Fringe NFL Teams: Who's Got The Real Chance At A 2023 Postseason Berth?

David

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Post on Jun 21, 2025

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Fringe NFL Teams: Who's Got the Real Chance at a 2023 Postseason Berth?

The NFL season is in full swing, and while some teams have cemented their playoff positions, a handful are battling fiercely for a coveted postseason berth. This year's "fringe" contenders are a fascinating mix of surprising overachievers and established teams fighting to overcome early-season struggles. But who among them has the real chance to make the playoffs in 2023? Let's dive into the contenders and dissect their odds.

The Contenders: A Closer Look

Several teams are currently vying for those final playoff spots, making this year's race exceptionally tight. Here are some of the key players in the fringe playoff hunt:

• The New York Jets: The Jets, boosted by the arrival of Aaron Rodgers, started strong but have faced inconsistency. Their success hinges heavily on Rodgers' performance and the effectiveness of their running game. A strong finish, particularly against divisional rivals, is crucial for their playoff hopes. [Link to Jets news and analysis]

• The Detroit Lions: The Lions have established themselves as a fun, high-octane offense. Their exciting style of play has captivated fans, but consistency on defense remains a question mark. Can they shore up their defensive vulnerabilities and secure enough wins to make the playoffs? [Link to Lions news and analysis]

• The Green Bay Packers: While not quite on the fringe, the Packers are facing an uphill battle. Jordan Love's development will be key, and their defense needs to step up significantly. Their playoff chances depend heavily on winning the NFC North or securing a Wild Card spot. [Link to Packers news and analysis]

• The Atlanta Falcons: A surprising contender, the Falcons have exceeded expectations. Their strong running game and improved defense give them a fighting chance, but consistency throughout the remaining games is vital. Their division is highly competitive, making a Wild Card berth their most likely path to the playoffs. [Link to Falcons news and analysis]

• The Washington Commanders: The Commanders' playoff hopes are closely tied to the performance of their quarterback and the consistency of their running game. Defensive improvements are also necessary to secure the wins needed for a postseason push. [Link to Commanders news and analysis]

Factors Determining Playoff Success

Several key factors will ultimately determine which fringe teams make the leap into the playoffs:

• Health: Injuries are an unavoidable aspect of the NFL. Teams with key players sidelined face a significantly steeper climb towards the playoffs.

• Divisional Performance: Winning within the division is crucial for playoff seeding. A strong record against divisional rivals can be the difference between making the playoffs and staying home.

• Strength of Schedule: The remaining schedule plays a significant role. Facing weaker opponents provides a better chance to accumulate wins.

• Consistency: Sustained strong performances throughout the remaining games are paramount. Inconsistent play will likely prevent even the most talented teams from reaching the playoffs.

Predictions and Outlook:

Predicting the NFL playoffs is always challenging, but based on current form and remaining schedule, the Detroit Lions and New York Jets appear to have the best chances among the fringe contenders. However, the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders remain in the mix and could easily surprise us. The Green Bay Packers face a tougher road but possess the talent to make a late-season surge.

Conclusion:

The race for the NFL playoffs is far from over. The teams mentioned above will need to display unwavering determination, consistency, and a bit of luck to secure their place in the postseason. The coming weeks will be crucial, and fans of these teams are in for a thrilling ride. Keep checking back for updates as the season progresses!

Keywords: NFL Playoffs, 2023 NFL Season, NFL Predictions, NFL Teams, Postseason Berth, Fringe Contenders, NFL Power Rankings, Jets, Lions, Packers, Falcons, Commanders, NFL News, NFL Analysis.