2023 Fantasy Football Season Review

The NFL regular season comes to an end next week and most fantasy football leagues ended on Sunday. Let’s take a minute to review and grab some takeaways for next year.

1st Round Busts

Whether it was injuries or guys not living up to their draft stock, there were more misses than hits in the 1st round this year. Unless you took CMC #1 overall, or Tyreek Hill, pretty much everyone else underperformed.

Austin Ekeler was probably the worst pick since he stayed relatively healthy and probably stayed in your starting lineup only to put up replacement level numbers each week.

Bijan Robinson was solid at times, but his sporadic usage really limited him. Nick Chubb was lost for the season in Week 2, Justin Jefferson missed 7 weeks, and then guys like Ja’Marr Chase, Stefon Diggs, Travis Kelce, and Cooper Kupp underperformed.

Rookie Wide Receivers

Puka Nacua, Zay Flowers, Jordan Addison, Rashee Rice, Tank Dell, and Jayden Reed all burst onto the scene this year. The beauty of it is that most of them didn’t cost much if any draft capital and made a huge difference for your team if you added one.

Waiver-Wire Running Backs

What do Kyren Williams, De’Von Achane, Jerome Ford, Gus Edwards, and Jaylen Warren have in common? They’re all RB1’s that likely went undrafted in your league.

RB’s like Raheem Mostert, Rachaad White, and Isiah Pacheco also overperformed this year; which almost makes you think about waiting to draft running backs later in the draft next year.

Back Up Quarterbacks

7 different QB’s were lost to season-ending injuries this year and they were all pretty much QB1’s: Aaron Rodgers, Anthony Richardson, Kirk Cousins, Daniel Jones, Deshaun Watson, Joe Burrow, and Justin Herbert.

There were a few surprises like Brock Purdy, Jordan Love, C.J. Stroud, and Sam Howell, but the quarterback position was pretty predictable this year in fantasy.

Tight Ends

If you invested early, you were probably rewarded this year. Guys like Mark Andrews (pre-injury), T.J. Hockenson, George Kittle, and Travis Kelce all finished as TE1’s. Sure Kelce was a 1st round pick, but he’ll still finish as one of the best TE’s this year.

There were also some major surprises like Sam LaPorta, Trey McBride, Jake Ferguson, and David Njoku. They’re all also relatively young, representing a wave of exciting new talent at the position.

Takeaways

Looking back at some of the major events this year, I’m definitely adjusting my draft strategy next year:

• Target young WR’s early
• Likely wait until the 2nd or 3rd round to take a RB
• Probably going to wait on QB’s too since the disparity this year wasn’t too crazy.

Week 15 Takeaways

Studs: Jared Goff, Baker Mayfield, James Cook, Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffery, Deebo Samuel, Jahmyr Gibbs

Duds: Derrick Henry, Bijan Robinson, Dak Prescott, Stefon Diggs, Najee Harris, Breece Hall, Saquan Barkley

Chargers vs. Raiders

• What a way to start the week! 84 points scored in a battle of back up QB’s, raise your hand if you saw that coming. Now put your hand down because we all know you’re lying.
• Is Austin Ekeler near the end or does he just need a change of scenery?
• Zamir White filled in admirably for the injured Josh Jacobs.

Vikings vs. Bengals

• And down goes Chase. Will the clock strike midnight on Jake Browning’s Cinderella story without his dynamic WR?
• Chase Brown is the future at RB in Cinci, I’m avoiding Mixon next year unless he’s moved.
• Ty Chandler had a strong game filling in for the injured Alexander Mattison.

Steelers vs. Colts

• The Mitchell Trubisky experience is over in Pittsburgh, how will Mason Rudolph fare? Not much better if you ask me, but at least his name is more festive.
• What will George Pickens’ value be next season? He burned me this year so I’m staying away.
• Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson stepped up big time for the injured Zack Moss.

Lions vs. Broncos

• Jahmyr Gibbs is electric. He reminds me of prime Kamara. Detroit’s offense is young and dangerous.
• Goff rebounded in a big way from last week with 5 touchdown passes.
• Jerry Jeudy and Javonte Williams have been major disappointments this year.

