The 2023 fantasy football draft season is starting to heat up now that we’ve gone through the height of free agency and all of the chosen rookies have been assigned to their professional home cities.
The landscape has changed a great deal for many franchises after a whirlwind offseason, and our divisional preview series will help you stay on top of all of the changes to date.
AFC divisional previews
East | North | South | West
NFC divisional previews
East | North | South | West
Denver Broncos
2022 record: 5-12
Notable coaching and system changes
No team underachieved more than the Broncos in 2022, leading to head coach Nathaniel Hackett being dismissed after just 15 games. Desperate to salvage things, Denver surrendered first- and second-round picks to New Orleans for Sean Payton, who brings 15 years of experience in the role. Payton reunites with Joe Lombardi as offensive coordinator, a position he filled with the Los Angeles Chargers the past two seasons. Their mission is clear: fix Russell Wilson. On defense, Vance Joseph returns as coordinator to the team he coached in 2017-18.
Key free-agent additions
- QB Jarrett Stidham
- RB Samaje Perine
- TE Adam Trautman (trade)
- OL Mike McGlinchey
Key free-agent departures
- RB Chase Edmonds
- RB Marlon Mack (unsigned)
- RB Latavius Murray
Key draft additions
- WR Marvin Mims
Quarterback preview
To this point, last year’s deal for Russell Wilson belongs on the short list of worst trades in NFL history. Wilson, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection in Seattle, was abysmal. He entered December with just eight touchdown passes in 10 games and ultimately finished with a forgettable 3,524 yards, 16 TDs, and 11 INTs — not what Denver expected when they handed him nearly a quarter of a billion dollars.
An iron man his first nine seasons, Wilson was injured for a second consecutive year, missing two games with a concussion. Denver hopes Payton can design an offense around the veteran’s strengths like he did for an aging Drew Brees. Entering his age-36 season, Wilson is under as much scrutiny as anyone not named Rodgers. He’s a QB2 with rebound potential.
Running back preview
When 2022 opened, Denver had a one-two punch of Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon. It didn’t last. Williams tore his ACL in Week 4, Gordon was cut in November amid fumbling issues, and journeyman Latavius Murray led the team in rushing. Reports surrounding Williams’ recovery have been cryptic, and while it’s unclear when they expect to have him back, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he opened the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Monitor Williams’ health and be ready to stash him on your bench with a later-round pick, if possible, but he’s likely to be overdrafted.
Even with limited draft capital, it was still surprising to see Denver bypass the position. That leaves newcomer Samaje Perine and practice squad vet Tony Jones Jr. behind the injured Williams. Perine was a solid complement to Joe Mixon in Cincinnati last year, posting 681 total yards and a half-dozen TDs, but it’s hard to see him as a lead back. For now, pencil in Perine as an RB4 pending a possible veteran addition.
Wide receiver preview
In two seasons since missing nearly all of 2020 with a torn ACL, Courtland Sutton has averaged 61 catches, 803 yards, and two TDs. He simply hasn’t been the same guy who posted a 72-1,112-6 line in 2019. Sutton was targeted 109 times last season, nine more than Jerry Jeudy (100), but the latter put up better numbers: 67 receptions, 972 yards, and six scores. The Broncos reportedly entertained trade offers for both players leading up to the draft before deciding to keep them. We’ll see if the coaching change bears fruit for the duo. At this point, Jeudy is a midrange WR3, while Sutton is more of a high-end No. 4 option. If Wilson returns to form, both receivers vault into starter weekly territory.
Tim Patrick was supposed to be the No. 3 receiver last year but tore his ACL in August and missed the entire season. He’ll have had more than 12 months to recover, so it’s possible he’ll be ready in Week 1. Patrick topped 700 yards in 2020 and 2021, and he might be worth monitoring in larger leagues.
Denver selected Marvin Mims with their first pick in this year’s draft, and the speedy wideout could carve out a role as a returner and in the slot. KJ Hamler, who finished last season on IR with a pectoral injury, might’ve run out of chances.
Tight end preview
While positives were few and far between last year, Greg Dulcich at least flashed some encouraging signs as a rookie, posting 33 receptions, 411 yards, and two touchdowns — he finished third in receiving yards and tied for second in TDs despite appearing in just 10 games. The UCLA looks to be perched atop the depth chart, even after the acquisition of Adam Trautman, who played under Payton in New Orleans, and is someone to watch this season.
Sleeper/breakout candidates
Before they had their first meeting, there was a name Payton and Wilson already had in common: Jimmy Graham. The former Saints/Seahawks tight end was a scoring machine, totaling double-digit TDs four times during his career. While Greg Dulcich might not be Jimmy Graham 2.0, he has the size to make things happen in the red zone.
