NFL Playoff Contenders: 2023's Most Likely Fringe Teams

David

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Post on May 16, 2025

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NFL Playoff Contenders: 2023's Most Likely Fringe Teams

The NFL regular season is a marathon, not a sprint. While some teams are clear frontrunners, others are battling fiercely for a coveted playoff spot. This year, several "fringe" teams possess the potential to make a surprising postseason push. These aren't the obvious contenders; they're the squads brimming with potential, riding a wave of momentum, or boasting sneaky-good rosters capable of upsetting the odds. Let's dive into the 2023 NFL season's most likely fringe playoff contenders.

H2: The Dark Horse Candidates: Teams on the Cusp

Several teams find themselves in a precarious position, hovering just outside the playoff picture. Their success hinges on consistency, avoiding key injuries, and capitalizing on favorable matchups. These are the teams to watch closely:

• The New York Jets: The addition of Aaron Rodgers injected immediate excitement into the Jets' fanbase and a new level of expectation. While their success hinges heavily on Rodgers' performance and the offensive line's ability to protect him, their strong defense offers a solid foundation for a playoff run. Their schedule presents both challenges and opportunities, making them a truly unpredictable team. Keep an eye on their progress early in the season – a strong start could propel them towards a playoff berth.

• The Green Bay Packers: Post-Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay faces a significant rebuild. However, Jordan Love's development, coupled with a solid defense and a revamped coaching staff, could surprise many. Their success will depend on Love's ability to lead the offense effectively and consistently, as well as the emergence of key playmakers on both sides of the ball. Their playoff chances are a long shot, but not impossible.

• The Detroit Lions: After an impressive 2022 season, the Lions are looking to build on their momentum. Their explosive offense, led by Jared Goff, presents a constant threat, but improvements on the defensive side of the ball will be crucial for securing a playoff spot. If their defense can step up and consistently limit opponents' scoring, the Lions could easily find themselves in the postseason conversation.

• The Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons showed significant improvement in 2022. With a young, talented quarterback in Desmond Ridder and a solid running game, they have the potential to compete in a tough NFC South. Their success depends heavily on Ridder's continued development and the overall performance of their offensive line. A strong start to the season could be crucial for their playoff hopes.

H2: Factors Determining Their Playoff Fate

Several key factors will determine whether these fringe teams reach the playoffs:

• Quarterback Play: Consistent quarterback performance is paramount. Each team's success rests heavily on their quarterback's ability to make crucial throws, limit turnovers, and lead the offense efficiently.

• Defensive Consistency: A strong defense is crucial for playoff contention. Teams need to consistently limit opposing offenses and create turnovers to secure wins.

• Injury Avoidance: Injuries can derail even the most promising seasons. Avoiding key injuries, particularly to star players, is essential for a successful playoff push.

• Schedule Strength: The NFL schedule is notoriously difficult to predict. Favorable matchups can significantly impact a team's playoff chances.

H2: Looking Ahead: Will They Make the Cut?

Predicting the NFL playoffs is notoriously difficult, but these teams possess the talent and potential to make a serious run. Their playoff hopes hinge on several factors, making each game crucial. Stay tuned for a thrilling season – these fringe contenders promise to deliver exciting and unpredictable football!

Call to Action: Which fringe team do you think has the best chance of making the playoffs? Share your predictions in the comments below!