NFL 2023 Playoffs: The Underdogs With A Real Chance Of Making It

David

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Post on Jun 01, 2025

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NFL 2023 Playoffs: The Underdogs with a Real Chance of Making it

The NFL Playoffs are upon us, and while the usual suspects like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills are vying for the Lombardi Trophy, this year's postseason boasts a fascinating array of underdogs with a legitimate shot at a deep playoff run. Forget the pre-season predictions; this year's wild card contenders could rewrite the narrative. Let's dive into the teams poised to defy expectations and make some serious noise.

The Surprising Contenders:

Several teams exceeded expectations in the regular season, transforming themselves from preseason afterthoughts into legitimate playoff threats. Their success hinges on a combination of factors: improved coaching, breakout performances from key players, and a healthy dose of luck.

• The Jacksonville Jaguars: After a disastrous 2021 season, the Jaguars roared back under Doug Pederson's leadership. Trevor Lawrence's development has been nothing short of spectacular, and their potent running game, anchored by Travis Etienne Jr., keeps defenses honest. Their playoff potential hinges on Lawrence's continued maturation under pressure and the ability of their defense to consistently generate turnovers. Can they overcome their playoff inexperience? That's the million-dollar question.

• The New York Giants: Many predicted another losing season for the Giants, but Brian Daboll orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. Saquon Barkley's resurgence and a surprisingly stout defense propelled them into the postseason. Their success relies heavily on their run game and limiting turnovers. Facing superior offensive firepower in the playoffs will be a significant challenge, but their grit and determination shouldn't be underestimated.

• The Baltimore Ravens: While not a complete underdog, the Ravens' playoff fate hinges on Lamar Jackson's health. If Jackson returns to his MVP form, their potent offense, complemented by a solid defense, makes them a dangerous opponent. However, their reliance on Jackson's abilities and potential injuries present a significant risk. Their playoff success will be directly tied to his performance and the team's ability to adapt if needed.

Factors Favoring the Underdogs:

Several factors could contribute to an underdog upset in the 2023 NFL Playoffs:

• Momentum: The feeling of a team playing with confidence and momentum can be infectious. Several underdogs have built strong momentum heading into the playoffs, which could carry them further than anticipated.
• Playoff Inexperience of Top Seeds: While experience matters, the pressure of high expectations can be debilitating. Underdogs, free from such pressure, might play more freely and surprisingly effectively.
• Matchup Advantage: The NFL playoffs often see unexpected matchups, and a specific team's strengths could exploit weaknesses in a higher-seeded opponent.

The Path to Upset:

For these underdogs to make a deep playoff run, they will need:

• Consistent Offensive Production: Scoring points against elite defenses is paramount. Maintaining offensive consistency throughout the playoffs is key to their success.
• Strong Defensive Performances: They'll need to limit big plays and force turnovers against high-powered offenses.
• Special Teams Excellence: Field position and timely turnovers on special teams can significantly impact the outcome of close playoff games.

This year's NFL Playoffs are far from predictable. While the favorites are strong, don't count out the underdogs. Their potential for upsets is real, making this postseason one of the most exciting in recent memory. Stay tuned for the thrilling matchups to come! Who do you think will make the biggest surprise run? Let us know in the comments below!