Mike Fanelli | Thu, Feb 22nd 2024, 6:16am EST

Dynasty Fantasy Football Startup Mock Draft: 12-Team, Standard (2024)

While the 2024 season is still months away, that doesn’t matter to dynasty fantasy football players. Much will change in the fantasy football world over the next few months, with free agency and the NFL Draft around the corner. Yet, it’s always a good time for a dynasty startup draft with your friends.

I am picking first in this 12-team, 1QB and standard-scoring dynasty mock draft. The lineup for this mock draft is one quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, one tight end, two flex and eight bench spots. And use our FREE fantasy football draft simulator to complete your own mocks in minutes!

Fantasy Football Dynasty Startup Mock Draft: 12-Team, Standard (2024)

1.01 – Bijan Robinson (RB – ATL)

Many had super high hopes for the superstar rookie running back in 2023. Unfortunately, Arthur Smith’s obsession with using Tyler Allgeier instead of Robinson led to a disappointing rookie year for the former Longhorn. He was the RB12, averaging 11.1 fantasy points per game. Thankfully, Smith has been barred from the state of Georgia, meaning Robinson is finally free of his former idiotic head coach and worthy of the 1.01 dynasty pick.

2.12 – Kyren Williams (RB – LAR)

Despite sitting out a meaningless Week 18 matchup and missing four contests because of injuries, Williams ended the 2023 season as the RB4, averaging 18.6 fantasy points per game. Christian McCaffrey (20.3) was the only running back to average more fantasy points per game than Williams last year. Yet, the former Notre Dame star is four years younger and has far less mileage on his body.

3.01 – DJ Moore (WR – CHI)

While he wants Justin Fields back as his quarterback in 2024, Moore is set up for success regardless of who is under center for the Bears. The former Maryland star had a career year last season, averaging 11.2 fantasy points per game. Moore set career highs in every category despite playing 4.5 games with Tyson Bagent. He finished fifth in air-yards share (42.2%) and second in the NFL in receiving yards market share (39.9%) last season (per Fantasy Points Data).

4.12 – Lamar Jackson (QB – BAL)

Some will argue that taking a quarterback this early in a 1QB league is a mistake. However, I like having a superstar quarterback on my dynasty teams. Jackson is coming off his second MVP award in five years as a starting quarterback. He set career highs in his first season with Todd Monken as offensive coordinator, totaling 3,678 passing yards and eight yards per attempt. Yet, Jackson still had over 760 rushing yards for the fifth consecutive year.

5.01 – Isiah Pacheco (RB – KC)

Typically, running backs drafted on Day 3 of the NFL Draft struggle to hold onto their fantasy value, just ask Dameon Pierce, Chase Edmonds, and Michael Carter. However, Pacheco has proved to be a star running back. More importantly, his coaching staff has remained the same, giving him every opportunity to be the featured guy. Pacheco was the RB17 in 2023 despite missing three games, averaging 12.1 fantasy points per game, a higher average than Josh Jacobs and James Cook.

6.12 – Tyjae Spears (RB – TEN)

The Titans haven’t ruled out the possibility that Derrick Henry could return next season. Yet, that seems unlikely according to the betting market, meaning Spears has the inside track to be the team’s new starter. He finished 10th in yards after contact per rushing attempt (2.92) among running backs with at least 100 rushing attempts (per Fantasy Points Data). Hopefully, Tennessee improves their offensive line this offseason, making Spears a steal at this point in the mock draft.

7.01 – George Kittle (TE – SF)

In hindsight, I wished I had grabbed a tight end sooner. However, Kittle is a solid value to start the seventh round. The veteran tight end turns 31 in October. Yet, he has plenty of gas left in the tank. Kittle was the TE2 in 2023, averaging 8.6 fantasy points per game. The former Iowa star led all tight ends led all tight ends in receiving yards (1,020). Kittle’s role on offense could increase if the 49ers trade away Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk this offseason.

