The QB's have been wrapped up pretty clearly in our MVP Race Recap, so that will be the only brief section. We'll also highlight the Top-5 Players in EACH Fantasy Position category, and what their future looks like as we inch away from the 2023 NFL Season. Without further adieu...
GP = Games Played | Pts = Total Points | VpGP = Value per Games Played | VpW = Value per Week
RelVal = Relative Value | RSP = Regular Season Points | PSP = Post Season Points
QUARTERBACKS
Since we covered these guys in the MVP Race, I won't really go too far in-depth on this category. You can see more details in this article!
Josh Allen Buffalo Bills 16 GP | 385.58Pts | 24.10VpGP | 22.68VpW | 0.86RelVal | 319.28RSP | 66.3PSP Allen's MVP year wasn't exactly textbook - but he got hot after a rough Week 1 and carried it through the rest of the season. A lot of it had to do with their loaded offense - the other half was he stepped up in several ways. Allen topped his season with the 4th most-PaYds and tied for 3rd in PaTD's. Next season will be interesting, to say the least. They've already worked on bolstering their offense after a few key departures, but don't expect their offseason plans to hold. There's still a lot to do with this Bills Offense if they want to get to a Super Bowl.
Jalen Hurts Philadelphia Eagles 16 GP | 370.22Pts | 23.14VpGP | 21.78VpW | 0.83RelVal | 305.68RSP | 64.54PSP The Philly-Tush Push will continue to be a hot topic for the next several seasons, but don't let that stop you from putting stock in Jalen Hurts if you want a top-performing QB. Sure, his fantasy numbers will be taking a hit (because those Rushing TD's will more-than-likely decrease), but he is still an elite field general. He see's the game better than most people think it. And with the new weapons (Saquon Barkley, DeVante Parker), there's minor concerns that the Eagles will still be able to keep their offense rolling. I'd say the big difference - those RuTD's are going to change to PaTD's for Mr. Hurts and the Eagles.
Dak Prescott Dallas Cowboys 16 GP | 331.78Pts | 20.74VpGP | 19.52VpW | 0.74RelVal | 280.8RSP | 50.98PSP Dak surprised a lot of us this season with an MVP-like performance, but the team-need revolves around the Running Game. Sure, Tony Pollard was a great back, but now that he's in Tennessee - they have nobody available. Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughan are at the top of the depth chart - two guys who barely saw the field last year. Don't get me wrong, those two are tough runners, but they're not going to be designated on any competing teams as RB1. Expect the Cowboys to dig into the draft for a new back - something to take the heat off of the passing game. Not that the passing game needs help, but because a decent running game opens up the passing game even more... something the Cowboys are doing quite well at the last few years.
Brock Purdy San Francisco 49ers 16 GP | 323.70Pts | 20.23VpGP | 19.04VpW | 0.72RelVal | 274.02RSP | 49.68PSP This guy is Purdy good - even if he's got one of the best offensive skills-team around him. I have to eat my words on this one, because I was calling him a bust before the season even started... but with CMC, Deebo, Aiyuk, and Kittle - who needs an elite passer when you can get a guy who's consistent? The only loss this team will notice this offseason is if Purdy goes down - Sam Darnold is elsewhere (Minnesota). San Fran is built to contend for a few more seasons - especially with Purdy's low cap hit. I'd expect more of the same from Brock this fall - a Top10 QB finish is almost certain.
Lamar Jackson Baltimore Ravens 16 GP | 349.22Pts | 21.83VpGP | 20.54VpW | 0.78RelVal | 269.76RSP | 79.46PSP Lamar is still at the top of his game - and they're adding pieces they need to be even better. The best part of the offseason so far (if you're a Ravens Fan) was adding Derrick Henry - a move to both bolster the running game and prevent Lamar from needing to use his legs on every snap. Even with the big signing, Lamar will still be out there leading QB's in rushing yards at the end of the season - just don't expect it to be where it has been in the last few years. I'd still call for a Top-10 finish for Lamar this year - barring injury, of course.
