NHL Best Bets for Tuesday (11/19)
Kenneth Le
Coming immediately after the NFL Draft, one of the popular pieces on many football sites is a mock draft looking a year down the road. Which hot prospect quarterback will rise to the top to be the first overall pick the next year?
So why not do that exercise for fantasy football? Today, I’m looking a year down the road for a three-round mock fantasy draft for the 2024 season. We’re hitting fast forward. This year’s rookies are now entering Year 2, the veterans are all a year older, a current class of rookies getting ready for their first training camp, and you and your buddies are getting ready to draft your fantasy rosters.
Who are the top names and how will these new faces affect the fantasy landscape? Where will next year’s rookies land? Who will change teams between now and then? Let’s find out.
2024 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Round 1
1. Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons (Age at the start of the 2024 season: 22)
After being selected eighth overall in this year’s draft, I expect Bijan Robinson to go on to have an impressive rookie season where he finishes top five in the league in touches. No surprise as the Falcons continued the trend of leaning on their strong run game that averages over 30 rushing attempts per game. This has made Bijan the best fantasy asset in the game and will be drafted as such a year from now.
2. Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings (Age: 24)
Even with the addition of budding star Jordan Addison, Justin Jefferson should continue his domination of NFL secondaries. I expect 2023 to be his second straight season finishing as the top wide receiver in fantasy — helping make the case that maybe wide receiver should be prioritized. To make things better, I expect the Vikings to re-sign Kirk Cousins to give us security in our investment for 2024.
3. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals (Age: 24)
After missing time in 2022, Ja’Marr Chase bounces back in a big way, finishing just behind Jefferson as the WR2 in fantasy. His connection with Joe Burrow earns him a premium spot, and with running mate Tee Higgins hitting free agency, more targets should be opened up for Chase.
4. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts (Age: 25)
In 2022, we saw a dip from Jonathan Taylor as he battled an ankle injury, but he should bounce back in a big way in 2023. With defenses keying in on Anthony Richardson for half the season, Taylor dominates the second half of the season. This, paired with Shane Steichen’s run-heavy approach, makes Taylor a must-roster in 2024.
5. Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers (Age: 28)
In 2024, Christian McCaffrey will be entering his third season in the running back-friendly system in San Francisco. McCaffrey will make us forget that Kyle Shanahan historically leaned on a committee. With Trey Lance cementing himself as the starter and defenses having to respect his legs, McCaffrey will continue to shred defenses on the ground and through the air as the main playmaker in the 49ers offense.
6. A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles (Age: 27)
Pairing A.J. Brown with good friend Jalen Hurts paid off in 2022 and continues into 2023. Brown should continue to dominate as one of the premier deep threats in the game, leading to another top-10 finish in fantasy. With Hurts locked up long-term, we know that he will be keying in on his top target going forward.
7. Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants (Age: 27)
In his second season with Brian Daboll, Saquon Barkley should continue to dominate the league as one of the Giants’ main offensive weapons. This helps him earn a contract extension after playing 2023 on the franchise tag. Even at the age of 27, his volume and efficiency in this emerging offense won’t be something we can overlook for 2024.
8. Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins (Age: 30)
The warning signs for Tyreek Hill are starting to pop up as he hits the dread 30-year-old age cliff entering the 2024 season. However, we saw Davante Adams break the mold in 2023, so why can’t Hill? Especially when he should be coming off his second straight season of fantasy dominance in Miami. The combination of Jaylen Waddle and Hill continues to give defenses fits weekly.
9. Josh Jacobs, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Age: 26)
After playing 2023 on the franchise tag, Josh Jacobs moves on from the Raiders after finishing inside the top five in touches for a second straight season. With a touch load like that, Jacobs continues to be one of the best fantasy assets in the game, finishing inside the top three at his position in 2023. I foresee a move to Tampa, which might cause some worry about a touch decrease, but he will still carry elite upside.
