2023 NFL Playoffs: Predicting The Underdogs Who'll Make The Postseason

David

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Post on Jun 17, 2025

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2023 NFL Playoffs: Predicting the Underdogs Who'll Make the Postseason

The 2023 NFL season is shaping up to be a wild ride, and while some teams are clear favorites, the beauty of the NFL lies in its unpredictability. This year, several potential underdogs are poised to make a surprising playoff run, defying expectations and challenging the established powerhouses. But which teams have the grit, the talent, and the luck to snatch a postseason berth? Let's dive into some bold predictions.

The Surprising Contenders: Identifying Potential Playoff Underdogs

Predicting playoff teams is always a risky business, especially pinpointing the underdogs. However, analyzing team performance, key player developments, and remaining schedules reveals some intriguing possibilities. This isn't about picking guaranteed winners, but rather identifying teams with a legitimate shot at exceeding expectations.

1. The New York Giants: After a surprisingly strong 2022 season, the Giants face a tougher road in 2023. However, with a solid coaching staff and a young, improving roster, they possess the potential to sneak into the postseason. Key will be the continued development of Daniel Jones and the consistency of their running game. Their strength of schedule will be crucial in determining their success.

2. The Detroit Lions: The Lions are a team on the rise. Their explosive offense, led by Jared Goff and a dynamic receiving corps, is a joy to watch. Their defensive improvements will be key, but if they can maintain offensive consistency and avoid crippling injuries, they could easily secure a Wild Card spot. Their improved defense will be critical to their playoff hopes.

3. The Washington Commanders: The Commanders present a compelling case. A strong rushing attack paired with a developing quarterback in Sam Howell offers a potent, if somewhat unpredictable, offensive approach. Their defensive performance will be pivotal – if they can shore up some weaknesses, they could be a dark horse contender. The addition of key free agents will heavily influence their success.

4. The New Orleans Saints: The Saints are a perennial playoff contender in the NFC South, which could prove to be a relatively weak division in 2023. With a strong running game and a reliable defense, the Saints' playoff chances hinge on the performance of their quarterback, whoever that may be. Their success in the running game and defensive consistency will be key.

Factors Influencing Underdog Success:

Several factors will determine if these underdogs can reach the playoffs:

• Injury Report: A single key injury can derail a season. Maintaining health is crucial for any team, especially those aiming for a playoff spot.
• Coaching: Strong coaching can make all the difference in the world, turning a good team into a great one.
• Divisional Competition: The strength (or weakness) of their division will significantly impact their postseason chances. A weak division opens the door for underdogs to thrive.
• Late-Season Momentum: Building momentum heading into the final stretch of the season is crucial for playoff contention.

Conclusion: Embracing the Unexpected

While predicting the NFL playoffs with certainty is impossible, these teams possess the potential to make a significant impact. The 2023 season promises to be filled with surprises, and these underdogs could be the story of the year. Keep an eye on their performance throughout the season – they're definitely worth watching! Follow along for continued updates and analysis as the season progresses. What are your predictions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

(Disclaimer: This article provides predictions based on current information and analysis. Actual playoff outcomes may differ.)