RUNNING BACKS
Christian McCaffrey San Francisco 49ers 16 GP | 359.8Pts | 22.49VpGP | 21.16VpW | 1.00RelVal | 285.4RSP | 74.4PSP CMC had a career year in San Francisco last season, and one of the main reasons was health. He missed 0 games due to injury in 2023 - the second time he's accomplished that since his first three years in the league with Carolina (2017-2019). He also played 17 games last season (2022), 6 for Carolina, and 11 for the 49ers. The stats speak for themselves - he was a force in Carolina, he's a force in San Fran. Don't expect that to slow him down - he should still be the top running back off the board this fall - along with a Top-5 RB Finish.
Raheem Mostert Miami Dolphins 15 GP | 255.2Pts | 17.01VpGP | 15.01VpW | 0.76RelVal | 226.4RSP | 28.8PSP Talk about a surprise - the 31-year-old back (who turns 32 in a few weeks) whose played on SIX teams has seen two exceptional years with the Dolphins. Mostert has had his two best years in the orange and teal - logging nearly 2k Rushing Yards, 377 Receiving Yards, while accumulating 26 Total TD's through the last two seasons. Let's compare that to his career numbers before arriving in Miami... through ten years in the league, Mostert totaled 1610 Rushing Yds, 11 Rushing TD's, and 361 Receiving Yards with Three RecTD's. No one expected that - and that's part of the reason the Dolphins added De'Von Achane to their RB Room. I like Mostert as a running back, but his usage will likely be on the downswing this season as Achane looks to take over more responsibilities with the offense. I'd take Mostert as a Flex RB at best this fall - unless training camp says otherwise...
Travis Etienne Jr Jacksonville Jaguars 16 GP | 244.2Pts | 15.26VpGP | 14.36VpW | 0.68RelVal | 206.9RSP | 37.3PSP Travis Etienne will only be as good as his QB - and Sunshine brought some cloudy days last season. Etienne is an explosive runner though, much like Tony Pollard or De'Von Achane. That doesn't change his draft stock all too much - it has more to do with the struggling offense. The Jags ran the ball 453 Times last year, while attempting 620 throws. Of those, Etienne saw 267 carries (58.9%), and 58 receptions (9.4%) for an overall 30.3% Target Share on the offense. They've added a few pieces so far this offseason (Gabe Davis and Devin Duvernay), so that will help with the running game. Both Davis and Duvernay are known for their blocking - something Calvin Ridley lacked. That being said, the Jags are looking to make a statement in the division after watching their cakewalk slip away to the Texans last year. Expect them to be hungry - and for Etienne to be at the top of his game once again (especially with him heading into a potential contract year - although there is a 5th Year option available on his contract for the 2025 season).
Derrick Henry Baltimore Ravens 16 GP | 213.76Pts | 13.36VpGP | 12.57VpW | 0.59RelVal | 185.68RSP | 28.08PSP Derrick Henry's 2023 season was below-expectations, but above the competition. His annual contention for RB1 quickly slipped away as CMC ran away with the title - and it had a lot to do with the anemic Titans Offense. Now in the Black and Purple, you'd expect King Henry's resurgence to be substantial. This offense has given way to several running backs to have career years - as well as their dynamic MVP-caliber Quarterback. If Baltimore wasn't a pre-season Super Bowl favorite before Free Agency opened... they are now. Expect a Top-5 finish from the King this season.
