Fringe NFL Teams: Evaluating The Realistic Postseason Chances For 2023

David

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Post on Jun 18, 2025

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Fringe NFL Teams: Evaluating the Realistic Postseason Chances for 2023

The NFL season is underway, and while some teams have clearly staked their claim as playoff contenders, a handful of others occupy that precarious "fringe" status. These are the squads with a realistic shot at the postseason, but their path is far from guaranteed. Let's dive into the odds and challenges facing these potential playoff dark horses in 2023.

The Contenders on the Edge:

Several teams find themselves in this intriguing position. Their records might not scream "playoff bound," but a strong finish and some luck could propel them into the postseason race. Key factors include remaining strength of schedule, injury situations, and their ability to execute down the stretch. Here are some of the key contenders:

• The Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers' departure has undeniably altered the landscape in Green Bay. However, Jordan Love's performance will dictate their trajectory. A strong run, coupled with divisional struggles, could still see them sneak into the wildcard picture. Their success hinges on improved offensive consistency and a staunch defensive performance.

• The New England Patriots: Bill Belichick's teams are always a wildcard. Mac Jones needs to elevate his game significantly, and the defense, while solid, needs to remain consistently dominant. A challenging schedule makes their playoff chances a long shot, but never count out Belichick's ability to coach his team to unexpected wins.

• The Atlanta Falcons: A surprising team in 2022, Atlanta's success this year relies heavily on the continued growth of Desmond Ridder. Their defense will need to improve considerably to keep them in contention. The NFC South is surprisingly weak, presenting a genuine opportunity for a playoff berth, but internal consistency remains their biggest hurdle.

• The Washington Commanders: The Commanders are another team whose playoff hopes rest on the shoulders of their quarterback, in this case, Sam Howell. A strong running game and a competent defense will be crucial, but a difficult schedule poses a significant challenge. Consistency is key for this team to break into the postseason.

Factors Determining Playoff Success:

Several key factors will determine whether these fringe teams make the playoffs:

• Divisional Races: The strength of their respective divisions plays a huge role. A weak division, like the NFC South, offers a clearer path to a divisional title, even with a less-than-stellar record.

• Injury Reports: The NFL is a brutal game. Key injuries to star players can derail even the most promising seasons. Maintaining health across the roster is paramount.

• Strength of Schedule: The remaining games on the schedule will heavily influence the final standings. A favorable remaining schedule significantly increases their chances.

Predicting the Unpredictable:

Predicting the NFL playoffs is always a challenging task. While these teams possess the potential to reach the postseason, their chances hinge on consistency, avoiding critical injuries, and capitalizing on favorable matchups. Their playoff odds are far from certain, but the possibility remains, making the remainder of the season compelling viewing for fans of these clubs.

Call to Action: Stay tuned for further updates as the season unfolds! What do you think? Which of these fringe teams has the best chance of making the playoffs? Share your predictions in the comments below!