Fantasy Football 2024: Five Bust-Proof Players You Must Draft
As fantasy football season approaches, it’s crucial to identify players who offer both value and reliability. Let’s explore five must-draft players for 2024 who have the potential to lead your team to victory.
- Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Current ADP: RB6, Pick 20.4 (Underdog); Pick 15 (Aggregate)
Saquon Barkley move to the Eagles significantly boosts his fantasy value. Despite a challenging 2023 with the Giants, he still performed well. Now, he’s part of one of the NFL’s best offenses.
Key Stats:
- Ranked 3rd in Dominator rating
- 15th in Breakaway run rate
- 18th in yards created
Barkley’s versatility and the Eagles’ high-powered offense give him RB1 potential. Drafting him in the second round could be a steal.
- George Pickens, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Current ADP: WR28, Pick 40.4 (Underdog); Pick 54 (Aggregate)
Pickens is poised for a breakout year as the Steelers’ clear WR1. His impressive 2023 stats hint at his potential:
- 5th in yards per target
- 1st in yards per route run
- 11th in yards per team pass attempt
With improved QB play and a more versatile role in Arthur Smith’s offense, Pickens offers top-12 upside at a bargain price.
- Amari Cooper, WR, Cleveland Browns
Current ADP: WR29, Pick 41.4 (Underdog); Pick 58 (Aggregate)
Cooper’s solid 2023 performance, despite QB inconsistencies, showcases his reliability. His connection with Deshaun Watson improved late in the season, suggesting even better things to come.
Notable Rankings:
- 12th in yards per target
- 3rd in yards per reception
- 13th in yards per team pass attempt
Cooper represents a safe pick with significant upside at his current ADP.
- Travis Etienne, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Current ADP: RB10, Pick 43.5 (Underdog); Pick 24 (Aggregate)
Etienne’s breakout 2023 season established him as a top fantasy RB. His consistency and dual-threat ability make him a valuable asset.
2023 Highlights:
- RB3 in PPR
- RB7 in PPR points per game
- 4th in carries (267)
- 7th in targets among RBs (73)
Despite the addition of Tank Bigsby, Etienne is expected to maintain his primary role in the improving Jaguars offense.
- Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions
Current ADP: QB16, Pick 127.0 (Underdog); Pick 112 (Aggregate)
Goff offers reliable production at a bargain price. His 2023 performance was impressive:
- QB7 overall, QB16 in points per game
- 2nd in pass attempts (35.6 per game)
- 2nd in completions (23.9 per game)
- 2nd in passing yards (4,571; 268.2 per game)
With a strong supporting cast including Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and newcomer Sam LaPorta, Goff leads one of the NFL’s most potent offenses. While he doesn’t contribute much in rushing, his passing volume and efficiency make him a valuable late-round pick.
Conclusion
These five players offer a combination of reliability and upside that can form the core of a championship-winning fantasy team. By targeting them in your draft, you’ll be setting yourself up for success in the 2024 season.
Remember to use your fantasy football draft board wisely and consider these players when making your selections. Good luck in your drafts!