Fringe NFL Teams With A Real Chance At A 2023 Playoff Berth

David

3 min read

Post on May 27, 2025

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Fringe NFL Teams with a Real Shot at a 2023 Playoff Berth

The NFL season is heating up, and while some teams are clear playoff contenders, a handful of "fringe" teams are quietly making a push for a postseason berth. These squads aren't considered favorites by many, but their recent performance and upcoming schedules suggest they have a legitimate chance to sneak into the playoffs. Let's examine some of the most intriguing contenders.

The Unexpected Contenders: Analyzing the Odds

Predicting the NFL playoffs is notoriously difficult, but several teams are showing enough promise to warrant serious consideration. Their success hinges on a combination of factors, including strong quarterback play, improved defense, and a favorable remaining schedule. We'll explore these factors for each team.

1. The New York Jets: After a disappointing start, the Jets, led by Aaron Rodgers, have shown flashes of brilliance. Their success hinges on consistency, especially on offense. Their remaining schedule presents a mix of challenging and winnable games. If Rodgers can maintain his performance and the defense continues to improve, the Jets could easily find themselves in the playoff hunt. The key is minimizing turnovers and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. This is a crucial season for the Jets, and a playoff berth would solidify Rodgers' legacy in New York.

2. The Detroit Lions: The Lions have become a fan favorite, known for their exciting offense and resilient spirit. Their young core, led by Jared Goff, has the potential to make a serious playoff push. However, their defense needs to improve considerably to compete consistently with the top teams in the NFC. A crucial factor in their playoff hopes will be their ability to win close games. Expect the Lions' offense to remain potent, but their defensive performance will determine their postseason fate.

3. The Green Bay Packers: Despite the departure of Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have surprised many with their competitive play. Jordan Love's development is key; if he can consistently perform at a high level, Green Bay's playoff chances increase significantly. Their remaining schedule will be tough, but their strong defense could provide the necessary edge to secure a playoff spot. The success of the Packers’ 2023 season hinges on Love's ability to lead the team consistently.

4. The Washington Commanders: The Commanders have been inconsistent, but their recent performances suggest improvement. Sam Howell's development as quarterback is crucial. A strong running game and solid defense will be vital for their playoff hopes. Their path to the postseason is narrow, but a winning streak could catapult them into contention. This team is a wildcard; their playoff chances depend heavily on their ability to string together consistent wins.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

The path to the playoffs for these fringe teams is fraught with challenges. They will face tough competition from established contenders, and any injuries could derail their chances. However, the opportunity is there, and a few key wins could propel them into the postseason.

Conclusion: Staying Competitive Until the End

These four teams represent the fascinating landscape of the 2023 NFL season. They each possess the potential to make a late-season surge, but success hinges on consistency, injury avoidance, and clutch performances. Keep your eyes peeled – the playoff picture could look dramatically different come January.

Call to Action: Who do you think has the best chance to make the playoffs from this list? Share your predictions in the comments below!