NFL Playoff Race: Fringe Teams With The Best Shot At The 2023 Postseason

David

3 min read

Post on May 17, 2025

4.9

Share

NFL Playoff Race: Fringe Teams with the Best Shot at the 2023 Postseason

The NFL regular season is winding down, and while some teams have secured their playoff berths, the race for the remaining spots is incredibly tight. Several "fringe" teams – those hovering just outside the playoff picture – still have a realistic shot at making the 2023 postseason. But which squads have the best chance of snatching a wild-card berth? Let's break down the contenders and their paths to victory.

The Contenders: A Closer Look

Several teams find themselves in a precarious position, battling for a limited number of playoff spots. Their chances depend on a complex interplay of remaining games, opponent strength, and a little bit of luck. Here are some of the most prominent contenders:

1. The New York Jets: The Jets' playoff hopes hinge largely on the performance of their quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. With a potent running game and a solid defense, the Jets have the potential to win out and secure a wild-card spot. Their remaining schedule, however, is challenging. Consistently beating strong divisional rivals and other playoff contenders will be key to their success. Key to their success: Winning their remaining divisional games.

2. The Green Bay Packers: The Packers' season has been a rollercoaster, but their recent surge in performance has reignited their playoff hopes. Similar to the Jets, their success depends heavily on consistent quarterback play and capitalizing on opportunities. Their remaining schedule offers a mix of challenging and more winnable games, presenting a real opportunity for a playoff push. Focus: Maintaining consistency and winning against weaker opponents.

3. The Miami Dolphins: Injuries have plagued the Dolphins this season, particularly at the quarterback position. However, a healthy Tua Tagovailoa and a strong receiving corps give Miami a real chance to make a late-season run. Their remaining games will be crucial in determining their playoff fate. Critical Factor: Staying healthy and improving their run defense.

4. The Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons have exceeded expectations this season, showcasing a resilient defense and a surprisingly effective running game. Their playoff chances depend on winning their remaining games and hoping other teams stumble. While a long shot, their performance has been impressive enough to keep them in the conversation. Key to success: Maintaining offensive consistency and improving pass defense in crucial games.

Factors Determining Playoff Success

Beyond individual team performance, several broader factors will influence the playoff race:

• Divisional matchups: Wins within their own division are crucial for tiebreakers.
• Strength of schedule: Teams with tougher schedules might need more wins to secure a spot.
• Injury reports: A key injury to a starting quarterback or other crucial player can dramatically alter a team's chances.
• Head-to-head results: In the event of a tie, head-to-head results between competing teams will be a major deciding factor.

Predicting the Unpredictable: The Final Word

Predicting the NFL playoffs is notoriously difficult. While the teams mentioned above have a legitimate shot at the postseason, their success depends on many variables. Keep an eye on their performances in the coming weeks – the race is far from over! Stay tuned for updates as the season progresses and the playoff picture becomes clearer.

Call to Action: What team are you rooting for in the playoff race? Share your predictions in the comments below!