Toucher & Hardy

Toucher & Hardy

Toucher & Hardy

For fantasy football enthusiasts, assembling a championship-winning team revolves around the players you select during the draft. However, navigating the complexities of player analysis can be daunting. Fortunately, you need not face this challenge alone. Enter fantasy football guru Mike Lockhart. He’s here to lend his expertise and present the top-ten rookie players who are absolute must-haves for your fantasy football roster.

Selecting a top-notch quarterback is absolutely crucial when assembling your fantasy team. Quarterbacks act as the engine of the offense, accumulating significant points through passing yards and touchdowns. Having a skilled and reliable quarterback can ensure consistent high scores, greatly increasing your team’s chances of winning each week. Moreover, their potential to contribute with rushing yards adds even more value, making them indispensable assets on the road to fantasy football glory.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 18: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks to pass against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 18, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 18: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks to pass against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 18, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Lockhart possesses an unrivaled understanding of the game, especially when it comes to quarterbacks. He knows which quarterbacks should never be underestimated and deserve a spot on your roster and shares his top 12 QBs for the upcoming 2023 season.

  • 1) PATRICK MAHOMES

    LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 07: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs signals at the line of scrimmage against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of the game at Allegiant Stadium on January 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

    LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 07: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs signals at the line of scrimmage against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of the game at Allegiant Stadium on January 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

    Coming off a 41-touchdown season, Mahomes should finish near the top of fantasy quarterbacks once again. Travis Kelce is back and still the top tight end, and he’s got a plethora of pass-catching running backs to target. Kadarius Toney should be back early in the year after his preseason knee injury, while Skyy Moore needs to take a second-year leap. Rookies Rashee Rice and Marquez Valdes-Scantling give Mahomes additional targets, and he can hit any open receiver.

  • 2.) JOSH ALLEN

    Dec 1, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) throws the ball under pressure from New England Patriots defensive tackle Davon Godchaux (92) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

    Dec 1, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) throws the ball under pressure from New England Patriots defensive tackle Davon Godchaux (92) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

    Last season, Allen scored a combined 42 touchdowns. The Stefon Diggs drama seems to be over, and Gabe Davis struggled through an ankle injury last season. Rookie first-round pick Dalton Kincaid will line up all over, and Dawson Knox will chip in at the traditional tight end spot.

  • 3.) JALEN HURTS

    Super Bowl LVII - Kansas City Chiefs v Philadelphia Eagles

    GLENDALE, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 12: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

    Hurts led quarterbacks in rushing touchdowns last year with 13. He still has two top receivers in AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith to throw to, along with a steady pass-catching tight end in Dallas Goedert. New running back DeAndre Swift will catch passes out of the backfield, making Hurts’ numbers likely to secure him a top spot at the position once again.

  • 4.) JOE BURROW

    CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 06: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws a pass during the second quarter in the game against the Carolina Panthers at Paycor Stadium on November 06, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

    CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 06: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws a pass during the second quarter in the game against the Carolina Panthers at Paycor Stadium on November 06, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

    Hopefully, Burrow’s early camp injury is nothing to worry about; he seems to have a health issue every preseason. But it doesn’t affect his regular season performance. Burrow has arguably the top trio of receivers in the league with Chase, Higgins, and Boyd.

  • 5.) JUSTIN HERBERT

    INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 26: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks to pass the ball against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 26, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

    INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 26: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks to pass the ball against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 26, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

    Herbert has his own trio of receivers, and if rookie Quinten Johnson can find early-season success, Herbert could battle for the top spot. Austin Ekeler reported to camp and will be a major contributor once again, and the Chargers also have depth with Palmer and Guyton.

  • 6.) TREVOR LAWRENCE

    INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 16: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

    INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 16: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

    Christian Kirk was a great addition to the Jaguars roster last year, and this season they bring in Calvin Ridley to go along with Zay Jones, who fits in well with Jacksonville. With Etienne in the backfield, there are several options for Lawrence to have a huge year. He’s a dark horse for a top 3 finish at quarterback.

  • 7.) AARON RODGERS

    FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY - APRIL 26: New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers poses with a jersey during an introductory press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on April 26, 2023 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

    FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY – APRIL 26: New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers poses with a jersey during an introductory press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on April 26, 2023 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

    After having no weapons last season, Rodgers comes into a different situation in New York. Garrett Wilson is a budding superstar, and Rodgers brought some old friends along. If Breece Hall is able to come in healthy, it’s a huge addition to the offense, and a potential Dalvin Cook signing could add another pass-catching asset out of the backfield.

  • 8.) GENO SMITH

    INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 04: Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks scrambles out of the pocket during a 27-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

    INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 04: Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks scrambles out of the pocket during a 27-23 win over the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

    Smith was the biggest surprise of 2022; this year, he won’t fly under the radar. DK Metcalf is his go-to target, and rookie Jaxson Smith-Njigba will immediately make an impact in the slot. Tyler Lockett is streaky but will only help Smith’s value, while Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet will help out of the backfield.

  • 9.) DESHAUN WATSON

    Deshaun Watson

    HOUSTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 04: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns gestures while running off the field following his team’s 27-14 win over the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

    After a rocky start in Cleveland, Watson should rebound. Amari Cooper is still playing at a high level, and Donovan Peoples-Jones is shaping up to be a solid contributor. With a strong running game in Cleveland, Watson should be a solid fantasy starter.

  • 10.) JARED GOFF

    DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 02: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions passes the ball during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field on October 02, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

    (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

    Amon-Ra Saint Brown is the top dog as a receiver, and Marvin Jones and others will contribute as well. Rookie Sam LaPorta should burst onto the scene as a rookie tight end, and David Montgomery and rookie Jamyr Gibbs will help running and catching passes. After his six-week suspension, Goff should get Jameson Williamson back this season to add to his playmakers.

  • 11.) JUSTIN FIELDS

    FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 24: Justin Fields #1 of the Chicago Bears runs with the ball during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 24, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

    FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 24: Justin Fields #1 of the Chicago Bears runs with the ball during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 24, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

    Fields looked a lot better in his second season, and now adding DJ Moore should give him a top weapon to throw to. His running numbers put him over the top, racking up 1,142 yards and 8 touchdowns. We should see his passing numbers go up with Moore on the roster and Darnell Mooney to throw to.

  • 12.) LAMAR JACKSON

    EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 16: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball during the first quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

    EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 16: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws the ball during the first quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on October 16, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

    After an offseason of speculation, Jackson is back in Baltimore. They selected receiver Zay Flowers in the first round, and Odell Beckham is on the roster, while Rashod Bateman should be back during camp. Jackson’s rushing needs to go up; he scored 3 touchdowns on 764 yards. He’s had two years of over 1,000 yards rushing, and his value will rest on running.

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