Updated 2023 NFL Draft Order Following Week 16 Saturday Results

Every late-season NFL result is looked at through two lenses: How does it affect the playoff picture and draft order?

Week 16 has mostly held true to expectations, save for two results. While the Carolina Panthers put a damper on the Detroit Lions' simmering playoff hopes, the Houston Texans bounced the reeling Tennessee Titans from the top of the AFC North.

Elsewhere, the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots kept moving the wrong direction—relative to the playoffs, at least.

The following 2023 NFL draft order is based on results after Saturday's early window. This piece will be updated.

Updated NFL Draft Order

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Aaron Rodgers

1. Houston Texans

2. Chicago Bears

3. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos)

4. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams)

5. Arizona Cardinals

6. Indianapolis Colts

7. Atlanta Falcons

8. Carolina Panthers

9. Las Vegas Raiders

10. Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans Saints)

11. Houston Texans (via Cleveland Browns)

12. Green Bay Packers

13. Seattle Seahawks

14. Tennessee Titans

15. New England Patriots

16. Pittsburgh Steelers

17. New York Jets

18. Detroit Lions

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

20. Jacksonville Jaguars

21. Washington Commanders

22. New York Giants

23. Los Angeles Chargers

24. Miami Dolphins (forfeited)

25. Baltimore Ravens

26. Denver Broncos (via San Francisco 49ers)

27. Dallas Cowboys

28. Cincinnati Bengals

29. Kansas City Chiefs

30. Minnesota Vikings

31. Buffalo Bills

32. Philadelphia Eagles

Browns Eliminated in Frigid Loss

Nick Cammett/Getty Images

CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 24: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Heading into Week 16, the Browns had a path to the postseason if you tilted your head just right.

But the New Orleans Saints eliminated that dream.

On a cold, windy day in the Midwest, the Browns had a rough offensive day in a 17-10 loss. Deshaun Watson completed 15 of 31 passes for just 135 yards, and Nick Chubb mustered only 3.8 yards per carry. Watson also threw a key interception that led to the Saints' winning score.

Cleveland's loss most benefits the Houston Texans, who hold the Browns' first-round pick because of the Watson trade. As it stands, Houston is landing a second top-12 selection for the 2023 draft.

Cleveland closes the season with trips to the Washington Commanders and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Patriots' Slide Continues

Winslow Townson/Getty Images

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 24: Vonn Bell #24 of the Cincinnati Bengals pressures Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots as he attempts a pass during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

Midway through 2022, the Patriots took advantage of a favorable stretch and rode a three-game winning streak to a 6-4 record.

Since then, however, it's been a messy run.

New England dropped a fourth game in the last five contests, falling to the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday. Although the Pats assembled a valiant comeback from a 22-point deficit, the Bengals held on thanks to a clutch, late fumble to secure a tight 22-18 victory.

The month-long slide has shoved New England to the wrong side of the AFC playoff picture. Both the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers can put the Pats on the brink of elimination with a Week 16 win.

New England's slate doesn't get much easier, either, closing the campaign against Miami and the Buffalo Bills.