Bust potential/overvalued players
With so many changes, it’s hard to know who’ll rise and fall in the new system. Still, it feels like Courtland Sutton has been trending down since his knee injury while Jeudy is coming off his best season and just had his fifth-year option exercised. Don’t bank on Sutton as one of your top-three wideouts.
Kansas City Chiefs
2022 record: 14-3
Notable coaching and system changes
Andy Reid has led KC to the Super Bowl three times in four seasons, winning twice, including last year. The 65-year-old will look to defend the championship minus longtime offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who left for Washington. To replace him, Reid bought back former Bears coach Matt Nagy as OC, a role he filled in 2016-17. Defensively, Steve Spagnuolo is back for his fifth season as coordinator.
Key free-agent additions
- WR Richie James
- OL Jawaan Taylor
Key free-agent departures
- RB Ronald Jones
- RB Melvin Gordon (unsigned)
- WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
- WR Mecole Hardman
Key draft additions
- WR Rashee Rice
Quarterback preview
There are a lot of talented quarterbacks in the NFL right now. There’s only one Patrick Mahomes. In just his fifth year as a starter, Mahomes won his second MVP award and hoisted a second Lombardi Trophy. Despite losing Tyreek Hill before last season, the 27-year-old threw for a career-high 5,250 yards to go with 41 TDs and 12 INTs. He also was judicious but effective with his running, gaining 358 yards and scoring four times. Some of the more mobile QBs may have a higher upside, but there’s no steadier QB1 than Mahomes.
Running back preview
Drafted in the seventh round and seated fourth on the depth chart, not much was expected of Isiah Pacheco. The rookie ran hard every time he touched the ball, though, and around the season’s halfway point he took over as the primary back, eventually leading the team in carries (170), rushing yards (830), and rushing TDs (5). He deferred to veteran Jerick McKinnon in passing situations, catching just 13 balls. Pacheco underwent hand and labrum surgeries after the season but should be recovered in time for camp. Consider him a borderline RB2/RB3 with upside.
McKinnon re-signed after the draft and should slide back into his third-down role. He snagged 56 passes a year ago and found himself in the end zone nine times via the pass, plus one on the ground. That kind of TD dependency makes the 31-year-old risky as more than a No. 4/flex type.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire played in 13 games and ran for 803 yards as a rookie. In two seasons since, he’s appeared in 20 games with his rushing yards dropping from 517 in 2021 to just 302 last year. The bloom is off the rose with CEH, who can’t stay healthy and simply hasn’t been productive enough when he’s on the field. Edwards-Helaire carries no draft-day value.
Wide receiver preview
For a second straight year, the Chiefs will be looking to replace their leading receiver. In 2021, it was Hill departing for Miami. This time, it’s JuJu Smith-Schuster, who signed with the Patriots. That leaves Marquez Valdes-Scantling (687) as the only wideout to log more than 350 yards in 2022. With Mahomes under center and Reid designing the offense, however, history suggests they’ll find a way.
In addition to MVS, KC returns inseason addition Kadarius Toney (14-171-2), 2022 second-rounder Skyy Moore (22-250-0), and Justin Watson (15-315-2). They made an interesting, under-the-radar signing as well, inking Richie James to a one-year deal. James is coming off his best season, catching 57 passes for 569 yards and four TDs for the G-Men. The Chiefs also selected Rashee Rice in Round 2. The SMU alum has good size and the ability to line up both outside and in the slot. Former Clemson standout Justin Ross is lurking, too.
Initially, this looks like receiver by committee, making it a tough situation to diagnose. MVS might be the steadiest choice, albeit as a midrange WR5, with Toney and Moore the likeliest to make a leap. James has some sneaky appeal as a possession receiver as well. Hopefully training camp and the preseason provide more clarity.
Tight end preview
There’s still one sure thing in the Kansas City passing attack, and that’s Travis Kelce. The four-time All-Pro racked up a career-best 110 receptions, 1,338 yards, and a dozen touchdowns in what might’ve been his best work to date with Hill being gone. Entering his age-34 season, you’d think Kelce would be slowing down, but there have been no signs of it. He remains the NFL’s preeminent pass-catching tight end until proven otherwise.
Noah Gray quietly saw his role expand during his second season, going from 7-36-1 as a rookie to 28-299-1. If the young receivers struggle to contribute, Gray could be in line for additional opportunities.
