Fringe NFL Teams: Who Will Sneak Into The 2023 Playoffs? A Realistic Ranking

David

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Post on May 13, 2025

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Fringe NFL Teams: Who Will Sneak into the 2023 Playoffs? A Realistic Ranking

The NFL season is heating up, and while some teams have cemented their playoff positions, a fierce battle rages for the remaining spots. Several "fringe" teams are on the cusp, poised to make a surprise playoff run or crash and burn spectacularly. But who has the best shot? Let's dive into a realistic ranking of the teams most likely to sneak into the 2023 NFL Playoffs.

Methodology: This ranking considers current standings, remaining schedules, recent performance, and overall team health. It's a projection, not a guarantee, and the NFL is notoriously unpredictable.

Tier 1: Strong Contenders

These teams are knocking on the playoff door and possess a realistic chance of securing a postseason berth.

1. New York Giants: The Giants' resurgence under Brian Daboll has been remarkable. Their tough schedule down the stretch will be the ultimate test, but their improved defense and surprisingly effective offense give them a legitimate shot. Their success hinges on Saquon Barkley staying healthy and Daniel Jones continuing his efficient play. Keyword: New York Giants Playoffs

2. Seattle Seahawks: Geno Smith's breakout season has revitalized the Seahawks. A strong running game and a surprisingly resilient defense give them a fighting chance. Their remaining schedule presents challenges, but their playoff hopes are very much alive. Keyword: Seahawks Playoffs 2023

Tier 2: Long Shots with a Chance

These teams face an uphill battle but possess enough talent and a favorable enough schedule to make a late-season push.

3. Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are clinging to hope. Their offense needs to find more consistency, and their defense needs to create more turnovers. A late-season surge is possible, but it requires near-perfect execution and some help from other teams. Keyword: Packers Playoffs Chances

4. Detroit Lions: The Lions are exciting, but inconsistencies plague them. Their explosive offense can light up any scoreboard, but their defense remains a major weakness. They need to win most of their remaining games to even have a shot. Keyword: Detroit Lions Playoff Odds

Tier 3: Outside Looking In

These teams have a very slim chance of making the playoffs, requiring a near-miracle run and a collapse from multiple teams ahead of them.

5. Washington Commanders: The Commanders' playoff hopes are dwindling. Inconsistency on both sides of the ball and a tough schedule make a playoff run incredibly unlikely. Keyword: Commanders Playoff Chances

Factors to Watch:

• Injury Reports: Injuries can derail any team's playoff hopes instantly. Keeping key players healthy is paramount for all contenders.
• Divisional Races: The outcomes of divisional games will significantly impact the playoff picture. Head-to-head records will be crucial tiebreakers.
• Strength of Schedule: The remaining schedules for these fringe teams vary drastically. Some face easier opponents than others, giving them a better chance of accumulating wins.

Conclusion: Predicting the NFL Playoffs is always a risky endeavor. While the Giants and Seahawks appear to have the best chance among these fringe teams, any number of scenarios could unfold. Stay tuned for an exciting finish to the regular season!

Call to Action: Who do you think will make the playoffs? Share your predictions in the comments below!