It’s time to provide an update based on what we’ve seen in the final week of the preseason and what has happened as teams make tough roster decisions, so here’s the final update to the Top 300 List, with comments on everyone in the top 150 and additional comments for each tier for the 150 remaining players.
As a reminder, these rankings are geared toward a 12-team redraft league, with PPR scoring, as that is typically the most popular fantasy football format.
I would recommend not paying super close attention to the specific ranks of each player, and honing in more on the respective tiers that they’re in. Each tier represents a grouping of players that I think could arguably perform at a similar level, and/or carry similar levels of risk. If Player X is ranked at #55 and Player Y is ranked at #65, but they’re in the same tier, it means that I personally like Player X better, but I think there’s a valid argument to be made for Player Y performing just as well.
Draft Philosophy
When looking at drafting in 2024, I have a couple of things that I cannot stress enough before you enter your draft rooms.
1. Come with a plan but be prepared to blow it up.
The second your draft starts, you have a zero percent chance of predicting exactly what will happen. It’s important to be prepared for all of your top options to be gone at one point or another. In those instances, you can make or break your team, depending on how you react. At the start of every round, you should evaluate who is off your board, gauge what your top tiers at each position look like, and be prepared with a couple of names from each position that you are confident drafting.
2. Know Your League
This can be looked at in a number of different ways. First and foremost, know your league mates’ tendencies. Are they homers, and do they draft all your local team’s players? Do they love rookies? The tendencies of your league mates will always provide you with opportunities if you know them in advance. Second is how active your league is. Are you going to be able to make trades if you go with the best player available and load up on a specific position? If so, then more doors are open to you each round; if not, then you need to be more strategic in the middle rounds. Finally, and the most obvious, know your scoring. There are so many new and innovative ways that fantasy football is scored, and any small scoring detail can turn into a significant advantage or disadvantage.
3. Rounds 1, 2, 5 and 9
These rounds have been instrumental in all of my drafts thus far. Rounds one and two set the tone and an overarching strategy for the rest of your draft. My strategy in these two rounds is either double-tapping the wide receiver position or going with one running back and one wide receiver. In the second round, specifically, if Marvin Harrison Jr. falls to you, you take him. Round five is one of the final premier player rounds in the draft. It is a great round to course correct before you head into the abyss of handcuffs, late-round quarterbacks, tight ends, and dart throws. What I mean by course correct is evaluating your roster and finding your most significant need. Is it a position you waited too long on (quarterback or tight end), or is it depth? Round five is where you can fix those things. Finally, round nine is full of potential league-winners, players with high ceilings at a value price. It’s a great round to get your guy and take some risk.
Read The Notes
I took the time to provide a writeup on each of the top 150 players, so if you’re going to argue (which is allowed and encouraged), at least try to get some idea of why I ranked the player where I did or what I generally feel about them. Take some time to read them, see where you agree or disagree, and jot down thoughts to bring to your drafts with you. For players that I don’t have notes on here, I provided 300 writeups in my original version of this column, so you can check that out to see my thoughts on each player: My Top 300 Overall from 8/15.
These rankings talk about what I generally project for a player, but these rankings are not projections. They include projections but also take into account performance risk, injury risk, team context, ceiling, and floor.
These rankings and write-ups will be updated one more time before the start of the season.
Now, let’s dive in!
Tier 1
1. Breece Hall (RB, NYJ) — Breece Hall is one of three elite workhorse running backs who can win with his legs or his hands. Draft him and never look back.
2. CeeDee Lamb (WR, DAL) — CeeDee Lamb has a new contract and now takes the top WR spot in my rankings. There is some concern with him missing the offseason program that there is an elevated risk of injury but for now, he has the skill set the volume, and the offense to see him succeed.
3. Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR, DET) — Amon-Ra St. Brown is the safest wide receiver in fantasy football right now. He is a target magnet with incredible after-the-catch ability. Add to that that he has a quarterback who takes care of the football and has no new competition for targets and he is a smash play who could compete to be WR1 overall in 2024.
4. Ja’Marr Chase (WR, CIN) — Chase has breakout season written all over him in 2024. He is back with the team and if both he and Burrow can avoid any nagging injuries we could see him dominate in 2024. Full PPR leagues will benefit from his increased usage in the slot.
5. Bijan Robinson (RB, ATL) — Bijan Robinson should see an increased workload and an uptick in targets and goal-line opportunities. Don’t overthink it.
6. Christian McCaffrey (RB, SF) — CMC is maybe the best fantasy football player of all time. But there are concerns around Trent Williams returning and the offense may have some adjusting to do. Not to mention McCaffrey is approaching the running back age cliff.
7. Garrett Wilson (WR, NYJ) — The Garrett Wilson breakout has arrived. Aaron Rodgers looks to be clicking with Wilson at camp. The only player to ever earn 300 targets in his first two seasons, Wilson could compete to not only be the WR1 in fantasy football but he could lead the NFL in receiving yards and receptions this year as well.
8. Tyreek Hill (WR, MIA) — I know having Hill at WR5 is egregious to some fantasy managers. The truth is Hill is 30 years old he now competes with a healthy Jaylen Waddle and a healthy DeVon Achane. WR5 is not a slight, it’s just variance.
9. Justin Jefferson (WR, MIN) — Justin Jefferson knows his quarterback for the 2024 NFL season. Sam Darnold doesn’t help Jefferson but it definitely doesn’t kill him either as he was able to post elite production with the carousel of quarterbacks for the Vikings last season. Enjoy the dip in cost and draft him confidently.
10. Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, ARI) — Marvin Harrison Jr. is a unique talent. He comes into Arizona and should immediately command 150 targets. Going in the second round, that’s an auto pick.
