2023 NFL Playoffs: Ranking The Sneaky Contenders

David

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Post on Jun 06, 2025

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2023 NFL Playoffs: Ranking the Sneaky Contenders

The NFL Playoffs are upon us, and while the usual suspects like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills dominate the headlines, some teams are quietly lurking, ready to pounce. This year's postseason is shaping up to be a wild card, with several "sneaky contenders" possessing the potential to make a deep run. Forget the pre-season predictions; let's dive into the teams poised to surprise us all.

Methodology: Our rankings consider factors beyond just regular season records. We've analyzed recent performance, momentum heading into the playoffs, key player health, and overall team chemistry. This isn't about predicting the Super Bowl winner, but highlighting teams with legitimate upset potential.

Ranking the Sneaky Contenders:

1. The New York Giants (Wild Card): Don't let their Wild Card status fool you. The Giants, under Brian Daboll's masterful coaching, have exceeded expectations. Their strong running game, led by Saquon Barkley, keeps defenses honest, while their defense has shown flashes of brilliance. Their playoff experience, though limited, is a valuable asset. Key to Success: Continued strong performance from their offensive line and limiting turnovers.

2. The Seattle Seahawks (Wild Card): Geno Smith's resurgence has been one of the NFL's best stories. The Seahawks' youthful energy and offensive firepower, combined with a surprisingly resilient defense, make them a dangerous opponent. Key to Success: Maintaining consistency from Smith and leveraging their strong rushing attack to control the clock. Learn more about the Seahawks' playoff chances on .

3. The Jacksonville Jaguars (Wild Card): Trevor Lawrence's breakout season has transformed the Jaguars from an afterthought to a potential playoff powerhouse. Their explosive offense, complemented by an improving defense, makes them a nightmare matchup for any team. Key to Success: Lawrence needs to continue making smart decisions, and the defense needs to consistently pressure the quarterback. Their success hinges on dominating the line of scrimmage.

4. The Dallas Cowboys (Wild Card): While the Cowboys' playoff hopes have been clouded by inconsistency, their talent remains undeniable. Dak Prescott’s leadership, coupled with a potent offense and a strong defensive line, gives them the tools to make a deep run if they can find their rhythm. Key to Success: Limiting turnovers and establishing a consistent running game to take pressure off Prescott. Check out .

Why These Teams Are "Sneaky":

These teams aren't necessarily favored to win it all, but they possess the combination of talent, coaching, and momentum to upset higher-seeded opponents. Their potential to exceed expectations and make a surprising playoff run is what makes them sneaky contenders.

The X-Factor:

The element of surprise. These teams can use their underdog status to their advantage, potentially catching opponents off guard with their aggressive playstyles and unexpected strategies.

Conclusion:

The 2023 NFL Playoffs are poised to be filled with excitement and unexpected outcomes. While the top seeds are undoubtedly strong, don't count out these sneaky contenders. They have the potential to shake up the bracket and make a memorable playoff run. Who will emerge victorious? Only time will tell. Stay tuned!

Call to Action: Share your predictions for the 2023 NFL Playoffs in the comments below! Who do you think will be the biggest surprise?