Aug 24, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Colts try to regain footing in wake of another overhaul

Indianapolis Colts

2022 record: 4-12-1, third AFC South

Playoff picture: A playoff staple during the Peyton Manning era, the Colts have been to the postseason just twice in the past eight seasons.

Biggest Week 1 question: The question isn’t whether Jonathan Taylor will suit up Week 1 — he will miss at least the first four weeks of the season after being placed on the physically unable to perform list (ankle). The more urgent point: Is his relationship with the Colts’ front office toast? The team allowed Taylor to seek a trade but none materialized by its self-imposed deadline of Aug. 29. GM Chris Ballard said “relationships are repairable.”

What’s new: Shane Steichen is Indianapolis’ first-year head coach after interim coach Jeff Saturday’s eight-game audition to close 2022 ended with a 1-7 record. Anthony Richardson is Steichen’s starting quarterback after being selected fourth overall in April’s draft. It’s a change of pace after trying Band-aids like Philip Rivers and Matt Ryan in recent years, but perhaps too far a swing in the other direction. Richardson started just 13 games at Florida.

They’re gone: The Colts’ departures weren’t only at quarterback (Ryan, Nick Foles). Five starters from last year’s defense have moved on, including second-leading tackler Bobby Okereke, No. 1 cornerback Stephon Gilmore and pass-rush specialist Yannick Ngakoue.

On the money: Taylor, the 2021 NFL rushing leader, did not receive a contract extension offer entering the final year of his rookie contract. While fellow running backs Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley had to settle for one-year deals from the Raiders and Giants over the summer, tensions between Taylor and Indianapolis became inflamed as neither side budged. Indianapolis reportedly sought a first-round draft pick if it were to trade Taylor.

Get to know: Shaquille Leonard was a first-team All-Pro three times in his first four seasons in the league. A combination of back surgery recovery and a concussion limited him to three games in 2022. Some Colts fans were upset, but Leonard said the only selfish thing he did was try to play when he wasn’t healthy, hindering his team.

Vegas says: As of Aug. 30, large majorities of the handle and the total tickets at BetMGM are on the Colts to fall short of 6.5 wins in Year 1 of the Steichen-Richardson era.

Aug 26, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA;  Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) is stopped by Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford (47) during the first half  at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Bears change tone, believe in rapid rebuild

Chicago Bears
2022 record: 3-14, fourth NFC North

Playoff picture: The Bears have missed the playoffs in 10 of the past 12 seasons. Their last postseason win came at the end of the 2010 season.

Biggest Week 1 question: Is quarterback Justin Fields ready to take his game to the next level in his third NFL season? The Bears’ hopes for a resurgence ride heavily on Fields, who is a gifted athlete but has posted an underwhelming 79.7 quarterback rating in his first two seasons.

What’s new: The Bears badly needed a top-tier wide receiver, and they jumped at the chance to acquire D.J. Moore from the Carolina Panthers before the draft. Moore put together three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons before falling short last season with 63 catches for 888 yards and seven touchdowns. In free agency, the Bears opened their wallets to bring in linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who signed a four-year deal with nearly $42 million guaranteed. Other signings included guard Nate Davis, running back D’Onta Foreman and tight end Robert Tonyan.

They’re gone: Running back David Montgomery left via free agency, signing with the division rival Detroit Lions. Montgomery was the Bears’ lead back for the previous four seasons, averaging 3.9 yards per carry while tallying 3,609 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns in that time. His absence creates a big opportunity for Khalil Herbert as primary running back.

On the money: The Bears had flexibility under the salary cap this offseason, but next season they will need to make some decisions at wide receiver. Wideouts Darnell Mooney, Chase Claypool, Equanimeous St. Brown and Dante Pettis all are set to become unrestricted free agents following this season.

Get to know: Rookie right tackle Darnell Wright might not sell a lot of jerseys, but he will be an important factor in the Bears’ offense this season. The Tennessee product impressed coaches during training camp and will be part of a new-look group that tries to protect Fields.

