NFL 2023 Postseason: The Underdogs And Fringe Teams Most Likely To Qualify

David

3 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

4.3

Share

NFL 2023 Postseason: The Underdogs and Fringe Teams Most Likely to Qualify

The NFL regular season is a marathon, not a sprint. But as we approach the halfway point, the playoff picture is starting to sharpen, revealing both the expected contenders and some surprising potential postseason participants. While the usual suspects like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills are vying for top spots, a handful of underdog and fringe teams are making a strong push for a playoff berth. This article will delve into the most likely candidates to make a surprising postseason run in the 2023 NFL season.

The Contenders on the Cusp:

Several teams, currently sitting outside the playoff picture, possess the talent and momentum to make a significant late-season charge. These teams are defined not by their current record, but by their potential for improvement and the strength of their remaining schedules.

1. The New York Jets: The Jets' success hinges heavily on the performance of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While his transition hasn't been seamless, glimpses of his brilliance remain. A strong running game and a solid defense provide a foundation for a playoff push. Their remaining schedule offers a blend of challenging and winnable games, providing a realistic path to the postseason. Key to Success: Consistency from Rodgers and continued dominance from the defense.

2. The New Orleans Saints: The Saints, led by the ever-reliable Alvin Kamara, possess a potent running attack. Their defense, while not elite, is capable of making game-changing plays. The Saints' success will depend on the continued development of their young quarterback and capitalizing on favorable matchups in their remaining schedule. Key to Success: Strong offensive line play and opportunistic defense.

3. The Dallas Cowboys: Despite a shaky start, the Cowboys possess a roster brimming with talent. Dak Prescott’s leadership, combined with a powerful rushing attack and a stout defense, makes them a dangerous team. Their schedule is challenging, but their playoff experience gives them an edge. Key to Success: Improved offensive consistency and limiting turnovers.

4. The Los Angeles Chargers: The Chargers, with Justin Herbert at the helm, boast one of the league's most explosive offenses. However, their defensive inconsistencies have been a concern. If they can shore up their defensive vulnerabilities, they are a legitimate threat to make a deep playoff run. Key to Success: Consistent defensive performance and limiting big plays allowed.

Factors Determining Postseason Success:

Beyond individual team performance, several factors could significantly impact the playoff race:

• Injury Reports: The NFL is a game of attrition. Significant injuries to key players can derail even the most promising seasons. Monitoring injury reports will be crucial in predicting playoff contenders.
• Divisional Races: The outcome of divisional matchups often determines the final playoff seeding. Close divisional games will be pivotal in shaping the postseason landscape.
• Strength of Schedule: Teams with easier remaining schedules have a better chance of improving their win-loss records. Analyzing remaining schedules will be key to evaluating potential playoff contenders.

Conclusion:

The 2023 NFL season promises to be a thrilling race to the playoffs. While established powerhouses are expected to dominate, the potential for underdog teams to make a late-season surge is very real. Keeping a close eye on the Jets, Saints, Cowboys, and Chargers, and considering the factors outlined above, will be essential for any fan hoping to predict the ultimate playoff contenders. Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses!