NFL Postseason Race: Ranking The Most Likely Fringe Contenders For 2023

David

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Post on May 19, 2025

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NFL Postseason Race: Ranking the Most Likely Fringe Contenders for 2023

The NFL regular season is a grueling marathon, but the true excitement lies in the nail-biting sprint to the playoffs. While some teams are perennial contenders, others hover on the fringes, hoping for a breakout year. This year's postseason race promises to be particularly tight, with several teams poised to make a surprising push. Let's rank the most likely fringe contenders for the 2023 NFL playoffs.

Methodology: Our ranking considers a multitude of factors, including offseason moves, key player health, coaching stability, strength of schedule, and overall team performance in 2022. We're focusing on teams that aren't necessarily considered favorites but have a realistic shot at a wild-card berth or even a division title.

1. The New York Jets: The Jets' offseason acquisition of Aaron Rodgers instantly catapulted them into playoff contention. While the AFC East is notoriously tough, Rodgers' leadership and experience, combined with a strong supporting cast featuring Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, give them a legitimate chance to compete for a division title or at least snag a wild-card spot. The key will be consistency and avoiding debilitating injuries.

2. The Detroit Lions: The Lions thrilled fans last year with their high-octane offense and surprisingly competitive performances. They've solidified their roster with key additions and return a healthy Jared Goff at quarterback. The NFC North remains up for grabs, making the Lions a dangerous wild-card threat. Their success hinges on improving their defense, a crucial area that needs significant enhancement to compete with the league's top teams.

3. The Green Bay Packers: With Aaron Rodgers gone, the Packers enter a rebuilding phase, but their young roster and experienced coaching staff shouldn't be underestimated. Jordan Love's development will be pivotal. A favorable schedule and the always-competitive NFC North could present opportunities for a late-season surge. However, their playoff chances depend heavily on Love's performance and a strong defensive showing.

4. The Washington Commanders: The Commanders boast a strong offensive line and a talented running back in Brian Robinson Jr. Their success rests heavily on the performance of their quarterback, Sam Howell, who is unproven at the NFL level. A strong defensive line offers some hope, but consistency on offense is critical for playoff contention.

5. The Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers are a perennial playoff contender, but their aging roster and question marks at quarterback make them a fringe contender this year. Kenny Pickett's development will be vital to their success. A strong running game and defense could keep them in games, but their playoff hopes are contingent on a significant improvement in offensive efficiency.

Dark Horse Contenders:

While the teams above represent the most likely fringe contenders, don't count out teams like the Atlanta Falcons, the Cleveland Browns (depending on Deshaun Watson's performance and team chemistry), and the New Orleans Saints. These teams possess the potential to make a surprise run but face tougher odds.

Conclusion:

The 2023 NFL season promises to be a thrilling race to the playoffs. While established powerhouses will undoubtedly dominate headlines, these fringe contenders possess the talent and potential to make a significant impact and challenge for a postseason berth. Keep a close eye on these teams throughout the season; their performances could be the most captivating storylines of the year. Stay tuned for updates and further analysis as the season unfolds! What teams do you think have the best chance to make a playoff run? Let us know in the comments!