The 2023 NFL season is officially here, and with it comes another year of unpredictable madness that makes the league so fun. The following five players are among the biggest X-factors in the NFL, simply because they all play important positions and have a wide range of outcomes. Some of these players are veterans trying to recapture their past forms, while others are young players looking to establish themselves at the highest level.
5 X-Factors For the 2023 NFL Season
Michael Thomas
At his best, Michael Thomas is one of the most efficient and dominant wide receivers in the game. The only problem is that we haven’t seen him at his best since 2019. Thomas has played in just 10 games over the past three seasons, but he has shown signs of life during his limited action. Last year, the wide receiver recorded 16 receptions for 171 yards and three touchdowns in the first three games of the season. Had he maintained that pace, he would’ve finished with 91 receptions for 969 yards and 17 touchdowns.
The Saints already have a star wide receiver in Chris Olave, but they need a second proven option. If Thomas can return to form, then that should be enough for the Saints to win a weak NFC South.
MICHAEL THOMAS AGAIN!
2nd touchdown of the day vs ATL. Welcome back! 💪 pic.twitter.com/z6pXcTfhZR
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 11, 2022
Bryce Young
The Carolina Panthers finally have a franchise quarterback, and he’s one of the biggest X-factors in the entire NFL. Normally, any team holding the first-overall pick is not ready to make the playoffs, but the Panthers could be the exception to the rule. After firing Matt Rhule, the team finished the year with a strong 6-6 record despite having Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and P.J. Walker under center.
The Panthers have a strong defense and play in a weak division, so they have a path to the playoffs. However, if Young doesn’t hit the ground running, then they might as well shift their focus to 2024.
David Ojabo
The Baltimore Ravens selected David Ojabo in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but that never would’ve happened if he didn’t suffer an Achilles injury in the pre-draft process. Ojabo was projected to be a first-round pick by just about everyone and has the potential to be a 10-sack guy if he finds his old form.
However, what makes him one of the biggest X-factors in the NFL is if he’ll be able to recapture his old explosiveness. Achilles injuries are notoriously difficult for any position, and some players are never able to completely recapture their old athleticism. Only time will tell if Ojabo is up for the challenge, but the Ravens could use another young pass rusher.
Kadarius Toney
The Kansas City Chiefs desperately need another reliable receiver to complement Travis Kelce. On paper, that somebody should be Kadarius Toney, as the former first-round pick is a great route runner and insanely explosive after the catch. However, in practice, he’s wildly inconsistent and always battling some kind of injury. Toney is already hurt and might not play Week 1, but once he comes back, this X-factor could turn into one of the most dangerous receivers in the NFL if everything pans out.
Rashawn Slater
Los Angeles Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater hit the ground running as a rookie, starting 16 games while establishing himself as one of the best in the business. Following his Pro Bowl rookie season, most expected the first-round pick to play at an All-Pro level in Year 2.
Sadly, that didn’t happen, as injuries limited him to just three games. Fortunately, Slater is back now and is responsible for protecting the richest man in football. Justin Herbert is a great young quarterback, but he’ll need all the help he can get to take down the Kansas City Chiefs. If Slater stays healthy, he could be the difference between a division title and a Wild Card appearance.
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Main Photo: Stephen Lew – USA Today Sports