Rachaad White Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16 GP | 226.6Pts | 14.16VpGP | 13.33VpW | 0.63RelVal | 182.4RSP | 44.2PSP This was a surprise as well - Rachaad White took the backfield by storm after the Buccaneers decided to part-ways with Leonard Fournette. White did not disappoint either - he logged 272 carries for 990yds and 6TDs, while hauling in 64 passes on 70 targets for 549yds and 3TDs. His three fumbles were concerning, but he only lost one of those... talk about being sure-handed. Especially with Baker Mayfield back as QB1 in Tampa, Rachaad White will only build from here. He's entering his third season in the NFL, and the Buc's are looking to make a splash in the draft this year. Chase Edmonds is returning to the backfield, and will likely be the only competition for White unless they opt for a RB in April. Time will tell with this one, but White is expected to be lining up with the first team this fall.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Tyreek Hill Miami Dolphins 15 GP | 317.6Pts | 21.17VpGP | 18.68VpW | 1.05RelVal | 292.6RSP | 25.0PSP "Cheetah" was this year's cheat-code in Fantasy Football. Through seven games - or halfway through the AJFFL Regular Season - Tyreek Hill logged 171.1pts (leading all WRs by over 40 Fantasy Points entering Week 8). Looking at the duration of his season, Hill logged single-digit points in only three games. To say he made an impact would be an understatement - Hill dominated the deep ball all year long. The deadly duo of Tua and Tyreek came full-circle after Hill's 41pt Week 1 performance, when Cheetah caught 11 passes on 15 targets for 215yds and 2TDs - and it just didn't stop this year. Tyreek was crowned the WR1 at the end of the season, and has great odds to be WR1 once again this fall.
CeeDee Lamb Dallas Cowboys 16 GP | 312.7Pts | 19.54VpGP | 18.39VpW | 0.97RelVal | 237.7RSP | 75.0PSP A career year for CeeDee left him at WR2 in the AJFFL, and there's much more to be desired from the standout WR from Oklahoma. Lamb saw personal bests in targets, receptions, yards, and TD's this past season - he also had the most fumbles. That being said, Dallas made no substantial moves during the opening of NFL Free Agency. To the average fan (like myself), that makes it look like they are content with the group they have. To more serious/die-hard fans, it seems they are letting their chances walk away. Over the last few seasons, they have lost a starting TE, two starting RBs, and two depth WRs while drafting a few RBs, a two TEs, and a WR who occasionally cracks the lineup. What exactly does that mean for Dallas? Nothing good - but their star wideout and star QB seem to be the only two people they are trusting to produce offense. Expect CeeDee to be in the running for a top WR spot again - even if the rest of the Cowboys are struggling to perform.
Keenan Allen Chicago Bears 13 GP | 228.86Pts | 17.60VpGP | 13.46VpW | 0.88RelVal | 228.86RSP | 0.0PSP Two years ago, the LA Chargers were a force to be reckoned with. Now, they're a shell of the team they once were - and Keenan Allen got out of town. He was traded to the Chicago Bears for a (Conditional) 4th Rd Pick, citing salary cap concerns and a new coaching staff. That being said - Allen is still performing with the best of them. He finished WR3 in 13 games this year - part of it was because his counterpart in LA (Mike Williams) experienced another season-ending injury in Week 3. It gave Allen the keys to the WR1 role on the Chargers, and he didn't disappoint (when targeted). Catching 108 passes (Career-High Receptions) on 150 targets (3rd Most Targets in his career) for 1243yds (2nd Most RecYds in his career) and 7TDs (3rd Most TD's in career), Allen led the Chargers in every receiving category; now he's on an offense with D'Andre Swift, DJ Moore, Cole Kmet, and a QB-to-be-named (Caleb Williams). I expect Allen's production to drop substantially this upcoming season. Not only is he in a new offense, but he's listed at WR2 behind DJ Moore, while playing with a Rookie QB. The Bears allowed 50 Sacks last year - trailing the New York Giants (85 Sacks Allowed), Washington (65 SA), Carolina (65 SA), New York Jets (64 SA), Tennessee (64 SA), and Denver (52 SA). A lot needs to go right for the Bears to get back into the NFC North Mix, but they are definitely making the right moves around the outside. Allen has a good chance to finish inside WR25, but I'm not putting his ceiling much higher given all the potential roadblocks.
A.J. Brown Philadelphia Eagles 16 GP | 243.2Pts | 15.20VpGP | 14.31VpW | 0.76RelVal | 216.8RSP | 26.4PSP I picked AJ Brown to finish as WR1 last season, and I wasn't too far off. Granted, the Eagles were hungry for another chance at a championship so you'd expect them to rollout their best performances. There was some reported turmoil near the end of the season between Brown and the coaching staff, but nothing substantial ever surfaced from the rumors. As a matter of fact, Brown called into a local radio station to shut down any trade-rumor requests saying he wants to stay in Philly. The soon-to-be 27-Year-Old WR finished 2023 with career highs in receptions (106) and targets (158), while falling 40yds short of his Career High Rec Yds (1456 RecYds). There will be some growing pains as the Eagles shift around their O-Line to fill the gap Jason Kelce leaves behind, but Brown should once again be a top WR candidate for the 2024 Season.
Mike Evans Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16 GP | 251.3Pts | 15.71VpGP | 14.78VpW | 0.78RelVal | 205.0RSP | 46.3PSP Mike Evans has seen eight different Starting QBs in Tampa Bay since being drafted in 2014. And every season, he's found a way to eclipse the 1kYds mark. You could say that's a testament to Evans and his ability to exceed expectations, or you could say he's "built different". Either would apply to the 5-time Pro Bowler (and two-time 2nd Team All-Pro). Currently, Evans holds Franchise Records for the Buccaneers in Receptions, Yards, and Receiving TD's - and those numbers will only continue to climb. Baker Mayfield signed on for three more years in the Bay Area, and I don't think anyone is happier than Mike Evans. Last season, Evans hauled in 79 passes on 136 targets for 1255 RecYds - the most he's had since 2018 (1524 RecYds) - and 13TDs. Evans will be turning 31 this August, but that doesn't mean much to him - he's already gearing up for another chance at a Division Title. Earlier this month, Evans signed a 2-year Extension to stay in Florida - just six days before Baker Mayfield re-upped with the Bucs. While Chris Godwin is still on the active roster, Tampa does have an Opt-Out clause for Godwin and could drop him after June 1st for a big cap penalty. That seems unnecessary though, as Evans has already earned the WR1 role according to most outlets. Evans has outpaced Godwin in targets four times over the last seven years, as well as receptions in three seasons during that same span. Godwin was clearly the favorite with Brady under center, but Evans is more versatile and has found success under many QBs. With that in mind, I would personally prefer having Evans on my team - and he could post yet another Top-15 WR season in 2024.
TIGHT ENDS
Travis Kelce Kansas City Chiefs 15 GP | 176.9Pts | 11.79VpGP | 10.41VpW | 0.75RelVal | 161.6RSP | 15.3PSP Travis Kelce will continue to do Travis Kelce things and be a top-tier TE in the NFL until he retires. Or, that's how it seems to be playing out. This season was the first real season that we saw Kelce "regress", meaning he finished his season much closer to the rest of the Tight End group. That could have something to do with age, or it could be the system he's in (which currently consists of get the ball to Travis, check it down to Rashee Rice, or for Patrick Mahomes to run for his life). That system will change again though, with Hollywood Brown entering the mix for Mahomes' new deep-threat... something they've been missing since Tyreek Hill was traded to Miami. With that being said, Kelce finished 2023 with a respectable line for a 34 year old - 984RecYds (2nd among TEs) in 15 games with 5 TDs , catching 93 passes on 120 Targets. This was the first time since 2015 that Kelce didn't pass the 1k Yds mark; and looking at his performances, his numbers have dwindled with each passing season. Does that mean he's going to fall off completely? Probably not - but don't be surprised if he's not TE1 next season. There are several players who have overperformed expectations in last year's campaign, but there are still several noteworthy TEs to keep your eye on. Despite not being the favorite, Kelce should still finish in the Top-5 for positional ranking next year - I'd bet my league fee's on that.
