The new NFL campaign is reaching the vital stages of the regular season. Playoff places are still on the line, but this is the crucial phase, where it’s important for all teams to maintain a winning record.
At the heart of the top franchises in each Conference is a clutch of players turning in standout contributions. As the NFL heads towards its postseason, who have been the best-performing individuals of 2023 so far?
Los Angeles Chargers Keenan Allen Among 2023’s Best NFL Players
Patrick Mahomes: Kansas City Chiefs
With Tom Brady having officially retired, Patrick Mahomes is now the standout quarterback in the NFL. The pressure is on the 28-year-old to maintain top levels of form, and he’s yet to disappoint.
The Chiefs went into the 2023 campaign as defending Super Bowl champions, and odds provided by California sports betting markets list them as favorites to defend the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
After nine regular season games, Kansas City sits on top of the AFC West, with a 7-3 record, and Mahomes has been their key player once again. Following the first 10 games of the regular 2023 season, the QB has thrown for 2,619 passing yards and 19 touchdowns.
Keenan Allen: Los Angeles Chargers
The man with the most receiving yards in the early stages of the season is LA Chargers’ Keenan Allen. The 31-year-old has been with the Chargers since the 2013 draft and is having one of his most productive campaigns to date.
In his first 10 games, the wide receiver had claimed 1,011 yards, while converting seven touchdowns. His total of 83 passes received is also the highest in the NFL at this stage.
Allen is a standout player on an underperforming Chargers side right now. Despite those excellent returns, the LA franchise sits in last place in the AFC West, so their key wide receiver needs better support.
Christian McCaffrey: San Francisco 49ers
After five years with the Carolina Panthers, Christian McCaffrey joined up with the San Francisco 49ers last season, and the trade is really starting to pay off. The running back currently tops the NFL’s rushing charts with 825 yards and 14 total touchdowns.
McCaffrey’s highest run of 65 yards is also the longest of his closest rivals in those rushing stats. Those efforts are paying dividends at Levi’s Stadium as the 49ers top the NFC West after 10 games, and appear to be on course for a place in the postseason.
Raheem Mostert: Miami Dolphins
Those who have followed the Miami Dolphins through some bleak times in recent years will have been delighted with their resurgence in 2023. Much of that improvement is down to Raheem Mostert who is 2nd in the early NFL touchdown stats with 13.
It’s a great achievement for a journeyman player who has so far struggled to find a regular home in the NFL. Mostert is now finding his best form after joining the Dolphins from the San Francisco 49ers in 2022, and his team is looking to close out a playoff slot.
After 10 games of the regular season, the Miami Dolphins lead the table in the AFC East Division with a 7-3 record. If Running Back Raheem Mostert can maintain his form levels, the Dolphins will be in the postseason shake-up.
T.J. Edwards: Chicago Bears
Linebackers can often be the unsung heroes of the NFL. They put in those crucial tackles, but it’s the members of the offensive teams that will claim all the glory. In 2023, T.J. Edwards of the Chicago Bears is returning the best stats at the halfway point of the regular season.
The 27-year-old has made 121 tackles overall, including two crucial sacks. Despite his outstanding numbers, it’s been a disappointing season for the Bears so far. They are bottom of the NFC North after 11 games, and that offense needs to step up and support the contributions of T.J. Edwards.
Brandon Aubrey: Dallas Cowboys
The importance of kickers is often overlooked, so let’s take a moment to appreciate the efforts of Brandon Aubrey. The Dallas Cowboys player has been with the team since the start of the season, and his first 21 field goal attempts in the NFL have all been successful.
That 100% return has been vital in tight contests, as the Cowboys look to keep pace with leaders the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East. It’s an impressive record for a talented sportsman, who has also played elite-level soccer.
It’s still early days in the 2023 NFL season, but these top players have already made their mark on the campaign. If their respective franchise teams are going to maintain a challenge at the top of their divisions, that top-class form will need to continue.
Others will be looking to make an impression as the campaign continues, and there is plenty of time for more NFL players to break through and add their names to this list.