Underdogs & Dark Horses: Evaluating The Top Fringe NFL Contenders For The 2023 Playoffs

David

3 min read

Post on Jun 21, 2025

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Underdogs & Dark Horses: Evaluating the Top Fringe NFL Contenders for the 2023 Playoffs

The NFL season is in full swing, and while some teams are clear frontrunners, the race for the playoffs is far from over. This year's contenders include a fascinating mix of established teams fighting for their playoff lives and surprising dark horses who've burst onto the scene. Let's delve into some of the top fringe NFL contenders most likely to make a playoff push in 2023.

Identifying the Fringe Contenders: Key Criteria

Predicting playoff success is never an exact science, but certain factors consistently point towards a team's potential. We're looking at teams currently sitting outside the playoff picture but possessing the following characteristics:

• Strong Recent Performance: A consistent string of wins, showing improved momentum and cohesion.
• Favorable Remaining Schedule: A softer schedule offers a greater opportunity to rack up victories.
• Key Player Health: The absence or return of key players can significantly impact a team's performance.
• Coaching Prowess: A strong coaching staff can maximize a team's potential and guide them through tough situations.

The Top Fringe Contenders for 2023:

Several teams fit this profile and present compelling cases for a playoff berth. Let's examine some of the most promising:

1. The New York Jets: The Jets, led by Aaron Rodgers, have shown flashes of brilliance but have also suffered inconsistencies. Their playoff hopes hinge on Rodgers' performance and the continued development of their young receiving corps. A favorable remaining schedule could be the key to their success. Their defensive strength will be crucial in securing crucial wins down the stretch.

2. The Detroit Lions: The Lions have revitalized their offense and are playing exciting, high-scoring football. Their success relies on the continued growth of their young quarterback, Jared Goff, and maintaining their offensive firepower. The defensive side needs improvement to truly compete with the top teams.

3. The Green Bay Packers: Despite losing Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have surprised many with a competitive season. The development of Jordan Love at quarterback and the team's overall resilience are key factors in their potential playoff push. Their success will depend heavily on consistency and exploiting weaknesses in their opponents.

4. The Washington Commanders: The Commanders have demonstrated flashes of competitiveness throughout the season. Their playoff hopes rely on a consistent performance from their quarterback and an improved run game to balance their offense. Consistency on both sides of the ball will be essential for a strong finish.

Longshots with Potential for Upsets:

While the teams above are the most likely to make a push, don’t count out these potential playoff spoilers:

• The Atlanta Falcons: With a strong running game and improving defense, the Falcons could surprise several teams.
• The Carolina Panthers: The Panthers' improved play under their new coaching staff makes them a wildcard team to watch.

Conclusion: A Tight Race to the Finish

The race for the NFL playoffs is incredibly tight this year. These fringe contenders all have a legitimate shot at securing a postseason berth, making the remaining weeks of the season must-watch football. The teams with the best coaching, the most consistent performance, and the least injuries are most likely to succeed. Keep an eye on these underdogs and dark horses—they may just be the surprise teams to make a deep playoff run in 2023.

Call to Action: Which team do you think is most likely to make a surprise playoff run? Share your predictions in the comments below!