T.J. Hockenson Minnesota Vikings 15 GP | 171.5Pts | 11.43VpGP | 10.09VpW | 0.73RelVal | 154.48RSP | 17.1PSP T.J. "Win some games" Hockenson had a career year last year in just about every category a TE can find. He saw the second-most targets (127), the most receptions (95), and most yards (960 RecYds) as he had his entire career. He missed the final two games of the 2023 season due to injury, but that didn't stop him from climbing up to a TE2 finish in the AJFFL. He's played exceptionally well for the Vikings since being traded by the Lions in 2022, but the entire Vikings Offense is prepared for a hard-reset after Kirk Cousins, Alexander Mattison and K.J. Osborn left town. To fill that void, Minnesota has brought in Sam Darnold, Aaron Jones, and Trent Sherfield... meaning this team is expected to make some moves around the NFL Draft to help fill out their offense. Three OL also departed for greener pastures (Austin Schlottmann, Oli Udo, and Hakeem Adeniji), which could make rekindling this fire a bit more difficult for the Vikings Front Office. But Hockenson is a proven scapegoat for broken plays - he's a big target, with decent hands, and a quick first step. Even if Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones split the workload evenly, Hock should fit in well with this offense. You can expect to find him in the Top TE conversation next year, with a high-floor of TE10.
George Kittle San Francisco 49ers 16 GP | 176.7Pts | 11.04VpGP | 10.39VpW | 0.70RelVal | 147.88RSP | 28.9PSP San Francisco is a wagon. They're dominating the gridiron on both sides of the football, and they have several superstars in their lineup to keep the sustained success up. George Kittle is one of those superstars - last year, he led all TEs in Receiving Yards (1020yds) while only seeing 90 targets and coming down with 65 of them. His 6TDs were tied for second among several TEs, but his overall impact will continue to grow as the 9ers age. Kittle currently has the largest TE contract in the league and is signed thru the 2025 Season. Despite not having a superstar quarterback (which is becoming more of an argument and less of a statement), Kittle has routinely outperformed expectations. He didn't see a single Career High in any category this past season, yet he still finished TE3 - and comfortably as one of the best options in the fantasy world (let alone the NFL). The current trajectory says he's in for a big 2024 - although he probably won't see a change in targets. Then again, he finished T-9th in targets this past season and on top for RecYds, so that shouldn't scare anyone away. If George is on the board, add him to your group. It's another high-floor/high-ceiling option for fantasy managers, and he can be slated for another TE10 finish or better in '24.
Sam LaPorta Detroit Lions 16 GP | 188.9Pts | 11.81VpGP | 11.11VpW | 0.75RelVal | 147.6RSP | 41.3PSP Sam LaPorta looks like a guy whose just happy to be there, but he had a groundbreaking rookie season for the Detroit Lions. LaPorta brought down a league-leading 10 RecTDs amongst TEs on 120 Targets with 86 receptions for 889yds. What more can you ask for from a rookie? With Jared Goff looking to get another deal done - this young Lions offense could be a very dangerous team in 2024. If LaPorta is available, he's going to be going off the board in the 2nd or 3rd Rounds of your fantasy draft at the latest. I really don't have much else to elaborate on here - Ben Johnson and the Lions believe LaPorta is going to be a star - and he's going to be a top Tight End for years to come.
