Everything to this point in fantasy coverage has been players you should draft based on ADP or matchup. With the season getting closer, it’s time to look at some must-haves for fantasy football in 2024.
This article will review quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight ends. Each of the four positions will have two must-have players for this season.
Fantasy Football Must-Haves for 2024
Quarterbacks: C.J. Stroud, Jayden Daniels
C.J. Stroud is the first quarterback that is a must-have for fantasy given how well he performed as a rookie and threw for 274 yards per game. His pool of options got bigger when Stefon Diggs was added to the mix, and he has the chance to be a Top-5 quarterback this fall.
Even though he’s a rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels is a player who should be on everyone’s radar. His dual-threat ability in itself is a reason to draft him, but he’s going to be a special talent for a long time. If you’re looking for someone who could be this year’s Stroud, look no further than Daniels.
Running Backs: Breece Hall, Isaiah Pacheco
It’s been said before, and it’s going to be said again: Breece Hall has the potential to finish as the RB1 in fantasy this year. There’s no handcuff for him anymore, and the injury concerns are gone. Hall should easily finish this season with 1,300+ rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.
However, if you want that must-have running back later than the first round, Isaiah Pacheco is the way to go. He’s well on his way to producing 1,000 yards this fall in a Kansas City offense that needs its run game. Expect Pacheco to get a lot of goal line work as well.
Wide Receivers: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Malik Nabers
Speaking of players who are on the list to finish as the best in their position, look no further than Amon-Ra St. Brown. St. Brown finished as the WR3 a year ago behind CeeDee Lamb and Tyreek Hill, but he has the chance to be the best this year. Him and Jared Goff have amazing chemistry, and St. Brown sees the benefits every time the Lions take the field.
If St. Brown isn’t in your wheelhouse, consider Malik Nabers who is set to be the best receiver of the rookie class. Nabers currently projects as a WR2, but his talent is through the roof. Even with Daniel Jones as his quarterback, he’s worth drafting. His upside can lead to him finishing as a Top-15 receiver.
Tight Ends: Trey McBride, Jake Ferguson
Trey McBride surprised a lot of people last year appearing out of nowhere for the Cardinals. Now, he’s a name you can’t look past. McBride is the second target in the Cardinals offense behind Marvin Harrison Jr. He should see an increase in targets with Kyler Murray back and healthy for 2024.
Jake Ferguson is in a very similar situation, but he’s someone you can draft later than McBride. Ferguson sees a lot of targets in the Cowboys offense and will continue that even with CeeDee Lamb’s new contract. He thrives in PPR leagues with his receptions, but he still gets the job done in standard formats.
Main Photo Courtesy of Brian Fluharty – USA Today Sports
