The 2023 fantasy football season is just around the corner, and many fantasy owners are looking for the best players to draft for their teams. Whether you play in a PPR or non-PPR league, you need to know the top performers at each position to maximize your chances of winning. Here are some of the fantasy football rankings for 2023 by position, based on the USA TODAY article and other sources.
Quarterbacks
The quarterback position is arguably the most important one in fantasy football, as it can make or break your team’s performance. The top quarterbacks for 2023 are:
- Patrick Mahomes (KC): The reigning MVP and Super Bowl champion is the undisputed No. 1 quarterback in fantasy football. He has a plethora of weapons at his disposal, such as Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. He also adds value with his rushing ability, as he scored four touchdowns on the ground last season. He is projected to score 402 fantasy points in PPR leagues.
- Josh Allen (BUF): The runner-up for MVP last season, Allen had a breakout year with 4,544 passing yards, 37 passing touchdowns, and eight rushing touchdowns. He also led the Bills to their first AFC Championship appearance since 1993. He has a strong connection with Stefon Diggs, who led the league in receptions and receiving yards last season. He is projected to score 388 fantasy points in PPR leagues.
- Jalen Hurts (PHI): The rookie sensation took over the starting job from Carson Wentz in Week 14 and never looked back. He showed his dual-threat potential with 1,061 passing yards, six passing touchdowns, 354 rushing yards, and three rushing touchdowns in four games as a starter. He also has a favorable schedule, as he faces only two top-10 defenses against quarterbacks in 2023. He is projected to score 366 fantasy points in PPR leagues.
Other quarterbacks to consider are Joe Burrow (CIN), Lamar Jackson (BAL), Trevor Lawrence (JAC), Justin Herbert (LAC), and Kirk Cousins (MIN).
Running backs
The running back position is often the most coveted one in fantasy football, as it can provide consistent and high-scoring production. The top running backs for 2023 are:
- Christian McCaffrey (SF): The consensus No. 1 pick in most fantasy drafts, McCaffrey is a beast in both PPR and non-PPR leagues. He missed most of last season due to injuries, but he still averaged 30.1 fantasy points per game in PPR leagues when he played. He is now on a new team with the 49ers, who have a run-heavy offense and a great offensive line. He is projected to score 384 fantasy points in PPR leagues.
- Austin Ekeler (LAC): The versatile back had a career year in 2022, with 1,550 scrimmage yards and 11 total touchdowns. He also caught 92 passes, which ranked second among running backs. He is the focal point of the Chargers’ offense, which features a rising star in Justin Herbert at quarterback. He is projected to score 368 fantasy points in PPR leagues.
- Saquon Barkley (NYG): The former No. 2 overall pick is looking to bounce back from a torn ACL that sidelined him for most of last season. He is one of the most talented and explosive backs in the league when healthy, as he averaged 23.1 fantasy points per game in PPR leagues in his first two seasons. He also has an improved supporting cast, with Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney joining the Giants’ offense. He is projected to score 320 fantasy points in PPR leagues.
Other running backs to consider are Bijan Robinson (ATL), Nick Chubb (CLE), Tony Pollard (DAL), Derrick Henry (TEN), and Jonathan Taylor (IND).
Wide receivers
The wide receiver position is often the most unpredictable one in fantasy football, as it can vary depending on matchups, targets, and touchdowns. The top wide receivers for 2023 are:
- Davante Adams (GB): The best receiver in the league last season, Adams led all players with 18 receiving touchdowns and ranked third with 115 receptions and 1,374 receiving yards. He also had a remarkable chemistry with Aaron Rodgers, who won his third MVP award last season. He is projected to score 312 fantasy points in PPR leagues.
- Tyreek Hill (KC): The fastest player in the league, Hill is a nightmare for opposing defenses with his ability to score from anywhere on the field. He had 15 receiving touchdowns last season, which ranked second among receivers. He also had 87 receptions and 1,276 receiving yards, which ranked seventh and eighth, respectively. He is projected to score 288 fantasy points in PPR leagues.
- Stefon Diggs (BUF): The best trade acquisition of last season, Diggs transformed the Bills’ offense with his elite route-running and hands. He led the league with 127 receptions and 1,535 receiving yards, and added eight receiving touchdowns. He also had a strong rapport with Josh Allen, who targeted him 166 times, which ranked second among receivers. He is projected to score 282 fantasy points in PPR leagues.
Other wide receivers to consider are DeAndre Hopkins (ARI), Calvin Ridley (ATL), Justin Jefferson (MIN), Chris Olave (NO), and Keenan Allen (LAC).
Tight ends
The tight end position is often the most scarce one in fantasy football, as there are only a few elite options and a lot of mediocre ones. The top tight ends for 2023 are:
- Travis Kelce (KC): The best tight end in the league for the past five seasons, Kelce is a dominant force in both real and fantasy football. He had 105 receptions, 1,416 receiving yards, and 11 receiving touchdowns last season, which ranked first, second, and fifth among all players, respectively. He is projected to score 252 fantasy points in PPR leagues.
- George Kittle (SF): The second-best tight end in the league when healthy, Kittle is a beast after the catch and a reliable target for his quarterbacks. He missed eight games last season due to injuries, but he still averaged 15.9 fantasy points per game in PPR leagues when he played. He is projected to score 192 fantasy points in PPR leagues.
- Darren Waller (LV): The breakout star of last season, Waller emerged as one of the top tight ends in the league with his impressive size, speed, and hands. He had 107 receptions, 1,196 receiving yards, and nine receiving touchdowns last season, which ranked second, third, and seventh among tight ends, respectively. He is projected to score 186 fantasy points in PPR leagues.
Other tight ends to consider are Mark Andrews (BAL), Kyle Pitts (ATL), T.J. Hockenson (DET), Noah Fant (DEN), and Logan Thomas (WAS).
