FantasyPros Staff | Tue, Jul 23rd 2024, 1:35pm EDT

19 High-Upside Fantasy Football Draft Targets (2024)

Are you looking to dominate your fantasy football league in 2024? Our team of Featured Pros analysts has identified the high-upside players this season. These experts reveal the running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends who are often overlooked in favor of safer picks. Discover who they are, why they’re worth the risk, and how they can give you a competitive edge in your draft.

High-Upside Draft Targets: Running Backs

Which RB comes with the most upside at his current positional half-PPR ADP, and which player(s) would you pass on with a higher ADP at his position?

Chase Brown (RB – CIN)

“I’ll refrain from talking about Blake Corum as I have done for most of the offseason, and I’ll go with Chase Brown. He faces competition from Zack Moss for touches in this Cincy offense, someone who has always been just a guy throughout his career. I do expect Moss to at least start out as the RB1, but Brown will be involved plenty mainly on third down. All it takes is one Zack Moss injury for Brown to get his shot, and if you look at Moss’ history odds are favorable that he will miss some action. I would rather have Chase Brown over the likes of Javonte Williams, Trey Benson, and Jerome Ford. ”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)

Zack Moss (RB – CIN)

“Zack Moss was signed to be the RB1 for the Cincinnati Bengals. With a healthy Joe Burrow, the Bengals should again be a top-tier offense. Last year, Joe Mixon ran for 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns in a down year. At RB26, Moss provides amazing upside and could push for a high-level RB2 or even an RB1. I would draft him over players like Jaylen Warren, D’Andre Swift, and Aaron Jones.”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)

Zamir White (RB – LV)

“Zamir White (RB22 in the ADP) was the RB8, averaging 14.1 half-point PPR fantasy points per game during the four weeks Josh Jacobs missed with an injury last year. He had the fourth-highest yards after contact per rushing attempt (3.06) among running backs with at least 30 attempts during those four weeks, ranking ahead of Christian McCaffrey and Jahmyr Gibbs (per Fantasy Points Data). The former Georgia star had 20 or more touches in every contest, totaling 100 or more scrimmage yards in all but one game. Alexander Mattison and Dylan Laube won’t keep him from having a featured role in 2024. I would draft White ahead of Rhamondre Stevenson, Aaron Jones, Najee Harris, and David Montgomery.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)

“At RB22, Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White has the potential to be a bellcow selected outside the top-75 overall. His current competition for the starting role is veteran Alexander Mattison, who was a massive bust in his only season as a starter in Minnesota. White has been an average rusher in his two seasons as a backup to the now-departed Josh Jacobs, averaging slightly over four yards per carry in both seasons. Still, with a heavier workload combined with 30+ reception potential, he could be a steal at his current ADP. He is a player I would easily draft over the likes of David Montgomery and Aaron Jones, both of which go earlier than White in most drafts.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Football Universe)

De’Von Achane (RB – MIA)

“If you are talking pure upside – De’Von Achane. His rookie season last year was ridiculously efficient. As in over a full yard per carry than Jamaal Charles’ fantastic 2010 season. The question will be, can he be anything close to that for the coming season? I’d take him over Kyren Williams going ahead of him and try and get some stability later in my draft like James Conner or Zack Moss, who should see plenty of volume in case it doesn’t pan out with Achane.”
– Richard King (King Fantasy Sports)

Saquon Barkley (RB – PHI)

“Saquon Barkley: I know that Jalen Hurts is running the Tush Push play, and Jason Kelce’s retirement isn’t ideal when it comes to maximizing Saquon’s fantasy point total, but the last time Barkley played his home games in the state of Pennsylvania (Penn State), it went pretty well. And, unlike in New York, Saquon will actually have a formidable line blocking for him this year. In addition, you better believe Barkley will have an extra spring in his step when he plays the Giants. This is the most talented offense Saquon has ever played on. Barkley could have a Christian McCaffrey to San Francisco type of season. Ringo would take Saquon over everyone except maybe Christian McCaffrey. Maybe I’ve got to think about that one.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)

Raheem Mostert (RB – MIA)

“At cost, the upside of Raheem Mostert is undeniable. All he did last season was score 21 touchdowns. Now we’re fading him because the offense is worse (wait, no…). I mean, because he’s no longer the number 1 in Miami (wrong again…). Because, well, just because he’s a year older. Regression should hit, but it might not. Even if it does, I’ll gladly take Mostert over D’Andre Swift, David Montgomery, and Aaron Jones, who are going much earlier.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)

