With NFL training camps in full swing and some players turning heads in big ways, it’s the perfect opportunity to make some bold fantasy football predictions ahead of the start of the 2023 NFL season.
Might some underdog fantasy players wind up in the top 10? Meanwhile, some playmakers who will be drafted highly might come crashing down the fantasy football rankings this season.
Let’s have some fun here with these bold fantasy football predictions.
Anthony Richardson has best rookie season for a QB
Richardson could be the best rookie fantasy football quarterback given his ability both on the ground and through the air. This is despite the fact he was the third QB selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Both the Panthers and Texans passed on Richardson who combined for a massive 1,055 rushing yards and 12 TDs during his final two seasons at Florida. His mobility could be the difference maker.
David Montgomery outscores Jahmyr Gibbs in fantasy football points
Everyone is focusing on Gibbs ahead of fantasy football drafts. But what about new Lions running back David Montgomery? Could he be the next in line to steal a bunch of goal-line carries and TDs?
With Jamaal Williams’ role vacated, Montgomery could just sneak in and outscore Gibbs. When others are zigging with Gibbs, why not zag and grab Monty at a cheaper draft cost?
Related: 2023 fantasy football dynasty rankings
Jerry Jeudy finishes as a top-10 fantasy football wide receiver
Expect major improvement in the Broncos’ passing game with Sean Payton getting paid a bazillion dollars to come to Denver’s rescue. Russell Wilson should improve his TD production from last season (16) and Jeudy is due for a big breakout season. Jeudy last came close to 1,000 yards (972) and caught six of the 16 TDs Wilson threw in 2022.
It’s a contract year for Jeudy and there is no logical reason an athlete with his talent can’t crack the top 10 at fantasy WR. With the season-ending injury to fellow wide receiver Tim Patrick, that’s magnified further.
Evan Hull rushes for 1,000-plus yards
The Colts are currently in dire straits with Jonathan Taylor and the team at odds. Top this off with Zack Moss, who now has a broken arm, and Hull suddenly has tons of fantasy football appeal. While the Colts work to improve their passing game, look for Hull to get tons of dump-offs — provided Taylor remains off the field.
To hit 1,000 rushing yards for the season, Hull would need just 59 per game. Should he receive 14-15 carries per clash at an average of 4.0 yards per or so, boom! Hull is definitely an RB to stash while the JT drama plays out.
Sam LaPorta scores 10 TDs for the Detroit Lions
Who? The guy turning heads in Detroit this preseason! LaPorta is all the trend on social media, already attracting a bunch of targets from quarterback Jared Goff. For those wanting a later-round TE to draft, give LaPorta a try. Maybe he just does hit that 10-touchdown mark.
For what it’s worth, Goff threw 29 TDs in 2022. Someone outside of Amon-Ra St. Brown has to catch some of those, especially with wide receiver Jameson Williamson suspended for the first six games.
Sam Howell will have a better fantasy season than Jordan Love
Both fantasy QBs mentioned here currently make for backup material. With that being said, Sam Howell could be a hot waiver wire commodity en route to outscoring Jordan Love in fantasy points. For starters, Howell has a more experienced No. 1 WR in that of Terry McLaurin. Their chemistry on film thus far in training camp has been phenomenal. Jahan Dotson is no slouch either.
Love’s WR group is young and most of Christian Watson’s success last year as a rookie should be attributed to Aaron Rodgers.
It will be exciting to see how this plays out.
Related: 2023 fantasy football rankings
Davante Adams traded to the New York Jets
Say what? It’s easily possible to imagine Adams getting frustrated if the Raiders and QB Jimmy Garoppolo are underperforming ahead of the NFL trade deadline. Adams’ talents could go to waste, leading to him reaching out to old friend Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets
Meanwhile, Rodgers has had major success in getting the players he wants on his team. The reunion between both parties is not that far-fetched, especially if the Raiders go full-on tank mode this year.
Kirk Cousins outscores Jalen Hurts in fantasy points
Nobody is taking Kirk Cousins ahead of Jalen Hurts in current fantasy football drafts. Nobody. Underrated in fantasy for whatever reason, Cousins will surpass his current ADP of QB13. He finished sixth in points last year compared to Hurts at No. 3.
However, the tide has shifted with Dalvin Cook out of town. Look for the Vikings to lean on their passing game more than ever before. Meanwhile, the Eagles’ ramped up in the running back department by adding D’Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny during the offseason. It’s possible Hurts’ rushing fantasy stats take a hit, leveling out the playing field between him and Cousins.
Related: 2023 NFL wide receiver rankings
CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks combine for 2,000 yards
With the exception of three times, Cooks eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in six of his nine years in the NFL. This includes him managing that number while playing under four different QBs.
Receiving a major upgrade at QB for 2023, Cooks should be back over 1,000 yards with Dak Prescott at the wheel. Prescott will hopefully return healthy and motivated to improve off last season’s dismal performance (league-leading 15 interceptions).
At the same time, Lamb is a slam dunk to cross the 1,000-yard mark. He’s averaged 1,132 career yards per game and last averaged nine targets per clash in 2023.
Najee Harris is a top-five fantasy fantasy football running back
It would be lovely for those who roster Harris to see him work his way back up fantasy rankings. Maybe this gets done with an improved offense in Pittsburgh this season. To keep Kenny Pickett productive and the turnovers at bay, more touches should be coming Harris’ way.
Reportedly, Harris has trimmed up a bit and looked very “explosive” in preseason practices. Let’s see if he returns to his rookie roots with Harris was a top-five back.