Ranking The Odds: NFL's Most Likely Playoff Dark Horses For 2023

David

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Post on Jun 21, 2025

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Ranking the Odds: NFL's Most Likely Playoff Dark Horses for 2023

The NFL season is upon us, and while some teams are clear Super Bowl contenders, the beauty of the league lies in the potential for unexpected playoff runs. Every year, a few "dark horse" teams emerge from the pack, defying expectations and making a deep postseason push. But which teams have the best chance of shocking the world in 2023? We've ranked the most likely candidates, considering their roster strengths, coaching improvements, and favorable schedules.

Methodology: Our rankings consider a combination of factors beyond simple preseason power rankings. We've weighed offseason improvements, key player health, strength of schedule, and overall team cohesion. While predicting the unpredictable is inherently difficult, this analysis offers a data-driven perspective on the teams with the highest potential for a surprising playoff berth.

<h3>3. Detroit Lions: The Roar of the Comeback</h3>

The Lions captivated fans last year with their exciting offense and improved defense. Their young, dynamic quarterback, Jared Goff, exceeded expectations, and their receiving corps is arguably one of the league's best. This year, the addition of key defensive pieces and the continued development of their young talent could propel them beyond their 9-8 record from 2022. A favorable schedule also plays in their favor, giving them ample opportunity to rack up wins early in the season and build momentum. The biggest question mark remains their defense's consistency, but if they can solidify that aspect, the Lions could be a real playoff threat.

• Key Strength: High-powered offense
• Area for Improvement: Defensive consistency
• Playoff Odds: 75%

<h3>2. New York Jets: The Zach Wilson Wildcard</h3>

The Jets have been making headlines all offseason, largely due to the addition of Aaron Rodgers. While the future Hall of Famer brings undeniable star power and playoff experience, the team's success hinges heavily on his performance and the offensive line's ability to protect him. Their defense, however, is already one of the league's best, boasting young talent and experienced veterans. If Rodgers can find his rhythm and stay healthy, the Jets possess the potential to make a serious playoff run, even surpassing expectations. Their success, however, is intrinsically linked to their quarterback's performance.

• Key Strength: Elite defense and Aaron Rodgers’ experience
• Area for Improvement: Offensive line consistency and Rodgers' integration
• Playoff Odds: 80%

<h3>1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Building on Success</h3>

The Jaguars proved last year they are no longer a team to be overlooked. Their impressive run to the AFC Divisional Round showed their potential, and with Trevor Lawrence entering his third season, the team's trajectory is pointing upwards. They addressed weaknesses in the offseason, improving their roster depth and solidifying their offensive and defensive lines. A relatively easy schedule provides a great opportunity to build early momentum. The Jaguars have the pieces in place to not just make the playoffs but potentially make a deep run. They are the most likely dark horse to make a significant impact in the postseason.

• Key Strength: Strong quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, improving roster depth
• Area for Improvement: Maintaining consistency throughout the season
• Playoff Odds: 90%

Honorable Mentions: While these three teams top our list, teams like the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Commanders also possess the potential for surprise playoff appearances. Their paths to the postseason are steeper, but their potential for a breakout year shouldn't be discounted.

Conclusion: The NFL is notorious for its unpredictable nature. While these teams represent the most likely dark horses for the 2023 playoffs, the season is long and anything can happen. Keep an eye on these teams as the season unfolds – their performance could significantly alter the playoff picture. Stay tuned for updates and further analysis throughout the season! What are your predictions for this year's playoff dark horses? Let us know in the comments below!