Tier 2
11. A.J. Brown (WR, PHI) — AJ Brown should benefit from new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. He is a lock to be a WR1 this season and you may struggle to find a more exciting player at the position.
12. Saquon Barkley (RB, PHI) — Saquon Barkley has had a bit of a rollercoaster career but he should feast with the Eagles in 2024. Expect 5+ of Jalen Hurts’ tush push touchdowns to lean Saquon’s way outside of his normal do-it-all play style. This is the year that Saquon could produce another elite fantasy season.
13. Travis Etienne Jr. (RB, JAC) — Travis Etienne has elite speed and gets all the high-leverage touches you want out of your RB1.
14. Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, DET) — Gibbs is probably headed towards a 50/50 timeshare with David Montgomery but that is not the death knell it would be for other players. Gibbs is a highly efficient runner and should dominate the passing down work in full PPR he is a runaway RB1.
15. Jonathan Taylor (RB, IND) — Jonathan Taylor is a do-it-all running back. The concern is that he has a lot of tread on the tires and will get vultured at the goalline by Anthony Richardson. His rushing efficiency keeps him as an RB1 but you may be shouting at the TV more than you would like this season.
16. Puka Nacua (WR, LAR) — Puka Nacua did see a small drop in my projections but because he is at a tier break he didn’t fall below the next wide receiver. I am not overly concerned about the injury but Cooper Kupp looks to be back to full health and we could see a 1A/1B situation in Los Angeles.
17. Michael Pittman Jr. (WR, IND) — Michael Pittman should once again dominate targets for the Colts this season. The question is how run-heavy will the Colts be with Richardson at quarterback and a healthy Jonathan Taylor?
Tier 3
18. Isiah Pacheco (RB, KC) — Isiah Pacheco should assume workhorse duties but the preseason breakout of Carson Steele and the recent addition of Samaje Perine may be a bit of a hindrance. Still, he should flirt with top-10 RB numbers all season long.
19. Drake London (WR, ATL) — Drake London could be headed for his best season as a pro. Kirk Cousins should have his top target in London a versatile route runner who is incredible in contested catch situations.
20. Malik Nabers (WR, NYG) — Somewhere between Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase in his skillset, Nabers should flirt with 135+ targets in year one.
21. Jaylen Waddle (WR, MIA) — Jaylen Waddle should return to glory this year if he can stay healthy. The one thing he won’t be able to shake though is that Tyreek Hill will always be the number one option as long as he is a Dolphin.
22. Brandon Aiyuk (WR, SF) — Brandon Aiyuk drops slightly in the final edition of my rankings. He finally has a contract that keeps him in San Francisco for the next four seasons, but he needs to see his volume increase as it is unlikely he can maintain the efficiency he showed us in 2023.
23. Nico Collins (WR, HOU) — Nico Collins is my favorite to lead the Texans in targets this season. He is a bonafide superstar who was finally able to show it with CJ Stroud passing him the ball.
24. Lamar Jackson (QB, BAL) — A healthy Lamar Jackson is the most exciting player in fantasy football. Year two in the Monken system should bring back elite production once again.
25. Sam LaPorta (TE, DET) — Sam LaPorta could be the closest thing we have seen to Travis Kelce in a long time. The rookie phenom played a majority of snaps from week one on. Not only that, but he is the primary red zone threat for a potent offense on the rise in Detroit.
26. Josh Allen (QB, BUF) — For NFL purposes, Josh Allen may have a growing-pains type of season but when it comes to fantasy football he is a top-three option without question and he retains a safe floor with his rushing ability.
27. Trey McBride (TE, ARI) — A violent and versatile playmaker and now at worst the number-two option for a fully healthy Kyler Murray. The concerns with Marvin Harrison Jr. aren’t that alarming as they both populate different areas of the field.
28. DK Metcalf (WR, SEA) — Metcalf is the most athletic wide receiver in the NFL. He is due for some touchdown regression and will benefit from a faster-paced offense.
29. Patrick Mahomes II (QB, KC) — Mahomes will go down as the best to ever sling it and somehow he gets slept on in fantasy football. Likely the safest week-to-week option at the position.
Tier 4
30. Josh Jacobs (RB, GB) — Josh Jacobs has been a volume hog in his career and that looks to be the case in Green Bay as well. With Marshawn Lloyd nursing a hamstring injury and AJ Dillon’s season over before it started, there is little reason to worry about Jacobs in 2024.
31. Mike Evans (WR, TB) — An auto 1,000-yard receiver, Evans should lead the Bucs in targets once again in 2024.
32. Chris Olave (WR, NO) — Chris Olave needs a quarterback upgrade and fast. Still, he should be able to find more success in the new offensive system for the Saints, especially in the middle areas of the field.
33. DJ Moore (WR, CHI) — DJ Moore should be Caleb Williams’ favorite target in 2024. Still, he will have to compete with both Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze for targets which limits his ceiling.
34. Anthony Richardson (QB, IND) — If Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry super twinned into one player it would be Anthony Richardson. In a limited sample, he produced the most fantasy points per dropback last season. Health and his ability to be a passer in the league are questions but the return is worth the risk.
35. Kyle Pitts (TE, ATL) — Kirk Cousins and an improved offensive scheme bode well for the Pitts breakout we have all prayed for.
36. Derrick Henry (RB, BAL) — Derrick Henry continues to be the outlier of all outliers. Even with question marks around the Ravens offensive line, Henry should be able to fall into the endzone 10+ times in 2024. He is the perfect thunder to Lamar Jackson’s lightning and teams will be trying to guess which is coming on every single snap.