8.12 – Courtland Sutton (WR – DEN)

While having Sutton as my WR2 isn’t ideal, the non-PPR scoring format forced my hand to load up on running backs early in this mock draft. The veteran was the WR28 in 2023, averaging 8.2 fantasy points per game, a higher average than several wide receivers drafted ahead of him. Sutton was a touchdown machine last season, finishing fourth in receiving scores (10). If the Broncos upgrade at quarterback in the offseason, the veteran will become a bargain at his price.

9.01 – Jonathon Brooks (RB – Texas)

Despite having both starting running back slots and my two flex spots filled, I’m going back to the well in the ninth round with the former Texas star. Brooks is my favorite running back in the rookie class heading into the NFL Draft. The former Longhorn tore his ACL late last season, but he should be ready for training camp. Brooks averaged over six yards per rushing attempt every year in college, showing off his explosive open-field abilities.

10.12 – Jahan Dotson (WR – WAS)

Unfortunately, Dotson was a massive bust in 2023 following a promising rookie year. He struggled to connect with Sam Howell, averaging only 4.5 fantasy points per game. By comparison, Dotson averaged eight fantasy points per game as a rookie. Furthermore, he totaled fewer receiving yards last season compared to 2022 despite playing in five more games and seeing 22 more targets. Thankfully, Washington will draft a quarterback this year, giving Dotson the chance to have a bounce-back season in 2024.

11.01 – Mike Williams (WR – LAC)

Williams only played in three games last year because of a torn ACL. Yet, the former Clemson star was the WR14 on a points-per-game basis, averaging 10.4 per contest. He had a higher average than several big-name wide receivers, including Ja’Marr Chase (10.2), DK Metcalf (10), and DeVonta Smith (9.2). Unfortunately, Williams likely won’t return to Los Angeles this offseason. However, the star receiver could find himself taking over as the No. 1 guy in free agency. He is worth taking a shot on in the double-digit rounds.

12.12 – Zamir White (RB – LV)

Reportedly, Las Vegas would consider keeping Josh Jacobs at the right price. However, the former Alabama star likely finds a more appealing offer on the open market. That would be excellent news for White, who was outstanding to end the season. He was the RB9 in his four weeks as the starter, averaging 12.9 fantasy points per game. Head coach Antonio Pierce wants to run the ball and play defense, making White a potential fantasy star if he is the team’s starting running back.

13.01 – Rashid Shaheed (WR – NO)

According to Over the Cap, New Orleans projects to be well over the salary cap limit. The team will say goodbye to several free agents, including Michael Thomas. However, Shaheed will be back after flashing potential last season. He was the WR22 from Week 16 through Week 18, with Thomas sidelined, averaging 9.1 fantasy points per game despite ranking third on the team in target share (16.2%). Yet, Shaheed led the Saints in yards per route run (2.88) over in those three contests (per Fantasy Points Data).

14.12 – Khalil Shakir (WR – BUF)

Buffalo’s wide receiver core might look drastically different next season. Gabe Davis likely won’t return as a free agent this offseason. Meanwhile, Stefon Diggs‘ future with the team is up in the air. Even if he is back, the Bills must be worried about his late-season struggles in back-to-back years. Meanwhile, Shakir showed potential to end the season, averaging 5.3 receptions on six targets for 60 receiving yards and 10 fantasy points per game over his final three contests, including the playoffs.

15.01 – J.J. McCarthy (QB – Michigan)

After selecting Lamar Jackson earlier in this 1QB mock draft, I can swing for the fences with my second quarterback pick. McCarthy’s NFL Draft stock is rising, with many believing he could be a top-10 pick come April. With multiple older veterans not selected in this mock draft, I can grab one off the waiver wire if Jackson gets hurt and McCarthy isn’t ready to start.

16.12 – Juwan Johnson (TE – NO)

Hopefully, Kittle can stay healthy like he did in 2023. Yet, it’s always wise to pick at least two tight ends in your dynasty startup drafts. Johnson ended last season playing well. He was the TE2 during the fantasy playoffs, averaging 11.9 fantasy points per game, totaling at least 9.8 in every contest. With the Saints possibly having to cut Taysom Hill for salary cap reasons this offseason, Johnson’s role on offense could expand next year.

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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.

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