Fantasy managers who were consumed by basketball, baseball or hockey in recent months missed out on a less dramatic NFL offseason than in previous years. Tom Brady departed early, leaving Aaron Rodgers to provide the greatest storyline at the league’s most important position. But things have started to heat up as the draft nears, with major trade and an infusion of rookies who are already ready to take on relevant fantasy roles.
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Here are the top 10 offseason scenarios that managers need to be aware of before diving into draft preparations.
Rodgers packs up, flies to the Big Apple
After an extended period of apparent dissatisfaction with the Packers, Aaron Rodgers is finally going to wear a different jersey. Rodgers’ trade to the Jets is unlikely to have a significant impact on the fantasy value of the 39-year-old, who at this point in his career is unlikely to put up the passing or rushing numbers needed to start the top 10 options at his position. But Rodgers’ relocation could have a major impact on other players, as he has often helped turn talented receivers such as Davante Adams in fantastic stars. Garrett Wilson should be in the top 10 WRs this year and could slip into the top five. Back in Green Bay, it is feared that Jordan love doesn’t have Rodgers’ ability to make the most of presumed alpha WR Christian Watson.
The crows do an aerial attack again
After years of being an intensive team that directs a lot of pass attempts into tight ends, the Ravens are ready to have more aerial attacks this season. The club signed Odell Beckham Jr. and written Zay Flowers in Rd. 1. Of course they still have the star TE Mark Andrews and former first-round WR Rashod Batemanwho accomplished little in his first two NFL seasons.
In a perfect world, lamar jackson combines improved passing stats with his usual breakthrough running abilities to be the top fantasy point scorer. Of course, getting these parts to fit the terrain is harder than putting their names on a depth chart. For now, Jackson remains in the second tier of fantasy QBs.
Ridley reinstated
The NFL Restored Calvin Riley from a game-related suspension that cost him the 2022 season. The Alabama alum also played just five games in 2021, making him the rustiest receiver to populate the early rounds of fantasy drafts. Ridley finished fifth in the NFL in receiving yards (1,374) in 2020 and had 26 touchdowns from 2018-2020, raising hopes he can succeed in tandem with the rising star QB Trevor Lawrence. Whatever chemistry is formed between these two talented players will have an impact Christian Kirkwho has just had an exceptional season (84-1, 108-8) where he has established himself as Lawrence’s preferred option.
Bears set for Moore Down-Fields overtake
The Bears are ready to restart their passing game, picking up DJ Moore in a trade that cost them the first pick in the 2023 draft. Moore struggled to score touchdowns throughout his five-year career, but he averaged well for more than 1,000 yards a season while dealing with a lackluster QB spinning door from Carolina. Justin Fields hopes to be more of a passer and less of a rusher this year, but no matter how the Bears choose to move the ball, he should easily rank in the top 10 at QB.
Three teams will start rookie QBs
A trio of rookie QBs are set for Week 1 starting roles, barring major changes after being drafted in the top four picks in the NFL Draft. Although Anthony Richardson was the last of the three to be selected, he carries the most fantastic potential due to his extreme athleticism. The Colts pivot is being drafted as a mid-level QB2 but has a cap on finishing in the top-10. Bryce Young And C.J. Stroud were tabbed with the first two NFL draft picks, but face a tough climb with weak offenses and will start the season with waivers in most fantasy leagues.
Rookie rushers ready to roar
Bijan Robinson (eighth, Falcons) and Jahmyr Gibbs (12th, Lions) have the potential to become immediate fantasy stardom after becoming the first RBs to be drafted before the 24th pick in the NFL Draft since 2018. Robinson is considered the top RB prospect since Saquon Barkley and is already being treated as a fantastic first-round pick. Gibbs doesn’t get the same love, but he still sits comfortably in the top 50 selections. The former Alabama has outstanding receiving skills and could turn into a bargain fighting most rushing opportunities away from David Montgomery.
Hopkins heads to Tennessee
DeAndre Hopkins wrapped up three inconsistent seasons in the wilderness by signing with the Titans in July. The 31-year-old has already had an elite ceiling, rushing for over 1,350 yards on four occasions. But he’ll struggle to find notable success at his age on a Tennessee team that ranked 30th in passing yards last year. Hopkins’ arrival is also bad news for the 2022 first-round pick Treylon Burkwho is now less likely to earn the target share needed for a breakout season.
Waller joins the G-Men
The Raiders rebuilt their TE position by trading Darren Waller to the Giants and using a second-round pick on Michael Mayer. Because the Giants lack an exceptional WR, Waller could be one of the few tight ends who dominates his team’s passing game. But the future 31-year-old will need to show improved durability after tallying for 1,053 yards in 20 games over the past two seasons. Waller is correctly rated at his current Yahoo ADP of TE7.
Brady is retiring, for real this time
Tom Brady flipped the script by stepping down early and permanently this offseason. His departure leaves the Bucs in some disarray as the team will now look to Mayfield Baker, whose career as a starting QB hangs by a thread. With Brady at the helm, wide receivers mike evans And chris godvin were regular members of fantasy lineups. This year, they are both being evaluated as WR3 options while we wait to see who develops better chemistry with Mayfield.
NFL GMs devalue RBs
Although the RB position is essential in fantasy football, those who analyze the real game see the value of rushers quite differently. Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs couldn’t get long-term contracts and don’t know if they’ll make it to training camp on time. The two superstars are even better off than Leonard Fournette, Ezekiel Elliott, Kareem Hunt And Dalvin Cook, who remain unsigned despite being able to help many teams. Each of these veterans will eventually find new homes and impact the existing RB1 on their new teams.