Six Players Expected to Shape the 2024 Fantasy Football Season
ICARO Media Group
Every year, there are a few players who become the "faces" of the NFL season, making a significant impact on fantasy leagues around the world. Analyst Sal Vetri has identified six players who he believes will shape the 2024 fantasy football season. Let's take a closer look at these potential game-changers.
First up is Jayden Daniels, quarterback for the Washington Commanders. Dubbed as a discounted version of Lamar Jackson, Daniels has the potential to be the late-round QB that propels fantasy teams to victory. Coming off an impressive college career where he won the Heisman, Daniels boasted a remarkable completion rate of over 72%, along with 40 touchdown passes and just 4 interceptions. With play-caller Kliff Kingsbury by his side, who previously coached mobile QB Kyler Murray, Daniels has the opportunity to surpass even Murray's fantasy production in his debut season.
Next on the list is running back De'Von Achane of the Miami Dolphins. Achane had a rookie season that landed him the RB4 spot in fantasy points per game. Known for his explosive plays, Achane's increased price in fantasy drafts is justified. However, his impact will heavily rely on his ability to stay healthy. If he can play more than 11 games this season, he has the potential to be a key player in fantasy championship rosters, considering his impressive average of 7.7 yards per touch and his ability to break out explosive runs.
Wide receiver Malik Nabers of the New York Giants is expected to make a significant impact in his rookie season. Despite not having the advantage of playing alongside Joe Burrow like his predecessor Ja'Marr Chase, Nabers is considered one of the most explosive receivers entering the NFL since Chase. With his impressive college stats of 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns, Nabers now steps into the Giants' offense as their primary playmaker. In preseason, Nabers showcased his potential with a substantial target share from quarterback Daniel Jones. If he continues on this trajectory and reaches a 150+ target season as a rookie, Nabers could be a defining player in the 2024 fantasy season.
Tight end Dalton Kincaid of the Buffalo Bills offers a discounted option among the elite tight ends in fantasy drafts. Despite being taken in Round 5, Kincaid showed promise in his rookie season, receiving 91 targets and finishing 14th among tight ends in points per game. With fellow tight ends like Sam LaPorta, Travis Kelce, and Trey McBride going earlier in drafts, Kincaid presents an opportunity for value. The departure of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis opens up targets for Kincaid, giving him the potential to finish as the overall TE1 and significantly impact the 2024 fantasy season.
Wide receiver Rashee Rice of the Kansas City Chiefs faced some off-field issues that caused him to fall in fantasy drafts. However, with no current indications of a suspension, Rice's stock is rising. If he can build off his rookie season, where he secured 100+ targets, Rice could be an influential player due to the value he created for managers who drafted him in later rounds. While facing competition from Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown, Rice has the potential to earn more targets downfield and become a key player on many championship rosters.
Last but certainly not least is quarterback Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts. With an extraordinary combination of size, mobility, and arm strength, Richardson is often considered a fantasy cheat code. In his limited appearances last season, he had impressive finishes as QB4 and QB2 while showcasing his rushing abilities. With coach Shane Steichen's proven ability to coach and call an offense, Richardson has a promising situation. Supported by talented receivers such as Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, and emerging rookie Adonai Mitchell, Richardson has the potential to finish as the QB1 overall if he stays healthy.
These six players have the potential to shape the 2024 fantasy football season. With their talent, opportunity, and the ability to outperform expectations, they are worth keeping an eye on as the new season unfolds.