Fringe NFL Teams: A Realistic Look At 2023 Postseason Contenders

David

3 min read

Post on May 30, 2025

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Fringe NFL Teams: A Realistic Look at 2023 Postseason Contenders

The NFL season is upon us, and while some teams are clear Super Bowl favorites, others are fighting tooth and nail for a playoff spot. This year, several "fringe" teams – those on the cusp of contention – possess the potential to surprise and make a deep postseason run. But which ones are genuine contenders, and which are merely wishful thinking? Let's delve into a realistic assessment of the 2023 postseason hopefuls hovering outside the spotlight.

Defining the "Fringe": More Than Just Wild Card Hopefuls

We're not talking about teams predicted to finish with a losing record. These are teams projected to be competitive, potentially vying for a Wild Card berth or even a division title, but facing significant obstacles. This requires a careful examination of their strengths, weaknesses, and the overall competitiveness of their respective divisions.

The Top Contenders Among the Fringe:

Several teams stand out as possessing a realistic chance at a playoff berth in 2023. Their potential hinges on key factors like player health, coaching performance, and a bit of luck:

• The New York Jets: With Aaron Rodgers at the helm, the Jets boast a significantly upgraded offense. Their success, however, depends heavily on Rodgers' ability to adapt to a new system and the continued growth of their young receiving corps. A strong defense remains their backbone, but consistency will be key. Keyword: Aaron Rodgers Jets

• The Detroit Lions: The Lions surprised many last season with their high-octane offense and improved defense. Maintaining this momentum will be crucial. Their division, however, is fiercely competitive. Keyword: Detroit Lions Playoffs

• The Green Bay Packers: Post-Rodgers, the Packers enter a rebuilding phase. However, Jordan Love's performance will dictate their success. A strong running game and a solid defense could still propel them into contention, but it's a long shot. Keyword: Green Bay Packers Playoffs

• The Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons significantly improved their roster in the offseason, addressing key needs on both sides of the ball. Their success hinges on the continued development of Desmond Ridder and maintaining consistency throughout the season. Keyword: Atlanta Falcons Playoffs

Factors That Could Derail These Contenders:

While these teams possess the talent to compete, several factors could prevent them from reaching the postseason:

• Injury Concerns: The NFL is a brutal game, and injuries can derail even the most promising seasons. Depth at key positions will be critical for these fringe teams.
• Divisional Strength: Several of these teams reside in highly competitive divisions, making even a Wild Card berth a challenging prospect.
• Inconsistent Play: Maintaining consistent performance throughout a 17-game season is incredibly difficult. A few bad losses could quickly eliminate these teams from contention.

Conclusion: Hope Springs Eternal, But Reality Bites

While several teams are considered "fringe" contenders, their paths to the playoffs are far from guaranteed. Success will depend on a combination of factors, requiring consistent performance, staying healthy, and a bit of good fortune. The 2023 NFL season promises to be exciting, and these teams will undoubtedly be a significant part of the narrative. Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling race to the postseason!

Call to Action: Who do you think will be the biggest surprise team this year? Share your predictions in the comments below!