Fantasy football X factors: Eight players who could be

Soon after posting my initial 2023 fantasy football PPR rankings after the NFL draft, I put together a list of players who possess considerable upside but about whom I have questions with regard to their fantasy outlooks.

These players are capable of big seasons due to their traits, scheme fit and potential opportunity. The questions stem from various factors, including anticipated weekly volume and offensive deployment. The mix of potential and uncertainty is why I consider them fantasy X factors this season.

There are some big names below, too. Guys you might not usually place in an X factor conversation. But as you’ll see, I have my reasons for their inclusion.

Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers

Herbert has top-five upside at the position if we see a Chargers offense — under new coordinator Kellen Moore — that caters to the quarterback’s high-end physical tools. In ’22, while playing in a system built on rhythm throws from the pocket, Herbert finished 15th among quarterbacks with 16.5 fantasy points per game after finishing second the previous season. And he carried the ball on only 27 designed rushes last season. With the addition of explosive rookie wide receiver Quentin Johnston to complement a proven group of skill talent in L.A., Moore could really boost Herbert’s fantasy production here. Bump the vertical element in the pass game, use movement concepts and deploy Herbert on designed rushes in the low red zone.

Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Harris is a volume grinder who will carry the ball behind an…