2023 NFL Playoffs: Predicting The Outsiders Most Likely To Make The Postseason

David

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Post on Aug 26, 2025

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2023 NFL Playoffs: Predicting the Outsiders Most Likely to Make the Postseason

The NFL regular season is a marathon, not a sprint, but with only a handful of games remaining, the playoff picture is starting to sharpen into focus. While some teams have secured their spots, others are battling tooth and nail for a wildcard berth. This year, several "outsiders"—teams initially predicted to struggle—are making a surprising push for the postseason. Who among them has the best chance of making a Cinderella run? Let's dive into the contenders.

The Unexpected Contenders: Analyzing the Odds

Predicting the NFL playoffs is notoriously difficult, but by analyzing current standings, remaining schedules, and team performance, we can identify the outsiders with the highest probability of securing a playoff spot. This isn't just about wins and losses; it's about momentum, injury reports, and the strength of remaining opponents.

1. The New York Jets: Despite a mid-season slump, the Jets, fueled by the electrifying performance of rookie quarterback Zach Wilson, are clawing their way back into contention. Their success hinges on their remaining schedule and the continued development of their young quarterback. A strong finish, coupled with some help from other teams, could put them firmly in the playoff hunt. Their tough remaining games will be a true test of their mettle.

2. The Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers, a team steeped in history and tradition, have surprised many with their resilience. Their seasoned defense and a surprisingly effective running game have kept them competitive. Their playoff chances are heavily dependent on winning their remaining games and benefiting from upsets elsewhere in the AFC.

3. The Green Bay Packers: While not as much of a "long shot" as some others on this list, the Packers, after a disappointing start, have found renewed success behind their star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, their playoff chances are very slim at this stage, requiring a near-perfect end to the season.

4. The Seattle Seahawks: Another team who defied expectations, the Seattle Seahawks have had a surprisingly solid season, propelled by a strong run game. However, their playoff hopes require significant wins in the remainder of their games, and a number of other outcomes to break their way.

Factors Determining Playoff Success

Several key factors will ultimately determine which of these teams makes the leap into the postseason:

• Remaining Schedule: The difficulty of each team's remaining games will play a crucial role. A tough schedule could derail even the most promising contenders.
• Injury Report: Injuries, particularly to key players, can significantly impact a team's performance and playoff hopes.
• Team Chemistry and Momentum: A team playing with confidence and strong team unity is far more likely to succeed than one plagued by internal strife.

Conclusion: A Nail-Biting Finish

The race for the NFL playoffs is far from over. The next few weeks promise nail-biting finishes and dramatic upsets. While predicting the future is impossible, based on current performance and remaining schedules, the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers stand out as the outsiders with the strongest potential to make a surprise playoff appearance in 2023. However, don't count out the Seattle Seahawks or even the Green Bay Packers just yet! The final weeks of the regular season are sure to deliver plenty of drama. Stay tuned!

Call to Action: What team do you think is most likely to make a surprise playoff run? Share your predictions in the comments below!