NFL Playoff Contenders: 2023's Fringe Teams Most Likely To Make The Postseason

David

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Post on Jun 22, 2025

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NFL Playoff Contenders: 2023's Fringe Teams Most Likely to Make the Postseason

The NFL regular season is a marathon, not a sprint, but as we approach the halfway point, the playoff picture is starting to sharpen. While some teams are comfortably in the driver's seat, others are battling fiercely for a coveted postseason berth. This year, several "fringe" teams – those on the cusp of contention – possess the potential to surprise and secure a playoff spot. Let's dive into the contenders most likely to make a late-season push.

The Contenders:

Several teams currently sit outside the playoff picture but possess the roster talent and schedule to make a serious run. These aren't long-shot hopefuls; these are teams with legitimate chances based on their remaining games and current performance.

1. The New York Jets: The Jets' success hinges heavily on quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While his performance has been inconsistent, their strong defense and running game provide a solid foundation. Their remaining schedule offers a mix of challenging and winnable games. A strong finish, especially against divisional rivals, could easily propel them into the playoffs. Key to their success: consistency from Rodgers and continued dominance from their defensive line.

2. The Detroit Lions: The Lions are a captivating team to watch. Their high-octane offense, led by Jared Goff, is a joy to behold, but consistency has been an issue. Their defense, while improving, still needs to prove itself against elite offenses. A favorable remaining schedule gives them a real shot at a wild card spot. Their biggest challenge: staying healthy and tightening up their defensive performance.

3. The Green Bay Packers: Don't count out the Packers just yet. While their early-season struggles were evident, their young receiving corps is starting to develop, and Jordan Love is showing flashes of brilliance. A kinder second-half schedule provides an opportunity to make a late surge. The key for Green Bay: continued growth from Love and a consistent ground game to control the clock.

4. The Dallas Cowboys: While currently holding a playoff spot, the Cowboys' position isn't entirely secure. Their offense, while talented, has shown inconsistency. Their defense remains a strength, but even a strong defense can only do so much. Maintaining their current level of play, and capitalizing on favorable matchups, will be crucial for securing their spot. For the Cowboys, it's all about offensive consistency and staying healthy on both sides of the ball.

Factors Influencing Their Chances:

Several factors beyond individual team performance will influence these teams' playoff hopes:

• Divisional matchups: Winning divisional games is paramount. These victories hold extra weight in playoff seeding.
• Injury reports: The NFL is a brutal game. Injuries to key players can derail even the most promising seasons.
• Opponent's performance: A team's chances are directly impacted by how their competitors perform.

Conclusion:

The 2023 NFL season is shaping up to be a nail-biter. While the top teams are clearly defined, the battle for the wild card spots is far from over. These fringe contenders have the potential to make a significant impact and surprise many. Keep your eyes peeled; the race to the playoffs is far from finished. Stay tuned for updates as the season unfolds!

Keywords: NFL Playoffs, NFL Playoff Contenders, NFL 2023, NFL Predictions, Jets, Lions, Packers, Cowboys, Aaron Rodgers, Jared Goff, Jordan Love, NFL Season, Postseason, Wild Card, Football

(Note: This article provides an analysis based on information available at the time of writing. The actual playoff picture may change significantly as the season progresses.)