Fringe NFL Teams With A Real Playoff Chance In 2023: A Closer Look

David

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Post on May 22, 2025

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Fringe NFL Teams with a Real Playoff Chance in 2023: A Closer Look

The NFL season is a rollercoaster, and while some teams cruise to playoff berths, others fight tooth and nail for a coveted postseason spot. This year, several "fringe" teams – those on the cusp of contention – possess a genuine shot at making the playoffs in 2023. Let's dive into the contenders, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and the road ahead.

The Contenders:

Several teams stand out as possessing a realistic playoff chance, even if they aren't considered favorites in their respective divisions. These include:

• The New York Jets: The Jets' offseason additions, highlighted by the acquisition of Aaron Rodgers, instantly catapulted them into playoff contention. Their success hinges on Rodgers' performance and the continued development of their young receiving corps. The AFC East is fiercely competitive, but the Jets' potent offense and improved defense offer a real path to the postseason. A strong start is crucial, as a slow beginning could quickly derail their ambitions. Their schedule presents both significant challenges and opportunities; navigating it successfully will be key.

• The Green Bay Packers: With Aaron Rodgers departing, the Packers face a rebuilding year, but they are far from a write-off. Jordan Love’s performance will be pivotal, and the strength of their running game and defense will dictate their success. The NFC North is wide open, offering a legitimate opportunity for a surprise playoff berth. Their improved offensive line will be crucial in protecting Love and allowing their running game to flourish.

• The Detroit Lions: The Lions showed significant improvement last season, and their exciting offense, led by Jared Goff, presents a potent threat. Their success will depend on their ability to shore up their defense and maintain consistency throughout the season. The NFC North remains competitive, but the Lions are poised to make a serious run. Their explosive offense could surprise many and secure them a wild-card spot.

• The Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons exceeded expectations in 2022, and with an improved roster, they could be a dark horse in the NFC South. The division is up for grabs, offering a genuine shot at a division title. The Falcons' success hinges on the continued growth of quarterback Desmond Ridder and the consistency of their running game. Their defense needs to step up to compete with the top teams in the NFC.

Factors Determining Playoff Success:

Several key factors will ultimately determine which of these fringe teams make the playoffs:

• Quarterback Play: The performance of their quarterbacks is paramount. Consistent play and minimizing turnovers will be critical for playoff contention.
• Health: Injuries can derail even the most promising seasons. Maintaining a healthy roster throughout the year will be crucial.
• Divisional Battles: The strength of their division will determine the difficulty of securing a playoff berth. Winning divisional games is crucial.
• Clutch Performances: Making key plays in crucial moments will be the difference between making the playoffs and missing out.

Conclusion:

While none of these teams are considered overwhelming favorites, each possesses a legitimate chance to reach the NFL playoffs in 2023. The season will be filled with drama and excitement as these teams battle for a coveted postseason spot. Their success will depend on a combination of strong quarterback play, staying healthy, winning divisional games, and performing under pressure. Keep an eye on these teams – they could be the surprise story of the year! Follow along for continued updates and analysis throughout the season.