Every NFL season brings a fresh wave of anticipation, and the 2023 season is no different. With numerous emerging talents ready to make their mark, this season promises to be a thrilling spectacle for football aficionados.
Buccaneers Place Faith in Rachaad White
One player to watch closely is Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As a rookie, White impressed with 179 touches, signaling his potential as a valuable asset in the backfield. Despite Leonard Fournette dominating with 269 touches in 2022, the Buccaneers decided to move on from the veteran running back, a pivotal move that has left White with a significant opportunity to shine. By the 2023 season, White was second in the NFL with 336 touches, trailing only Christian McCaffrey’s 339, highlighting his burgeoning role within the team.
Drake London and the Atlanta Falcons
Another player making waves is Drake London of the Atlanta Falcons. In his first two years, London captured a commendable 25.9% target share, ranking WR17 in the league. However, his fantasy points per game during that span placed him at WR47, indicating room for growth in consistent performance. The future looks bright for London as he will have veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins throwing him the ball in 2024, which could significantly enhance his productivity and on-field impact.
Kyle Pitts: A Comeback in the Making?
Kyle Pitts, who surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark as a rookie, has faced challenges due to injuries. After requiring MCL and PCL repair in late 2022, Pitts' output saw a decline with only 58 targets in 2022 and 90 targets in 2023. Pitts remains a player of interest, and his ability to bounce back from injury will be crucial for the Falcons' offensive dynamics.
Offseason Moves and New Opportunities
The Raiders sought to strengthen their backfield by signing Alexander Mattison during the offseason. Meanwhile, the Lions made a strategic move by drafting Jameson Williams 12th overall after trading up. Williams, however, has had a tumultuous start to his career, missing much of his rookie season and additional time in his sophomore year due to suspension. Despite this, Williams ranks WR5 in fantasy points per touch since entering the league in 2022, demonstrating his efficiency and potential when on the field.
The Texans Acquire a Key Asset
In a bold move, the Texans acquired Joe Mixon, who had the fourth-most touches in the NFL last season with 309. This acquisition adds significant depth to their roster and could play a crucial role in their 2023 campaign. Back in Cincinnati, Zack Moss and Chase Brown are expected to share the opportunities left by Mixon's departure. Moss showed his capability with multiple games exceeding 20 fantasy points when given the lead role in 2023, while Brown had a modest 58 touches last year.
Detroit Lions' Confidence in Their Roster
The Detroit Lions seem confident in the squad they've assembled, particularly their receiving corps. As Jeff Risdon noted, “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 statement underscores the team's belief in their current roster's capabilities, focusing instead on nurturing existing talent.
As the 2023 NFL season unfolds, these players are set to be at the forefront of their teams' successes and challenges. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these narratives develop and which talents rise to the occasion. From rookies to veterans, the season promises a blend of resilience, growth, and thrilling football action.