10. Tony Pollard, RB, Dallas Cowboys (Age: 27)
After the Cowboys only brought in Deuce Vaughn in this year’s draft, I expect them to bring back Ezekiel Elliott on the cheap as well. Even with Zeke’s return, though, Pollard should continue his ascension to fantasy glory. Pollard continues to be one of the best threats in the passing game, but he also showed off his ability to handle a significant role in the ground game in 2023.
11. Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets (Age: 22)
There’s a very real chance Breece Hall gets off to a slow start in 2023 as he recovers from his ACL tear, but he should look better as the season goes on, eventually returning to his pre-injury form. 2024 will be a second year removed from injury, and Hall will be primed to be a force in a new-look Jets offense that will feature Aaron Rodgers under center for a second straight season. Teams will have to respect the passing attack and lighten the box for Hall. With this and his usage in the passing game, he will be a consistent weekly fantasy option.
12. Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams (Age: 31)
Cooper Kupp was on pace to be the top receiver in the league again in 2022 until an injury derailed his season. In 2023, he should rebound dramatically as he takes advantage of a weak depth chart behind him. The connection with Matthew Stafford continues to make Kupp one of the most consistent fantasy players in the league. On the flip side, Kupp and Stafford are now another year older, which means we could start to see a decline in 2024.
2024 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Round 2
13. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys (Age: 25)
Even with Kellen Moore gone, the Dallas offense should continue to offer fireworks in 2023. That is of course in large part due to CeeDee Lamb. In 2023, Brandin Cooks and another-year-removed-from-injury Michael Gallup take some pressure off Lamb and help create more one-on-one matchups Lamb can dominate. This leads to yet again another 1,000-yard season and an increase in touchdowns now that Dalton Schultz is gone, only increasing Lamb’s fantasy value heading into 2024.
14. J.K. Dobbins, RB, Baltimore Ravens (Age: 25)
J.K. Dobbins had to battle some injury issues in 2022 in his first season after his knee injury but still managed to post 5.7 yards per carry. In 2023 he should see a huge uptick in work under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, resulting in his first career season with 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns. That will earn him a second contract with the team and place him within the RB1 discussion for 2024.
15. Raheim Sanders, RB, Arizona Cardinals (Age: 22)
After breaking out in 2022 with 1,443 rushing yards with 10 rushing scores for the Razorbacks, Sanders should continue his ascension to stardom in 2023. That will lead the Cardinals to select him in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He would step in to replace James Conner, and at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Sanders has a three-down makeup. With Kyler Murray almost two years removed from his ACL, the Cardinals offense will be primed to take a step forward in 2024, and Sanders would be a big part of that.
16. Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs (Age: 34)
Even at age 34, Travis Kelce should continue to be Patrick Mahomes‘ favorite target in this electric Chiefs offense. He hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down yet. I expect him to be the TE1 yet again in 2023, making him the first tight end off the board in 2024, and deservedly so. The positional advantage he gives any fantasy manager is second to none.
17. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions (Age: 22)
Jahmyr Gibbs displaced D’Andre Swift in the Detroit backfield, and in 2023 he can become everything we hoped Swift would be in the offense. In 2024, he will be coming off what I expect to be a stellar rookie season, splitting carries with David Montgomery but being more efficient and also offering much more as a receiver. That will set him up for a more significant role in the offense in 2024.
18. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins (Age: 25)
As the second fiddle in the Miami passing attack, Jaylen Waddle has proven to be a premier fantasy option. In 2022 we saw both Tyreek Hill and Waddle finish inside the top-12. In 2023, I expect more of the same, with the Dolphins offering maybe the most explosive offense in the league. With Hill inching closer to a dropoff, Waddle will see even more work in 2024, making him a huge value here at 18.
19. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions (Age: 25)
Coming off a Pro Bowl season in 2022, Amon-Ra St. Brown could have a huge 2023 as the primary target in a shallow wide receiver room. I expect the Lions to bring back Jared Goff for 2024, so there is familiarity there, and Jameson Williams should be entering his first full season and start to emerge, helping open up St. Brown even more. As a true target hog, he is one of the most consistent options at this point in the draft.
20. Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots (Age: 26)
Rhamondre Stevenson was a quiet winner of the 2022 NFL Draft, because the Patriots opted out of bringing in a rookie running back. That leaves Stevenson as the unquestioned lead back for an offense that feasts off the run game and play action. He should take advantage of this in 2023 and post his second straight top-12 fantasy finish, helping supplant his position among the best fantasy assets in the game for 2024.
21. Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets (Age: 24)
After producing stellar numbers in his rookie year with Joe Flacco, Mike White, Zach Wilson and Chris Streveler throwing him the ball, Garrett Wilson got a huge quarterback upgrade in 2023. That should help Wilson continue his ascension to stardom, with a second straight 1000-yard season en route to his first top-15 fantasy finish. In 2024, he’ll be entering his second season with Aaron Rodgers, only helping his ceiling and making this pick one of the best in the draft from a value standpoint.
22. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals (Age: 22)
After emerging as the best wide receiver in college in 2022, Marvin Harrison will continue to get even better in 2023. That will cement him as a top-five pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. With extra picks in the draft (thanks, Texans), the Cardinals will be in position to replace DeAndre Hopkins with a high-end prospect. He will walk into a shallow depth chart and command a large role in this offense that will be looking to bounce back after what should be a putrid 2023.
23. Austin Ekeler, RB, Los Angles Chargers (Age: 28)
It now looks almost certain that Austin Ekeler won’t be traded, so I expect him to play it out in Los Angeles and continue to dominate as a true dual-threat running back, finishing as a top-10 fantasy option yet again. He will return to the Chargers for 2024, but he’ll be 28 and the team will likely add more depth behind him. That will put a bit of a damper on what we expect from Ekeler in 2024—he’ll still be a fantasy starter but no longer a contender for first overall.
24. Deebo Samuel, WR, San Francisco 49ers (Age: 28)
After signing an extension in 2022, Deebo Samuel continues to be one of the most physical dual-threat wide receivers in the game. The presence of Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell should lead to Deebo’s rushing attempts dropping for a second straight season, but he’ll still be a plenty productive fantasy asset. With Trey Lance coming into his own and entering his second full season, there will be hopes this passing attack takes another step forward in 2024, only cementing Deebo as one of the premier receivers in the game.
2024 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Round 3
25. Tee Higgins, WR, Chicago Bears (Age: 25)
I expect another solid year in Cincinnati for Tee Higgins in 2023 (a third straight season of 1,000 receiving yards), and then I expect him to try free agency as one of the prizes of the class. He’ll earn himself quite a payday, and I could see it coming from a Bears team that needs to add to an up-and-coming passing attack. Pairing Higgins with this offseason’s addition of DJ Moore would make this a genuinely good receiver group. The only knock on him is the possibility of a decreased target total in a less pass-heavy attack, but his ceiling will be high.
26. Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers (Age: 26)
Since being drafted in 2021, Najee Harris has been a staple of this ascending Steelers offense. He will enter 2024 coming off his third straight 1,000-yard season. It’s been inefficient — he’s come in under 4.0 yards per carry in both of his seasons so far — but the Steelers have started to rebuild the offensive line, so Harris should see that average start to climb. And if the offense overall can improve, Harris could see a higher touchdown total as well.
27. Mark Andrews, TE, Baltimore Ravens (Age: 29)
After a 2022 season that saw a rash of injuries and down production from the All Pro tight end, Mark Andrews should bounce back in 2023. A whole season catching passes from Lamar Jackson should result in him returning to his 2021 form, when he found the end zone nine times. In his second season with Todd Monken’s TE-friendly system, Andrews could be primed to set career highs in 2024.
28. Javonte Williams, RB, Denver Broncos (Age: 24)
2023 could be rough for Javonte Williams as he recovers from a 2022 knee injury, but he’ll be set to be a key part of this Broncos offense that will look much improved with Sean Payton calling plays in 2023. Banking on the fact that Williams will see a role similar to that of Alvin Kamara of days past, we could be getting great value with pick 28 here.
