Fantasy
6/8/23
4 min read
Fantasy Football Impact of 7 Breakout Players for 2023 NFL Season
Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) is a must-follow for all NFL fans. He just released his top-seven breakout candidates for the 2023 season.
Let’s look at the fantasy impact each of those players could have.
Fantasy Impact of Breakout Players
Daniel Jones, QB, New York Giants
I’ve already drafted in over 200 best ball teams combined on DraftKings and Underdog Fantasy. To this point, I’ve selected Daniel Jones more often than any other quarterback.
As Meirov mentioned, the New York Giants brought in upgrades at wide receiver, tight end and center with the second-round selection of John Michael Schmitz. Jones is a high-end runner, and he was an efficient passer last season. These roster improvements create a clear path for Jones and the Giants’ offense to take a step forward this season.
An interesting point Meirov brought up is that the Giants extended Jones with a four-year, $160 million contract. If Giants leadership was still on the fence about Jones, they could have just franchise-tagged him.
Jones is the last dual-threat quarterback available in drafts who will start every game this season, barring injury.
Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Kenny Pickett was an underwhelming fantasy option last season, only breaching 200 yards passing in four of his 13 appearances. However, as Meirov mentioned, Pickett only threw one interception and led four game-winning drives in his final eight games. His production may have been underwhelming, but Pickett has plenty to build on from his rookie season.
The additions of former Philadelphia Eagles guard Isaac Seumalo and 14th overall pick Broderick Jones at offensive tackle could push the Steelers' bottom-tier offensive line into the league-average territory.
Pickett has a young, talented skill group with RB Najee Harris, TE Pat Freiermuth and WRs Diontae Johnson and George Pickens. The Steelers' offense improved this off-season, increasing Pickett’s fantasy ceiling.
Pickett should still be left on waivers in most 12-team season-long leagues, but he’s a strong QB2 in Superflex and a solid value in best ball.
Bernhard Raimann, OT, Indianapolis Colts
I know what you’re thinking: Why are we talking about offensive linemen in a fantasy football article? Stable pass protection and run blocking have a direct impact on what an offense is capable of.
The Indianapolis Colts’ offensive line struggled more than most expected last season, primarily due to uneven offensive tackle play. If Bernhard Raimann takes a step forward as Meirov expects, that’s good for Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson.
Jevon Holland, S, Miami Dolphins
After the addition of Bradley Chubb via trade last season, the Miami Dolphins enter this year with a top-10 caliber pass rush. On top of that, they’ve added Jalen Ramsey and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
If cornerback Xavien Howard returns to form and Jevon Holland takes a leap as Meirov expects, Miami has a top-five defense that could be playing with a lead more often than not.
Alexander Mattison, RB, Minnesota Vikings
As Meirov expected, the Minnesota Vikings moved on from RB Dalvin Cook. So now Alexander Mattison becomes the lead back in Minnesota. Mattison has been rock solid in relief duty behind Cook, to the point he could end up as a fifth-round pick in fantasy drafts this season.
Greg Dulcich, TE, Denver Broncos
Greg Dulcich is starting to gain some serious steam in the fantasy football world. Just yesterday, we discussed our enthusiasm for Dulcich on our podcast. Our lead dynasty analyst, Ian Miller, is also high on Dulcich.
On Underdog Fantasy, Dulcich currently has an ADP of 143.8. Expect Dulcich to jump at least 20 spots by the time most season-long leagues start in August.
Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons
It seems Meirov is ready to get hurt again with Kyle Pitts, just like many of us are. Miller has Pitts as his standalone Tier-1 tight end in dynasty. I have nearly 20 percent exposure on Pitts in best ball.
Ari points out that the Atlanta Falcons' signing of TE Jonnu Smith should lead to more of a passing game role for Pitts. We can only hope that is the case because that’s how it should be.
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