Football fans should watch these rising stars and consider them valuable additions to their fantasy rosters.
The NFL is a league that thrives on young talent, and each season brings a fresh batch of rising stars eager to make their mark on the field. Let’s take a closer look at five players who are poised for stardom in 2023.
Courtesy ABC-7 Chicago
Justin Fields, Electric Quarterback: While some pundits speculate that his rushing numbers might see a slight regression in the upcoming season, others believe he has what it takes to join the ranks of rushing superstars like Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson. Fields’ rise to potential superstardom is strengthened by the Bears’ efforts to surround him with more passing weapons, most notably acquiring DJ Moore. With improved passing numbers and Moore as his top target, Fields could reach new heights in 2023, making him a valuable asset in fantasy football. Drafted 11th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Fields played college football at Ohio State, where he led the Buckeyes to two consecutive College Football Playoff appearances and won several awards, including the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and the Chicago Tribune Silver Football. His rookie season saw him play nine games and start six. He completed 59.1% of his passes for 1,182 yards, seven touchdowns, and seven interceptions. His rushing prowess was evident as he ran for 421 yards and two touchdowns on 64 carries, averaging an impressive 6.6 yards per carry. Fields’ standout performance came against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15, where he rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown on just nine carries, becoming the first Bears quarterback to rush for over 100 yards since Bobby Douglass in 1973.
Calvin Ridley, Rejuvenated with Trevor Lawrence: Calvin Ridley, the talented wide receiver, had a standout 2020 season with the Atlanta Falcons, but his production dipped in subsequent years. However, a fresh start with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023, where he joins forces with rookie sensation Trevor Lawrence, presents an opportunity for Ridley to reclaim his All-Pro form. Selected 26th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, Ridley played college football at Alabama, where he won two national championships and was a consensus All-American in 2017. In his rookie season, Ridley made an immediate impact, leading all rookies with 64 receptions for 821 yards and an impressive ten touchdowns. One of the favorites of betting fans this season is undoubtedly Calvin Ridley, who has been making waves in the league. Fans can maximize their excitement using the Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code and see how it is priced in various markets. He set a franchise record for the most receiving touchdowns by a rookie and showcased his potential as a dynamic playmaker.
Courtesy Sports Illustrated
Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs’ Lead Rusher: Isiah Pacheco emerges as the lead running back for the high-powered Kansas City Chiefs in his sophomore season, showcasing his abilities as a powerful and elusive runner. As an integral part of the Chiefs’ offense, Pacheco is poised to capitalize on goal-line work and deliver impressive touchdown numbers. Selected 96th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, Pacheco played college football at Rutgers, where he was a three-year starter and a two-time All-Big Ten honorable mention. Pacheco was on a backfield-by-committee, but he had an expanded role as the season progressed, finishing the regular season with 830 yards and five touchdowns on 170 carries, averaging an impressive 4.9 yards per carry. Pacheco also proved a reliable option in the passing game, catching 13 passes for 130 yards, and on special teams, where he accumulated 600 yards with a nearly 30-yard-per-return average.
Tony Pollard, Feature Back for the Cowboys: Tony Pollard’s journey in the NFL has been marked by steady improvement, culminating in the Dallas Cowboys’ decision to release former star running back Ezekiel Elliott. With the backfield now his, Pollard can seize the spotlight and reach new heights in fantasy football. Under the leadership of head coach Mike McCarthy, Pollard could emerge as a premier running back in 2024, making him a precious asset for fantasy owners. Drafted 128th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, Pollard showcased his versatility and playmaking abilities during his college days at Memphis. In his rookie season with the Cowboys, he played in 15 games, serving as Elliott’s backup. Despite limited opportunities, Pollard made a significant impact, rushing for 455 yards and two touchdowns on 86 carries, averaging an impressive 5.3 yards per carry. He then gained about 2000 yards over the next three seasons (2020-22), with over half of those yards gained in 2022, when he scored nine touchdowns on 193 carries, averaging an impressive 5.2 yards per carry.
Courtesy ESPN
Darren Waller, New Start with the Giants: Once considered a top fantasy football tight end, Darren Waller‘s production experienced a dip after impressive seasons with the Raiders in 2019-2021. However, a fresh start with the New York Giants in 2023 allows Waller to reestablish himself as an elite tight-end option. As the primary weapon in the Giants’ passing game, Waller is expected to see increased targets and opportunities to make a significant impact in fantasy football again. Selected 204th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, Waller’s journey to stardom faced challenges due to off-field issues, including suspensions for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Waller’s athleticism and potential were evident on the field despite these setbacks. After joining the Las Vegas Raiders, he had a breakout year in his fourth season, catching 90 passes for 1,145 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his ability to be a dominant force in the passing game.
These players have all the ingredients to break out and become stars in the league.
