Fringe NFL Teams: Who's Most Likely To Crack The 2023 Playoffs?

David

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Post on Jun 20, 2025

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Fringe NFL Teams: Who's Most Likely to Crack the 2023 Playoffs?

The NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint, but as we head into the crucial mid-season point, several teams find themselves teetering on the edge of playoff contention. This year's "fringe" contenders present a fascinating mix of potential and uncertainty. Who among these squads has the best chance of making a late-season surge and securing a coveted postseason berth? Let's dive into the contenders and dissect their chances.

The Top Contenders:

Several teams stand out as having a realistic shot at a playoff spot, even if they currently sit outside the postseason picture. Their paths to the playoffs, however, differ significantly.

1. The New York Jets: The Jets, fueled by the arrival of Aaron Rodgers, started the season with high expectations. While inconsistent play has plagued them, Rodgers' experience and the team's overall talent suggest they can turn things around. Their success hinges on consistency on offense and tightening up their defensive performance. A strong finish to the season, coupled with some favorable outcomes elsewhere, could easily propel them into the playoffs. Key to their success will be winning divisional games against AFC East rivals like the Bills and Patriots.

2. The Green Bay Packers: The post-Aaron Rodgers era in Green Bay has been...interesting. Jordan Love's development will be the ultimate determinant of their playoff chances. If Love can consistently lead the offense, the Packers' strong defense could be enough to propel them into the wild card race. Their schedule, however, presents a significant challenge.

3. The Washington Commanders: The Commanders' playoff hopes are firmly tied to their offensive consistency and the continued development of quarterback Sam Howell. A strong running game and a solid defensive unit provide a foundation, but their success will rely on limiting turnovers and winning close games. The NFC East is a tough division, making a wild card berth their most likely path to the postseason.

4. The Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons are another team with a reasonable chance. Their success relies heavily on the continued strong performance of their running game and a competent passing attack from Desmond Ridder. A strong finish will be crucial, especially in the tightly contested NFC South. Their relatively easier schedule compared to other contenders could give them an edge.

Long Shots, But Not Impossible:

Several other teams, while less likely, still have a mathematical chance. These include teams like the Carolina Panthers, who show potential but need significant improvement. The Pittsburgh Steelers, while possessing a strong defense, face an uphill battle due to offensive inconsistencies.

Factors Affecting Playoff Races:

Several factors beyond individual team performance will significantly impact the playoff race:

• Divisional matchups: Winning divisional games is crucial for securing a higher seed and potentially a bye.
• Injury reports: Key injuries can derail even the most promising seasons.
• Opponent strength of schedule: Playing easier opponents towards the end of the season can provide a crucial boost.

Conclusion:

Predicting the NFL playoffs is notoriously difficult, but the Jets, Packers, Commanders, and Falcons appear to be the most likely teams from the fringe to make a push. Their playoff chances depend on consistent performance, minimizing mistakes, and benefiting from some fortunate breaks. Keep your eye on these teams as the season progresses – the race to the playoffs is far from over! Check back for updated playoff predictions as the season unfolds.

(CTA: Stay tuned to our site for the latest NFL news and analysis!)