Who's In? Who's Out? Predicting The 2023 NFL Playoff Fringe Teams

David

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Post on May 20, 2025

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Who's In? Who's Out? Predicting the 2023 NFL Playoff Fringe Teams

The NFL season is a rollercoaster, and as we approach the midway point, the playoff picture is far from clear. Several teams are teetering on the edge, clinging to playoff hopes by a thread. This year's race for the postseason is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic in recent memory, with several unexpected contenders and some surprising underperformers. So, who's making the cut, and who's heading for an early offseason? Let's dive into our predictions for the 2023 NFL playoff fringe teams.

The Contenders on the Bubble:

Several teams find themselves in a precarious position, needing strong finishes to secure a playoff berth. These teams are defined by their inconsistent performances and thin margins for error.

• The New York Jets: Aaron Rodgers' arrival injected renewed hope into the Jets faithful. However, inconsistency and injuries have plagued their season. Their playoff hopes hinge on their remaining games against divisional rivals and their ability to maintain offensive consistency. Their success largely depends on Rodgers’ performance and the effectiveness of their running game.

• The Green Bay Packers: The Packers have undergone a significant shift since Aaron Rodgers' departure. Jordan Love’s development is crucial, and their defensive performance will be critical to any playoff hopes. Can they maintain their defensive intensity and limit turnovers to stay competitive?

• The Detroit Lions: After a surprising 2022 season, the Lions are looking to build on their momentum. Their high-powered offense led by Jared Goff needs consistency, and their defense requires improvement to make a serious playoff push. Their divisional games are paramount to their postseason fate.

• The Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons have been one of the league's surprises, exceeding expectations with a strong early-season performance. Sustaining this level of play and avoiding significant injuries will be key to securing a Wild Card spot. Their offensive line’s health will be heavily scrutinized going forward.

• The Washington Commanders: The Commanders are another team facing an uphill battle. Their offense needs to find greater consistency, and their defense has to tighten up significantly to challenge the top teams in their division. Winning their division is a monumental task, making a wildcard berth their most realistic goal.

The Long Shots:

While still mathematically possible, these teams face a much steeper climb to the playoffs.

• The Carolina Panthers: Despite a promising start for rookie QB Bryce Young, the Panthers face a tough road ahead. Significant improvement in various aspects of the team is necessary to make a late-season surge.

• The New Orleans Saints: The Saints are another team facing an uphill battle. The strength of their division and their inconsistencies make a playoff berth an extremely challenging feat.

Factors Determining Playoff Spots:

Several factors will influence the final playoff standings. These include:

• Divisional matchups: Head-to-head results often determine playoff seeding.
• Injury reports: Injuries can significantly impact team performance and playoff chances.
• Offensive and defensive consistency: Teams that maintain consistent performance throughout the season have a better chance of securing a playoff spot.
• Turnover differential: Minimizing turnovers and forcing turnovers on defense are crucial for postseason success.

Conclusion:

The 2023 NFL season is shaping up to be incredibly tight. While some teams are clear favorites, several teams are battling for a coveted playoff spot. The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining who rises to the occasion and who falls short. Stay tuned as we continue to follow this exciting and unpredictable playoff race!

What are your predictions for the 2023 NFL Playoffs? Share your thoughts in the comments below!