Sleeper/breakout candidates
You figure someone will emerge as Mahomes’ go-to guy on the outside, and Skyy Moore feels like the top candidate. MVS has five years under his belt and has never sustained. Toney has talent, but he’s struggled staying healthy. Moore was the guy they targeted a year ago. He’s someone to roll the dice on.
Bust potential/overvalued players
Speaking of Marquez Valdes-Scantling, don’t get drawn into his status as the top returning receiver. He’s never shown he can produce on a weekly basis and entering his age-29 season it’s fair to wonder if we’ve seen his ceiling. Drafting MVS as more than late-round depth is risky.
Las Vegas Raiders
2022 record: 6-11
Notable coaching and system changes
For a time, it appeared Josh McDaniels was going to be one-and-done as head coach of the Silver and Black, but Derek Carr took the fall, and McDaniels is back for a second season. Also returning are offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, whose group finished 28th in points allowed. Offensively, they’ll try to duplicate Kyle Shanahan’s success with Jimmy Garoppolo, though that seems like a tall order.
Key free-agent additions
- QB Jimmy Garoppolo
- QB Brian Hoyer
- WR Jakobi Meyers
- TE Austin Hooper
- TE O.J. Howard
Key free-agent departures
- QB David Carr
- QB Jarrett Stidham
- WR Mack Hollins
- TE Darren Waller (trade)
- TE Foster Moreau
Key draft additions
- TE Michael Mayer
- WR Tre Tucker
- QB Aidan O’Connell
Quarterback preview
For the first time since 2013, Derek Carr won’t be the Raiders’ starting quarterback. As a refresher, Carr was benched at the end of last season and released in March. To replace him, Las Vegas signed Jimmy Garoppolo, who played under McDaniels in New England before spending six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. Garoppolo is a capable game manager that enjoyed plenty of success in San Francisco, stewarding a dominant running game. He has struggled to stay healthy, though, and is best as a complementary piece. At age 31, Garoppolo’s ceiling is as a QB2.
Running back preview
If there’s one thing the McDaniels/Lombardi combination can be proud of from 2022, it’s the emergence of Josh Jacobs as a legitimate every-down back. After three uneven campaigns, the Raiders declined the fifth-year option on their former first-rounder, and then watched him run for a league-high 1,653 yards on 340 carries (4.9 YPC) with a dozen touchdowns; he added 400 yards receiving as well. The team utilized the franchise tag on Jacobs while they work on a long-term extension. Whether that gets done or not, Jacobs should again be the focal point on offense, making him a solid RB1 even if the 2022 workload is of concern.
The combination of Zamir White and Ameer Abdullah carried the ball just 21 times a year ago, though the latter at least chipped in with 25 receptions. There was some buzz surrounding White as a rookie, so we’ll see if he can carve out a role in Year 2. For now, neither player is worth considering on draft day.
Wide receiver preview
One of the primary reasons Davante Adams wanted to come to Las Vegas was to play with his close friend, Derek Carr, and that lasted all of 15 games. Regardless, it was a productive first season outside of Titletown for Adams, who caught 100 passes for 1,516 yards and 14 TDs. His 180 targets were nearly double that of the team’s second-most targeted player, Mack Hollins (94). While the move from Carr to Garoppolo could be a considered a decline in terms of pure passing ability, Adams is the type of player who’s going to get his. He remains a viable WR1.
Jakobi Meyers reunited with his old offensive coordinator in free agency after spending his first four seasons with the Patriots. While he served as the top target in New England, Meyers appears more like a possession-based second or third option. He’ll line up outside opposite Adams with Hunter Renfrow in the slot. Coming off a 1,000-yard campaign in 2021, Renfrow (36-330-2) disappointed under the new regime, which included missing seven games with an oblique injury. With Jimmy G under center, it’ll be interesting to see how many playable fantasy wideouts the Raiders produce. For now, consider Meyers a low-end WR4 and Renfrow a final-round flier.
Tight end preview
After trading Darren Waller, Las Vegas signed free agents Austin Hooper (41-444-2 w/ TEN) and OJ Howard (10-145-2 w/ HOU) to one-year deals. While Hooper seems the likely starter to start this season, second-round pick Michael Mayer is the future. The Notre Dame product is thought to have a high floor thanks to excellent route running and tenacity as a blocker, though his athleticism wasn’t on par with others in this draft class. With so many options, it’s easy to envision them cancelling each other out and leaving no playable fantasy TE in Sin City.
Sleeper/breakout candidates
There’s no debating how good Jacobs was in 2022. The question is how he’ll hold up after racking up 393 combined touches, something we rarely see backs do in modern football. If Jacobs’ snaps are reduced, or he starts to break down, Zamir White could inherit a much larger role.