Vegas says: BetMGM set the Bears’ odds to win the NFC North at +450, making them the biggest longshot in a relatively tight division.

–Field Level Media

Aug 21, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) passes the ball during warmups prior to their game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Most intriguing bets in the Super Bowl futures market

One week before the NFL regular season begins, we surveyed the futures market to find our best bets.

The Chiefs and Eagles are betting favorites to meet again in Super Bowl LVIII, with BetMGM offering odds at +1400, which is as good a place as any to start with 2023 predictions.

History would suggest that bettors would be wise to expect a different matchup. There has been one instance (Cowboys vs. Bills – Super Bowl XXVIII) where the same teams faced one another in back-to-back Super Bowls.

Given the long list of talented quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Trevor Lawrence and Tua Tagovailoa in the AFC, the Chiefs face a more difficult road than the Eagles in returning to the Super Bowl.

Here are the most intriguing futures we found ahead of Week 1:

–Eagles to win the NFC (+330 at FanDuel)

When we examine the NFC at the most important position, quarterback, the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts appears to be head and shoulders above the competition.

Philadelphia finished with the highest margin of victory (9.3 points per game) in 2022 despite Hurts missing two weeks due to a shoulder injury.

For a second straight season, the Eagles pulled off another impressive draft haul, landing two defenders in the first round with Georgia’s Jalen Carter (ninth overall) and Nolan Smith (30th overall), who should boost the league-leading pass rush.

The Eagles used their fourth-round pick on another Bulldog in cornerback Kelee Ringo (105th overall). Ringo will join Illinois safety Sydney Brown (66th overall) in the secondary, which already features quality depth at cornerback.

In the second round, Philadelphia selected Alabama offensive tackle Tyler Steen (65th overall), and all five players could see plenty of action early on.

And the team addressed Hurts’ backup spot by signing Marcus Mariota. That depth and the lack of proven, quality quarterbacks in the NFC make Philadelphia the likelier of the two Super Bowl teams to get back to the big game.

–Bengals to win the AFC (+550 at FanDuel)
Bonus: Bengals vs. Eagles Super Bowl exacta (+2000 at BetMGM)

We already know the Bengals believe they’re the biggest challenge to the Chiefs.

The Bengals dodged a bullet with Burrow when their franchise quarterback suffered a non-contact calf injury during training camp. Although things looked grim initially, the Bengals plan to have Burrow ready for Week 1, and he was back at practice this week.

After narrowly losing to the Chiefs by a field goal in the AFC Championship Game, the Bengals retooled their roster, receiving an A for their offseason grade from Pro Football Focus.

Cincinnati bolstered its offensive line, snagging Chiefs left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. on a four-year deal.

In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Bengals used their first three picks to strengthen their defense with Clemson defensive end Myles Murphy (28th overall), Michigan cornerback DJ Turner (60th overall) and Alabama safety Jordan Battle (95th overall).

If there’s one team that can supplant the Chiefs in the AFC, it’s the Bengals. It’s worth noting that Cincinnati is 3-1 against Kansas City with Burrow under center.

But Cincinnati isn’t the only team with a legitimate shot to take down the champs.

–Ravens to win the AFC (+1100 at Caesars)
Bonus: Ravens vs. Eagles Super Bowl exacta (+4000 at BetMGM)

Healthy and happy, quarterback Lamar Jackson enters the 2023 season with the security of a new long-term contract. It shouldn’t surprise anyone if questions about his durability dissipate for good.

Let’s not forget that Jackson is still only 26 years old. The Ravens are 46-19 (.708) with the former MVP as their starting quarterback.

Baltimore’s defense finished the year seventh overall in Football Outsiders DVOA (defense adjusted value over average) metric. And despite opting not to re-sign veteran players like edge rushers Justin Houston, Jason Pierre-Paul and Steven Means in free agency, the roster appears deep enough to withstand those losses.

