Fantasy Football League: I Have Almost Zero Knowledge of Sports
You read that right sports fans. Recently I was invited by my friend group to participate in an NFL Fantasy League. Which I accepted and am excited for. There’s just…

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 26: Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants and Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets hug following a preseason game at MetLife Stadium on August 26, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
You read that right sports fans. Recently I was invited by my friend group to participate in an NFL Fantasy League. Which I accepted and am excited for. There's just one... teeny tiny issue.
Despite working for Fox SPORTS New Jersey. I have very little knowledge of sports. If you were to ask me to name all of the NFL teams I probably could if I tried. However, if you ask me about; stats or the players' names. Even what teams are in each division I couldn't tell you.
So you may be wondering why would I do this to myself. Well for one I think it would be really funny if I placed first. While also beating some of my friends who are sports fanatics. Secondly seeing what I do each week will be an absolute mystery. Cause I'll tell you what I don't even know who I'm drafting.
I did the bare minimum amount of research. So I do have a few names as to why I like them we'll discuss that. When the season starts I may even make some questionable trades at best. Heck Patrick Mahomes? More like Patrick, you can take him home. You can have him for free.99 don't need him. So before our draft takes place, here's my "plan".
As for a Quarterback, there are a few names I would like to see in my lineup. Depending on my draft placement of course. All kidding aside I would love to be able to snag Mahomes in what the first round is that when you pick up QBs? I know he had an alright season last year, I like the color red so that's a plus.
So either he'll repeat it or I can use him as leverage in case someone wants to trade him for Tua Tagovailoa or someone. That's a much more exciting name anyway so he's probably just as good. As for backups, I know Joe Burrow is questionable, but so is I being in this league. So I might as well bet it all on red!
Wide Receivers this year just like any will be important so if I have a late pick in round 1 I could afford to grab a really high-rated WR like Tre Nixon, I know he's on IR right now, but if he were to come back I like the smile he has. I have great eyes for winners did I mention I wear glasses?
I may also grab Justin Jefferson as a backup up anyone who does that many one-handed catches is insane. I'll grab J'marr Chase if I'm praying for Burrow! I mean look at that combo Joe Burrows the ball into the hands of J'marr and the opposition is just left in the dust "Chase"ing him! I like it.
I don't think anything else really matters as much, but I will say I want to have the Bills as my Defense because if you asked me to defend against a buffalo I couldn't do it.
What do you think of my plan for the Fantasy Draft? Once the Season starts you'll be able to join my war room and share your advice good or bad and the best part is I won't know the difference.
Let the countdown to the NFL season begin. The 2023 season kicks off with what promises to be one of the hottest games of the season. The reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, will go up against one of the most buzzed-about teams in the NFL right now, the Detroit Lions. The game takes place on Thursday, Sept. 7. Are you ready? I'm so beyond ready. One of the key components of a winning football team, of course, is the quarterback. Throughout the years, a handful of quarterbacks have become household names. Think Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. So, who are the best NFL quarterbacks for the 2023 season? Here are my picks.
Honestly, No. 1 shouldn't be a surprise. I won't say his name here, but you'll see it at the end of this list. I don't think anyone would argue that this young man isn't the best quarterback in the league right now. Maybe a few think he's overrated, but his numbers say something else. But, picking the rest of these quarterbacks wasn't easy. I could have gone with all the usual suspects, but I really wanted to do some research and game-watching and pick the 12 quarterbacks that I think are the strongest in 2023, instead of the typical favorites. That said, I still included some names that just couldn't be ignored. I mean, you can't make a list like this and leave someone like Jalen Hurts off.
The 2023 season should be exciting. I think we will see some surprises, which is always fun. So, who are the best NFL quarterbacks for the 2023 season? Read on for my picks. Also, I'm a sports podcaster and host a podcast about the Detroit Lions called "The Squad with Anne Erickson." Find my podcast here and reach out to me on socials here with your NFL thoughts.
12. Justin Fields - Chicago Bears
I'm starting this list off with some controversy. Some might scratch their heads at me picking a quarterback from a team that's been struggling as much as the Chicago Bears for the No. 12 best NFL quarterbacks for 2023. But, I think Justin Fields is going to surprise people this season. He's a MVP-level player, and if he can get teammates with the right chemistry, this team could surprise people.
11. Kirk Cousins - Minnesota Vikings
It's a coincidence that I'm including another NFL North quarterback right after Justin Fields, but here we are. Kirk Cousins has been a solid quarterback for the Vikings for years. He's a vet at this point and led the team to many victories last season. That said, Minnesota Vikings fans are waiting patiently for a playoff run.
10. Dak Prescott - Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott may not be fireworks all the time, but he's a super solid quarterback. He's led the Dallas Cowboys to plenty of victories, and although he's had his ups and downs, most agree that this will be a good year for Prescott and the Cowboys.
9. Jared Goff - Detroit Lions
When Matthew Stafford departed the Lions in 2021, fans had a mixed reaction. Some were ready for him to be gone, while others feared that his replacement will bring more losses. But, Jared Goff came on the scene, and in 2022, boy, did he deliver. He had some of the NFL's best stats towards the end of last season.
8. Deshaun Watson - Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are one of the hottest teams int he NFL right now, and fans are betting on Deshaun Watson to get them over that hump. He had that suspension, but on the field, he's invaluable.
7. Justin Herbert - Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Rams got their Super Bowl victory, and now maybe it's time for some love for the Los Angeles Chargers. Justin Herbert is leading the Chargers to victories, and he's known for having a very reliable arm and game.
6. Lamar Jackson - Baltimore Ravens
Despite having injuries for a few years, Lamar Jackson, when he's healthy, is one of the best quarterbacks in the league right now. He's got something special on the field, and if he can stay healthy and consistent, then he can be unstoppable for the Baltimore Ravens.
5. Josh Allen - Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are favorites to make a run for the Super Bowl this year, and Josh Allen is a bit part of that. He's super reliable and has one of the best arms in the league. He's one of those guys who's just all-around talented.
4. Aaron Rodgers - New York Jets
Here's another controversial pick, perhaps, on my part. Some think that Aaron Rodgers' time has come and gone. But, he's still one of the strongest quarterbacks in the NFL. Now, he's super motivated, too, being with a totally new team, the New York Jets. Also, the Jets are stacked, so this will be a difficult team to beat.
3. Joe Burrow - Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow's stats are among the best in the league. The Cincinnati Bengals are lucky to have him at the helm, and many think this could be the team to beat this year, thanks to Burrow.
2. Jalen Hurts - Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts has the brawns and talent to win a championship. He stays in tip-top shape, making it very difficult to see him ever having to struggle with major injuries. He also has a strong will to fight and win, which is kind of an intangible quality that comes in very useful.
1. Patrick Mahomes - Kansas City Chiefs
Surprise! Not. Of course this isn't a a surprise. Patrick Mahomes has led the Kansas City Chiefs to not just one but two Super Bowl wins over the past few years. Many think he'll lead them to another Super Bowl win this season. He's young but plays with the maturity of an older player. It would have been difficult to put anyone else at No. 1 on this list of the best NFL quarterbacks for the 2023 season.