37. Deebo Samuel Sr. (WR, SF) — He isn’t likely to ever repeat his breakout season but with increased usage in 2024 and some health luck, Deebo could be a breakout as long as he leads the wide receiver room.
38. De’Von Achane (RB, MIA) – Achane is one of the few RBs going outside of round 1 that has RB1 overall potential. The one thing that gives me pause is that Mostert is going to be involved, and may even lead in carries, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Wright gets in the mix either. Ultimately, the risk is worth the potential reward.
39. Jalen Hurts (QB, PHI) — I am fine with ranking Hurts anywhere in the top five quarterbacks. He falls to five for me due to Saquon Barkley stepping in as the lead back. Expect fewer tush-push touchdowns for Hurts.
40. Travis Kelce (TE, KC) — Travis Kelce may have started to lose a step but he is still Travis Kelce. As Mahomes’ top target, he has an incredibly high floor and you can draft him with confidence.
41. Dalton Kincaid (TE, BUF) — Kincaid has a real shot to lead the Bills in targets in 2024. The Bills offense may take a step back but in full-PPR leagues, there is a case for Kincaid to be ahead of Kelce and even Pitts.
Tier 5
42. Alvin Kamara (RB, NO) — Alvin Kamara is going to volume his way to RB1 territory this season. It may not always be pretty but he should be reliable for one final run in New Orleans.
43. Cooper Kupp (WR, LAR) — Cooper Kupp is still a stud when healthy. He will split his typical workload with Puka Nacua this season but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him start the season as the lead option for the Rams.
44. George Pickens (WR, PIT) — It is looking like Pickens has escaped the Brandon Aiyuk sweepstakes and he is now locked into Russell Wilson. Pickens should be heading for the best season of his professional career.
45. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, SEA) — JSN was able to earn almost 100 targets in his rookie campaign even with Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf already on the roster and a wrist injury that slowed his start to the season. I expect him to secure the WR2 role in 2024 and potentially hit upwards of 125 targets.
46. DeVonta Smith (WR, PHI) — DeVonta Smith will have a hard time escaping the WR2 range while sharing the field with AJ Brown and that is not changing anytime soon. He is one of the most talented players in the NFL and would be an immediate WR1 if Brown were to miss any time.
47. Rashee Rice (WR, KC) — Rice is going to start the season more likely than not. The issue for me is that he will get a suspension handed down and when that hits, it does not look like something I want to deal with. He is mostly off my draft board for that risk alone.
48. Kyren Williams (RB, LAR) — Kyren Williams will be returning punts is the headline you’ve seen. That is not as concerning as his injury history, his frame, or Blake Corum. He should have a strong early season and as long as he is healthy you will be happy. The move here would be to draft both him and Corum or neither.
49. Davante Adams (WR, LV) — Davante Adams is going to have to deal with Gardner Minshew and/or Aidan O’Connell all season while also competing with Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers for targets. Not only that, but he is heading into his age-31 season.
50. D’Andre Swift (RB, CHI) — D’Andre Swift moved up a few spots in my rankings. Caleb Williams looks to be the real deal and the Bears may lean on Swift in the run game and on passing downs. Swift is one of my favorite values in drafts right now.
51. Kenneth Walker III (RB, SEA) — Kenneth Walker has climbed some in my rankings as well. He could be one of the primary benefactors of the Seahawks’ new scheme. Rumors out of camp are that they have started to lean on Walker in the passing game more than in years past and that could unlock a new ceiling.
52. Kyler Murray (QB, ARI) — Kyler Murray has two superstar weapons in Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride this year. He needs to stay healthy and would benefit tremendously from some improved offensive line play this season.
53. C.J. Stroud (QB, HOU) — Stroud could be a top 3-5 NFL quarterback. His limitation in fantasy football is the zero he gives you with his legs. If he starts throwing 600 times a year he can be elevated into the next tier.
54. James Cook (RB, BUF) — James Cook’s main drawback is his usage in scoring situations. On an offense that will have to rediscover itself in the post-Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis Era, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see regression for Cook.
55. Tee Higgins (WR, CIN) — Tee Higgins needs to stay healthy to get to the next level but the disgruntled pass catcher is still far behind Chase in talent and priority for Joe Burrow’s targets.
56. Amari Cooper (WR, CLE) — Amari Cooper is going to lead the Browns in targets and is one of the better values in fantasy football this year. Another 1,000-yard season is in sight.
57. Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, JAC) — Brian Thomas Jr. provides a much-needed red zone threat for the Jaguars. A DK Metcalf-light type of prospect, Thomas may have some growing pains but he should produce some highlight reel catches along the way.
58. Rachaad White (RB, TB) — Rachaad White was atrocious on the ground last season. His passing down work should keep him near the top of the position but don’t be surprised if Bucky Irving eats into his snaps as early as week one.
59. Jordan Love (QB, GB) — Jordan Love looks primed for another strong campaign in 2024. He has weapons at every level of the field and should bring fantasy success to any manager who chooses to draft him.
Tier 6
60. Diontae Johnson (WR, CAR) — Health is always the concern for Diontae Johnson. He should lead the Panthers in targets and be a focal point of the Dave Canales system.
61. Caleb Williams (QB, CHI) — Caleb Williams enters the league as one of the best prospects in recent memory. He also joins a Bears offense that is the best it has ever been. If he can adapt quickly to the NFL game he could post historic rookie numbers in 2024.
62. Mark Andrews (TE, BAL) — Mark Andrews is perpetually underrated. The top target in the Ravens’ offense is a great value in drafts as he should flirt with another year of premier production at the position.
63. Joe Burrow (QB, CIN) — Joe Burrow is CJ Stroud with a bunch of weird injuries. Love the talent and as long as he is healthy he should be a special weapon with Chase and Higgins. He doesn’t look to be adding a consistent run aspect to his game and that’s why he falls in my ranks.
