The receiver position has become arguably the most important for fantasy success over the last few seasons. The evolution of the passing game in the NFL has led to increased importance being placed on the position. Teams are throwing the ball more frequently than ever before, leading to the position being flush with talent. CeeDee Lamb, Justin Jefferson and Puka Nacua are all among the best players at the position. Having guys like this as a cornerstone of your roster gives you a significant weekly advantage.
- 2024 Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2024 Best Ball Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- Free Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator
I am going to highlight some must-haves for the position for 2024. Most of the names on this list aren’t out of nowhere but might be going a bit overlooked in terms of current average draft position (ADP). Rather than simply pick the five best receivers for fantasy, I tried to look at different tiers of receivers and who I like as a value out of each one. The lone caveat is that, while these players are considered must-haves, it’s also important to consider factors like your league’s scoring settings, your draft position and your overall draft strategy when selecting wide receivers for your fantasy team.
Must-Have Wide Receivers
Ja’Marr Chase (WR – CIN)
This might seem like a “water is wet” suggestion, but Ja’Marr Chase is a bit overlooked right now. He’s coming off a season where he set career-highs for receptions (100) and targets (145) despite playing most of the season without Joe Burrow. The yards and touchdowns were down from his phenomenal rookie year in 2022 but I would be willing to bet him to finish as the WR1 this year. Chase is one of the most talented players in the league regardless of position and he should be drafted as no worse than the WR3 but he is going closer to the WR5. With his fifth-year option being picked up and a healthy Burrow back, it’s wheels up for Chase this year as the centerpiece of the Cincinnati passing attack.
Garrett Wilson (WR – NYJ)
Garrett Wilson was a popular name last year at this time as the Jets had just acquired Aaron Rodgers. Wilson was coming off a terrific rookie season where he went over 1,000 yards and things appeared to be looking up for the second-year man out of Ohio State. Of course, Rodgers had his Achilles pop on opening night and the Jets never got untracked for the 2023 season. We are going right back to the well with Wilson here as Rodgers should be 100% for the start of the season. That should give the whole New York offense a massive boost with Wilson being the biggest beneficiary. Rodgers has consistently supported a WR1 with big numbers throughout his career and Wilson should be no different. Wilson is set up to have a career year. With some better touchdown luck, he could be a top-five fantasy receiver.
Drake London (WR – ATL)
The Falcons have had a lot of shade thrown their way since Thursday night (and rightfully so) but they have a lot of weapons on offense. The addition of Kirk Cousins is going to elevate Drake London into the elite class of receivers in the NFL. London’s biggest issue has been consistency but that is mostly due to horrible quarterback play. With Cousins running the offense, London should blow past his numbers from 2023 and 150 targets could be in his future. If he gets to that number, he is going to make his ADP look silly.
George Pickens (WR – PIT)
George Pickens was very boom or bust in 2023, totaling 100 yards receiving on five occasions but also failing to eclipse 50 yards in seven other games. Consistency is the name of the game in 2024 but there is no doubting his talent. The arrival of Russell Wilson should mean good things for Pickens as Wilson excels at throwing the deep ball and that is where Pickens does a lot of his damage. With the departure of Diontae Johnson, Pickens is the alpha in the Pittsburgh receiver room, a challenge he should embrace. If he adds a reception per game to his 2023 averages (he had 63 receptions), Pickens will contend for WR1 status in fantasy.
Keon Coleman (WR – BUF)
Keon Coleman is going to be much less touted than some of his rookie counterparts but his landing spot is as good as any. The departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis open up 240 targets in Buffalo. It isn’t far-fetched to think Coleman gets more targets than any rookie not named Marvin Harrison Jr. this season. The question with Coleman is whether or not he can become a strong route-runner. That will probably be the difference between him being good and great. Still, the raw talent is tantalizing and having Josh Allen as his quarterback puts him in a better position than 90% of receivers out there. He also had one of the best introductory press conferences for a rookie in history, so he is not lacking confidence or character.
More Fantasy Football Draft Advice
- Erickson’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
- Fitz’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
- DBro’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
- Hoppen’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
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Jason Kamlowsky is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Jason, check out his archive and follow him on Twitter @JasonKamlowsky.