2023 NFL Playoffs: Predicting The Underdog Teams With The Best Chance

David

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Post on May 26, 2025

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2023 NFL Playoffs: Predicting the Underdog Teams with the Best Chance to Shock the World

The NFL Playoffs are upon us, and while the usual suspects like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills are vying for the Super Bowl, the true magic of January football lies in the potential for massive upsets. This year's postseason features several underdog teams with a legitimate shot at making a deep run. Forget the favorites for a moment – let's dive into the teams poised to defy expectations and make some noise in the 2023 NFL Playoffs.

Identifying the Contenders: Defining "Underdog" in the NFL Playoffs

Before we delve into specific teams, let's define our terms. For the purpose of this article, an "underdog" is a team generally considered less likely to win their matchup based on seeding, regular season performance, and expert predictions. This isn't about moral victories; we're focusing on teams with a realistic path to postseason success, despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds.

The Top Underdog Teams to Watch:

Several teams fit this description, possessing the talent and momentum to pull off significant upsets. Here's a breakdown of the most promising:

1. The Jacksonville Jaguars: After a surprising regular season turnaround under Doug Pederson, the Jaguars secured the AFC South title. Their explosive offense, led by Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne, presents a significant challenge to any opponent. While facing a tough road, their young, energetic team has the potential to make a deep playoff run, potentially even upsetting the top seeds. Key to their success: Maintaining offensive consistency and limiting turnovers.

2. The Seattle Seahawks: Few predicted Seattle's playoff berth. Geno Smith's resurgence and a surprisingly strong defense have propelled the Seahawks into the postseason. Their underdog status is undeniable, but their ability to control the clock and play tough, physical football makes them a dangerous opponent. Key to their success: Geno Smith continuing his stellar play and the defense stepping up against stronger offenses. A strong running game will also be crucial.

3. The New York Giants: The Giants exceeded expectations under Brian Daboll, earning a Wild Card berth. Their strong running game and opportunistic defense could give higher-seeded teams fits. Their disciplined approach and ability to win close games are hallmarks of a team that thrives on adversity. Key to their success: Saquon Barkley dominating on the ground and the defense creating turnovers.

Factors Favoring Underdog Success:

Several factors can contribute to an underdog's playoff success:

• Momentum: A strong finish to the regular season can build crucial momentum heading into the playoffs.
• Strong Coaching: Experienced and innovative coaches can devise game plans to exploit opponents' weaknesses.
• Elite Special Teams: Field goals, punt returns, and kickoffs can significantly impact playoff games.
• Injury Luck: Avoiding key injuries and capitalizing on opponent injuries can be a game-changer.
• Home-Field Advantage (Wild Card Round): While not always a guaranteed win, playing at home provides a considerable boost.

The Bottom Line: Embrace the Upsets!

The beauty of the NFL Playoffs is the unpredictable nature of the games. While predicting winners is always difficult, these underdog teams possess the ingredients to cause major upsets. Don't count them out – they could be the story of the 2023 postseason. Keep an eye on these teams and get ready for some thrilling games!

What are your predictions for the 2023 NFL Playoffs? Share your thoughts in the comments below!