Whether it’s for fantasy football or the average fan at the water cooler, identifying offenses set to take a step forward can give you an edge. In order to identify offense improvement, the team needs to be analyzed. This includes the quarterback, weapons and offensive line. For 2023, target players in these offenses set to improve.
Note – These offenses finished outside the top 20 in points per game in 2022, any higher offenses are excluded.
Three Teams Primed for Offense Improvement in 2023
The New York Jets
Calling for the Jets to improve is like forecasting rain in a hurricane. It feels like a free square. After the Aaron Rodgers trade, this offense is going to be one to watch. With the Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco Mike White circus it will be refreshing for Jets fans to have competent quarterback play.
Garrett Wilson is a top 20 receiver in the league, Breece Hall is a top ten running back when healthy, and the secondary weapons are all useful. The team finished with 17.4 points per game in 2022, and with a stout defense, they likely won’t crack the top five. However, the offense’s improvement will put them healthily in the league average and shootouts with the Bills will be fun for everyone.
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Initial reports are the Achilles heel of this offense will be the line. They are struggling against the Jets defense, but to be fair most lines would. If they can keep Rodgers upright, the AFC needs to be on notice.
The Pittsburgh Steelers
Rookie quarterbacks put a ceiling on an offense. Between Pickett taking third-string reps, Trubisky struggling and Rudolph existing this offense was terrible in 2022. It has to get better in 2023. This offense will ride or die with Kenny Pickett, but all reports are that he is looking great in camp. Compared to where this team was in 2022, the structure gives reasons for hope. Due to Pickett owning the off-season, he has had more time to gel with the offense and lead the improvement.
Diontae Johnson is a former Pro-Bowler, Pickens is a self-proclaimed Madden-created player and Freiermuth is the perfect safety blanket. Najee Harris has his truthers and haters but is a reliable bell cow back at worst. If Pickett can even perform as a league average quarterback this offense will leap into the top ten for 2023.
The biggest cause for hope in Pittsburgh is the projected offensive line improvement. First-round pick Broderick Jones is head and shoulders over Dan Moore Jr. They filled all of their free agency needs with Isaac Seumalo and Nate Herbig.
The New Orleans Saints
Is Derek Carr an improvement over Andy Dalton? Probably not. But Michael Thomas returning from injury, Chris Olave stepping into year two and backfield additions of Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller cannot be ignored. The NFC South is wide open, and the Saints refuse to rebuild. Their schedule is laughably easy, so an offense improvement isn’t crazy.
The Saints offensive line was weak in 2022, but they don’t face many crazy pass rushes in 2023. Trevor Penning is stepping into year two, and Ryan Ramczyk is no slouch. Lots of opportunities to improve in 2023 and beyond.
Main Photo Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