64. Joe Mixon (RB, HOU) — We haven’t heard much about Mixon this offseason. That will probably be the case during the season as well. He will inefficently score 10 touchdowns on a high-powered offense and that is not that bad for fantasy football.
65. Tank Dell (WR, HOU) — Tank Dell is my favorite to be the WR2 for the Houston Texans. He is a prolific playmaker and one of CJ Stroud’s favorite targets. The offense should take another step in 2024, if Dell can stay healthy he could impress once again.
66. Christian Watson (WR, GB) — Christian Watson may have fixed the primary cause for his soft tissue injuries during the offseason. If that is, in fact, the case, he is very similar to peak-George Pickens. If he wants to take another step he will need to improve some of his route running though.
67. Brian Robinson Jr. (RB, WAS) — If Brian Robinson can cut down on turnovers, his ceiling is a bit higher than where I have him ranked. He should be the early down option and if Ekeler Misses time he could even flirt with top 15 production.
68. Keenan Allen (WR, CHI) — Keenan Allen had one of the best seasons of his career last year and now joins the Chicago Bears. He may not be the top target anymore but he should still garner a lot of attention from rookie Caleb Williams. He is a high-floor, low-ceiling option at wide receiver.
69. Zay Flowers (WR, BAL) — Zay Flowers has some development to take the next step in the NFL but he should be the second target in a Lamar Jackson-led offense. The Ravens may lean heavily on the run game and top option Mark Andrews, but Flowers has shown flashes that a breakout could be in the cards.
70. Dak Prescott (QB, DAL) — CeeDee Lamb has a new contract which led to Dak moving up a spot in my rankings this year. Dak will need to throw 600+ times to approach anything like he did last season.
71. Christian Kirk (WR, JAC) — Christian Kirk has a lot of new faces that will fight for targets with the Jaguars but he should still be one of Trevor Lawrence’s favorite targets. The concern for Kirk is health and whether he or Evan Engram has the edge for the short and intermediate areas of the field.
72. Rhamondre Stevenson (RB, NE) — Rhamondre Stevenson is on a bad offense with a bad offensive line. There will be up and down weeks for sure but he has the skillset to hold up for the season and can do it on the ground and as a receiver. There is potential here.
73. Javonte Williams (RB, DEN) — Javonte Williams discourse has been all over the place this offseason. The Broncos look to be headed towards a timeshare that will be led by Williams. The Broncos’ offense is underwhelming and will be led by a rookie quarterback in 2024. The ceiling is lower than I would hope for a player of Williams’ caliber but the talent is still there if he can put the torn ACL behind him fully.
74. Aaron Jones (RB, MIN) — Aaron Jones entering his age-29 season may have a limited ceiling but he still can play. While there may be some pain points on the new-look Vikings offense you can expect Jones to be the lead option there without any hesitations.
75. David Montgomery (RB, DET) — David Montgomery was on pace to be the RB8 according to his PPG numbers. He has one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. I love the value for Montgomery and he could be the hero for all Zero RB truthers in 2024.
76. Terry McLaurin (WR, WAS) — Terry McLaurin is one of the league’s premier route runners. The issue has been his quarterback play. That may be better this year but the offense may also be more run-heavy than McLaurin managers are hoping for in 2024.
77. James Conner (RB, ARI) — James Conner should dominate in the first six to eight weeks of the NFL season for the Cardinals backfield. Trey Benson will take some time as he learns how to adjust to the NFL game. Similiar to Kyren Williams but much cheaper, I don’t mind drafting both AZ backs at their current draft cost.
Tier 7
78. Austin Ekeler (RB, WAS) — Austin Ekeler is firmly in FLEX-level territory. If the Commanders’ offense can find its groove early, Ekeler provides some value in PPR leagues as the primary passing-down option.
79. Evan Engram (TE, JAC) — Evan Engram eclipsed 100 receptions last season. He has a fair shot to do it again even with the additions for the Jaguars on offense. At the very least his early season should be on par with the best in the league.
80. Chase Brown (RB, CIN) — Chase Brown is the better option for the Bengals and we all know it. That being said, Zack Moss is going to be a thorn in the side of fantasy managers everywhere.
81. Stefon Diggs (WR, HOU) — Stefon Diggs may never be the elite producer we were used to seeing ever again. He still provides some decent value on a prolific offense with an elite passer. Expect him to spend more time in the short to intermediate areas of the field this year which is not so bad for full-PPR leagues.
82. Jayden Reed (WR, GB) — Jayden Reed is an exciting player. The concerns with Reed are his usage in two-wide sets and of course, the touchdown regression you can expect if he doesn’t see an increased snap percentage.
83. Jayden Daniels (QB, WAS) — Daniels needs to provide Justin Fields-esque numbers in his rookie year to find success for fantasy football but he has the skill set to do it. He should start immediately and can run his way into fringe QB1 production.
84. Jared Goff (QB, DET) — Jared Goff has a surprisingly high floor for a player who isn’t rushing for 500+ yards. He returns all of his key pass catchers in 2024 and has one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. If you wait at quarterback, he is a great option in round nine or ten.
85. Trevor Lawrence (QB, JAC) — Trevor Lawrence may never hit the ceiling we all hoped for but he is a solid player and has some exciting new weapons in Jacksonville. He will need to cut down on his turnovers if he wants to take the next step for fantasy football and in the NFL.
86. Najee Harris (RB, PIT) — Najee Harris is going to lead the Steelers backfield in touches. He loses value because he won’t see the target volume from his rookie season ever again though and therein lies the problem.
