close
close

topicnews · August 28, 2024

2024 Fantasy Football: Tyreek Hill leads the safest draft picks in rounds 1-10

2024 Fantasy Football: Tyreek Hill leads the safest draft picks in rounds 1-10

When it comes to building a successful fantasy football team, balance is key—that is, a mix of players with league-winning potential and those with consistent reliability. Let’s examine the safest picks in each round of the 2024 Yahoo Drafts in a 10-team, 0.5 PPR format—with the goal of building a realistic roster that accounts for position depth and scarcity with relatively high production thresholds.

Tyreek Hill is the no-brainer first-round pick. Christian McCaffrey scored the most fantasy points for a non-QB last year, but given his age and tire tread, Hill is a safer investment. Cheetah has averaged over 1,600 scrimmage yards, over 110 receptions and 10 total touchdowns in his last three seasons.

Playing in the NFL’s most explosive offense has its advantages, as he has one of the highest target shares in the league while being virtually undefended. Hill has finished in the top three in fantasy points per game over the past two seasons, and there’s a non-negligible chance he finishes the year as the best scorer outside of the quarterback position.

It’s always a good idea to buy into a high-caliber offense, and Pacheco offers the perfect blend of age, opportunity, and potential. The RBs and WRs entering this round are either coming off a preseason injury (Puka Nucua, Jahmyr Gibbs), declining with age (Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry), or have an uninspiring passing game (Davante Adams).

If Garrett Wilson wasn’t tied to a soon-to-be 41-year-old who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, he might be the pick, but Pacheco is a three-down back whose passing work is only increasing. He’s the safest bet in Round 2.

Josh Allen has scored the most fantasy points as a quarterback in three of the last four seasons. He is the most consistent dual-threat quarterback in the game and can be counted on to pass for 4,200 yards and rush for 500 yards. Add in the fact that no Bills RB will top his red zone performance, and we could see another season of 10+ rushing TDs. This is one of those “set it and forget it” picks that could secure a fantasy title.

It’s time to follow the money. Mixon received the sixth-highest annual salary at his position this offseason despite averaging just 4.0 yards per carry and a 49% completion rate last year. Still, he was in the top 12 among RBs in fantasy points per game and remains a three-down back with little competition in the backfield. Joining an up-and-coming and dangerous Texans offense is ideal for his fantasy value, so expect him to continue his streak of 1,200 scrimmage yards and flirt with 10 touchdowns.

Trey McBride and Mark Andrews are popular picks here, but I’d go with Smith. The fourth-year pro has a guaranteed minimum of 1,000 yards and six touchdowns. Availability is important; Smith has only missed one game in his first three seasons in the league. Plus, you have the added benefit of having Kellen Moore calling the plays. Smith has only played 19% of his snaps out of the slot in his career, so more movement and freedom in a top-10 offense will lead to more volume and ultimately more fantasy points.

If something were to happen to AJ Brown, you could have a WR1 on your hands.

Brandon Aiyuk’s contract suspension increases Kittle’s fantasy appeal. He’s considered a top-six TE, but could compete for the No. 1 spot if Aiyuk is traded elsewhere or continues to sit out. Kittle finished last season with 65 receptions, over 1,000 yards, and six tuddies. He’s finished in the top five TEs in total fantasy points the last three seasons and in the top two in fantasy points per game since 2022. If you’re missing a TE in Rounds 3-5, this is the perfect place to get one without overpaying.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

While Round 7 is loaded with good wideouts (George Pickens, Tank Dell and Zay Flowers), I’d rather grab another RB to bolster the backfield — even in the dead zone. Of the available options, White stands out as the expected RB1 on his team, which is expected to be a ground-and-pound and run-heavy team. New Raiders OC Luke Getsy comes from Green Bay, and while he implemented a committee system there, no one has stepped behind White to lessen his potential workload.

When he took over as full-time starter in Week 15 last season, White averaged 23 touches (21 touches and two interceptions) and 99.3 rushing yards at 4.7 yards per touch.

I would much rather take White than a lumbering Najee Harris with a bad offensive line or 32-year-old Raheem Mostert, who is coming off an outstanding season.

Round 8: Terry McLaurin – WR, Washington Commanders

Missing out on Flowers, Dell or Pickens hurts a little, but grabbing F1 for Round 8 is a smart choice, especially with so few players around him. With the departures of Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson, 174 targets became available, so McLaurin can take on a significant amount. Despite the quarterback’s poor play, McLaurin has at least 77 receptions and 1,000 yards over the past four seasons. Add Jayden Daniels into the equation and we’ll see the best version of McLaurin in years.

Rashee Rice and Calvin Ridley are other options to consider, but considering how Tampa sportswriters rave about Chris Godwin, he’s the best option. Godwin shines as a reliable Round 9 pick and has three straight 1,000-yard seasons and is showing a positive drop in touchdowns.

Godwin only scored three total touchdowns last year, despite catching more passes, red zone passes, and receptions than Mike Evans. Feel free to skip the defense, kickers, and late-round TEs this round because you can pick them later anyway.

Yahoo Fantasy contributor Tera Roberts has been leading the hype train around Daniels and I’ve jumped on the bandwagon. He’s one of the few dual-threat QBs available late in drafts, so if you’re looking for a QB with top upside or someone who can cover you against an earlier QB selection, this rookie has immediate breakout potential. The skill positions available in this round aren’t exciting either. There are a couple of injured RBs (Nick Chubb, Jaylen Warren), Devin Singletary and Brian Robinson Jr.

Robinson Jr. is at least was highly touted in the preseason; but call me crazy – I don’t think Austin Ekeler is done and that he will be more important than the coaching staff is letting on. Rome Odunze is also moving up, but with an undetermined targeting distribution and a rookie quarterback, it could be a while before Odunze overtakes the likes of DJ Moore or Keenan Allen in the Bears’ crowded WR room.

You may also like...