Fringe NFL Teams With The Best Shot At The 2023 Playoffs

David

3 min read

Post on May 19, 2025

4.8

Share

Fringe NFL Teams with the Best Shot at the 2023 Playoffs

The NFL season is a rollercoaster, and while some teams cruise to playoff berths, others fight tooth and nail for every inch of ground. This year, several "fringe" teams – those not initially considered playoff contenders – have a legitimate shot at making the postseason. But which ones have the best chance of pulling off the upset and securing a place in the 2023 NFL Playoffs? Let's dive into the contenders.

The Unexpected Contenders: Analyzing the Fringe Playoff Hopefuls

Predicting the NFL playoffs is notoriously difficult, but certain factors point towards several teams having a surprisingly strong chance. We're looking at teams who have exceeded expectations or have a favorable remaining schedule, giving them a real opportunity to climb the standings. These aren't guaranteed playoff teams, but they're certainly worth watching closely.

1. The New York Jets: The Jets' success hinges heavily on Aaron Rodgers' performance. While his age is a factor, his experience and leadership have undeniably boosted the team's offense. Their defense is also solid, capable of winning games even on off days for the offense. Their remaining schedule presents a mix of challenges and opportunities. A strong finish, especially against divisional rivals, could easily propel them into the wild card race. Key to success: Consistent offensive production and winning the crucial divisional games.

2. The Green Bay Packers: The departure of Aaron Rodgers left a gaping hole, but Jordan Love has shown flashes of brilliance. The Packers' strength lies in their running game and a surprisingly robust defense. Their schedule is manageable in the later part of the season, offering a potential pathway to a playoff berth. Key to success: Continued improvement from Jordan Love and a strong ground game to control the clock.

3. The Washington Commanders: The Commanders have been a rollercoaster ride this season, but their talent is undeniable. Their defense is a consistent force, and if their offense can find consistency, they are a dangerous team. The remaining schedule is relatively forgiving, giving them a real shot at a late-season surge. Key to success: Consistency on offense and capitalizing on opportunities against weaker opponents.

4. The Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons exceeded early expectations with a strong start. Their running game is a significant weapon, and their defense has shown improvement. However, consistency remains a key challenge. A late-season surge is entirely possible, but they need to avoid significant setbacks. Key to success: Maintaining offensive efficiency and improving their pass defense.

Factors Determining Playoff Success for Fringe Teams

Several factors beyond team performance significantly impact a fringe team's playoff hopes:

• Divisional matchups: Winning divisional games is crucial for securing a higher seed or even making the playoffs at all. Head-to-head records often break ties.
• Injury reports: The NFL is a brutal game. Injuries to key players can derail even the most promising seasons.
• Opponent performance: A team's playoff chances depend partly on the performance of its competitors. If other contenders falter, it opens up opportunities.

Conclusion: The Race is On!

The race for the NFL playoffs is far from over. While some teams appear locked in, the teams mentioned above possess the talent and opportunity to make a late-season push. Keep a close eye on their performances – the final weeks of the season promise to be thrilling!

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