Who's In? Who's Out? Ranking The Most Likely NFL Fringe Teams To Reach The 2023 Playoffs

David

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Post on May 23, 2025

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Who's In? Who's Out? Ranking the Most Likely NFL Fringe Teams to Reach the 2023 Playoffs

The NFL season is a rollercoaster. One week, your team is soaring; the next, they're plummeting. For several teams, the playoff picture remains blurry, a hazy mix of hope and despair. But as we approach the halfway point, some "fringe" teams are emerging as more likely contenders than others. This analysis ranks those most likely to snatch a postseason berth in 2023, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and remaining schedule.

Methodology: Our ranking considers current standings, remaining strength of schedule (SOS), key injuries, and overall team performance. While upsets are always possible, this focuses on the most probable scenarios.

Tier 1: Strong Contenders (High Probability)

1. New York Jets: The Jets' success hinges on Aaron Rodgers' performance and the health of their offensive line. Their defense is already a force, and a favorable remaining schedule gives them a significant advantage. Key to success: Consistent offensive production and avoiding crippling injuries.

2. Dallas Cowboys: Despite a few hiccups, the Cowboys possess a potent offense and a strong defense. Their ability to consistently win close games will be crucial. Key to success: Maintaining offensive efficiency and limiting turnovers.

Tier 2: Realistic Hopefuls (Moderate Probability)

3. Green Bay Packers: The Packers' playoff hopes rely heavily on their young defense stepping up and Jordan Love proving he's a capable starting quarterback. Their schedule is tough, requiring them to consistently outperform expectations. Key to success: Defensive improvement and consistent offensive execution from Love.

4. Detroit Lions: The Lions are electrifying, but their inconsistency is a concern. If they can maintain their offensive firepower and improve their defense, they stand a chance. Key to success: Solidifying their run defense and limiting crucial turnovers.

5. Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons' success is largely contingent on the continued strong play of Bijan Robinson and Desmond Ridder’s continued growth. Their defensive improvements will be critical in their push for a wild card spot. Key to success: Strong offensive performances and continued improvements on the defensive side.

Tier 3: Long Shots (Low Probability)

6. Washington Commanders: The Commanders' playoff chances are slim, requiring a significant turnaround in their performance and a substantial amount of luck. Key to success: Improved consistency on both offense and defense. A significant improvement unlikely given their current trajectory.

Factors Affecting the Race:

• Injury Reports: Injuries to key players can drastically alter a team's trajectory. Closely monitoring injury news is crucial in predicting playoff outcomes.
• Divisional Battles: Intense divisional rivalries can significantly impact playoff seeding. Wins within the division are often paramount.
• Strength of Schedule: Remaining games against tough opponents will significantly test these fringe teams' mettle.

Conclusion:

The NFL playoff race is far from over. While the Jets and Cowboys appear to have the best chances among the fringe teams, several other squads possess a realistic path to the postseason. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining which teams can overcome adversity and secure a coveted playoff spot. Stay tuned!

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 of making the playoffs?