Bears vs. Browns

• Chicago’s backfield is a mess, avoid at all costs
• Njoku is one of the hottest players in the league right now.
• The Browns defense played great again and face a Texans team that may be without Stroud this week.

Buccaneers vs. Packers

• This will be a great trivia question, who is the only visiting QB to have a perfect passer rating at Lambeau Field? Baker Mayfield!
• Mike Evans rebounded nicely and Godwin dominated.
• Jordan Love has what it takes to be a starter in the NFL.

Texans vs. Titans

• Derrick Henry laid an absolute egg in the fantasy playoffs. Will a change of scenery breath some life into him or is there just too much tread on the tires?
• Devin Singletary had 26 carries to Dameon Pierce’s 1. WYD DeMeco!?
• In the midst of a playoff push, the Texans offense has lost Tank Dell, Nico Collins, and C.J. Stroud. Ouch.

Dolphins vs. Jets

• Jaylen Waddle finally got to shine with Tyreek missing his first game this year.
• Zach Wilson got benched, again. Stay home Rodgers, it’s a mess.
• I still like Breece Hall’s talent. I’m thinking I can draft him at a discount next year.

Chiefs vs. Patriots

• Rashee Rice is officially a WR1.
• Patrick Mahomes threw for over 300 yards, it’s about time.
• Zappe was unable to build off his prime time win over the Steelers last week.

Giants vs. Saints

• Saquan Barkley might have very well lost you your playoff matchup.
• The Giants sure could use a dynamic receiver.
• No Chris Olave and Taysom Hill does nothing.

Falcons vs. Panthers

• Arthur Smith is the bane of my existence. #FREEBIJAN
• The Panthers really need to get Bryce some weapons.
• 16 total points. Who took the under?

Commanders vs. Rams

• Gunslinger Sam Howell got benched.
• Scary Terry lived up to his name with 141 and a TD.
• Kyren and Cooper got theirs again. Is Kyren a top 3 pick next year?

49ers vs. Cardinals

• Deebo Samuel is red hot.
• 3 more TD’s from CMC, talk about a league-winner.
• I’m targeting Trey McBride next year, he’s been so consistent.

Cowboys vs. Bills

• Well, looks like Dak’s MVP campaign is over. What an embarrassment for Dallas.
• James Cook’s huge day would not have been possible if the Bills didn’t fire Ken Dorsey.
• I think there’s beef between Josh and Diggs. I see a trade on the horizon.

Jaguars vs. Ravens

• It’s between Lamar and Purdy for MVP at this point. Lamar continued his impressive and consistent fantasy streak.
• Travis Etienne has really fallen off in the second half of the season.
• Isaiah Likely has filled in admirably for the injured Mark Andrews.

Eagles vs Seahawks

• Definitely not the flu game Philly was hoping for. 3 straight losses for the birds.
• Last second substitution Drew Lock led the Seahawks on a game-winning drive.
• Metcalf, Lockett, and JSN are the leagues best trio if you ask me.

2023 Fantasy Football Draft Guide

1st Round Targets

Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, Christian McCaffery, Cooper Kupp, Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, Nick Chubb, Saquon Barkley or Davante Adams

• Austin Ekeler’s usage over the past few years has me nervous about his injury risk.

• I’m passing up Bijan Robinson this year despite his upside because I’m skeptical of how the Atlanta offense will perform.

2nd Round Targets

Derrick Henry, Stefon Diggs, CeeDee Lamb, A.J. Brown, or Garrett Wilson

• If it’s a PPR league I’m probably taking the receivers listed over Henry, depending on how the draft is shaping up.

• I love Garrett Wilson’s upside but for this year at least I’m going with the more proven, veteran receivers until I see the Jets offense with Aaron Rodgers in action.

• Jonathan Taylor is still a top 5 overall talent in my opinion but until the trade request situation is resolved, he’s too difficult to project to draft this early.

3rd Round Targets

Travis Etienne Jr., Chris Olave, Jahmyr Gibbs, Najee Harris, or Deebo Samuel

• I’m a big believer in Etienne’s development in addition to the entire Jacksonville offense.

