Fantasy & Betting
5/3/24
12 min read
Fantasy Football 2024: Ranking This Year's Top 24 Players
The 2024 NFL Draft is in the books, and we are officially in fantasy football season.
While most home leagues won’t start drafting for another three or four months, it’s never too early to see who the top fantasy options are heading into the new year.
With that in mind, here are the top 24 players in standard PPR leagues going into the 2024 season:
24 Top Fantasy Football Players for 2024
1. Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers 
If you have the No. 1 pick in your fantasy leagues, it’s hard not to select Christian McCaffrey. There are concerns about his age (28 in June) and all of the work the San Francisco 49ers have put on his body over the past two seasons.
Still, he scored 21 touchdowns last season and recorded more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage. The 49ers might limit his workload some in 2024, but expect him to be heavily involved in the passing game and be the No. 1 option in the red zone.
2. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys 
CeeDee Lamb had a monster season in 2023, setting career highs in targets, catches, yards and touchdowns. He and Dak Prescott clicked like never before, resulting in massive fantasy numbers.
The Dallas Cowboys did not add any weapons this offseason to limit Lamb’s workload. In fact, they lost a few key players such as Tony Pollard and Michael Gallup. Lamb is on track for another huge fantasy season in 2024.
3. Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings 
Justin Jefferson was the No. 1 pick in most fantasy drafts last season, but an early injury caused him to miss a significant chunk of the season.
When he returned, Kirk Cousins was out of the lineup (Achilles), but that didn’t stop Jefferson from posting huge numbers. The upside might not quite be there with Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy as quarterbacks, but Jefferson is still one of the league’s most explosive playmakers on a good offense with an excellent playcaller.
4. Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins 
Tyreek Hill fell just short of his goal of 2,000 receiving yards last season, but he wasn’t far off. He scored 13 touchdowns and led the league in receiving yards again. It will be tough for Hill to replicate those numbers, but if anyone can, it's him.
The good news is there are far fewer questions at quarterback than there were a year ago, and Hill is now entering Year 3 with the Miami Dolphins. He is a threat to score on any play and is one of the most fun players to have in fantasy every year.
5. Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons 
It’s difficult to say that Bijan Robinson was a “disappointment” as a rookie after racking up more than 1,400 yards from scrimmage and scoring eight touchdowns.
However, he wasn’t quite as dominant or productive in fantasy as anticipated. Now that Arthur Smith is gone, the Falcons are leaning toward Robinson as the workhorse back.
Atlanta's offense should improve in 2024, leading to more scoring opportunities. He is the clear-cut No. 2 RB this year, behind only McCaffrey.
6. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals 
It’s been a while since we’ve seen a healthy Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase play together. Given both players’ history, it’s tough to rely on them.
However, Chase is arguably the league’s best receiver and is coming off another solid 1,200-yard season. If Burrow can stay healthy, watch out as Chase enters his age-24 season.
7. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions 
If you are looking for a safe pick in Round 1, look no further than Amon-Ra St. Brown. In the last two seasons, St. Brown has caught 225 passes for 2,676 yards and 16 touchdowns.
His week-to-week floor is incredibly high because the Lions pepper him with targets. You would like to see more touchdown upside from St. Brown, but the gaudy reception totals make him a steal in PPR leagues.
8. Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams 
Puka Nacua went from a Day 3 pick during the 2023 NFL Draft to one of the best fantasy seasons in recent memory.
As a rookie, Nacua caught 105 passes, totaling 1,575 yards. After getting into the end zone just six times on 172 looks (targets + carries), the next step for Nacua is to score more touchdowns.
Look for the Los Angeles Rams to lean on him even more this season, especially given Cooper Kupp's age (31 in June) and injury history.
9. A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles 
Since joining the Philadelphia Eagles, A.J. Brown has averaged a whopping 87 yards per game, and he's only getting better.
He saw a career-high 158 targets last season, catching 106 passes for 1,456 yards. With Kellen Moore installed as the offensive coordinator, look for Brown to play more slot snaps than ever, which should allow him to rack up the receptions.
He is one of the best value picks after the top six selections in fantasy leagues.
10. Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia has had a lot of success with running backs in the last two seasons. Miles Sanders and D'Andre Swift made the Pro Bowl after winning the Eagles’ starting running back job. But Philadelphia wanted to upgrade that spot this offseason, so it signed Saquon Barkley to a three-year deal averaging more than $12.5 million.
Barkley should be much more dangerous and effective than Swift and Sanders, but the biggest question will be the touchdown upside. Jalen Hurts gobbles up most of the goal-line touches, which could limit Barkley's ceiling.
However, this could be a match made in heaven. The Eagles have one of the best offensive lines in the league, and Moore loves nothing more than to run the ball when his team gets close to the end zone.
11. Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets 
Garrett Wilson was a first-round pick in most fantasy drafts last season, and that backfired after the Aaron Rodgers injury. Wilson had fewer receiving yards and touchdowns than he did as a rookie and ended up being one of the biggest disappointments in fantasy football.
It's not his fault the New York Jets couldn’t solve their quarterback situation, but it shows how reliant he is on good quarterback play.
Considering Wilson at the end of Round 1 of your fantasy drafts is not a bad idea given his upside. If Rodgers stays healthy, Wilson could be the highest-scoring receiver in the league.
He’ll turn 24 in July and has managed to be productive with the likes of Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco, Mike White and Tim Boyle throwing him the football. If Rodgers stays on the field for most of the season, Wilson is a lock to be a top-five fantasy receiver.
12. Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams
Nacua wasn’t the only Rams player to have a surprising 2023 fantasy season. Kyren Williams totaled 1,350 yards from scrimmage and scored 15 touchdowns despite playing just 12 games. He averaged 95.3 rushing yards per game, becoming Sean McVay’s workhorse running back.
The Rams drafted Blake Corum in Round 3 this year, but that shouldn't have a significant impact on Williams' fantasy upside. He is an RB1 going into the 2024 season and should get plenty of first-round consideration.
13. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions were careful not to overwork Jahmyr Gibbs in his rookie season, giving him just 234 touches in 15 regular season games. They might not have a choice in 2024.
Gibbs is too explosive to keep off the field, and he showed that throughout the playoffs.
Even if Gibbs only averages a few more touches per game this season, he is a player worth Round 1 consideration because of his receiving upside. Gibbs caught 52 passes last year and 70-plus catches isn’t out of the equation this season. Everything points to a massive sophomore season for Gibbs.
14. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts 
It wasn’t that long ago that Jonathan Taylor was the consensus No. 1 player in fantasy football. During the 2021 season, he racked up 2,171 yards from scrimmage and scored 20 touchdowns.
In the two seasons since then, he has scored just 12 touchdowns and rushed for only 1,602 yards.
The good news is that Taylor is fully healthy, and his contract status is not in question. He is going into his age-25 season and will play on an offense full of talent. He is no longer a threat to challenge for the No. 1 RB spot, but he is still a good option anytime in Round 2.
15. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Brandon Aiyuk had a massive breakout season in 2023, developing into the 49ers' No. 1 receiver. He averaged a whopping 17.9 yards per reception on 105 targets and 12.8 yards per target. Aiyuk’s yardage total has increased every year since being drafted (2020), and he is a perfect fit in Kyle Shanahan's offense.
The only real question mark with Aiyuk is whether he'll play in San Francisco this year. There were plenty of trade rumors throughout draft season, as Aiyuk is set to play on the fifth-year option.
The expectation is he'll be with the 49ers. Despite his incredible production, he is a bit riskier than the receivers ahead of him.
16. Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints 
After a successful rookie season, Chris Olave improved on all of his numbers in 2023. He caught 15 more passes, but the rest of his production was similar.
The hope is that Olave can take a big step forward in Year 3, especially with Michael Thomas gone and Derek Carr in Year 2 with the New Orleans Saints. Olave is only 23, and this is the year that most receivers break out.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see Olave be much more productive this season.
17. Travis Etienne Jr., RB, Jacksonville Jaguars 
Travis Etienne posted another 1,400-yard season in 2023 when he took on the lead-back role for the Jacksonville Jaguars. His yards per touch took a dramatic plunge, but he was a much more prolific touchdown scorer.
After racking up 325 touches last year, look for the Jaguars to lean on him even more this season. Etienne is an excellent value anytime after Round 1.
18. Davante Adams, WR, Las Vegas Raiders 
Davante Adams had a "down" year for his standards, totaling just 1,144 receiving yards in 17 games. However, he caught more than 100 passes for the fourth straight season and remains one of the NFL's most consistent receivers.
He'll be paired with Luke Getsy again this year, so he should be involved in the offense again. However, the upside isn't as high as it once was, with Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell competing for the starting quarterback spot.
19. De’Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins
There might not be a more exciting player in the NFL than De’Von Achane. Despite playing only 11 games last year, Achanne had four games with more than 100 rushing yards and three games with multiple touchdowns.
Injuries are the biggest concern, but he could be a league-winner if he stays healthy. No running back (outside of McCaffrey) has as much upside as Achane.
20. Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay Packers 
Josh Jacobs moved from Las Vegas to Green Bay this offseason, and that should only improve his efficiency. Just two years ago, Jacobs led the NFL in rushing yards and yards from scrimmage.
But after a lot of change on offense in Las Vegas, his numbers took a big hit in 2023. Expect them to increase now that he is with the Packers. Jacobs is a well-rounded back who should get more goal-line opportunities this season, and don't discount his ability as a pass catcher.
21. DJ Moore, WR, Chicago Bears 
DJ Moore is one of the league’s most consistent receivers, posting another season with at least 1,200 yards. The 2023 season was the best of his career.
He caught 96 passes for 1,364 yards and nine touchdowns. He'll have to deal with another quarterback change with No. 1 draft pick Caleb Williams in town, but that should only help him after playing last season with Justin Fields and Tyson Bagent.
22. Rachaad White, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 
Rachaad White started every game for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season, totaling more than 1,500 yards from scrimmage and scoring nine touchdowns.
Tampa Bay’s offense remains intact after re-signing Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans. White will be the bell cow again this season and provides a nice floor for fantasy managers looking for a quality running back at the end of Round 2.
23. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills 
While we wouldn’t recommend taking a quarterback early in your fantasy drafts, Josh Allen might be the exception. No quarterback in the league has his rushing touchdown upside along with the ability to throw for 4,300-plus yards every season.
Allen has thrown 29 or more touchdowns in four straight seasons and scored 53 rushing touchdowns since entering the NFL. His lack of weapons is a concern entering the 2024 season, but he is the QB1 for fantasy football.
24. Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs 
There are several young tight ends who have made the game really exciting. However, none of them possess the week-to-week consistency of Travis Kelce.
While last year was a “down” year for Kelce, he still caught 93 passes in 15 games. It was clear he was dealing with a knee injury early in the season, but he is 100 percent healthy entering the 2024 offseason and should be in line for another big year.
