The Ideal Fantasy Football Targets for the 2023-24 Season
With fantasy football season coming up, it’s time to take a look at some of the players that are very much worth drafting, both in your weekly starting lineups, and just to have on the bench. These players will be considered as one full draft, so we’re not going to be able to get Christian McCaffery, Patrick Mahomes, and Derrick Henry all in one team.
Photo Credit: Joe Lorioso, All-Pro Reels
Starting Quarterback - Jalen Hurts, Eagles
We’re in an era of football where running backs are being devalued more and more in favor of mobile quarterbacks, ones who still hold prowess and presence in the pocket, but make plays running the ball when needed. Jalen Hurts is the premier member of that group, being able to throw the ball well to a fantastic set of weapons while also having a good enough offensive line to make holes and keep him safe when a play breaks down. In fantasy, this will amount to scoring more points overall, with rushing yards, passing yards, rushing touchdowns, and passing touchdowns all being put under Hurts’ name in this electric Eagles offense. He’s one that will be an earlier target than he was last year, so be sure to snatch him when you can.
Hurts will likely be your fourth-round pick if you’re looking to draft this team exactly, but it depends on your league.
Photo Credit: Michael Owens, Getty Images
Starting Running Back I - Bijan Robinson, Falcons
This is another player that has the benefit of being versatile, and able to score fantasy points in so many different ways. In Falcons practices this offseason, Robinson has been lining up in the slot, taking passes from the backfield, and being the lead bellcow back all at the same time. Getting points for receptions, rushing yards, and two separate kinds of touchdowns makes Robinson, a young and key piece in Atlanta’s offense; a priority pickup.
Robinson will likely be your first-round pick.
Photo Credit: Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images
Starting Running Back II - Nick Chubb, Browns
Chubb has been a fantasy nightmare to go against in the past few seasons, as he is almost always on the field for Cleveland, and consistently posts 10-15 points from the pure amount of rushing yards he gets. On a good day, Chubb puts up close to 30 points in his team’s favor. The Browns have a fourth place schedule this year, so in a time that gives their entire team easier matchups, look to pick up at least Chubb, if not a few of their other players.
Chubb will likely be your third-round pick.
Photo Credit: Ronald Martinez, Getty Images
Starting Wide Receiver I - Cooper Kupp, Rams
Fantasy players this year cannot afford to forget that Cooper Kupp had a triple crown season the least full season he played, leading the league with 145 receptions, 1,947 receiving yards, and 16 receiving touchdowns. With Kupp and Matthew Stafford back on the field together, they will resume that massive production this season, barring any injuries.
Kupp will likely be your second round pick.
Photo Credit: Raj Mehta, USA Today Sports
Starting Wide Receiver II - Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions
The Detroit Lions are gearing up to have another amazing offensive year. They led the league in most categories last season, and look to do so again and effectively get themselves into the playoffs, where they could make a lot of noise. Amon-Ra St. Brown was one of the main reasons Jared Goff had so much success last season, with St. Brown posting 1,161 yards and 6 touchdowns for the Lions last season, and looks to keep pace or even improve as the seasons track on.
St. Brown can likely be taken in the fifth round or later.
Photo Credit: John McCoy, AP Photo
Starting Tight End - Darren Waller, Giants
Darren Waller, when he is on the field for a full season, is an elite weapon that will greatly help out any offense he’s a part of. However, he barely ever gets to play a full season because he can’t avoid the injury bug. After being traded to the Giants this offseason, Waller looks for a new start, and is worth taking the chance on if he’s available.
Waller should be a fifth-round target, but if he’s falling down the board, he’s a value pick later on.
Photo Credit: Joe Rondone, The Republic, USA Today Network
Starting Flex - Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks
Kenneth Walker III was fantastic in Seattle during his rookie season, but is still a player that is overlooked. He will likely see reduced time this year after the Seahawks drafted UCLA running back Zach Charbonnet in this year’s draft. However, Walker is still both a power back and receiving threat for the Seahawks, and will put up points even with the reduced time on the field.
Walker can likely be taken in the seventh round or later, but secure him if you have faith.
Photo Credit: Kenya Allen, PressBox
Starting Defense - Ravens
It’s one of the top units in football that now has Roquan Smith for a full season. What else needs to be said?
Prioritize getting your defense a round or two earlier than normal if you want the Ravens D/ST.
Photo Credit: Roy K. Miller, Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Starting Kicker - Anders Carlson, Packers
While a good few fantasy players like to target automatic kickers or kickers that play for good offenses, others like to go for kickers that play for more mediocre offenses, that will likely be kicking a lot of field goals, and get more point efficiency that way. Carlson, the Packers’ new rookie kicker, looks to be that for Green Bay this season, an offense that has weapons, but an unproven piece in the center of it all.
Carlson will likely be available with the last pick of your fantasy draft.
Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie, USA Today Sports
Bench Quarterback - Derek Carr, Saints
Carr is headed to a new place where he already has a few key weapons around him, and is able to function in a pretty easy-to-understand offense. Expect his normal production from the Raiders to carry over.
Photo Credit: Joe Glorioso, All-Pro Reels
Bench Running Back I - Brian Robinson, Commanders
Robinson put up good numbers as a power back in Washington last season, and saw more touches as the season carried on. He is an underrated bench option that could be promoted to your starting lineup should a player on your starting lineup get injured or underperform.
Photo Credit: Joe Glorioso, All-Pro Reels
Bench Running Back II - Javonte Williams, Broncos
Williams is a part of a running unit that is in question this season under new head coach Sean Payton. With looming free agent Dalvin Cook being linked to the Broncos, it is a possibility that he lands in Denver, making Williams inherit the RB2 slot and move down the depth chart. However, Williams produced in his rookie season, putting up just over 900 yards. He only played four games in 2022, but is looking to bounce back from an injury year, and is a perfect selection to have on your bench.
Photo Credit: USA Today
Bench Wide Receiver I - George Pickens, Steelers
Pickens will likely swap over to be the WR1 during this season, given his steadily increasing production from last season, and the development of Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett. Pickens is another that could find his way into the starting lineup given a breakout season, so be sure to grab him while his stock is lower.
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas, USA Today Sports
Bench Wide Receiver II - DeAndre Hopkins
Hope to grab him while he’s a free agent, and it is unsure where he’s going to land. That uncertainty will scare off many fantasy players, but he will produce on any of the teams he’s linked to, and could easily take a starting slot.
Photo Credit: Tom Pennington, Getty Images
Bench Tight End - Dalton Schultz, Texans
Many fantasy players were starting Schultz last season, and a downgrade at quarterback from Dak Prescott should not scare anyone away, he is still a good option to have on your bench if your starter goes down, or even if he’s in a favorable matchup.
Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta, USA Today Sports
Bench Defense (if you keep one) - Bengals
The addition of Myles Murphy to a defense that already has Trey Hendrickson will only lead to more sacks, and henceforth, more fantasy points. This D/ST is also a streaming option if you only keep one defense and need a swap for a week.
There you have it, a good fantasy target to have for every position in this 2023 season. Good luck, and may the points be with you!