• Najee Harris was a flat out disappointment last year but I’m banking on quarterback Kenny Pickett improving and elevating the entire Pittsburgh offense with him, giving Harris more opportunities and more room to run.

4th Round Targets

Mark Andrews, Calvin Ridley, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, or Breece Hall

• This is when I like to target an elite tight end or quarterback, again depending on how the draft is shaping up.

• There are plenty of high upside quarterbacks available later in this year’s draft so unless Mahomes or Allen fall in my lap at the right spot, I’m waiting on the position until later.

• Breece Hall will be a top 5 overall fantasy pick for years to come. What he showed last year was incredible but this year I’m a bit nervous with him coming off injury, the team signing Dalvin Cook, and what the Jets offense will look like.
  • I would definitely target Hall if I was in a dynasty league.

5th Round Targets

Jerry Jeudy, T.J. Hockenson, Amari Cooper, Kenneth Walker III, or D.J. Moore

• I was a fan of receiver Jerry Jeudy coming out of Alabama and he put up a nice stat line last year despite quarterback Russell Wilson floundering. I don’t think there’s any way Wilson plays that poorly again and with head coach Sean Payton in town I think Jeudy finishes 2023 as a WR1.

• D.J. Moore has always had the talent but many believe his quarterbacks have been holding him back. I’m buying into the hype surrounding Bears quarterback Justin Fields’ improvement this offseason and I’m intrigued as to what Moore can do this year.

6th Round Targets

Justin Fields, Justin Herbert, Alvin Kamara, Darren Waller, or James Connor

• There’s a good chance that Fields is gone at this point in your draft but if he’s around I’m taking him without hesitation.

• Coaching is holding back the Chargers and Justin Herbert. He has all the talent and weapons galore on offense. I think this is great value at this spot and Herbert reminds everyone he’s still among the league’s best at his position when it’s all said and done.

• Alvin Kamara is a risky pick here because of his decline in production last year combined with his age and 3-game suspension. With that being said, I wouldn’t be shocked if he looked more like the Kamara from years prior with Derek Carr as his new quarterback.

• One of my biggest sleepers this season; I think the move to New York does Darren Waller wonders and he finishes 2023 as a top-5 tight end.

7th Round Targets

James Cook, J.K. Dobbins, Brandon Aiyuk, Kyle Pitts, or Javonte Williams

• I love J.K. Dobbins’ talent, but his health and the threat of Lamar Jackson and Gus Edwards eating into his touches have me wary.

• Most people are steering clear of Kyle Pitts because of his failure to live up to expectations in his first two seasons in the league. He is too talented to stay down long and I’m gambling on a breakout year.

8th Round Targets

San Francisco 49ers’ Defense, George Pickens, A.J. Dillon, Michael Pittman Jr., D’Andre Swift, or Pat Freiermuth

• This is about the earliest I ever take a team defense and only one of the top 3 projected ones at that. The 49er’s have done it a few years in a row now so they’re my top pick this season.

• Steelers receiver George Pickens’ chemistry with Kenny Pickett is undeniable and I see a breakout season on the horizon.

• D’Andre Smith never saw as many touches as we all anticipated in Detroit. Now in a crowded running back group in Philadelphia that risk still remains. But the upside is tantalizing so I’m taking a risk on him.

9th Round Targets

Philadelphia Eagles Team Defense, Buffalo Bills Team Defense, or Dallas Cowboys Team Defense

• This is a good time to start thinking about your starting defense.

• One of my favorite draft strategies is to take a solid backup defense early since I like to swap them in when my primary defense has a tough matchup.

10th Round Targets

Jamaal Williams, Khalil Herbert, Evan Engram, or New England Patriots Team Defense

• If you haven’t drafted a tight end by this point in the draft, the drop off after Engram here is significant.

• Barring a last minute signing, it looks like Jamaal Williams will fill in for Alvin Kamara for the first three games of the season while Kamara serves his suspension. He’ll return to a backup role after that but the added value during those first three weeks have me sold.