Jonathon Brooks (RB – CAR)

“Jonathon Brooks at ADP 89 is a running back with much upside. Brooks’ value is down because of the ACL injury, but that shouldn’t stop you from drafting him. On David Canalas’ offense, Brooks should get the lead role, but he should also be a significant threat in the passing game. I’d take the rookie over players like aging Aaron Jones, D’Andre Swift, and Zack Moss.”
– Steven Pintado (The Fantasy Coaches)

Joe Mixon (RB – HOU)

“Joe Mixon ranked as the RB7 (points per game) in the second half of 2023 as the Bengals starting RB, but it’s Zack Moss, two years younger, who now takes over the same backfield and with a better OL to boot. Moss registered individual scoring weeks of RB10, RB4, RB2, RB21 and RB9 in half-PPR scoring between Weeks 2-6 last season. During this stretch, he amassed 5 TDs and 566 all-purpose yards on 115 carries + targets, good enough to rank RB4 with 19.3 half-PPR points per game only behind Christian McCaffrey and the Dolphins’ duo of De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert. Moss is currently being taken as the RB25 (pick 84 overall) and truly has top-5 RB potential in an improved offense with reinforcements in the trenches that Cincinnati hasn’t seen in decades with the recent additions of Amarius Mims (6-8, 340) and Trent Brown (6-8, 370). Conversely, a few players I’m willing to pass on in this range — and with a higher ADP — would be aging backs with serious workloads and offensive environment questions, such as Alvin Kamara (RB17), Aaron Jones (RB19), Najee Harris (RB20) and D’Andre Swift (RB24).”
– Christopher Dell (Betting Predators)

High-Upside Draft Targets: Wide Receivers

Which WR comes with the most upside at his current positional half-PPR ADP, and which player(s) would you pass on with a higher ADP at his position?

Diontae Johnson (WR – CAR)

“Diontae Johnson is being heavily discarded, and I don’t quite get why. Sure, Carolina is not exactly the Greatest Show on Turf, but just look at what new Panthers boss Dave Canales did a year ago with Baker Mayfield in Tampa. I still believe in the talent of Bryce Young and am willing to put last year aside now that he has a better offensive line and more weapons around him this year. Johnson stands to be the main downfield threat, even with Adam Thielen and Xavier Legette in tow, with 80 catches totally in the realm of possibility. I will take Johnson over George Pickens, Calvin Ridley, and Jayden Reed, even though Johnson vs. Reed is rather close.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)

“Diontae Johnson is currently going as WR38, and I will have nearly 100% rostership of him across my fantasy leagues. He is the likely WR1 in an improving Carolina offense and has been a target hog his entire career. Johnson had three consecutive 140+ target seasons as a Steeler and should continue to put up WR2 numbers in his first season with a new squad. Not only would I take him over Rashee Rice, Keenan Allen, and Calvin Ridley, but I would take him over any receiver outside WR25.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Football Universe)

Calvin Ridley (WR – TEN)

“Calvin Ridley was paid to be the WR1 on a revamped Tennessee Titans offense that will focus on passing. He is currently being drafted as WR35 and will easily eclipse his draft position this year. During a down year, he amassed 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns. That will increase this year on the arm of Will Levis. I would draft Ridley over Zay Flowers, DJ Moore, and Stefon Diggs, all of whom are being drafted well before him.”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)

Chris Godwin (WR – TB)

“Chris Godwin (WR33 in the ADP) averaged fewer than 10 half-point PPR fantasy points per game last year for the first time since 2018. Furthermore, the veteran scored under 9.7 fantasy points in 64.7% of the games. However, he is prime for a bounce-back season, with the Buccaneers moving him back into the slot. Godwin averaged 0.41 fantasy points per route run in the slot compared to 0.26 lined up outside last season (per Fantasy Points Data). He could outscore Mike Evans in half-point PPR scoring this year. I would draft Godwin ahead of Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen, and Terry McLaurin.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)

Michael Pittman Jr. (WR – IND)

“For upside this season, I’ll opt for Michael Pittman Jr. from when he started in the league, I’ve been excited about his talent, but it’s not come to pass with the changes at QB he has had. With Anthony Richardson be the person to truly unlock him? Possibly. Even if he doesn’t, Pittman should see enough of a target share to still repay his draft cost. I’d happily take him over Cooper Kupp at current cost.”
– Richard King (King Fantasy Sports)

Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR – ARI)