87. Ladd McConkey (WR, LAC) — Ladd McConkey could lead the Chargers in targets this year. His draft cost is reasonable but there are still reasons for concern when it comes to his health and his inability to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in college.
88. Tyjae Spears (RB, TEN) — Tyjae Spears is just barely my favorite option from the Titans backfield and that is part of the challenge. Locked into what should be a 50/50 timeshare, I like Spears as a mid to late-round target if I went Zero RB.
89. Chris Godwin (WR, TB) — Chris Godwin is getting some post-hype sleeper talk this offseason as his slot usage looks to be on the rise. If he does in fact get that usage he could end up being a strong value. That being said I would bet on Mike Evans continuing to lead the way.
90. Brock Purdy (QB, SF) — With Aiyuk now signed there is still one worrying situation in San Francisco: Trent Williams. If Williams, the Hall of Fame left tackle, misses any regular season action, Purdy is going to have some growing pains.
91. Rome Odunze (WR, CHI) — Rome Odunze may already be the most talented wide receiver on the Bears roster. He will have to earn that role though as he sits behind two of the best veteran pass catchers in the entire NFL in DJ Moore and Keenan Allen.
92. Zamir White (RB, LV) — Zamir White is the heir apparent to Josh Jacobs in Las Vegas. He should enter the season as the favorite to lead the team on early downs. Don’t be surprised if both Alexander Mattison and Dylan Laube eat into those touches by week four.
93. Justin Herbert (QB, LAC) — Justin Herbert is going to be the primary signal caller in a new run-heavy scheme for the Chargers. He has limited options and his projected leading receiver Ladd McConkey never surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in college. There are worse options but the risk with Herbert is higher than it has been in recent seasons.
94. Calvin Ridley (WR, TEN) — Calvin Ridley joins the Titans in 2024 where he will catch passes from Will Levis alongside DeAndre Hopkins and Tyler Boyd. It may be a murky situation to navigate week in and week out on who will be the top target earner and it is one I would prefer to avoid.
95. George Kittle (TE, SF) — We need clarity with Trent Williams but Kittle should once again be a safe TE1 option going later in drafts than he should be. He quietly had one of the best seasons of his career in 2023.
96. DeAndre Hopkins (WR, TEN) — DeAndre Hopkins is currently injured but he also may be near the end of his career. On an offense led by Will Levis, there are better options in most cases. Hopkins is a flex-level player with a rock-bottom floor.
97. David Njoku (TE, CLE) — Njoku broke out last season and he should remain the second option in the Browns offense.
98. Jake Ferguson (TE, DAL) — Jake Ferguson is not the most exciting tight end but he gets the volume he needs and now officially has CeeDee Lamb taking the defense’s attention all season long.
99. Raheem Mostert (RB, MIA) — 45% of Raheem Mostert’s fantasy points last season came from touchdowns. Now he shares touches with 2nd-year phenom DeVon Achane and rookie Jaylen Wright. Regression is almost guaranteed.
Tier 8
100. Marquise Brown (WR, KC) — Hollywood Brown’s value may plummet if Rashee Rice does play the whole season in 2024. Until we get that clarity, he is a nice stash with a limited ceiling with Rice and Kelce healthy.
101. Pat Freiermuth (TE, PIT) — Pat Friermuth has Russell Wilson at QB1 to start the season. It’s not ideal but he could flirt with TE1 production if he can stay healthy in 2024.
102. Tony Pollard (RB, TEN) — Pollard looks to be in a 50/50 timeshare for the Titans. It’s hard to find a path to reliability for Pollard.
103. Jaylen Warren (RB, PIT) — Jaylen Warren should continue to dominate the passing down work for the Steelers but that may not be enough to bring week-to-week value.
104. Tua Tagovailoa (QB, MIA) — I don’t see Tua jumping into the truly elite tier of fantasy football players even with an incredible supporting cast and the Mike McDaniel system.
105. Brock Bowers (TE, LV) — Brock Bowers is one of the best tight end prospects to come out in a long time. While I wish he was anywhere but Las Vegas, the Raiders may need to rely on him this season as their current options at quarterback aren’t likely to be hitting Davante Adams with consistency this year.
106. Dontayvion Wicks (WR, GB) — Dontayvion Wicks is a last-round pick that could end the season as one of the top two options in a Jordan Love-led offense. That is a screaming value and a player I am drafting everywhere.
107. Kirk Cousins (QB, ATL) — If Kirk Cousins plays a full season and can be at 100%, he has an exciting supporting cast and a decent offensive line. If you punt the QB position, there are worse options.
108. Jordan Addison (WR, MIN) — Jordan Addison was a player that was already on my bust list before he got in trouble off the field and was injured during training camp. A major touchdown regression candidate who goes from Kirk Cousins to Sam Darnold, Addison is a strong avoid who may drop even further in my ranks come the final update.
109. Xavier Worthy (WR, KC) — Xavier Worthy is a name to keep an eye on before the next update. His small frame and limited route tree make me wonder if he can be more than a deep threat at the NFL level. The one thing in his favor is he is tied to Patrick Mahomes and there is a vacancy at the wide receiver position for the Chiefs.
110. Dalton Schultz (TE, HOU) — Tied to CJ Stroud and an offense on the rise, Schultz could have a high floor but he may not see the volume to give you much more than that.
111. Dallas Goedert (TE, PHI) — Dallas Goedert never quite jumped into the elite tier of tight ends. There is limited volume available for him in the current edition of the Eagles offense. He has a limited ceiling and can be mostly overlooked in your 12-person redraft leagues.
