Will They Or Won't They? Evaluating NFL's Playoff Fringe Teams For 2023

David

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Post on Jun 21, 2025

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Will They or Won't They? Evaluating NFL's Playoff Fringe Teams for 2023

The NFL regular season is a whirlwind of upsets, nail-biting finishes, and dramatic comebacks. But as the season winds down, one question dominates the minds of fans and analysts alike: who will make the playoffs? This year, several teams teeter on the precipice, clinging to playoff hopes by a thread. Let's dive deep into the contenders and pretenders vying for a postseason berth in the fiercely competitive 2023 NFL season.

The Contenders: Teams with a Real Shot at the Playoffs

Several teams currently sit just outside the playoff picture but possess the potential to surge into contention. Their success hinges on several key factors, including injury reports, remaining schedule strength, and overall team performance consistency.

• The Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers' future remains a topic of much debate, but even with questions at quarterback, the Packers' strong defense and running game could propel them into the wildcard hunt. Their remaining schedule will be crucial in determining their playoff fate. A strong finish, and they could be a dangerous wild-card team.

• The New Orleans Saints: The Saints boast a potent running game and a surprisingly strong defense. Their success heavily relies on the continued development of their young quarterback and minimizing turnovers. A favorable remaining schedule could give them the boost they need.

• The Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons surprised many with their competitiveness this season. Their young roster is showing promise, and a strong finish could propel them into a wildcard spot. However, consistent performance is key for this up-and-coming team.

• The Detroit Lions: The Lions have shown flashes of brilliance, showcasing a high-powered offense. Consistency is their biggest challenge; if they can string together wins, their playoff hopes are very much alive. Their improved defense will be key in determining their postseason prospects.

The Pretenders: Teams Facing an Uphill Battle

While some teams are fighting for a chance, others face a much steeper climb to the playoffs. Their odds are slim, requiring a significant shift in momentum and a series of unlikely events.

• The Cleveland Browns: Despite possessing a talented roster, inconsistencies have plagued the Browns all season. Significant improvement is needed in all facets of the game to even consider a playoff run.

• The Washington Commanders: The Commanders have faced numerous challenges this year, making a playoff appearance a long shot. They need a dramatic turnaround in performance and a significant amount of luck.

Analyzing the Remaining Schedule: The Key to Success

The remaining games for each team will be crucial in determining their playoff destiny. A tough schedule could derail even the most promising contenders, while a favorable one could boost a fringe team into the postseason. Analyzing each team's remaining opponents is critical for accurately predicting their playoff odds. You can find detailed NFL schedules and analyses on sites like and .

Conclusion: The Playoff Race Remains Wide Open

The 2023 NFL playoff race is far from over. Several teams remain in contention, with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance. The final weeks of the season will be filled with drama, excitement, and ultimately, the determination of which teams will be celebrating a playoff berth and which will be left to contemplate what could have been. Stay tuned – the race is far from over!

Keywords: NFL Playoffs, NFL Playoff Race, NFL 2023, NFL Predictions, NFL playoff contenders, NFL playoff fringe teams, Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, Washington Commanders, NFL schedule, NFL analysis.