8 Bold Fantasy Football Predictions for 2023

Published by Mike Noblin on August 28, 2023

Heading into the final week of Preseason football, let’s take all the research, hype, and roster switches this summer and create some bold predictions for the fantasy football season.

While you should buy into the Jaguars' offense starting with Trevor Lawrence’s MVP campaign, stray away from the Broncos and Giants, whose offenses will struggle throughout the 2023 season.

Trevor Lawrence | Jacksonville Jaguars
Justin Herbert | Los Angeles Chargers

Trevor Lawrence & Justin Herbert will finish as the QB1 & QB2 in fantasy this season. While Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes have dominated the QB position in fantasy football the past few seasons, no offenses in the NFL have improved more than Jacksonville and Los Angeles.

With at least four solid playmakers surrounding an above-average offensive line, Herbert and Lawrence are due for breakout seasons that will result in both throwing for over 4,800 yards and 35 TDs.

Alvin Kamara | New Orleans Saints

Despite the suspension, Kamara finishes as a top-10 RB. For the first time since Drew Brees's solemn retirement, Kamara and the Saints have a serviceable Quarterback.

Derek Carr finds himself in a situation with one of the top young wideouts in the league in Chris Olave, and a top three receiving halfback in Alvin Kamara. In the easiest division in football, I’m expecting Kamara to catch at least 60 balls out of the backfield as Carr looks to cut down on his turnovers.

Despite the addition of Jamaal Williams, Kamara’s elite value as a receiving back shouldn’t take a hit as he’ll bounce back from an average 2022 campaign.

Chigozeim Okonkwo | Tennessee Titans

Chigozeim Okonkwo will finish as a top-eight TE this season. Okonkwo was one of the Titans' few bright stars in the later patch of last season.

With Treylon Burks and the newly added DeAndre Hopkins as the only two viable playmakers in this offense, I’m looking forward to Tannehill and the offense utilizing the athletic Okonkwo in the red zone and in short-yardage situations.

A 600-yard, 5 TD season is on tap for the 2nd year Tight End who is bound to take a huge leap.

Jaylen Warren | Pittsburgh Steelers

Jaylen Warren finishes as a top-30 RB. If Najee Harris misses time, Warren is instantly in the RB2 conversation in all fantasy football formats and becomes an elite DFS player.

Even if Najee is healthy for all 17 affairs, you have to believe Tomlin and company will utilize the 2nd year playmaker more this season. Averaging nearly 5 YPC his rookie year, he’s too talented and electric to be sitting on the bench.

As a better pass catcher than Najee, expect 3rd down opportunities which will result in added value in PPR formats.

Jordan Addison | Minnesota Vikings
Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Seattle Seahawks

Both Addison and Njigba will reach the 70 reception, 800-yard, 4 TD mark. With Adam Thielen now in Carolina, a huge gap, especially in the red zone, has been addressed this offseason for the Vikings in the selection of USC and Pitt alum Jordan Addison.

Although Addison has a slender frame, look for JA to instantly make an impact on the opposite side of the field to Justin Jefferson and win one-on-one matchups more often than not.

As for JSN, this Seattle offense should finish top 5 in yardage and scoring. As a slot receiver, Geno Smith should target the Ohio State draftee close to 8-10 times per game giving him elite value in PPR formats his rookie season.

Russell Wilson | Denver Broncos
Jerry Jeudy | Denver Broncos
Javonte Williams | Denver Broncos

None of the top three Broncos will finish top 20 in fantasy this season. I’m in full sell mode regarding the Denver Broncos.

I believe this team will look vastly different in a year as the management and ownership have obviously bought into Sean Payton more than Russ Wilson, who has nothing left in the tank.

With a defense that will win them a few games, mid-season could be a fire sale for this team and therefore, will struggle down the stretch dropping the value of their top playmakers.

While Javonte and Jeudy are incredible talents, I believe they need a different QB and system to make a positive impact in fantasy football. As for Wilson, this will be his last season in the league, ending on a sour note.

Calvin Ridley | Jacksonville Jaguars
Christian Kirk | Jacksonville Jaguars

Both Ridley and Kirk finish as top 15 wideouts this season. The addition of Calvin Ridley doesn’t drop Kirk’s value too much.

While this might have dropped his ADP in virtually every format, Lawrence should continue to go to his slot weapon alongside acclimating newly added Calvin Ridley into the mix.

In T-LAW’s best five-game stretch last season, Kirk averaged 15.8 PPR points while WR2 Zay Jones averaged 19.8. It’s no secret that Ridley is an upgrade from Jones, so good luck to defenses trying to figure out who to guard. Oh, by the way, worry about Evan Engram and Etienne out of the backfield as well.

Saquon Barkley | New York Giants

Barkley is the only Giant to finish top 20 in their position. I’m buying into Brian Daboll potentially becoming an above-average NFL Head Coach.

However, I’m not buying the Giants making the 2023 playoffs or Danny Dimes replicating his 2022 campaign. Barkley is obviously one of the most talented playmakers in the league, but outside of him, I wouldn’t spend a draft selection on any New York Giant.

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports betting and fantasy sports for more than two decades. He played baseball in college while earning a degree in sports psychology. Follow him on Twitter at @MikeNoblin.

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