Fantasy Football Player Notes
2024 Draft Rankings
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27.
Patrick Mahomes II
QB - (at DEN)
Could Patrick Mahomes be a bargain in 2024 fantasy drafts? That will be a distinct possibility if enough fantasy managers are scared off by a disappointing 2023 campaign in which Mahomes finished QB8 in fantasy scoring. Mahomes averaged 261.4 passing yards per game last season, the fewest in his six years as the Chiefs' starting quarterback. He also hit a six-year low in yards per attempt (6.9) and touchdown rate (4.0%). Mahomes is too good to have "lost it." The easy explanation is that Mahomes simply didn't have enough pass-catching firepower. Chiefs TE Travis Kelce is 34 and may have reached the slowdown phase of his career. WR Rashee Rice put up good numbers in 2023, but Rice is a non-traditional receiver who had an average depth of target of only 4.8 yards and made his living off schemed-up receptions. Kansas City has added a couple of quality receivers, signing Marquise Brown and spending a first-round pick on Xavier Worthy, so Mahomes should be back in business. We are, after all, talking about a player who's won two MVP awards, has had two 5,000-yard passing seasons and has had a 50-TD season. Mahomes is on the shortlist of the best pure passers to ever play in the NFL. Fade him at your own peril.
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32.
Isiah Pacheco
RB - (at DEN)
Pacheco settled in a strong RB2 last season (RB14), but he could have even more upside in 2024 without Jerick McKinnon. In the four games he played without McKinnon active, Pachecho averaged 20.2 touches and 100.7 total yards. He was Kansas City's workhorse, as he played at least 70% of the snaps in three of those four games. The second-year back rewarded their faith in him as he was 12th in explosive run rate and 26th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). Among 48 qualifying backs, he also ranked 28th in yards per route run. Pacheco had plenty of high-leverage usage last season, ranking seventh in red zone touches and third on Kansas City in red zone targets. Pachecho is an RB1 who could finish inside the top-five backs this season.
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35.
Travis Kelce
TE - (at DEN)
Once the gold standard at the TE position, Travis Kelce will still be the overall TE1 for a lot of people in 2024 fantasy drafts, but he will no longer be a unanimous choice. Kelce finished the 2023 regular season for 93-984-5. That would be a terrific season for any other tight end, but it was the first time since 2015 that Kelce fell short of 1,000 yards. The statistical decline suggests that the 34-year-old Kelce is starting to slow down, But then Kelce went on a postseason rampage, with 32-355-3 in four playoff games. Obviously, playing with QB Patrick Mahomes is a big plus for any pass catcher. Kelce might not be a first-round pick in fantasy leagues anymore, but he's still an immensely valuable asset.
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52.
Rashee Rice
WR - (at DEN)
Rashee Rice showcased promise in his rookie season with the Chiefs, tallying 105 receptions for 1,200 yards and 8 touchdowns in 20 games, earning him a 19% target share. Despite an average of 10.9 fantasy points per game, he surged post-Week 6, averaging 12.1 points and ranking within the top 20. Given his December 9th court date from a legal issue earlier this offseason, Rice likely won't be suspended until 2025. Take advantage of mispriced ADP across all platforms.
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87.
Xavier Worthy
WR - (at DEN)
Texas' Xavier Worthy quickly made a name for himself with his standout speed and playmaking prowess at the college level. At 6 feet 1 inch and 172 pounds, Worthy distinguished himself early, notching 62 receptions for 981 yards and 12 touchdowns in his freshman year. He capped off his college career with over 1,000 yards and 5 touchdowns in his junior year, securing a 30% career dominator rating-the second highest in his class-and the youngest breakout age at 18. His abilities have drawn comparisons to DeSean Jackson, The upside is through the roof, and Worthy has been "as advertised" throughout training camp. He is viewed as a "starter" and could see a massive role if Hollywood Brown misses games to start the year with his shoulder injury.
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93.
DeAndre Hopkins
WR - (at DEN)
DeAndre Hopkins maintained his elite status in the 2023 season, securing 75 catches on 137 targets with a 28% target share, accumulating 1,057 receiving yards and showcasing his deep threat ability with 27 receptions of 20+ yards. His 1,934 total air yards led the league among wide receivers. Despite posting WR2 numbers, the addition of Calvin Ridley to the Titans' receiving corps presents a challenge to Hopkins' fantasy value, especially considering Ridley's potential target competition. An offseason knee injury is not expected to sideline D-Hop to start the season for the Titans.
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111.
Marquise Brown
WR - (at DEN)
Marquise "Hollywood" Brown had a forgettable 2023 season, struggling with inconsistent quarterback play and injuries. Despite posting impressive air yards and target share numbers, he failed to produce consistently, averaging just 7.8 points per game. However, his move to the Chiefs presents a promising opportunity to revive his career alongside Patrick Mahomes. With his speed and playmaking ability, Brown could become a fantasy WR2 in Kansas City's offense, but it will have to wait until he returns from a shoulder injury that could forced him to miss a game or two.
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183.
Kansas City Chiefs
DST - (at DEN)
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194.
Harrison Butker
K - (at DEN)
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230.
Samaje Perine
RB - (at DEN)
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265.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire
RB - (at DEN)
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298.
Carson Steele
RB - (at DEN)
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333.
Kareem Hunt
RB - (at DEN)
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347.
Noah Gray
TE - (at DEN)
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360.
Justin Watson
WR - (at DEN)
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388.
Tyquan Thornton
WR - (at DEN)
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389.
JuJu Smith-Schuster
WR - (at DEN)
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391.
Skyy Moore
WR - (at DEN)
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414.
Keaontay Ingram
RB - (at DEN)
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437.
Jared Wiley
TE - (at DEN)
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444.
Mecole Hardman Jr.
WR - (at DEN)
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501.
Justyn Ross
WR - (at DEN)
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503.
Carson Wentz
QB - (at DEN)
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589.
Peyton Hendershot
TE - (at DEN)
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656.
Anthony Firkser
TE - (at DEN)
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714.
Nikko Remigio
WR - (at DEN)
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