112. Matthew Stafford (QB, LAR) — Matthew Stafford the Wide Receiver King Maker! Stafford brings no rushing value and is seemingly all banged up but he is the definition of an old-school gunslinger. He should eclipse the 4,000-yard passing mark if he plays all season.
113. Zach Charbonnet (RB, SEA) — I cannot quit Zach Charbonnet. He is stuck behind Kenneth Walker but the Seahawks should be a much faster-paced team this year and that could mean value for Charbonnet in 2024.
Tier 9
114. Courtland Sutton (WR, DEN) — It is probably safe to move on from Courtland Sutton in fantasy football. With a rookie quarterback in a poor offense, he offers very little upside.
115. Jakobi Meyers (WR, LV) — Jakobi Meyers is probably underrated as an NFL player but when it comes to fantasy he is a low-ceiling option who now has to compete with not only Davante Adams but Brock Bowers as well for targets.
116. Jonathon Brooks (RB, CAR) — Jonathon Brooks is an IR candidate for your rosters but if you are like me, the waiver watch list is full right after the draft. Brooks could be an elite option in the fantasy playoffs for RB-needy rosters.
117. J.K. Dobbins (RB, LAC) — J.K. Dobbins is healthy for now. If he can find a way to have his first fully healthy season in the NFL he could be in line for a ton of work on a run-heavy offense.
118. Baker Mayfield (QB, TB) — Baker Mayfield is going to have to prove he can still produce without Dave Canales in 2024. He is a fine NFL quarterback but in 1QB fantasy leagues, he is not going to be a target in most leagues.
119. Tyler Allgeier (RB, ATL) — Allgeier is a desperation FLEX play when the backfield is healthy but if Bijan were to miss time, he could even be in the top-15 running back conversation.
120. Curtis Samuel (WR, BUF) — Curtis Samuel alongside Khalil Shakir should find himself behind just Dalton Kincaid for the Bills in targets this season. The Bills are likely to take a step back this year but Samuel could stand to benefit in their new-look offense.
121. Jerome Ford (RB, CLE) — Jerome Ford is the favorite to lead the Browns backfield in the early season. The Browns offense could struggle though as Watson is once again injured.
122. Tyler Lockett (WR, SEA) — Tyler Lockett has started to slow down. In 2024, you can expect to see him fall behind both DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba in targets.
123. Isaiah Likely (TE, BAL) — Isaiah Likely was on pace to be the TE1 overall in his final five games without Mark Andrews. There have been talks of him being used in a more versatile role this season during camp and if he were to get an extended run this TE15 rank is far too low.
124. Geno Smith (QB, SEA) — The Seahawks have some exciting changes happening in their coaching staff. The only question is if Geno will be able to support the new offensive system. He has all the weapons to do so but he probably lands closer to last year than he does during his breakout season.
125. Ja’Lynn Polk (WR, NE) — The Patriots offense will need to find itself some while it navigates a poor offensive line and a quarterback battle. Polk could emerge in the late season as a solid flex option in PPR leagues.
126. Trey Benson (RB, ARI) — Trey Benson has been slowly growing on me. His last time on the field, he displayed better vision than he showed in college. It may have been a preseason hype moment but there are little moments to get excited about with Benson. If he can string those together he should provide late-season league-winner potential or even RB2 potential if James Conner stays healthy.
127. Khalil Shakir (WR, BUF) — Khalil Shakir has a chance to breakout this year without Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis in his way. While I don’t think he leads the team in targets, Shakir is a playmaker who should set career highs across the board in 2024.
128. Aaron Rodgers (QB, NYJ) — Aaron Rodgers is looking like he should be back from his Achilles tear from week one of last season. Still, age is not on his side and we saw some sides of the fall coming during his last full season.
129. Gus Edwards (RB, LAC) — Gus Edwards has been banged up in camp thus far so he officially falls behind JK Dobbins in my final rankings. It is still going to be a timeshare but Dobbins looks healthy right now and is the more talented player between the two.
130. Luke Musgrave (TE, GB) — Luke Musgrave is slowly climbing my rankings. He would need Tucker Kraft to miss time to emerge as a breakout most likely but in TE-premium leagues he is a nice pick.
Tier 10
131. Devin Singletary (RB, NYG) — Devin Singletary is the starter for the Giants for now. I don’t see a world where he loses touches completely, so he should have some value even behind a weak offensive line.
132. Joshua Palmer (WR, LAC) — Joshua Palmer is the most senior pass catcher for the Chargers heading into 2024. He looks to be locked into the WR2 role for this team.
133. Deshaun Watson (QB, CLE) — Deshaun Watson still has recovery concerns with his banged-up shoulder. He is going much higher than this in ADP, which means he is mostly off my draft board.
134. Bucky Irving (RB, TB) — Irving is going late enough in drafts that it costs you nothing to make the gamble. He is one player I have tabbed as a potential breakout in the latest rounds of drafts this year.
135. Jameson Williams (WR, DET) — It’s a make-or-break year for Jameson Williams. While I lean towards the latter he could carve out a nice role if he can focus on football and stay healthy.
136. Keon Coleman (WR, BUF) — Keon Coleman needs to improve his route running for me to want to trust him for fantasy football but he should see every chance to prove he belongs in his rookie campaign.
137. Cole Kmet (TE, CHI) — Cole Kmet is a complete tight end and the Bears paid him like one this offseason. That being said he is at best the fourth or fifth option in the new-look Bears offense.
138. Will Levis (QB, TEN) — Will Levis is going to turn the ball over a lot but the offense has some new faces that could allow him to retain some value in 2QB leagues.
139. Adonai Mitchell (WR, IND) — Adonai Mitchell is only ahead of Downs right now because of the injury. That being said he is the most versatile receiver on the Colts. He just needs to prove he can string his good performances together at the next level.
