.
Impressively, this has added 146 pressures to the defensive line from last season for just a trio of free agency additions, while further reinforcements could yet be introduced during the main draft.
In the third round of the 2023 NFL draft, the highly thought of wide receiver Cedric Tillman was also brought in from Tennessee, alongside former New York Jets attacker Elijah Moore. He concluded the 2022 campaign with 37 receptions for a total of 446 receiving yards, and a single receiving touchdown in 16 games overall.
The Browns will also be hoping for a return to form of the outstanding Deshaun Watson, with the quarterback enduring a torrid 2022 amid sexual harassment allegations. He subsequently missed the first six games of the regular season through suspension, and despite finishing the campaign with 1,102 passing yards, seven touchdowns and six interceptions as his form improved, he’s capable of much more if he can put his personal issues behind him.
Ultimately, this was an offseason that could put Cleveland back in contention in the AFC North, potentially ending a couple of difficult years for the team!
The Denver Broncos
Arguably, Denver’s biggest off-season move was the recruitment of head coach Sean Payton, whose experience as a former Super Bowl winner may prove crucial if the Broncos are to recover from a torrid 2022 campaign.
With an awful 5-12 record they finished bottom in the AFC West division, with a poor offence and endless injuries ensuring that they were unable to improve on their 7-10 season in 2021.
Interestingly, the Denver Broncos sacrificed their first draft pick to bring in the experienced Payton, so this was a key strategic offseason move that will prove key to their subsequent recruitment. He’ll also work tirelessly to develop a more effective ground game and introduce superior offensive linesman, which is why their work will be so fascinating to watch this summer.
Several seasoned attackers were drafted in during the free agency period, while junior Marvin Mims will also be afforded the chance to make an immediate impact as a receiver. His arrival certainly caught the eye after a solid college career, but another wideout is likely to depart in the offseason to make room for him.
Certainly, Payton will improve the Broncos and their offensive balance no end, and it will be interesting to see what other draft picks are made before the 2023 season.
The Cincinnati Bengals
Despite a difficult start to 2022 (the Bengals lost their first two AFC North matches), they won 12 of their final 14 games to blitz the division and reach the AFC Championship game for the second consecutive campaign.
While they were narrowly defeated 23-20 by the eventual Super Bowl winners the Kansas City Chiefs, the Bagels are priced at around +500 to overcome their rivals this time around and compete for the Holy Grail of the Super Bowl.
These odds have been shortened by Cincinnati’s offseason work, which has included securing the services of Orlando Brown Jr. at tackle. He has boasted five straight seasons with an impressive PFF pass-blocking grade of at least 74.4, and this will provide some security behind a superb Bengals’ offensive line.
The addition of Cody Ford also adds strength-in-depth, while the Bengals have rolled the dice on the talented (but injury prone) tight end Irv Smith Jr. (who has barely played in the last two years due to a combination of torn meniscus and ankle injuries).
Draft additions include Myles Murphy and cornerback D.J. Turner, while depth has also been added to the roster in the form of the youthful Jordan Battle, receiver Charlie Jones and running back Chase Brown. Make no mistake, these reinforcements will strengthen an already formidable Bengals lineup, and this makes them an intriguing outfit to watch in the offseason!
