NFL 2023 Postseason: Which Underrated Teams Have The Best Chance Of Making The Playoffs?

David

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Post on Jun 15, 2025

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NFL 2023 Postseason: Dark Horse Contenders Ready to Roar?

The NFL regular season is a marathon, not a sprint, but the finish line is rapidly approaching. While the usual suspects – the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Philadelphia Eagles – dominate headlines and playoff predictions, several underrated teams are quietly building momentum and harbor legitimate hopes of a postseason run. This year's NFL playoffs could be a wild card, and these "dark horse" contenders are poised to shake things up.

Identifying the Underrated: What constitutes an "underrated" team? It's a blend of factors: a lower preseason ranking, less media attention compared to their on-field performance, and perhaps a roster that's flown under the radar. This isn't about teams projected to finish last; rather, it’s about teams exceeding expectations and possessing the potential for a deep playoff run.

Top Underrated Teams with Playoff Potential:

1. The New York Jets: Aaron Rodgers' arrival injected immediate excitement, but injuries have hampered their progress. However, their strong defense and a potentially revitalized running game make them a dangerous opponent, especially in a competitive AFC East. If Rodgers remains healthy and the offensive line solidifies, the Jets have the pieces to make a serious playoff push. Their key to success lies in consistency and minimizing turnovers.

2. The Dallas Cowboys: Despite a strong roster, inconsistencies have plagued the Cowboys. Their offense, while featuring star talent like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, needs to find greater rhythm and efficiency. A dominant defense, however, keeps them in every game. If their offensive woes are addressed, the Cowboys could easily secure a Wild Card spot and become a tough postseason matchup. Their success hinges on offensive line play and improved red zone efficiency.

3. The New Orleans Saints: The Saints boast a strong running game and a tenacious defense. While their quarterback situation may not be the flashiest, their ability to control the clock and grind down opponents makes them a formidable opponent. The Saints' success depends on their ability to maintain offensive consistency and avoid critical turnovers. Their improved run game gives them a genuine chance to snag a playoff spot in a competitive NFC South.

4. The Cleveland Browns: A rejuvenated running game, combined with a solid defense, gives the Browns a fighting chance. Their success hinges on the performance of Deshaun Watson and the consistency of their offensive line. If they can establish the run and protect Watson effectively, they possess the tools to upset several teams on their path to the playoffs. The Browns' playoff chances heavily depend on winning the tough division games.

Factors Favoring Underrated Teams:

• Improved Coaching: Strong coaching can turn a good team into a great one. Several underrated teams have shown significant improvement under new coaching regimes.
• Strong Defense: A lockdown defense can win games even when the offense sputters. Several dark horse contenders boast remarkably strong defenses.
• Under-the-Radar Talent: These teams may not have the superstar names, but they often possess a deep roster with talented players ready to step up.

The Road Ahead: The remainder of the regular season will be crucial for these underrated teams. Every game carries significant weight, and even a single loss could derail their playoff hopes. The battle for Wild Card spots will be fierce, making these potential underdog stories all the more compelling. Keep your eyes peeled – these are the teams that could surprise everyone in the 2023 NFL postseason.

What are your predictions? Which underrated team do you think has the best chance of making the playoffs? Share your thoughts in the comments below!