Young edge rushers David Ojabo, Odafe Oweh and Tyus Bowser should be ready to take on more responsibility in pressure packages.

The Ravens are also well-positioned to overcome the loss of free agents Marcus Peters and Kyle Fuller at the cornerback position.

Veteran Rock Ya-Sin will join three-time Pro Bowl selection Marlon Humphrey in the secondary.

There are a few new toys to play with at the wide receiver position after the Ravens signed the dynamic Odell Beckham Jr. to a one-year deal. Beckham could form a scintillating partnership alongside Baltimore’s 22nd overall pick, Zay Flowers (Boston College).

Flowers has been a much-discussed player in Baltimore for his potential to make a big impact.

–Field Level Media

The Patriots brought back offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Bill O'Brien (right) in hopes of helping head coach Bill Belichick return to the playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots reconfigure with route back to playoffs in mind

New England Patriots

2022 record: 8-9, third AFC East

Playoff picture: The Patriots missed the playoffs for just the third time in 20 years and made big changes in what has transformed into one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions.

Biggest Week 1 question: What will the offense look like with Bill O’Brien returning as New England’s offensive coordinator? O’Brien held the post in 2011, when the Patriots lost in the Super Bowl, but he’s tasked with fixing a unit that ranked 26th in total yards per game (314.6) and 17th in points per game (21.4) in 2022.

What’s new: With O’Brien back in the saddle, New England completely revamped its offense, bringing in RB Ezekiel Elliott, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster and TE Mike Gesicki. The Patriots also bolstered their offensive line with the additions of tackles Riley Reiff and Calvin Anderson.

They’re gone: Veteran safety Devin McCourty retired, leaving New England with a young secondary. WR Jakobi Meyers, who had team highs in receiving yards (804) and TDs (six) on 67 catches last season, signed with Las Vegas Raiders to reunite with former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. RB Damien Harris signed with the Buffalo Bills, while New England traded away K Nick Folk.

On the money: After a contract dispute caused DT Lawrence Guy to skip minicamp, the Patriots still haven’t figured things out with one of the most consistent pieces of their defensive line. Guy is in the third year of a four-year deal, but his future with New England is up in the air.

Get to know: First-round pick Christian Gonzalez was considered a top-10 prospect, and the Patriots were able to land him at No. 17. He recorded 50 tackles, 11 pass breakups and four interceptions in 12 games at Oregon last season.

The Patriots also have a pair of rookie receivers that could make an immediate impact in Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte. Both were selected in the sixth round of this year’s draft and showed out in training camp.

Vegas says: FanDuel has the win total for the Patriots at 7.5. New England also sits at +250 to reach the postseason and is the biggest underdog to win the division at +800.

–Field Level Media

Jul 26, 2023; Costa Mesa, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws the ball as quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier watches during training camp at Jack Hammett Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers in prove-it mode, chase consecutive 10-win seasons

Los Angeles Chargers

2022 record: 10-7, second AFC West

Playoff picture: The Chargers made the playoffs for the third time in 13 seasons in 2022. They potentially can get there again, but head coach Brandon Staley is potentially at risk if he falls short given the way the postseason exit came about.

Biggest Week 1 question: The Chargers collapsed in epic fashion in last season’s playoffs, blowing a 27-point lead and losing 31-30 to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Is the residue of that collapse still hanging around? Kellen Moore is the new offensive coordinator and he will be asked to take quarterback Justin Herbert to the next level. The buzzwords in training camp: vertical passing.

What’s new: The Chargers believe veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks still has fuel in the tank. He was a six-time Pro Bowler in eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. First-round pick Quentin Johnston arrives at a time when veteran Keenan Allen (10 games in 2022) might be slowing down; his health is no longer a given. Johnston was the 21st overall pick and looks like a power forward in cleats, bringing mismatches in the red zone.

They’re gone: Linebacker Drue Tranquill moved on and landed with the AFC West rival Chiefs. Three-year starting safety Nassir Adderley surprisingly retired at age 25.