Bust potential/overvalued players
In 2021, Hunter Renfrow caught 103 passes (on 128 targets) for 1,038 yards and nine TDs. Last year, his role dried up, even before he landed on IR, and now another possession target was signed (see Meyers, Jakobi) and a more risk averse quarterback (see Garoppolo, Jimmy) took over. Things may not improve much for Renfrow in 2023.
Los Angeles Chargers
2022 record: 10-7
Notable coaching and system changes
Despite blowing a 27-point lead to the Jacksonville Jaguars in last season’s playoffs, head coach Brandon Staley is back for his third year on the job. Staley’s performance to date is something of a Rorschach test as he has a winning record (19-15) but has overseen some terrible losses. Former Cowboys OC Kellen Moore was hired to replace Joe Lombardi, and it’ll be interesting to see if he can make this group more dynamic. On defense, Derrick Ansley takes over for Renaldo Hill.
Key free-agent additions
- None
Key free-agent departures
- None
Key draft additions
- WR Quentin Johnson
- WR Derius Davis
- QB Max Duggan
Quarterback preview
With his top two receivers battling injuries throughout the season, Justin Herbert‘s numbers dropped across the board last season, going from 5,014 yards and 38 TDs in 2021 to 4,739 yards and 25 TDs. His running dried up as well with the Oregon product rushing for 147 yards without a TD. There’s little doubt that statistical regression helped lead to the hiring of Moore, whose offenses ranked sixth or higher in scoring during three of his four seasons in Dallas. With better coaching, the sky is the limit for Herbert, who’s a possible top-five fantasy QB.
Running back preview
When in doubt, get Austin Ekeler the ball. That seemed to be LA’s offensive philosophy a season ago with Ekeler logging 311 combined touches (204 carries, 107 receptions) for 1,637 yards and 17 touchdowns. While his five fumbles (three lost) were an issue, it’s hard to criticize him too much given his high usage and propensity for trying to make the most of every touch. Ekeler requested a trade during the offseason, but with LA having not selected a running back in the draft that seems unlikely. Assuming the two sides can reach common ground contractually, Ekeler should again rate as a strong RB1 in 2023.
No matter what happens with Ekeler, it’d help LA if Joshua Kelley and/or Isaiah Spiller could emerge to carry some of the load — remember that Moore is coming from an offense that split time between Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard. Kelley (69-287-1) was the better of the two last year, but Spiller was well regarded coming out of Texas A&M and is still in the mix. Whoever is RB2 would be a smart late-round stash for Ekeler owners.
Wide receiver preview
Talent isn’t the issue for Keenan Allen or Mike Williams, durability is. One of the NFL’s best route runners, Allen has caught 100 or more balls in four of the last six years. He was limited to 10 games by a hamstring injury in 2022, and at 31 he could be on the downside. Williams, meanwhile, is among the league’s top producers on contested balls, but he frequently seems dinged up and has only posted one truly impactful season in a six-year career. Allen is a midrange WR2 with some downside, while Williams is a risk/reward WR3.
Joshua Palmer led LA’s wideouts in targets (107) and receptions (72), and he looked to be emerging as a strong third receiver. Clearly, the Bolts had other ideas. LA used their first-round pick on Quentin Johnson, a 6-foot-3, 208-pound deep threat that could start opposite Williams on the outside, pushing Allen into the slot full time (53% last year), which might be a better fit for the veteran. The TCU product has sneaky late-round appeal, while Palmer heads to the watch list.
Tight end preview
Gerald Everett (58-555-4) was a nice addition for the Bolts, setting career highs in receptions and yards after spending his first five seasons in the NFC West. What his role will be in 2023 is less clear. LA has three proven WRs, a talented first-rounder, and Ekeler, and there’s only one football. Moore’s offense featured Dalton Schultz at times in Dallas, but that guarantees nothing for Everett.
Sleeper/breakout candidates
It’s tough to be a first-round receiver and be underrated, but if all you do is glance at LA’s depth chart and see the three established names you might think Quentin Johnson was drafted more for the future than the present. Don’t be so sure. Johnson introduces a speed element that was lacking in 2023, and Herbert likes to go deep.
Bust potential/overvalued players
The de facto deep threat for Herbert has been Mike Williams, who boasts a career average of just below 16.0 yards per catch. Speed isn’t his game, though, and the arrival of Johnson could push Williams out of that role. The Clemson alum has been inconsistent as well, making him tough to rely on week to week.
