2023 NFL Postseason: A Ranking Of The Most Likely Fringe Teams To Qualify

David

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Post on Jun 20, 2025

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2023 NFL Postseason: Ranking the Fringe Contenders for a Wild Card Spot

The 2023 NFL season is heating up, and while some teams have secured their playoff positions, the battle for the coveted Wild Card spots is fierce. Several teams are on the fringe, clinging to playoff hopes by a thread. This article ranks the most likely candidates to snatch a postseason berth, considering current standings, remaining schedules, and overall team performance.

Methodology: Our ranking considers a multitude of factors beyond simply win-loss records. We've analyzed strength of schedule, remaining opponents, key injuries, offensive and defensive efficiency, and overall team momentum. This isn't just about who's currently in a playoff spot; it's about who has the best chance of making a late-season surge.

5. The New York Jets (AFC): The Jets have underperformed relative to preseason expectations, but their talented roster, bolstered by Aaron Rodgers, still possesses significant playoff potential. Their remaining schedule is challenging, but a strong finish, coupled with some help from other teams, could push them into the Wild Card conversation. Their success hinges heavily on Rodgers' consistency and the team's ability to control turnovers.

4. The Green Bay Packers (NFC): The Packers' season has been a rollercoaster. While their offense hasn't always clicked, their defense has shown flashes of brilliance. Their remaining games offer a mix of challenging and winnable matchups. A strong run, especially against divisional rivals, is vital for their playoff hopes. The health and performance of Jordan Love will be key to their success.

3. The Detroit Lions (NFC): The Lions have been one of the most exciting teams to watch this year, showcasing an explosive offense. However, their inconsistent defense has been a major concern. Their remaining schedule is tough, but if their offense can continue to dominate and the defense shows improvement, they'll be a serious threat to steal a Wild Card spot.

2. The Pittsburgh Steelers (AFC): The Steelers have exceeded expectations this season, showcasing a gritty defense and a surprisingly effective offense. While their quarterback situation remains a talking point, their overall team cohesion and resilient play have kept them in the playoff hunt. Their remaining schedule provides some opportunities to build momentum and push for a Wild Card berth. Consistency will be crucial down the stretch.

1. The Atlanta Falcons (NFC): The Falcons are arguably the most likely fringe team to make the playoffs. Their strong running game and improved defense have formed a solid foundation. While their quarterback play has had its ups and downs, their schedule presents a realistic path to victory. Their consistent performance and relative ease of schedule in the final weeks put them at the top of our rankings.

Factors Affecting the Race:

• Divisional Games: Wins against divisional rivals are crucial for tiebreakers, significantly impacting the Wild Card race.
• Injury Reports: Key injuries can derail even the strongest playoff contenders. Staying healthy is paramount.
• Opponent Performance: The performance of competing teams significantly affects the standings. A loss by a direct competitor can be as important as a win.

Conclusion: The race for the NFL Wild Card spots is far from over. The teams listed above all have a legitimate shot at making the postseason. The remaining weeks of the season will be filled with high-stakes games, with every snap carrying immense weight. Stay tuned for what promises to be a dramatic conclusion to the regular season! What are your predictions? Let us know in the comments below!

(Note: This ranking is subjective and based on the information available at the time of writing. The actual playoff contenders may vary.)