It’s only 7 and a half months until you have to worry about the draft in your re-draft league. But it’s never really too early to worry about which wide receiver you should take in the first round, is it? Here are some early favorites based on how they performed in ESPN’s PPR leagues last time out.
Early 2024 Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings – Part One
1 – Ja’Marr Chase
He was the 11th-ranked receiver by ESPN’s metrics which is quite some feat considering he missed a game. And it’s all the more remarkable considering 3 different QBs threw passes for the Bengals. With a full season of Joe Burrow looking for his favorite target and Dan Pitcher calling the shots Chase should be back to his 2021 best. And it appears likely Tee Higgins will depart Cinci in free agency so there should be even more looks for Chase.
2 – Justin Jefferson
Another guy who worked with a plethora of quarterbacks in 2023 is Jefferson. The Vikings had 4 different quarterbacks start games for them in 2023. And Jefferson only started 9 games himself. But he averaged 15.4 yards per touch! A full season of that is going to put up some numbers for whoever is throwing the passes.
3 – Tyreek Hill
Mike McDaniel has developed a style of football that is uniquely suited to fantasy football. The Dolphins might have their playoff struggles. But that’s not going to impact Tyreek’s ability to haul in touchdowns for the first 16 games of the season.
4 – CeeDee Lamb
The Cowboys might have the same postseason issue as the Dolphins and they do need to run the ball more. But Mike McCarthy’s innate desire to throw the ball first and then keep throwing it will keep Lamb in fantasy points for a while. Even with all the receiver talent in Dallas Lamb is the clear number one.
5 – Davante Adams
The Raiders’ season was horrible until they fired Josh McDaniels. But with Antonio Pierce in charge and maybe a new quarterback. And possibly even Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator Adams is going to be a vital cog in a much-improved machine.
6 – Tank Dell
CJ Stroud and Dell had such an impressive first season that even if they have a “sophomore slump” they’ll still be blowing defenses away. Dell averaged 13.1 yards per touch and scored 7 touchdowns in 8 starts this season.
7 – George Pickens
Arthur Smith might not be the guy most Steelers fans wanted to be their new offensive coordinator. But Pickens showed that he has so much ability that he can make most situations work for him. Even in a rocky 2023 season, he had 5 100+ yard games. He had 130 yards against the Ravens when Kenny Pickett was at quarterback and 195 yards against the Bengals with Mason Rudolph throwing the passes.
8 – Marvin Harrison Jr.
It really doesn’t matter who drafts him, even the Patriots couldn’t turn Harrison Jr. Into N’Keal Harry. He is the most talented footballer to hit the draft since Andrew Luck. And the most hyped receiver to enter a draft since Ja’Marr Chase. He is going to do Justin Jefferson things as a rookie. And if he lands in Chicago with DJ Moore to mentor him that offense is going to give defensive coordinators plenty of sleepless nights.
9 – Amon-Ra St. Brown
He is the Sun God. And provided Ben Johnson never lines him up as the running back in an “I formation” again he’s going to gain ground every time he gets the ball in hands.
10 – DK Metcalf
Metcalf clocked the fastest ball carry in the league this season. His 22.23 mph was the fastest carry recorded by NextGen stats since Raheem Mostert hit 22.09 mph back in 2020! The Seahawks just need to get him the ball more.
11 – Troy Franklin
Another rookie, but no ordinary rookie. Franklin is fast. Real fast. He’s a run a 4.35 40-yard dash and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he runs faster at the combine. Whoever drafts him he is going to be a big play threat every time he takes the field. Not only is he fast he’s a very fluid mover too. So he can smoothly change direction just defenders think they are in a good position to stop him.
12 – DJ Moore
Whoever is throwing the passes in Chicago someone has to catch them. And Moore was their only consistent receiver in 2023. There’s no reason he won’t be in 2024 too. Shane Waldron is the new offensive coordinator and should be an upgrade from Luke Getsy.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
