It's finally here - we're into the 2023 Regular Season! Games start in just a few days, so if you're unhappy with your haul at the draft - here's a short list of guys who could make an impact on your team!
QUARTERBACKS
Ryan Tannehill Tennessee Titans The Titans added arguably one of the best WR's in the league - at least, he was in his prime. Tannehill isn't a bad quarterback - but he's fairly consistent in regards to being average. He's only topped 4k Passing yards twice (back with Miami), and barely is averaging over 3k PaYds per season since joining the Titans. Don't expect much, but he will fill the void if you need it - although it sounds like Coach Vrabel is looking elsewhere for a long-term answer.
Baker Mayfield Tampa Bay Buccaneers Baker has been on a rollercoaster of a career. He had a good start with the Browns a few years back, before moving south to Carolina. He didn't stay long, he was waived and signed with the Rams to close out the season last year after Matt Stafford went down with another injury. Now it seems he's on his last chance as QB1 in the league with the Bucs. He's still dueling Kyle Trask for the long-term job, but he will be under center for Game 1 against the Vikings. Mayfield put together an impressive performance in his final Preseason game against the Ravens, but there's concern of that not carrying over to the Regular Season. Tampa has resources on the outside in Godwin and Evans, so there's still hope he can put together a respectable performance.
RUNNINGBACKS
Kyren Williams Los Angeles Rams The Rams have fallen far from their "World Champions" parade a few seasons ago - and they're in even more trouble since they traded away last year's 1st Rd Pick to do it. Now their talent cupboards are emptying out, and the aging vets can't keep it together. Cam Akers will be getting a lot of work if Cooper Kupp misses as much time as they're projecting, but that's why Kyren Williams is a good stash player. Akers will need rest - whether due to workload or injury - and Williams is the next guy in line on their depth chart. He breaks out of the backfield quickly and could help as a passing down back, but don't expect TD's. He's going to be looking at 2-8pts every week unless he's starting.
Rico Dowdle Dallas Cowboys Rico is a new name that you probably haven't heard of - but he's currently battling Deuce Vaughn as the RB2 in Dallas. Dowdle/Vaughn will be getting a lot of action as they work to fill the void left behind by Ezekiel Elliot. Could he be a breakout candidate? Absolutely - but that's only if Vaughn doesn't overtake his reps. A decent stash play that doesn't hurt unless you don't want to spend money on your bench for a replacement.
WIDE RECEIVERS
NEW YORK GIANTS This one will seem silly, but the only Giants WR that was drafted was Isaiah Hodgins. Darius Slayton, Parris Campbell, Wan'Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt are all making noise out of the Giants camp - if you're desperate, maybe put some stock in Hyatt. He's got a large frame and his days at Tennessee show he can get on his horse. Maybe he's your sleeper stash for a few weeks.
Rashee Rice Kansas City Chiefs Rashee Rice was drafted last Sunday, but he was promptly dropped to the waiver wire. It makes sense, he's in a crowded (yet unproven) WR room in Kansas City. MVS and Toney are the only returning faces with tenure. But Rice is the closest thing they have to a traditional X Receiver. Do not be surprised if he's one of the Rookies getting some serious attention from NFL Secondary's.
TIGHT ENDS
Gerald Everett Los Angeles Chargers The Chargers are loaded up for a run, and Everett is their TE1. Not that it changes much, but Mike Williams, Keenan Allen, Austin Ekeler, Josh Palmer, and new WR Quinten Johnston will be the primary focus for Herbert. Another big bonus - Kellen Moore is now calling the shots with the Chargers. Last year, Moore helped the Cowboys produce one of the top-scoring offenses in the league last year - and now they have all kinds of weapons. You can expect Everett to be one of the more productive TE's in the league, especially if he follows the same trend as Dalton Schultz. Don't call him a game-breaker yet...
Noah Gray Kansas City Chiefs Gray typically won't make this list, because he's lined up behind Travis Kelce on the Depth Chart. But Kelce suffered a minor injury in practice ahead of his Week 1 matchup, hyper-extending his knee. He was able to walk off the field under his own power, but his status for Thursday is unknown. If you're sweating it, pick up Gray (yes, I'm linking the same article). Mahomes will already be throwing the ball all over the field this year, Kelce's absence just means it's going to everyone else that much more.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Seattle Seahawks vs LAR Quite the matchup for the Seahawks on their first test of the season - a division game against the Rams. If you're looking for a great streaming option and the Jaguars are off the block - you should take a look at the Seahawks. They finished as a Top-10 Defense last year, and it's already known that the Rams are not in a good place offensively. They should end up in the positives this week.
Los Angeles Chargers vs MIA This is a tough pick - but I'm going with the Chargers. They struggled on the defensive side of the ball last year, but so did the rest of the teams on the wire. All the other teams that pass the eye test (Browns, Titans, Panthers) have tough opponents in Week 1 (Cincy, Saints, Cowboys), so maybe you should just fly with your guys this week and hope for the best
You don't need a Kicker this week, don't waste your time looking for that here.
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