On the money: Herbert signed a five-year $262.5 million deal to become the highest-paid player in NFL history before he has won a single playoff game. He has thrown for more yards (14,089) than any player in his first three NFL seasons. Austin Ekeler wants more pay, too. While running backs are battling to regain financial footing, Ekeler has been essential to the Chargers and Herbert, scoring 38 total touchdowns over the last two seasons (most in the NFL). Pass rusher Joey Bosa and safety Derwin James are stellar and the club hopes linebacker Khalil Mack can reach double digits in sacks for the first time since 2018.

Get to know: Johnston will increase the depth at receiver. Allen is a five-time Pro Bowler but averaged 11.4 yards or less in each of Herbert’s three seasons. While Allen missed seven games, sidekick Mike Williams missed four in the regular season and also sat out the Jacksonville loss. So a youthful Johnston figures to be valuable.

Nobody is anointing Johnston as the next Lance Alworth or Charlie Joiner, but the TCU product has tremendous athleticism. He played high school basketball and said he patterned part of his game after Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon. Expect him to win his share of jump balls.

Vegas says: BetMGM set the Chargers’ win mark at 9.5 (over -115).

–Field Level Media

Jan 7, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) runs the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders resume rebuild, reunite Jimmy G with former coach

Las Vegas Raiders

2022 record: 6-11, third AFC West

Playoff picture: The Raiders have made two postseason appearances in 20 seasons with their last victory coming in 2002.
Biggest Week 1 question: After nine seasons of Derek Carr, the Raiders now employ Jimmy Garoppolo, who will be under the microscope from the first snap. Garropolo is familiar with the system, having played for New England while Las Vegas coach Josh McDaniels was offensive coordinator of the Patriots.

What’s new: Garoppolo figures to provide the Raiders with steady if not spectacular play. Whether the Raiders can contend with him is uncertain since they didn’t come close last season with running back Josh Jacobs and receiver Davante Adams enjoying big seasons. Las Vegas added receiver Jakobi Meyers, while second-round pick Michael Mayer could be a quick contributor at tight end. Las Vegas might have scored big by drafting defensive end Tyree Wilson, the seventh overall pick, and he could join defensive Maxx Crosby as an up-front playmaker. The Raiders also added safety Marcus Epps.

They’re gone: Carr became the scapegoat for the poor 2022 season and was benched after 15 games. Carr got the last laugh by refusing to waive his no-trade clause. The Raiders released him and got nothing in return after he signed with the Saints. Tight end Darren Waller struggled with injuries last season and the Raiders sent him packing via trade to the New York Giants in the offseason.

On the money: Jacobs led the NFL in rushing yards (1,653) and yards from scrimmage (2,053) and then had to hold out to receive a one-year, $12 million deal. Adams fared quite well with 1,516 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in his first pro season without catching passes from Aaron Rodgers. Those two playmakers should again excel.

Get to know: Jacobs may be the Raiders’ top all-around player and one of the league’s top running backs, but he didn’t seek the bright lights during his holdout.

The 25-year-old left Las Vegas and returned to his hometown of Tulsa, Okla., to be around his children and other family members. To keep in shape, he worked out at his former high school — McLain High — and enjoyed the opportunity to mentor the school’s football players.

Vegas says: BetMGM pegs the Raiders win total at 7.5. That number only gets exceeded (+130) if Garoppolo proves to be a good fit.

–Field Level Media

Jan 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) scores a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Fantasy football: 2023 RB rankings; Nick Chubb the 1?

Offseason narratives focused on the devalued running back position are mostly moot in fantasy football.

San Francisco 49ers All-Pro Christian McCaffrey, the highest-paid player at the position, stands as the most coveted in leagues awarding points for receptions. Durability questions aside, McCaffrey fits perfectly in coach Kyle Shanahan’s scheme even if it means sacrificing goal-line touches for wide receiver wizardry and the occasional Deebo (Samuel) dive.

