Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert, known for his speed, can be a valuable addition to your fantasy football team, providing a boost right from the start. In order to compile this list of recommended players, I took into account factors such as their early season schedules, offensive roles, past performances, injury history, and average draft positions. It’s crucial to have a strong start in fantasy football, as a poor beginning often leads to a disappointing overall record and missing out on the playoffs. This list can be used during the later rounds of your draft when you’re choosing between players who can contribute to early victories. Some of these players may not need to be kept on your team for the entire season and can be traded later on if their schedules get tougher or there’s a risk of injury. In addition to this list, I also offer my annual Top 200 rankings and individual rankings for quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends, which are constantly updated to reflect any injuries or other developments.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has the potential to be the top fantasy football quarterback in the first half of the 2023 season. I have him ranked as the second-best quarterback, just behind Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals and ahead of Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs. Herbert is a must-have player in all leagues and should consistently perform well throughout the season. However, what makes him particularly appealing is his early schedule. The Chargers will face the Miami Dolphins in Week 1, a team that allowed a significant number of passing yards and touchdown passes in the previous season. Furthermore, six of the Chargers’ first seven games are against teams that gave up a high number of fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2022. With these favorable matchups, Herbert has the potential to be the top quarterback in fantasy football by the midway point of the regular season.
Raheem Mostert, a running back for the Miami Dolphins, is another player to target in the early rounds of your draft. Despite being selected after the 12th round in some drafts, Mostert should be considered a must-start RB2 in the first half of the season. The Dolphins’ coaches and executives have expressed confidence in their running backs and their ability to elevate the team’s offense. Additionally, Mostert has focused on improving his pass catching skills during the offseason. The recent placement of running back Jeff Wilson Jr. on injured reserve and the Dolphins’ intention to increase running volume further indicate that Mostert will see more opportunities. The Dolphins’ schedule includes three games within the first five weeks against teams that allowed a high number of fantasy points to running backs in the previous season, including their Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, who ranked second in rushing yards allowed to running backs. Mostert, known for his speed, has the potential to break a big run at any moment and could significantly contribute to your team’s success in the first half of the fantasy football season.
J.K. Dobbins, a running back for the Baltimore Ravens, is another player with a favorable early season schedule. The Ravens have three games within their first four weeks against teams that allowed a high number of fantasy points to running backs in 2022. Their Week 1 matchup is against the Houston Texans, who had the highest number of rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and fantasy points allowed to running backs last season. Although Dobbins has struggled with injuries in his first two seasons, he is expected to start in Week 1 and provide RB1 upside as long as he remains in the Ravens’ lineup. If you choose the zero-RB strategy in your draft, focusing on wide receivers and other positions early on, Dobbins is a great target to have as your primary ball carrier.
Garrett Wilson, wide receiver for the New York Jets, is a player whose average draft position is on the rise. This can be attributed to the Jets’ addition of quarterback Aaron Rodgers during the offseason, as well as their presence on the television show Hard Knocks, which has highlighted the promising connection between Wilson and Rodgers. Wilson, the 10th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, had an impressive rookie season, accumulating over 1,100 yards and four touchdowns in 17 games. He averaged nearly 80 yards per game over his final 10 contests. With an upgraded quarterback and a schedule that includes three games against teams that allowed a high number of fantasy points to wide receivers in the previous season, Wilson can be confidently started as a WR1 to kick off the fantasy football campaign.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, is another player to target in the early rounds of your draft. In 2022, St. Brown had a breakout season, recording 106 catches for 1,161 yards and six touchdowns on 146 targets. With the departure of former Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson and the suspension of fellow wide receiver Jameson Williams for six games, St. Brown is expected to continue being one of the most-targeted wide receivers in the NFL in 2023. The Lions’ schedule features four games within the first six weeks against teams that allowed a high number of fantasy points to wide receivers in the previous season. St. Brown can be a valuable asset as a WR1 or an excellent WR2 if you secure another top-tier pass catcher with your first pick.
DK Metcalf, wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, is a player who has been flying under the radar in fantasy football drafts. Despite consistently producing over 1,000 yards and 90 receptions in each of the past seasons, Metcalf’s average draft position is after the third round. However, he still possesses WR1 upside. The Seahawks’ quarterback, Geno Smith, had an impressive 2022 season, completing a league-best 69.8% of his passes and achieving career highs in yards and touchdown passes. The Seahawks’ early season schedule includes two matchups against teams that gave up a high number of fantasy points to wide receivers last season. In their Week 2 game against the Lions, who allowed the second-most receiving yards to wide receivers, Metcalf should provide excellent return on investment. Although he scored fewer touchdowns in 2022, I expect him to reach double digits in touchdowns in 2023, including several scores in the first four weeks.
In addition to these players, I recommend targeting Russell Wilson, Trevor Lawrence, Najee Harris, Brian Robinson Jr., Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Quentin Johnston, and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, as they have favorable matchups early on in the season. By strategically selecting these players, you can greatly increase your chances of starting the fantasy football season strong.
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