“Not all rookies, or even draft classes, are cut from the same cloth. Marvin Harrison Jr. is special. He’s big (6’4?), he’s fast (estimated 40 time- 4.39), he runs good routes, and gosh darn it, fantasy football analysts named Mark Ringo like him ha ha! Ringo’s comp- Harrison Jr. is bigger and faster than his dad, who was an all-pro for the Colts. He reminds me of Julio Jones in his prime. Marvin is one of the few players who has the ability to be the top performing fantasy WR in 2024 if things break right. He’s that good. I would take Marvin over Justin Jefferson, Puka Nacua, A.J. Brown, Ja’Marr Chase, Garrett Wilson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and CeeDee Lamb (until Lamb ends his holdout).”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)

DK Metcalf (WR – SEA)

“We’ve already seen the upside of DK Metcalf. He finished as a half-PPR WR1 when scoring double-digit TDs back in 2020 and 2021. Now, Metcalf finds himself in an electric passing attack with 2 other impressive wide receivers around him. He should approach those WR1 numbers again, assuming health, and could easily go nuclear if Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Tyler Lockett get injured. I’m taking him over Michael Pittman, Cooper Kupp, and both 49ers wideouts.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)

Christian Watson (WR – GB)

“Christian Watson at ADP 82 is a receiver with so much upside in fantasy. He has a touchdown in half of his career games since coming into the league. When healthy, he showed us that he could be the WR1 for this team and see a high target share. Watson has some injury risk, but his upside is worth it. He could be a high borderline WR1 if he can stay on the field. In drafts, I’d take Watson over players like Hollywood Brown, Keenan Allen, Calvin Ridley, and DeAndre Hopkins.”
– Steven Pintado (The Fantasy Coaches)

Tank Dell (WR – HOU)

“Tank Dell (no relation, unfortunately) was the WR3 overall from Weeks 9-12 with 20.5 half-PPR points per game, and he’s now currently being drafted 27 spots (WR28) behind fellow Texans WR Stefon Diggs (WR22) and 41 spots behind Nico Collins (WR13). I understand that Dell is coming back from an injury, and there is some hesitation in drafting him too high, but this is C.J. Stroud’s GUY. Stroud has talked endlessly this offseason about the excitement of getting Dell back in three-WR sets, and make no mistake about it, when both Dell and Nico were fully healthy last season, it was Dell who was the Texans’ undisputed WR1. It’s always best to remain “injury optimistic” with young players who DON’T have a lengthy injury history and who are NOT dealing with lingering soft-tissue ailments — and Dell doesn’t check either box for us there. A few players I’d pass on in this range (and with a higher ADP) are guys who project to be in low-volume passing games and could face even more of a barrier from inconsistent QB play: George Pickens (WR27) and Zay Flowers (WR26) are two players who come to find that, despite their talent, figure to play second-fiddle in what figure to be run-first offensive schemes.”
– Christopher Dell (Betting Predators)

High-Upside Players: Tight Ends

Which TE comes with the most upside at his current positional half-PPR ADP, and which player(s) would you pass on with a higher ADP at his position?

Jake Ferguson (TE – DAL)

“I love Jake Ferguson. Putting my Cowboys fandom aside, Ferguson showed a year ago one thing to every fantasy manager: Always consider who the Cowboys have as their TE1. While Ferguson is no star by any means, he is a very solid contributor that Dak Prescott trusts. That cannot go unnoticed, as Dak loves his tight ends. In seasons where Dak Prescott has been healthy, the Cowboys TE1 has missed out on at least 90 targets once. That was in 2022, when Dalton Schultz recorded 89 targets. I would rather the known product of Ferguson over the unknowns of Kyle Pitts and David Njoku.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)

“Outside of Taysom Hill (as you’ll always struggle to know the weeks he goes off) – Jake Ferguson. He gets all of the snaps you want for a TE and sees plenty of targets, too. Last season, he became a safe option for Dak Prescott when he was looking to check the ball down. If he can see the positive TD regression he is due then he should be a great value TE who could push on the edge of the elite at the position.”
– Richard King (King Fantasy Sports)

Jonnu Smith (TE – MIA)

“In March, the Miami Dolphins paid Jonnu Smith to be their top tight end in the 2024 season! Last year, he stole the show from the over-hyped Kyle Pitts. In Miami, he should stay on the field due to his ability to block and catch passes. He should be a threat to be a TE1, and at TE24, that is a steal! He should be drafted over Noah Fant, Hunter Henry, and Luke Musgrave because of the opportunities and consistency on-field time in Miami.”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)

Pat Freiermuth (TE – PIT)