Nick Chubb of the Cleveland Browns stands to receive more third-down work this season with Kareem Hunt gone. Based on his track record of consistency and top production, he could be the back that stands out.

But because Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler’s resume shows a TD machine who just so happened to finish tied for fifth in the NFL with 107 receptions, going headlong for Chubb is a massive leap of faith.

Here are our top 30 fantasy running backs in 2023:

1. Nick Chubb, Browns

If not for falling four yards shy of the millennium mark as a rookie, Chubb would have had 1,000 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns in each of his first five pro campaigns.

2. Christian McCaffrey, 49ers

Let’s go with 1A instead of 2 on the ratings scale. McCaffrey remains an acceptable choice for the No. 1 pick. For reference, he had more receptions than Seattle Seahawks wideout Tyler Lockett last season, and 52 of them came after being traded to the 49ers from the Carolina Panthers in October.

3. Austin Ekeler, Chargers

Can you say contract year? With 107 receptions last season, Ekeler tied Dallas Cowboys wideout CeeDee Lamb for fifth and the Chargers, while part of the pay-your-running-back narrative we discussed up top, added only change-of-pace options in the offseason.

4. Saquon Barkley, Giants

Barkley comes with some injury worry but his floor in Brian Daboll’s offense looks likely to be as a 1,000-yard, 10-touchdown performer.

5. Jonathan Taylor, TBD/Colts

Oh pay, you say? Taylor’s ankle wasn’t right after Week 4 and he hasn’t strapped on a helmet in August while pining for a relocating in a standoff with the Colts. Trade or no trade, Taylor will get on the field at some point and don’t forget he led the NFL in rushing with 1,811 yards in 2021.

6. Josh Jacobs, Raiders

Right, the money thing. Franchise-tagged and a no-show during camp, Jacobs averaged almost 100 rushing yards per game in 2022 and set a career high with 340 attempts. When he returns, he’s the centerpiece of a rebuilt offense.

7. Bijan Robinson, Falcons

A dynamic back with speed and agility with open-field skill to thrive as a receiver, Robinson could jump into the top five of the position rankings as the bell-cow in Arthur Smith’s scheme.

8. Derrick Henry, Titans

Henry has scored double-digit touchdowns five seasons around as the one constant in a tattered Tennessee offense that was starting a practice squad signee at quarterback late last season.

9. Najee Harris, Steelers

Harris ranked fifth in the NFL in carries in 2022 and had 39 touches in the red zone. If he gets the same opportunities this season as Kenny Pickett proves a polished passer, Harris could be in the 1,500-yard range.

10. Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks

Walker has to share the opportunities that made him a breakout fantasy back in 2022 as a rookie. The Seahawks picked a running back in the second round for the second straight year, adding Zach Charbonnet from UCLA to form a clear thunder-and-lightning tandem. Charbonnet likely is to be the goal-line back.

11. Travis Etienne Jr., Jaguars

Jacksonville added more backs, but Etienne brings the big-play ability and built-in chemistry with former college teammate Trevor Lawrence to trust he’ll be the RB1.

12. Tony Pollard, Cowboys

A first-time starter, the only thing holding us back on buying higher on Pollard is head coach Mike McCarthy’s desire to spread the load among multiple ballcarriers.

13. Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots

14. Dalvin Cook, Jets

15. Aaron Jones, Packers

16. Rachaad White, Buccaneers

17. Dameon Pierce, Texans

18. Miles Sanders, Panthers

19. Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions

20. Cam Akers, Rams

21. James Conner, Cardinals

22. J.K. Dobbins, Ravens

23. Breece Hall, Jets

24. Joe Mixon, Bengals

25. Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs

26. Brian Robinson Jr., Commanders

27. Javonte Williams, Broncos

28. Alvin Kamara, Saints

29. Jamaal Williams, Saints

30. AJ Dillon, Packers

–Field Level Media

Nov 27, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (17) celebrates his touchdown reception during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Fantasy football: 2023 WR rankings highlight emerging Garrett Wilson

Aaron Rodgers landing with the New York Jets changes a few things in the fantasy football landscape.