29. Davante Adams, WR, Las Vegas Raiders (Age: 31)
Davante Adams has topped 1,500 receiving yards each of the last two years, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he does it again in 2023 with Jimmy Garoppolo as his quarterback. On the other hand, he’ll be 31 when the 2024 season starts, which would help explain why he starts to slide in the fantasy draft order. Maybe he won’t be a top-five receiver anymore, but top-12 is very in play.
30. Stefon Diggs, WR, Buffalo Bills (Age: 30)
Stefon Diggs will be entering his third season in Ken Dorsey’s offense in 2024, and he’ll be primed to continue his efficient production. Development from Gabe Davis and Khalil Shakir and the arrival of TE Dalton Kincaid should boost the overall passing attack, but Diggs will still be the clear No. 1, and those weapons looking better should reduce the amount of double coverage Diggs sees. His age will start to set off alarm bells, but if he’s as good as I expect in 2023 he’ll still be a top pick in 2024.
31. D’Andre Swift, RB, Philadelphia Eagles (Age: 25)
After being displaced by Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit, D’Andre Swift could revive his career in Philly. Behind the league’s best offensive line, he could enter 2024 coming off his first 1,000-yard season and first season of more than 13 games. That will earn him a quality contract from the Eagles and set him up to take a step forward in 2024 with Rashaad Penny gone.
32. DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles (Age: 25)
DeVonta Smith should enter 2024 coming off his third straight season of at least 100 targets. He, A.J. Brown, D’Andre Swift and Jalen Hurts combine to make one of the league’s most intimidating offenses.
33. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Chicago Bears (Age: 21)
After a year of giving Khalil Herbert, D’Onta Foreman and rookie Roschon Johnson the ball, the Bears will realize they are missing that premier talent at running back. As a result, don’t be surprised if they use high second-round draft capital on Ohio State standout TreVeyon Henderson, who steps in day one to handle a significant workload for the Bears. It will still be something of a committee with Johnson in 2024, but with Justin Fields taking a significant step forward, the offense will be more efficient and ascend, and Henderson will be the prime beneficiary.
34. DK Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks (Age: 26)
In his second season with Geno Smith at the helm in 2023, we should see DK Metcalf continue to offer solid fantasy numbers. Tyler Lockett could be gone in 2024, but 2023 first-rounder Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a more than capable No. 2. Still, Metcalf should see a huge load of targets, and he’ll be the go-to guy in the red zone.
35. Michael Pittman, WR, Indianapolis Colts (Age: 26)
I wouldn’t be surprised if Gardner Minshew gets a few games in 2023, but before long it’ll be Anthony Richardson’s offense. That means Michael Pittman will be ready to play the A.J. Brown role for Shane Steichen in the Colts offense. Richardson will be entering his first full season as a starter — his arm talent is undeniable, and that will allow Pittman to stretch the field and become a premier deep threat. Pairing this with the hard play action within this offense and Pittman is primed for a breakout year in 2024.
36. Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans (Age: 30)
After being a staple in the Titans offense for years, don’t be surprised if Derrick Henry starts to show signs of wear and tear in 2023 as enters his 30s with over 2,000 touches under his belt. With little interest in free agency, Henry returns to Tennessee on a team-friendly deal, though don’t be surprised if the team starts to bring in more pieces in the backfield. That would cap his ceiling, but he would still hold enough fantasy value to be selected in the top 36 picks.
2024 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Quarterbacks
With this mock setup for a one-quarterback league, I don’t expect any quarterbacks in the first three rounds. But let’s look at the position anyway. Here is how I expect the top five quarterbacks to shake out for fantasy in 2024:
1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
2. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
3. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
4. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
5. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
There are no huge surprises in this list — all of these guys are at the top of their respective games and command some of the most potent offenses in the league. Quarterback has less year-to-year turnover than any other position, so these guys should still be at the top of the heap a year from now.