11th Round Targets

Jahan Dotson, Rashaad Penny, David Njoku, or Cole Kmet

• Who knows how the running back position will play out in Philadelphia, but Rashaad Penny is capable of putting up RB1 numbers when healthy and given the opportunity.

• If you waited to take a tight end and ended up drafting a fringe starter, I like to invest in a solid backup like David Njoku or Cole Kmet.

12th Round Targets

Tua Tagovailoa, Treylon Burks, Jordan Addison, or Zay Flowers

• At this point in the draft I take my biggest risks, taking fliers on young players with upside.

• I’m not big on drafting a backup quarterback, but if that’s your style, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is being drafted as a backup but has starter talent and opportunity.

13th Round Targets

Justin Tucker, Ezekiel Elliott, Elijah Moore, or Elijah Mitchell

• This is the earliest I would ever take a kicker and only for Justin Tucker, but he’s probably already gone at this point.

• Running backs Ezekiel Elliott with the Patriots and Elijah Mitchell with the 49ers are solid depth pieces. They become valuable if Rhamondre Stevenson or Christian McCaffery get hurt, which is entirely possible if not likely at some point this season.

14th Round Targets

Evan McPherson, Daniel Carlson, Younghoe Koo, Tyler Bass, or Harrison Butker

• This is a nice spot to take a top-tier kicker since most people wait until the final round.

15th Round Targets

Miami Dolphins Team Defense, Quentin Johnston, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jeff Wilson Jr., or Jameson Williams

• Lions receiver Jameson Williams is a luxury to keep on your bench for the first 6 weeks of the season due to his suspension but if your wide receivers are shaky, he’s an excellent draft and stash option.

• Jeff Wilson Jr. is slated as the starter in Miami but rumor has it they’re interested in Jonathan Taylor after losing out on Dalvin Cook.

Fantasy Football: ’22 Week 2 Recap

Dolphins

The new Big 3 in Miami broke out in a big way on Sunday with Tua Tagovailoa throwing for 469 yards and 6 touchdowns, Tyreek Hill catching 11 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns, and Jaylen Waddle going for 11 and 171 with two touchdowns of his own.

Amon-Ra St. Brown

Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown became the first player in NFL history to have 6 straight games of 8 or more receptions and a touchdown when he torched the Commanders for 9 catches for 116 yards with two touchdowns on Sunday. He also tacked on two runs for an additional 68 yards.

Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes followed up his 360 yard 5 touchdown masterpiece against the Cardinals in Week 1 with 235 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Thursday night win over the Chargers. With the departure of Tyreek Hill, any pass catcher not named Travis Kelce should stay on your bench as Mahomes continues to spread the targets around.

Buccaneers

Tampa Bay was already without receivers Chris Godwin and Julio Jones ahead of Sunday’s win over the Saints and will now be without Mike Evans in Week 3 after his suspension for the brawl against New Orleans. The Bucs added some insurance by signing free agent wide receiver Cole Beasley to their practice squad today.

Drops

• Cole Kmet – TE Bears
  • 0 catches on 2 targets for the season
• Kadarius Toney – WR Giants
  • 2 catches for 23 yards for the season
• Skyy Moore – WR Chiefs
  • 1 catch for 30 yards in a crowded KC receiver group

Adds

• Evan Engram – TE Jaguars
  • 11 catches through 2 weeks
• Tyler Higbee – TE Rams
  • 110 yards for 6th most at TE
• Brian Robinson – RB Commanders
  • Eligible to return Week 5

Sell High

• Michael Thomas – WR Saints
  • Can he keep up the pace? I don’t think so
• David Montgomery – RB Bears
  • Bears offense looks dreadful and backup Khalil Herbert is a threat for carries
• James Robinson – RB Jaguars
  • Solid start to the season but Etienne should get more touches as the season goes on

Buy Low

• Kyle Pitts – TE Falcons
  • Way too talented to continue being ignored, look for ATL him more involved
• Brandon Aiyuk – WR 49er’s
  • Jimmy Garoppolo’s return bodes well for Aiyuk
• Travis Etienne Jr. – RB Jaguars
  • Effective when he gets touches and will continue to get more involved