For starters, the value of NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson shot through the roof. The wide receiver instantly drew comparisons to Rodgers’ former favorite target, Davante Adams, who rolls with rather exclusive All-Pro company.

Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, with 324 receptions in his first 50 NFL games, continues to smash records and stands as one of the most coveted players in fantasy football in 2023.

If drafting today, here’s our analyst’s rating of the top 25 fantasy football wide receivers for 2023:

1. Justin Jefferson, Vikings
Being solid as a baseline and sensational with regularity is the way to win your fantasy title. Jefferson had eight touchdowns last season, a modest total for No. 1 overall pick consideration, but 10 games with 100-plus yards (including 184, 154, 193 and 223) and six games with 10 or more receptions.

2. Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals
At 23, Chase already has plenty of pelts on the wall. Jefferson’s teammate at LSU should continue rising provided he avoids injuries. An Offensive Player of the Year type of season is infinitely possible.

3. Tyreek Hill, Dolphins
Hill changed teams and promptly had 119 receptions, while also demolishing Mark Clayton’s team record for receiving yards with 1,710 in his first season in Miami.

4. Garrett Wilson, Jets
Aaron Rodgers? Yes, please. Wilson topped 1,100 yards last season and posted 100-yard games with these fellas: Joe Flacco, Zach Wilson and Mike White. Grab him early and don’t apologize.

5. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions
Get to know him. Try to own him, fantasy freaks. He’s tops in NFL history in receptions (196) and games with eight-plus catches (11) and second in receiving yards (2,073) through a player’s first two seasons.

6. Cooper Kupp, Rams
The Rams had to tap the brakes on Kupp during training camp. Considering he turned 30 this summer and played only nine games last season, this is a buyer beware player with an unstable QB situation. When he’s right — well, Kupp won the Triple Crown two seasons ago with the most catches, yards and TD catches in the NFL.

7. Davante Adams, Raiders
Maybe the QB doesn’t matter for Adams. We might be about to find out. He has six seasons with 10-plus TD receptions.

8. Stefon Diggs, Bills
Josh Allen’s WR1 might lose red-zone touches as Buffalo buys into spreading the ball around, and he was angry throughout the offseason. If he goes full diva mode, we apologize for not ranking him lower. Consider this a mild warning.

9. CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys
Lamb appeared to round into form with Dak Prescott in the lineup, posting 100-yard games in five of the final nine last season and setting a career-best with nine TDs.

10. A.J. Brown, Eagles
Brown fell four yards shy of 1,500 in his first season with the Eagles and an encore or better should be doable.

11. Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins
12. DeVonta Smith, Eagles
13. DK Metcalf, Seahawks
14. Tee Higgins, Bengals
15. Chris Olave, Saints
16. Deebo Samuel, 49ers
17. Keenan Allen, Chargers
18. D.J. Moore, Bears
19. Amari Cooper, Browns
20. Mike Williams, Chargers
21. DeAndre Hopkins, Cardinals
22. Calvin Ridley, Jaguars
23. Terry McLaurin, Commanders
24. George Pickens, Steelers
25. Mike Evans, Buccaneers

–Field Level Media

Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart talks with tight end Brock Bowers (19) during the second half in the CFP national championship game against the TCU Horned Frogs at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

No. 1 again: Georgia dons blinders, begins chase for historic three-peat

Kirby Smart left January travel itineraries and references to the Southeastern Conference championship game out of his motivational material as Georgia pursues history in 2023.

National champions in 2021 and 2022, the Bulldogs are No. 1 in preseason polls and ready for the gates to open on the 2023 season surrounded by expectations rooted in trophies.

While Smart is largely responsible for the results driving the public to view Georgia as a standing favorite yet again, he’s asking players to forget 29 wins in the past 30 games, ignore the fact no SEC team has a win over the Bulldogs in the regular season since 2020 and close your eyes when passing those twin College Football Playoff national titles permanently displayed.

