One player from each NFL team for the new Backyard Football game
By Asher Fair
NFC North
Chicago Bears: D.J. Moore, WR
It was tempting to go with Caleb Williams, but I had to select the man who should be the rookie quarterback’s top offensive weapon. The fact that D.J. Moore has been able to achieve what he has been able to achieve with the quarterbacks he’s had throwing him the ball speaks volumes. If Williams even comes close to living up to the hype, look out.
Detroit Lions: Sam LaPorta, TE
With Patrick Mahomes getting the nod over Travis Kelce, I still had to give the tight end position a little bit of love here. Sam LaPorta is the obvious choice, given the incredible numbers he was able to put up in his rookie year with the Detroit Lions, a rookie year which saw the team win their first playoff game (two, in fact) in more than three decades.
Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love, QB
The second half of the 2023 season made it truly look like the Green Bay Packers have once again gotten it right at the quarterback position. Jordan Love’s numbers were MVP worthy, and he managed to take a team that started 3-6 to the second weekend of the playoffs. He earned himself two things: a mega contract extension, and the right to appear in the new Backyard Football game.
Minnesota Vikings: Justin Jefferson, WR
Don’t let his injury-shortened 2023 season make you think that Justin Jefferson isn’t still the best wide receiver in the NFL. He was made for Backyard Football, and the developers absolutely need to include “The Griddy” as a celebration.