Fringe NFL Teams: Realistic Predictions For The 2023 Postseason

David

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Post on May 17, 2025

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Fringe NFL Teams: Realistic Predictions for the 2023 Postseason

The NFL season is underway, and while some teams are clear contenders, others occupy that fascinating "fringe" territory – good enough to dream of the playoffs, but not quite guaranteed a spot. This year's crop of potential playoff dark horses presents an intriguing mix of young talent, veteran leadership, and unpredictable coaching strategies. Let's dive into realistic predictions for some of these fringe NFL teams vying for a 2023 postseason berth.

The Contenders on the Bubble:

Several teams stand out as possessing the potential – but not the certainty – to make the playoffs. Their success hinges on key factors like injury avoidance, improved quarterback play, and consistent performance across all three phases of the game.

• The Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers' departure leaves Jordan Love at the helm, a significant question mark. Their success will depend heavily on his development and the performance of their revamped receiving corps. A strong running game and a solid defense could propel them into contention, but consistency remains a concern. Their playoff chances? A solid 50/50 proposition.

• The Detroit Lions: The Lions surprised many last year with an exciting, albeit ultimately unsuccessful, season. This year, they’ve got even more hype. Their high-powered offense, led by Jared Goff, needs to maintain its momentum. The defense, however, must improve significantly to support playoff aspirations. Their chances are better than last year, but a tough NFC North makes this a long shot at best.

• The New Orleans Saints: The Saints boast a strong defense and a capable running game. But the quarterback position, while improved with Derek Carr, still poses a potential weakness. Their success hinges on Carr’s consistency and the offensive line's ability to protect him. A strong start is crucial, otherwise, the NFC South's unpredictability may not be in their favour.

• The Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Pickett enters his second year with a lot riding on his shoulders. The Steelers have a strong running game and a solid defense, providing a solid foundation. However, Pickett needs to show significant improvement to take them to the postseason. This team is a wildcard, relying heavily on their defense to carry them through.

• The Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons surprised many last year finishing with a respectable record. Their offense has the potential to be explosive, but their defense remains a question mark. Similar to the Lions, they could easily contend within their division, but an overall strong NFC will likely present a significant challenge come the end of the season.

Factors Determining Playoff Success:

Beyond individual team performance, several overarching factors will influence the playoff race:

• Divisional Dominance: Winning the division guarantees a playoff spot. Teams like the Lions and Falcons could surprise within weaker divisions.
• Injury Reports: The NFL is a brutal game. Injuries to key players can derail even the most promising seasons.
• Coaching Decisions: In-game strategies and overall coaching performance play a crucial role in a team's success.
• Consistency: Sustained performance across the entire season is necessary for playoff contention. Early-season struggles can be difficult to overcome.

Conclusion:

Predicting the NFL playoffs is always a risky business. While some teams are clear favorites, others – the fringe teams – have the potential to make a surprise run. The teams mentioned above all have the talent to compete, but ultimately, their success will depend on overcoming their individual weaknesses and capitalizing on the opportunities presented during the season. Keep a close eye on their progress – the 2023 postseason race promises to be thrilling!

Call to Action: Who do you think will make a surprise playoff run this year? Share your predictions in the comments below!