The 2023 National Football League regular season begins on Thursday with the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Detroit Lions. Kansas City’s star player is Patrick Mahomes of Tyler, Texas, the reigning NFL MVP. Here are some key injuries, fantasy stars, and the projected upset for week one of the NFL season.
Key Injuries
The two key players out with an injury to start the season are Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor of Salem, New Jersey, and Miami Dolphins defensive back Jalen Ramsey of Smyrna, Tennessee. Taylor is out with an ankle injury, and Ramsey is out with a knee ailment. Ramsey, one of the game’s top cornerbacks was traded from the Los Angeles Rams to the Dolphins in the offseason for a third round pick in the 2023 National Football League Draft (77th overall) and tight end Hunter Long of Exeter, New Hampshire. It should be noted that Taylor is involved in a contract dispute with the Colts and his days in Indianapolis appear numbered.
Fantasy Stars
The top rated quarterback of the week is Mahomes. However, it will be interesting to see how he performs with star defensive lineman Chris Jones holding out, and their star tight end Travis Kelce questionable with a knee injury.
The top rated running back is San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey of Castle Rock, Colorado. McCaffrey shared his time last year with Carolina and San Francisco, and expectations are high for McCaffrey this season as he is set to play a full year for one of the game’s top teams.
The top rated wide receiver is Justin Jefferson of Saint Rose, Louisiana. In week one against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jefferson is expected to have seven catches for 103 yards and a touchdown.
Projected Upset
The one underdog in week one of the NFL season I like the most are the Carolina Panthers. Right now the Panthers are a 3.5 point underdog, but I feel that Carolina has what it takes to get the W. Miles Sanders resolidifies the running back position for Carolina after they traded McCaffrey to San Francisco and quarterback Bryce Young has enough offensive weapons around him which could make the difference.
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