Evan Engram Jacksonville Jaguars 16 GP | 154.4Pts | 9.65VpGP | 9.08VpW | 0.61RelVal | 128.1RSP | 26.3PSP A lot of people discounted Evan Engram after he left New York - saying he wouldn't amount to anything. His first year (2022) in Jacksonville was a surprise to many - catching 73 passes on 98 targets for 766yds and 4TDs. His second year only improved... he led all Tight Ends in targets (143), receptions (114), and was 3rd in RecYds (963yds) while hauling in 4TDs. There's clearly a strong connection between Trevor Lawrence and Engram, who set personal bests in the mentioned categories (except TDs). The thing is - Jacksonville needs to move the ball more effectively. Calvin Ridley seemed to be a deep-threat only guy, averaging 13.4 Yards per Catch - but only hauling in 50% of his passes. Compare that to Christian Kirk (57rec on 85tar for 787yds), there's a lot more to improve on that offense. Travis Etienne is also in the mix on a lot of bubble/screen passes, but this team may be gearing up for a more versatile ground attack. They added Gabe Davis this offseason - a notable deep threat who's an exceptional blocking asset - which could open up more play action passes. That's where Engram would come back into the mix - but they need to get the running game established first. Engram has a high ceiling this fall, but his production will be largely based on how the rest of the team is performing... if it's anything like this past year (citing injuries), Engram could be their best passing option. If Doug Pederson is able to execute what he appears to be planning for, Engram might not see nearly as much action or attention this season. I'd give him a low floor of TE25... but don't let that deter you from getting him earlier.
KICKERS
Brandon Aubrey Dallas Cowboys 16 GP | 169.0Pts | 10.56VpGP | 9.94VpW | 1.00RelVal | 145.0RSP | 24.0PSP Kickers are hard to predict - they're like defenses. Especially now with the longer PAT, kickers have gone from forgettable assets to underappreciated assets. Brandon Aubrey was lucky to find himself on an NFL Team this fall, but he put in the work to be the best. The Rookie Kicker set AJFFL records while missing only two FGs (36/38), and three XPs (49/52) all season. The thing is though... he could be cut after Week 2 next season, and no one would bat an eye. I have no input on kickers, but you'll need a good one to steal some fantasy matchups.
Dustin Hopkins Cleveland Browns 15 GP | 147.0Pts | 9.80VpGP | 8.65VpW | 0.93RelVal | 137.0RSP | 10.0PSP The other DHop - Dustin Hopkins went 33 for 36 on FGs this past year, while knocking through 24 of 26 PATs. Reliable, consistent, and a career line of 233/260 FGs in nine seasons (89.6% success rate), and 245/260 PATs (94.2%). He's not a homerun kicker, he only has 96 successful kicks from beyond 40yds... but again, he's consistent.
Brandon McManus Washington Commanders 16 GP | 137.0Pts | 8.56VpGP | 8.06VpW | 0.81RelVal | 122.0RSP | 15.0PSP McManus finished 2023 with the Jaguars, but didn't get the same consistency as the two guys above him. His 30/37 wasn't nearly as impressive as his perfect PATs (35/35), but that's what you get when we talk kickers. McManus is now in Washington on a team that is hoping to turn the corner. Getting points on the board will be important - however it may be... best of luck if you put your faith in him.
Jake Elliott Philadelphia Eagles 16 GP | 151.5Pts | 9.47VpGP | 8.91VpW | 0.90RelVal | 121.5RSP | 30.0PSP Jake Elliot has spent the last seven years in Philadelphia, so you could say he's hoping to stay there permanently. His 30/32 FG line from last year will help - same with his 45/46 PATs. Thing is - he can cover quite some distance... he knocked 7 kicks from 50+, 14 from 40+, and 21 from 30+. He didn't get much opportunity inside that yardage thanks to the Tush-Push, but why settle for 3 when you can get 6?
Jason Myers Seattle Seahawks 16 GP | 150.5Pts | 9.41VpGP | 8.85VpW | 0.89RelVal | 120.5RSP | 30.0PSP Myers has been in Seattle since 2019, and his consistent performances are why they aren't letting him go. His three year average looks like this... 25/28FGs, 45/47PATs... If we compare that to last season, you'll see why he's still around: 35/42FGs, 33/33PATs. Kickers are supposed to get points when the offense can't get across the goal line - and with a guy whose posting a FG Average of 89% and a PAT Average of 96%, it shouldn't be a surprise he's getting the chance to make up that ground on the scoreboard.
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