Smart’s approach is to call on players and coaches to think beyond results and embrace selflessness. Previous accolades allow enthusiasm and ego to focus only on wins and accomplishments.

“That’s not what we do at Georgia. That’s not what we bring into our place. That’s not what we bring into the culture we want to have. We want selfless people who love football, and that’s what we build around,” Smart said.

He’s gone to significant lengths to gain team-wide buy-in to focus forward, lock in on what’s next and never mind the many mirrors. Smart introduced players — scores of them having never seen Michael Jordan play — to the 1990s Chicago Bulls to brand the concept of sustained focus. He went a step further with an expansive six-week lesson on the New Zealand All-Blacks, recognized for longevity and success.

Winning is a secondary goal for now to beating complacency.

“We’ve tried to change it up. This year we studied the New Zealand All-Blacks, most successful sports team in the history of really teams, over 100 years they’ve had the highest winning percentage,” Smart said. “We took a deep dive. We took a six weeks. We took a title and a mantra from them and studied those things for six weeks because we don’t want complacency. They’ve done it better than anybody else, and we use that.”

Rankings might draw an eye roll from Smart, but recruiting analysts concur Georgia again has the prime incoming class in college football. And the Bulldogs might need it.

They need to replace quarterback Stetson Bennett, defensive tackle Jalen Carter, offensive tackle Broderick Jones, linebacker Nolan Smith, cornerback Kelee Ringo, running back Kenny McIntosh, tight end Darnell Washington and eight others who were drafted after winning the national title in January.

But opponents should be cautioned against a victory lap. The 2021 national championship team got there only after Georgia swiftly replaced 15 draft picks including five 2020 first-rounders.

There are 14 players on the coaches’ All-SEC preseason team and four, including Heisman Trophy candidate tight end Brock Bowers, were named AP Preseason All-Americans.

Smart loves recognition for his players. But with a locker room that includes juniors and seniors that won at least one national championship, he’s not pausing for any preseason ovations.

“I hope they all wanna eat off the floor,” Smart said, “or we are going to be in trouble.

“We had somebody speak to the team, and they said, ‘There’s two times you eat off the floor. Either the floor is really clean, or you’re really hungry,’ and we’re hoping were hungry as hell.”

–Field Level Media

Feb 13, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes speaks flanked by Vince Lombardi Trophy during the Super Bowl 57 Winning Team Head Coach and MVP press conference at the Phoenix Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Spread the news: Chiefs true favorites in 2023

Reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes is among the favorites for the award again in 2023, and the Kansas City Chiefs are tops in the AFC in projected wins while also checking in as the frontrunners to win the Super Bowl.

A check of preseason odds for the NFL’s top prizes comes up Kansas City.

BetMGM projects the defending AFC champions to lead the conference in wins with an over-under of 11.5, which is even with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Chiefs beat the Eagles in the Super Bowl in February and at +600 are the leader in that futures market at DraftKings and FanDuel.

A rigorous schedule awaits the Chiefs, starting with the NFC North betting favorite Detroit Lions (+140) visiting in the NFL opener on Sept. 7.

But Kansas City is favored to win all 17 regular-season games with odds forecast for the entire season by multiple sportsbooks.

DraftKings has the Chiefs favored by more than a touchdown three times.

Kansas City was heavily bet in 2022 and posted a 14-3 record. But the Chiefs were 7-10-1 against the spread according to Vegas.com.

When it comes to close games, the tightest spread the Chiefs face entering the season is Week 4 at the Jets. Kansas City is a two-point favorite. The Chiefs are 3.5-point favorites when the Eagles visit Arrowhead Stadium in Week 11.

The Eagles and San Francisco 49ers are favored in 16 of their 17 regular-season games using preseason lines from DraftKings. The Eagles are favored over the 49ers in their head-to-head meeting Dec. 3 in Philadelphia.

–Field Level Media