Fringe NFL Teams With A Real Postseason Chance In 2023: A Ranked Outlook

David

3 min read

Post on Jun 19, 2025

5.0

Share

Fringe NFL Teams with a Real Postseason Chance in 2023: A Ranked Outlook

The NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint, and while some teams have clearly established themselves as contenders, several others occupy that fascinating "fringe" territory – possessing a real, albeit unlikely, shot at the playoffs. This year, the battle for wild card spots is particularly fierce, making these long-shot contenders even more captivating. This article ranks these fringe teams, assessing their chances and outlining the hurdles they must overcome to reach the postseason.

Methodology: This ranking considers current standings, remaining strength of schedule, key injuries, and overall team performance. It’s a subjective assessment, acknowledging that NFL fortunes can change dramatically in a week.

5. Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons surprised many with their early-season success, showcasing a potent running game and a surprisingly strong defense. However, consistency has been their Achilles' heel. Their playoff hopes hinge on winning crucial divisional games and avoiding significant injuries to key players like Bijan Robinson. Their relatively easy remaining schedule offers a glimmer of hope, but a winning streak is absolutely necessary.

4. New England Patriots: Bill Belichick's Patriots are masters of the unexpected, but their offense remains a major question mark. Mac Jones needs to elevate his game significantly, and the running game needs to find more consistency. A strong defensive performance can keep them competitive, but their playoff hopes depend heavily on stealing wins against tougher opponents. Their playoff chances are directly correlated to their offensive improvement.

3. Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers' departure has left a noticeable void, but Jordan Love has shown flashes of brilliance. The Packers' success hinges on Love's continued development and the performance of their young receiving corps. A strong running game and a solid defense will be crucial, but the NFC North is a tough division to climb out of.

2. Washington Commanders: The Commanders possess a strong running game and a surprisingly resilient defense. However, their quarterback situation remains a concern. Sam Howell's performance will dictate their playoff chances, and their remaining schedule presents both opportunities and significant challenges. Winning the NFC East might be a stretch, but securing a wild card berth remains a possibility.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers have a strong foundation, built on a solid running game and a relentless defense. Kenny Pickett’s development is key to their postseason aspirations. If he can continue to improve and minimize turnovers, the Steelers, with their relatively manageable schedule, pose a real threat to several teams vying for playoff spots. Their consistent performance and strong defense give them the edge in this fringe contender category.

Factors that Could Swing the Odds:

• Injury Reports: A single significant injury can derail a team's playoff hopes.
• Divisional Rivalries: Winning head-to-head matchups against divisional opponents is crucial.
• Unexpected Upsets: The NFL is full of surprises; any team can beat any other team on any given Sunday.

Conclusion: While none of these teams are guaranteed a playoff berth, each possesses the potential to make a significant late-season push. Their playoff chances will be decided by a combination of their own performance and the results of their competitors. Keep a close eye on these teams as the season progresses; the race for the playoffs is far from over.

Call to Action: Which of these fringe teams do you think has the best chance of making the playoffs? Share your predictions in the comments below!