Tier 11
140. Ezekiel Elliott (RB, DAL) — Zeke will share the backfield with Rico Dowdle this season and should be the favorite at the goal line. Let’s be honest, he is a desperation play at best but if you punt RB and need someone who can help you in the height of bye weeks Zeke’s fall into the endzone potential could get you the 6-10 points you need to get by.
141. Josh Downs (WR, IND) — Josh Downs needs to be recovered from his high ankle sprain to fully trust but he could be a PPR darling in an offense that could feature him more than people think. A mid-season breakout could be in the cards if Richardson can stay healthy.
142. Zack Moss (RB, CIN) — Zack Moss is falling in my rankings but he may settle in this range for now. Chase Brown has been gaining steam in camp and I would not be surprised to see him dominate touches. That being said Moss could be in line for 120-150 touches for the Bengals.
143. T.J. Hockenson (TE, MIN) — TJ Hockenson isn’t a viable option to start the season but if you wait on tight end he is a great bench stash for the late season or playoff push. When he is on the field he is a special talent at the position. The only question is what will Sam Darnold be able to provide to the Vikings pass catchers.
144. Blake Corum (RB, LAR) — Blake Corum may be slow to see regular touches but he is the more athletic version of Kyren Williams. At cost, I think Corum may be the better bet.
145. Roschon Johnson (RB, CHI) — My favorite non-Swift running back on the Bears. Roschon Johnson needs to stay healthy but he can impact the game as a runner, receiver, and blocker.
146. Drake Maye (QB, NE) — Now officially the QB2 to start the season, Maye can make plays with his arm and with his legs and that is the upside you want in your last-round QB or late-season waiver add.
147. Rico Dowdle (RB, DAL) — Rico Dowdle will back up Ezekiel Elliot but he is probably the better back at this point in their careers. Dowdle may be frustrating to roster in 2024.
148. Xavier Legette (WR, CAR) — Xavier Legette is a raw prospect who needs to refine his route running. He may benefit from learning from Diontae Johnson but 2024 doesn’t look like the year to be drafting him in redraft formats.
149. Rashid Shaheed (WR, NO) — Rashid Shaheed brings some value as a return man this season as well as the top option if Olave were to miss time. Derek Carr hurts the whole offense but Shaheed has shown flashes when given the chance.
150. Jaleel McLaughlin (RB, DEN) — I am not as sold on McLaughlin as some of my peers but in full-PPR leagues, he could provide some flex appeal with the occasional blow-up week.
Tier 12
This tier is full of players that need one or two things to go their way and they would immediately see a big jump in value. Of course, there are also the top defenses which can be fun to roster but not ever quite worth the draft pick you would have to spend to acquire them. Some of my favorite players on this list are Marshawn Lloyd and Ray Davis. Two players who may not be impacting your matchups in the early season, but from week 10 on they may be regulars in winning rosters if they stay healthy. One player we have to call out here is Taysom Hill who somehow finds a way to remain relevant in fantasy football circles. He may not be predictable but he will have value and should see goal-line touches for the Saints this season.
151. Baltimore Ravens (DST, BAL)
152. Bryce Young (QB, CAR)
153. Brandin Cooks (WR, DAL)
154. Taysom Hill (TE, NO)
155. MarShawn Lloyd (RB, GB)
156. Antonio Gibson (RB, NE)
157. Cade Otton (TE, TB)
158. Daniel Jones (QB, NYG)
159. Nick Chubb (RB, CLE)
160. San Francisco 49ers (DST, SF)
161. Ty Chandler (RB, MIN)
162. Mike Williams (WR, NYJ)
163. Chuba Hubbard (RB, CAR)
164. Romeo Doubs (WR, GB)
165. Darnell Mooney (WR, ATL)
166. New York Jets (DST, NYJ)
Tier 13
This tier has some of my favorite wide receiver dart throws going largely in round 12 or later, like DeMario Douglas, Jacob Cowing, Michael Wilson, and Javon Baker. It also has two rookie running backs who are depth chart-locked behind some studs but could immediately be RB2s or better if they were to be thrust into action in Braelon Alen and Jaylen Wright. The best part about this tier is there is plenty of upside and almost no risk with the draft capital you are spending or in some cases the waiver wire priority or FAAB you burn.
167. Jerry Jeudy (WR, CLE)
168. Ray Davis (RB, BUF)
169. Adam Thielen (WR, CAR)
170. Dallas Cowboys (DST, DAL)
171. Pittsburgh Steelers (DST, PIT)
172. Hunter Henry (TE, NE)
173. Gabe Davis (WR, JAC)
174. Khalil Herbert (RB, CHI)
175. DeMario Douglas (WR, NE)
176. Jaylen Wright (RB, MIA)
177. Jacob Cowing (WR, SF)
178. Russell Wilson (QB, PIT)
179. Jahan Dotson (WR, PHI)
180. Chigoziem Okonkwo (TE, TEN)
181. Braelon Allen (RB, NYJ)
182. Cleveland Browns (DST, CLE)
183. Michael Wilson (WR, ARI)
184. Kansas City Chiefs (DST, KC)
185. Houston Texans (DST, HOU)
186. Justin Tucker (K, BAL)
187. Philadelphia Eagles (DST, PHI)
188. Jordan Mason (RB, SF)
189. Chicago Bears (DST, CHI)
190. Buffalo Bills (DST, BUF)
191. Brandon Aubrey (K, DAL)
192. Harrison Butker (K, KC)
193. Miami Dolphins (DST, MIA)
194. Quentin Johnston (WR, LAC)
195. Jonnu Smith (TE, MIA)
196. Javon Baker (WR, NE)
197. Jake Elliott (K, PHI)
198. Wan’Dale Robinson (WR, NYG)
199. Jason Sanders (K, MIA)
200. Jermaine Burton (WR, CIN)
201. Theo Johnson (TE, NYG)
202. Marvin Mims Jr. (WR, DEN)
203. Troy Franklin (WR, DEN)
204. Indianapolis Colts (DST, IND)
205. Ka’imi Fairbairn (K, HOU)
206. Demarcus Robinson (WR, LAR)
207. Tucker Kraft (TE, GB)
208. Elijah Moore (WR, CLE)
209. Younghoe Koo (K, ATL)
Tier 14
This tier is largely undrafted or it is a kicker or a defense. The value in most cases is that they are names you are adding to your watch list so if they surprise early in the season, you know they are worth dropping priority FAAB dollars on them. Some of my favorites here are Kendre Miller, Tyler Conklin, Dylan Laube, Audric Estime, and Michael Mayer.