“While Pat Freiermuth (TE15 in the ADP) is coming off the worst season of his career, fantasy players should give him another shot in 2024. The Steelers’ passing attack should be significantly better after swapping out Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky for Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Furthermore, Arthur Smith taking over as the team’s offensive coordinator is excellent news for Freiermuth. The Atlanta Falcons tight ends averaged a 31.7% overall target share and a 29.3% red zone target share in 2023. With Diontae Johnson in Carolina, Freiermuth should be the No. 2 option in the passing game and see the volume needed for a breakout season in the final year of his rookie contract. I would draft him ahead of Dallas Goedert, Dalton Schultz, and T.J. Hockenson.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)

“Pat Freiermuth appeared to be trending upward after his second NFL season, posting finishes of TE14 and TE8 before struggling with injuries in 2023 and finishing as TE29. Target hog Diontae Johnson has departed for Carolina, leaving a massive void in targets. The only pass-catcher that is above Freiermuth on the depth chart is George Pickens, however, Pickens has never been a high-volume receiver. Freiermuth should easily be the number two receiving option on the Steelers and could challenge Pickens for the team lead in targets. Going at a cost of TE15 in drafts, he is free money. I would take him without question over Cole Kmet, Dalton Schultz, and Dallas Goedert, not to mention TJ Hockenson, who is more talented but likely to miss a significant portion of the season.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Football Universe)

Kyle Pitts (TE – ATL)

“”Captain” Kirk Cousins will be the best quarterback that Kyle Pitts has ever played with, and the upgrade should help the Falcons’ offense boldly go where no man has gone before: The end zone ha ha! Atlanta also changed their coaching staff (new head coach Raheem Morris and new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson) which should lead to a more pass-oriented offense. Pitts was unstoppable in college, and as long as he and Cousins can stay healthy, it’s logical to think that Pitts will not only dominate this season but for many years to come. “Helm, lock phasers on Kyle Pitts (one of Ringo’s favorite draft targets in 2024)…..Fire, Mr. Sulu!” Kyle Pitts is my top-ranked TE. I would take Kyle over everyone.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)

“It’s Kyle Pitts. There aren’t many active NFL TEs with a 1,000-yard season at the TE position on their resume. Most of them – Travis Kelce, George Kittle, Evan Engram, Zach Ertz – are beyond their prime or in crowded situations. Only Mark Andrews seems still capable of hitting that mark, and he’s coming back from a significant injury. Pitts can absolutely become the TE1 this season, and even if he doesn’t, he’s a locked-in top 5 guy for me. I’m drafting him in front of Dalton Kincaid and Mark Andrews, even though I like those guys at cost, too.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)

Tyler Conklin (TE – NYJ)

“I’m continuing my love for Tyler Conklin in fantasy. I think he could have a lot of upside with a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers this year. He has 87 targets and over 500 receiving yards in three straight seasons. The touchdowns have been low, but they should spike with Rodgers as the quarterback. I’d be willing to pass on players like Pat Freiermuth, Cole Kmet, and Dalton Schultz and just take Conklin’s upside in 2024.”
– Steven Pintado (The Fantasy Coaches)

David Njoku (TE – CLE)

“Sam LaPorta is currently being drafted as the TE1 for 2024, but Cleveland’s David Njoku actually led all TEs in fantasy scoring from Weeks 10-18 in 2023 for the official second half of the regular season. In fact, only seven TEs averaged more than 10 half-PPR points per game last year, and three are currently being drafted outside the overall top 60 picks (Evan Engram, George Kittle and Njoku). We’re getting one heck of a discount for a player with legitimate TE1 potential at an ADP of TE10 (overall pick #95) with Njoku, compared to TE1/26th for LaPorta and TE2/35 for Kelce, as well as TE5/52nd and TE6/61st for unproven fantasy young’uns Dalton Kincaid and Kyle Pitts, respectively. If I’m drafting a tight end THAT early, then I’m going with Arizona’s Trey McBride, who turned in four different weekly performances of TE3 or better in 2023 (and is currently being drafted 14 spots behind the aforementioned Travis Kelce and 22 behind LaPorta). How about a deep sleeper with some upside? As a late-round backup option, Noah Fant is now being drafted as TE25 (186th overall) despite Colby Parkinson and Will Dissly vacating 56 targets from 2023. A similar athletic to profile Njoku, Fant is also a prime breakout candidate under new OC Ryan Grubb in Seattle in 2024.”
– Christopher Dell (Betting Predators)

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