NFL Postseason Projections: Which Fringe Teams Have The Easiest Path To The Playoffs In 2023?

David

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Post on Jun 07, 2025

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NFL Postseason Projections 2023: The Contenders on the Bubble

The NFL regular season is a marathon, but the playoffs are a sprint. While some teams have already staked their claim to a postseason berth, a handful of others find themselves on the playoff bubble, desperately clinging to hope. This year's race is tighter than ever, with several "fringe" teams possessing surprisingly easy paths to the promised land. Let's dive into the NFL postseason projections for 2023 and analyze which teams have the best shot at a surprise playoff appearance.

The Contenders: Analyzing the Easiest Paths

Several teams currently sit outside the playoff picture but possess schedules conducive to a late-season surge. Their success hinges on winning crucial divisional matchups and capitalizing on weaker opponents.

1. The [Team Name A]: A Case for a Wildcard Run

The [Team Name A] currently hold a [current record]. While their record might not scream "playoff contender," a closer look reveals a favorable remaining schedule. Key games against [list key opponents and dates, emphasizing easier matchups]. Their success depends heavily on the performance of [key players], and if they can stay healthy and maintain consistency, a wildcard spot is within reach. Their path is significantly easier than [mention a team with a tougher schedule].

2. [Team Name B]: Divisional Domination or Early Exit?

The [Team Name B] are currently [current record] and facing a critical juncture. Their path to the playoffs primarily involves winning their remaining divisional games against [list key opponents and dates]. Unlike [Team Name A], their path is less forgiving and relies heavily on a strong finish within their division. Injuries to [mention key injured players] could derail their hopes, making this a high-stakes race to the finish.

3. [Team Name C]: The Underdog with a Puncher's Chance

The [Team Name C], with a record of [current record], present a compelling underdog story. While facing stiff competition, a significant portion of their remaining games are against teams with losing records. Their chance lies in exploiting these weaker opponents and pulling off a few upsets against stronger teams. Their playoff hopes rest on the shoulders of [key players], and consistent execution will be key.

Factors Influencing Playoff Projections

Several factors beyond team performance influence NFL postseason projections:

• Divisional Standings: Winning the division guarantees a playoff berth, significantly simplifying the path.
• Strength of Schedule: A favorable remaining schedule drastically increases the likelihood of a playoff run.
• Injury Reports: Injuries to key players can significantly impact team performance and derail playoff hopes.
• Head-to-Head Results: Tiebreakers often come down to head-to-head results, making these matchups critical.

Looking Ahead: The Final Stretch

The final weeks of the NFL regular season are always dramatic. The teams mentioned above have the potential to make a late-season push, but consistency and avoiding key injuries will be paramount. Keep an eye on their performance in upcoming weeks to see if they can make their way into the postseason.

Call to Action: What are your predictions for these fringe teams? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Which team do you believe has the best chance to make a surprise playoff run in 2023? Let the discussion begin!