210. New Orleans Saints (DST, NO)
211. Evan McPherson (K, CIN)
212. Derek Carr (QB, NO)
213. Jake Moody (K, SF)
214. Dameon Pierce (RB, HOU)
215. Tyler Bass (K, BUF)
216. Rashod Bateman (WR, BAL)
217. D’Onta Foreman (RB, FA)
218. Detroit Lions (DST, DET)
219. Roman Wilson (WR, PIT)
220. Kendre Miller (RB, NO)
221. Jalin Hyatt (WR, NYG)
222. Darius Slayton (WR, NYG)
223. Matt Gay (K, IND)
224. Tyler Conklin (TE, NYJ)
225. Tyler Boyd (WR, TEN)
226. Dylan Laube (RB, LV)
227. Noah Fant (TE, SEA)
228. Zay Jones (WR, ARI)
229. Audric Estime (RB, DEN)
230. Kenneth Gainwell (RB, PHI)
231. Cameron Dicker (K, LAC)
232. Green Bay Packers (DST, GB)
233. Michael Mayer (TE, LV)
234. Kimani Vidal (RB, LAC)
235. Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB, KC)
Tier 15
This is what I like to call the sicko tier for all of you managers playing in DEEEP leagues or 16+ teamers. Long-distance dart throws that I love in this group are Malachi Corley, A.T. Perry, and Sione Vaki. The rest can remain mostly off the radar in standard-sized leagues. The only caveat is Ricky Pearsall who may get dropped early season as he has battled injury issues all offseason and has not had much time to adjust to the NFL game.
236. Kendrick Bourne (WR, NE)
237. Cairo Santos (K, CHI)
238. Jalen McMillan (WR, TB)
239. Sam Darnold (QB, MIN)
240. Tank Bigsby (RB, JAC)
241. Ricky Pearsall (WR, SF)
242. Malachi Corley (WR, NYJ)
243. Zach Ertz (TE, WAS)
244. Treylon Burks (WR, TEN)
245. Miles Sanders (RB, CAR)
246. Minnesota Vikings (DST, MIN)
247. Dustin Hopkins (K, CLE)
248. Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB, NYG)
249. Greg Zuerlein (K, NYJ)
250. Jason Myers (K, SEA)
251. Bo Nix (QB, DEN)
252. Eric Gray (RB, NYG)
253. Odell Beckham Jr. (WR, MIA)
254. Carson Steele (RB, KC)
255. DJ Chark Jr. (WR, LAC)
256. Jonathan Mingo (WR, CAR)
257. A.T. Perry (WR, NO)
258. Trey Palmer (WR, TB)
259. Devontez Walker (WR, BAL)
260. Alec Pierce (WR, IND)
261. Alexander Mattison (RB, LV)
262. Cedric Tillman (WR, CLE)
263. Cam Akers (RB, HOU)
264. Keaton Mitchell (RB, BAL)
265. Cincinnati Bengals (DST, CIN)
266. Jacksonville Jaguars (DST, JAC)
267. Daniel Carlson (K, LV)
268. Justice Hill (RB, BAL)
269. Jamaal Williams (RB, NO)
270. Justin Fields (QB, PIT)
271. Samaje Perine (RB, KC)
272. Will Shipley (RB, PHI)
273. Trey Sermon (RB, IND)
274. Deuce Vaughn (RB, DAL)
275. Dalvin Cook (RB, DAL)
276. Michael Carter (RB, ARI)
277. Sione Vaki (RB, DET)
278. D’Ernest Johnson (RB, JAC)
279. Jeff Wilson Jr. (RB, MIA)
280. Isaac Guerendo (RB, SF)
281. Emanuel Wilson (RB, GB)
282. Cordarrelle Patterson (RB, PIT)
283. Kyle Juszczyk (RB, SF)
284. Pierre Strong Jr. (RB, CLE)
285. Israel Abanikanda (RB, NYJ)
286. Blake Grupe (K, NO)
287. Denver Broncos (DST, DEN)
288. Wil Lutz (K, DEN)
289. Chris Boswell (K, PIT)
290. Emari Demercado (RB, ARI)
291. Evan Hull (RB, IND)
292. Ronnie Rivers (RB, LAR)
293. Isaiah Spiller (RB, LAC)
294. Jerick McKinnon (RB, FA)
295. Kareem Hunt (RB, FA)
296. Rasheen Ali (RB, BAL)
297. Royce Freeman (RB, FA)
298. Isaiah Davis (RB, NYJ)
299. Andrei Iosivas (WR, CIN)
300. K.J. Osborn (WR, NE)
Photos courtesy of Icon Sportswire
Adapted by Kurt Wasemiller (@kurtwasemiller on Twitter / @kurt_player02 on Instagram)