Every NFL season ushers in a wave of anticipation and potential, and the 2023 season is no different. With new talent rising to prominence and significant team changes shaping the league, the eyes of fans and analysts alike are firmly fixed on a handful of key players and strategic decisions that could define this year's championship race.
Key Players to Watch
Among the burgeoning talents to keep an eye on this season are Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Drake London. White, who displayed commendable prowess during his rookie year with 179 touches, steps into a more pronounced role this season. The Buccaneers' decision to part ways with Leonard Fournette, who led the team with 269 total opportunities in 2022, underscores their confidence in White. This strategic move is further emphasized by the fact that Tampa Bay did not significantly bolster their running back depth in the offseason.
White's increased workload paid off as he tallied 336 touches, second only to Christian McCaffrey’s league-leading 339. His development could be a critical factor for the Buccaneers as they strive to make a deep playoff run.
Drake London, entering his third year, has also turned heads with his performance. Commanding a 25.9% target share and ranking as WR17, London has proven his mettle early on. Despite his impressive target share, his fantasy points per game placed him at WR47. The Falcons are banking on experienced quarterback Kirk Cousins, who will be taking the helm in Atlanta for the 2024 season, to maximize London’s potential and elevate the team’s aerial attack.
Emerging Storylines
Kyle Pitts is another name that continues to resonate in conversations about rising stars. His rookie season was marked by breaking the coveted 1,000-yard receiving threshold. However, Pitts faced adversity with an MCL and PCL repair in late 2022. During the 2022 season, Pitts was targeted only 58 times, a number that saw a slight increase to 90 in 2023. The Falcons and their fans are hopeful that a fully recovered Pitts, paired with Cousins, will reignite his early promise and bolster their offensive capabilities.
Moreover, the Raiders’ offseason was highlighted by the acquisition of Alexander Mattison to enhance their backfield. With the Lions drafting Jameson Williams 12th overall after trading up, expectations for rapid ascension are evident. Unfortunately, Williams faced setbacks, missing a significant portion of both his rookie and sophomore seasons due to suspension. Despite these challenges, Williams' efficiency is noteworthy; since entering the league in 2022, he ranks WR5 in fantasy points per touch.
Strategic Moves and Implications
The Texans made a significant move by acquiring Joe Mixon, who was one of the most utilized running backs in the NFL last season with 309 touches. Cincinnati now turns to Zack Moss and Chase Brown to fill the void left by Mixon's departure. Moss has demonstrated his ability to produce standout performances, with multiple games exceeding 20 fantasy points when placed in the lead role in 2023. Conversely, Brown had a more modest involvement with just 58 touches last year, indicating a potential for growth if given more opportunities.
Team Strategies and Market Movements
Detroit's approach this season reflects a calculated confidence in their current roster. According to Jeff Risdon, “I know they're excited about what they've got in him, and that's why they're not pursuing any other wide receivers and you will not see other wide receivers brought in. Agents have asked... Detroit is not interested in bringing in any receivers at this point.” This stance signals a strong belief in their existing receiving corps and a strategic choice to focus on other areas of improvement.
As the 2023 NFL season progresses, the outcomes of these decisions, the performance of touted players, and the evolving strategies will become clear. Fans are in for an exhilarating ride, with each game holding the potential to shift the narrative and redefine the league's landscape.