The fantasy soccer draft season is in full swing and preparation now can set you up for a regular-season championship run. Figuring out gamers who will exceed expectations and outperform their common draft place performs a key half in making selections.
Beneath are 15 gamers I’m enthusiastic about this season. I’ve additionally listed some late-round fliers value contemplating. These are quarterbacks exterior of the highest 20, operating backs exterior the highest 40, vast receivers exterior the highest 50 and tight ends exterior the highest 16.
With out additional ado, let’s get began with a quarterback who ought to have a bounce-back season.
Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (ADP: 62.1)
Burrow, when wholesome, stays a powerful fantasy play and an ideal possibility for many who desire to attend till the center rounds to draft a quarterback. He suffered a strained proper calf throughout coaching camp final season, which restricted his mobility and manufacturing early within the season, after which tore a ligament in his proper (throwing) wrist in Week 11, which ended his season. Burrow averaged solely 8.0 fantasy factors per recreation from Weeks 1-4, finishing 57.6% of his passes, however he bounced again in Weeks 5 via 10, averaging 21.4 fantasy factors per recreation whereas finishing 74% of his throws. He’s poised to rebound in 2024 with big-play receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, plus rookie third-round choose Jermaine Burton, who ought to be an improve over Tyler Boyd. Whereas the Bengals misplaced offensive coordinator Brian Callahan to the Tennessee Titans within the offseason, I would not be nervous. Cincinnati’s new offensive coordinator, Dan Pitcher, has been with the group since 2016 and spent the previous 4 seasons as Burrow’s quarterback coach.
Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (ADP: 91.3)
Murray ought to exceed expectations coming into his first full season since tearing his ACL in 2022. He is a wonderful possibility for these in search of a dual-threat quarterback exterior of Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson and Anthony Richardson, who will go a lot earlier in drafts. Murray completed as a top-10 fantasy quarterback in 2020 (QB3) and 2021 (QB10). Though he struggled as a passer over the previous two seasons and averaged solely 219.3 passing yards per recreation, he completed as a top-12 fantasy quarterback in 11 of his 18 video games performed. Murray has additionally averaged 6.8 speeding makes an attempt and 39.0 speeding yards per recreation since 2020. With a full offseason to construct rapport with the Cardinals’ playmakers, together with vast receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Zay Jones and tight finish Trey McBride, Murray ought to outperform his ADP behind an improved offensive line.
Working backs
Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints (ADP: 37.8)
It is powerful to cross on Kamara at his present ADP. He was one of the crucial dependable fantasy operating backs final season, ending because the RB3 on a per-game foundation. Whereas he averaged the fewest yards per contact of his profession (4.5), Kamara nonetheless completed second amongst all operating backs in targets (86) and receptions (75), ninth in purple zone touches and averaged 89.2 yards from scrimmage per recreation. With new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, the Saints’ backfield pecking order ought to stay unchanged. Kamara’s consistency and anticipated utilization make him a invaluable choose at a reduction.
Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings (ADP: 64.0)
Jones is likely one of the operating backs I like to draft within the center rounds. Though he missed six video games final season as a consequence of a hamstring damage and MCL sprain, he completed sturdy with three consecutive video games of at the very least 14 fantasy factors. Jones is a risk as a runner and receiver and will see loads of quantity on a Vikings group that ranked twenty ninth in whole speeding yards and thirty first in speeding touchdowns final season. Jones is a stable RB2.
Zamir White, Las Vegas Raiders (ADP: 80.9)
After spending 27 video games as a scarcely used backup, White lastly received his likelihood to shine final season in Week 15, after Josh Jacobs was misplaced to a quadriceps damage. White proved he was able to carrying the load for the Raiders with 20 or extra touches in every of the ultimate 4 video games, rating because the RB8 throughout that span. Las Vegas will look to ascertain a powerful speeding assault underneath head coach Antonio Pierce and new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. This bodes nicely for White’s fantasy outlook in 2024, contemplating his solely competitors is Alexander Mattison.
Jonathon Brooks, Carolina Panthers (ADP: 92.9)
Brooks is coming off an ACL damage suffered in November after an distinctive collegiate profession at Texas as an all-purpose again. He was chosen forty sixth total within the 2024 draft and can be a part of a crowded Panthers backfield that features Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders. However do not let that deter you from focusing on Brooks in fantasy drafts. The Panthers had solely 9 speeding makes an attempt of 20 or extra yards and 7 speeding touchdowns in 2023. Brooks ought to be capable to assist Carolina on this space. New Panthers head coach Dave Canales leaned closely on Rachaad White final season, which bodes nicely for Brooks. Whereas he will not be cleared to start out the season, Brooks nonetheless has the talents as a runner and receiver to emerge as a fantasy difference-maker. I’ve him as an RB3, however you’ll have to be affected person and ensure the remainder of your backs are in a position to contribute early.
Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders (ADP: 95.3)
Robinson averaged 14.3 touches and 13.2 fantasy factors per recreation final season, showcasing a stable three-down talent set whereas beginning 15 video games for the Commanders. Whereas his numbers weren’t eye-opening, Robinson’s means to generate yards after contact stood out on movie. With a brand new head coach in Dan Quinn, new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Commanders will doubtless rely closely on the operating recreation in 2024. Robinson faces backfield competitors from Austin Ekeler, however he’s nonetheless projected to guide the Commanders in touches and is a stable flex possibility with sleeper enchantment.
Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans (ADP: 107.1)
Regardless of averaging 18.1 touches per recreation and ending second in purple zone touches final season, Pollard struggled to maintain regular fantasy manufacturing because the lead again for the Dallas Cowboys. He averaged solely 13.1 fantasy factors per recreation and is best suited to a committee function in Tennessee alongside Tyjae Spears. The Titans wasted no time signing Pollard to a large three-year contract this offseason, indicating he is likely to be Tennessee’s lead again. He’ll doubtless see ample touches and will play extra just like the operating again who made the Professional Bowl in 2022.
Vast receivers
Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals (ADP: 7.1)
Chase has the potential to be the highest participant in fantasy this season. He completed final season with a career-high 100 receptions to go together with 1,216 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, all regardless of Burrow being compromised or unavailable for almost all of the season. He has averaged 19.3 fantasy factors within the 38 video games he is performed with Burrow, and I feel he ought to surpass these numbers with a wholesome Burrow underneath heart this season.
Deebo Samuel Sr., San Francisco 49ers (ADP: 48.7)
Samuel’s common draft place has fluctuated all summer time, very doubtless as a consequence of teammate Brandon Aiyuk’s commerce request. Regardless of lacking two video games final season, Samuel completed fifteenth in fantasy factors amongst receivers. Whereas Christian McCaffrey reduce into Samuel’s speeding makes an attempt and targets, Samuel nonetheless led all vast receivers in purple zone touches. The 49ers stay one of the crucial gifted offenses within the league and Samuel is value focusing on whether or not Aiyuk stays in San Francisco or not. At 28 years outdated, he has the ADP of a lower-end WR2 however the fantasy ceiling of a WR1 due to his versatile utilization and total effectivity.
Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams (ADP: 50.7)
Kupp had a tough 18 months, coping with quite a few accidents that price him practically half of the 2022 season and interfered along with his preparation for 2023. He had a a lot smoother offseason this 12 months after enjoying in 13 video games final season. Whereas Puka Nacua’s breakout negatively impacted Kupp’s goal quantity and output (held under 40 receiving yards in six video games), Kupp did have 5 video games with 15 or extra fantasy factors. He has nice rapport with Matthew Stafford and projections counsel Kupp will proceed to have a essential function within the Rams’ passing recreation, positioning himself to supply glorious worth as a low-end WR2 or flex possibility.
Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns (ADP: 83.4)
Cooper has been a constantly nice fantasy receiver all through his profession. He has seen 100 or extra targets in 5 consecutive seasons, and that pattern ought to proceed in 2024 catching passes from Deshaun Watson. Cooper averaged 17.6 fantasy factors within the 5 full video games Watson performed final season. New Browns offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey ran a pass-heavy offense with the Buffalo Payments, so the Browns will doubtless rely extra on the passing recreation, particularly with Nick Chubb coming off a severe knee damage.
Diontae Johnson, Carolina Panthers (ADP: 103.4)
Johnson, identified for his glorious route-running means, averaged 8.3 targets per recreation throughout his first 5 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Nevertheless, this hasn’t all the time translated to fantasy manufacturing, as he has averaged solely 11.1 fantasy factors per recreation over the previous two seasons. Johnson faces minimal competitors for targets in Carolina and would be the No. 1 receiver for second-year quarterback Bryce Younger. The Panthers’ offense ought to enhance underneath Canales, who revived the careers of Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield. Johnson is likely one of the few receivers at his present ADP that’s projected to see 100 or extra targets.
Tight ends
Travis Kelce, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (ADP: 23.5)
Kelce’s ADP makes him a compelling choose in drafts. Everybody is aware of his spectacular observe report, averaging 16.8 fantasy factors per recreation since 2016 and ending because the TE1 six occasions over that span. Kelce had a down season in 2023 by his requirements, averaging 10.6 yards per reception with a 13.0% huge play charge, each the bottom of his profession. This was doubtless due to the Chiefs’ inconsistency at vast receiver, which was addressed this offseason. Issues ought to enhance this season, as Kelce is projected to guide the group in targets after averaging 8.8 targets per recreation final season.
George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers (ADP: 56.8)
Kittle has been a constantly sturdy fantasy possibility, ending as a top-six tight finish in fantasy factors per recreation over the previous 5 seasons. Even in a 49ers offense brimming with playmakers, Kittle recorded profession highs in yards per goal (11.3) and yards per reception (15.7) final season. He had seven video games with 16 or extra fantasy factors however six video games with six or fewer factors, so managers will should be snug along with his scoring volatility.
Bargains value a choose late in drafts
Quarterbacks: Matthew Stafford, Rams; Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars
Working backs: Chase Brown, Bengals; Antonio Gibson, Patriots; Kendre Miller, Saints; Rico Dowdle, Cowboys
Vast receivers: Courtland Sutton, Broncos; Curtis Samuel, Payments; DeMario Douglas, Patriots; Jerry Jeudy, Browns; Darnell Mooney, Falcons; Ladd McConkey, Chargers; Jameson Williams, Lions
Tight finish: Jake Ferguson, Cowboys
