Must-Have Quarterbacks & Tight Ends for the 2024 NFL Fantasy Season

Quarterbacks: 2024 Top Picks

Josh Allen, of the Buffalo Bills, is currently ranked as the top fantasy quarterback according to FantasyPros’ expert consensus rankings. Despite the offseason trade of Stefon Diggs, Allen’s dual-threat capability as both a passer and runner keeps him in the top spot. In the 2023 season, Allen accumulated 3,947 passing yards and 29 touchdowns while adding 524 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.

Jalen Hurts, of the Philadelphia Eagles, ranks closely behind Allen. Hurts had an equally impressive 2023 season, passing for 3,858 yards and 23 touchdowns while adding 608 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. Hurts’ ability to consistently produce points both through passing and rushing makes him an attractive fantasy asset.

Patrick Mahomes, from the Kansas City Chiefs, is ranked third, despite leading his team to another Super Bowl victory. In the 2023 season, Mahomes recorded 4,183 passing yards and 27 touchdowns, maintaining a high level of performance even with a subpar receiving corp.

An emerging name in the rankings is Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts, who is positioned at QB5, ahead of more established names such as Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert. Richardson’s ability to leverage both passing and running capabilities has garnered the attention of fantasy managers who are excited about his potential.

Tight Ends: Leading Contenders

Sam LaPorta, of the Detroit Lions, is ranked as the top tight end for the 2024 fantasy season. LaPorta enjoyed a remarkable rookie season in 2023, becoming the highest-scoring fantasy tight end across different formats. His statistics include 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns on 120 targets. His role expanded significantly following Jameson Williams’ suspension, establishing a strong partnership with Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Travis Kelce, who has been regarded as the gold standard at the tight end position, ranks just behind LaPorta. Kelce’s 2023 season saw a slight reduction in overall production, but he still achieved 93 receptions for 984 yards and 5 touchdowns. His playoff resurgence reaffirmed his elite status to fantasy managers.

Trey McBride, from the Arizona Cardinals, presents an intriguing option, ranked third among tight ends. McBride made significant improvements in 2023, concluding his second NFL season with 81 catches, 825 yards, and three touchdowns. Notably, during eight games played alongside Kyler Murray, McBride registered a 53-538-2 line, which projects to 113 receptions, 1,143 yards, and 4.25 touchdowns over a 17-game season.

Dalton Kincaid, of the Buffalo Bills, is another tight end generating a lot of excitement. Kincaid managed to get 91 targets in his rookie season, a rare achievement for a rookie tight end. Following the departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis, Kincaid has secured his position as Buffalo’s leading tight end, providing both a high floor and substantial upside for fantasy managers.

ADP Data and Trends

According to ADP data from Fantasy Football Calculator for 2QB leagues, as of June 17, 2024, Josh Allen is typically being drafted first overall, followed closely by Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts. This data underscores the high premium placed on elite quarterbacks in 2QB formats.

In terms of tight ends, Travis Kelce has an ADP of 20.8, positioning him as a late second-round pick in 12-team leagues. Sam LaPorta follows closely behind with an ADP of 23.3, which demonstrates fantasy managers’ willingness to invest early draft capital in elite tight ends to gain a positional advantage.

There is also a rising interest in rookie quarterbacks, exemplified by Caleb Williams, who is anticipated to be drafted by the Chicago Bears. With an ADP of 66.8 in 2QB leagues, he is typically selected in the 6th round of 12-team drafts. This draft position indicates cautious optimism from fantasy managers regarding his potential impact.

Data from 2023 shows a notable disparity in points between the top-scoring quarterback (Josh Allen) and the QB12 (Dak Prescott), with a gap of 139.9 points in standard scoring formats. This spread highlights the importance of securing a top-tier quarterback, particularly in 2QB or Superflex leagues.

Research published in the Journal of Sports Analytics in early 2024 indicates that tight ends who receive at least 100 targets in a season have a 78% chance of finishing as a top-5 fantasy tight end. This underscores the value of tight ends heavily involved in their team’s passing game, a characteristic seen in players like Travis Kelce and Sam LaPorta.

Strategic Considerations for 2024

As we approach the 2024 fantasy season, these data points and trends significantly influence draft strategies and player evaluations. Fantasy managers must carefully weigh the potential of young, emerging players against the consistent output of established stars. Incorporating tools such as updated ADP data, expert consensus rankings, and specific studies, like those published in sports analytics journals, can guide managers in making informed decisions during the draft.

Moreover, considering various factors such as player targets, performance consistency, and dual-threat capabilities, managers can optimize their rosters for maximum fantasy point production. Additionally, integrating historical performance data and projections can help identify value picks and avoid potential busts, ultimately leading to more competitive and successful fantasy football teams. Finally, understanding the impact of positional advantages, particularly at quarterback and tight end, will be crucial in formulating winning strategies for the 2024 NFL Fantasy season.

In the context of these assessments, alternative activities such as exploring the best sports betting apps can be another enjoyable way to engage with football metrics and player performances, offering different perspectives and enhancing one’s overall engagement with the sport.

Conclusion

The 2024 NFL Fantasy season promises to be highly competitive and exciting, driven by key players like Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, and Sam LaPorta. Strategic draft decisions based on comprehensive data and trends, including ADP, expert rankings, and performance analytics, will be essential for success. By focusing on dual-threat quarterbacks and high-target tight ends, fantasy managers can optimize their rosters for maximum points. As the season unfolds, staying updated with player performance and emerging trends will be crucial for maintaining a competitive edge and achieving fantasy football success.