By Marvin Moore July 21, 2023
Every year, the NFL has several teams that overcome the odds and enjoy winning seasons. A mix of coaching hires, trades, free agency signings, breakout players, and standout rookies all play roles in under-the-radar teams putting together playoff-caliber campaigns.
Last year, the Jacksonville Jaguars and the New York Giants defied the oddsmakers and advanced to the postseason. The Jaguars captured their first division title since 2017 and rallied from a 27–0 deficit in the Wild Card round to stun the Los Angeles Chargers, 31–30. The Giants advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and beat the Minnesota Vikings, 31–24, in a Wild Card game.
Here is our list of under-the-radar teams poised for a breakout campaign this upcoming season.
1. Chicago Bears
Third-year quarterback Justin Fields has an upgraded supporting cast, and the Bears could make some noise in a weak NFC North division this season. Fields rushed for 1,143 yards and added 2,242 yards through the air. Chicago traded for former Carolina Panthers standout wideout D.J. Moore, who will join Chase Claypool in an improved receiving room. A revamped offensive line includes 10th overall pick Darnell Wright and free-agent guard Nate Davis.
The Bears’ defense should also see improvement in 2023. A pair of off-ball linebackers, Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, were signed in free agency. A trio of top-65 draft picks in defensive lineman Zacch Pickens, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, and defensive lineman Gervon Dexter will also play significant roles this season.
2. Cleveland Browns
Deshaun Watson went 3-3 last year after missing the entire 2021 season and the first 11 games of the 2023 campaign. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback has a plethora of offensive playmakers, including running back Nick Chubb and wideout Amari Cooper. Watson is a gifted athlete that should regain his elite form this season and direct the Browns back into the playoffs.
Defensive end Myles Garrett headlines an improved defense that will be directed by new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. The Browns have an impressive lineup of defensive backs, including Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson Jr., and Greg Newsome II. Cleveland also signed Pro Bowl pass rusher Za’Darius Smith, safety Juan Thornhill, and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson.
3. Denver Broncos
The Sean Payton era begins in the Rocky Mountains with more than a few questions. Can Russell Wilson
regain the form that earned him nine Pro Bowl selections? Will Javonte Williams be ready for the season-opening game after suffering a severe knee injury last year? How long will it take Payton to lead the Broncos back into the postseason? Wilson should rebound in 2023 and have some explosive playmakers in receivers Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, and rookie Marvin Mims.
A healthy Randy Gregory will join Baron Browning, Frank Clark, and Nik Bonitto to form a robust pass-rushing group. Former first-rounder Pat Surtain has blossomed into one of the league’s top young cornerbacks. At the same time, third-round pick Drew Sanders and Jonas Griffith will push starting inside linebackers Josey Jewell and Alex Singleton. Denver’s defense will not be great, but it will be good enough to complement a much-improved offensive unit.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
Second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett has a solid group of pass catchers in Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Allen Robinson, and tight end Pat Freiermuth. The running game will be a two-headed monster with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. The offensive line should also be improved with first-round pick Broderick Jones and free-agent guard Isaac Seumalo, who is taking over for Kevin Dotson. If Pickett can continue his development this upcoming season, the Steelers will again be in the playoff hunt.
The Steelers will trot out a formidable defensive unit led by edge rusher T.J. Watt, defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Pittsburgh added cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and defensive lineman Keeanu Benton to an already stout defense. A division title is out of the question, but a wild card spot remains on the table for the Steelers.
5. Green Bay Packers
The Jordan Love era has officially begun, and the unknown commodity will make or break the Packers’ season. The controversial former first-round pick possesses a cannon-like arm and is oozing with confidence. In a watered-down NFC North, Love has enough weapons in running backs, Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, along with young pass catchers Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and rookie Luke Musgrave, to make the Cheeseheads forget Aaron Rodgers.
The Packers were a mess against the run last season and lost defensive linemen Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry. Green Bay drafted edge defender Lukas Van Ness in the first round and defensive end Colby Wooden in the fourth to join a rotation that includes Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt. Stopping the run remains a concern, but the Packers could surprise more than a few teams in 2023.
