Players You Need to Draft in Fantasy Football for 2024

The NFL preseason is underway, and with it, people around the world are scheduling their fantasy football draft. Whether you’re prepping for the 10th year of the league that you’ve been in with your friends from high school, or you’re just getting started in fantasy football for the first time, knowing who to draft and when to grab them is crucial.

Successful fantasy football teams are built in the draft. While you’ll need to watch your league’s waiver wire for pickups during the season, your draft is your chance to lay the foundation for a championship season.

Whether you’re hoping to win some money from your friends, or you’re just in it for bragging rights, as Herm Edwards once said, “You play to win the game.”

If you’re putting together your draft board, take a look at this list of players you need to get on your roster. We can help you avoid finishing last and dealing with any of the punishments that come with doing so and coming out on top of your league.

Please note that all of these recommendations are based on a points-per-reception (PPR) format.

Obvious Choices

Even if you’re not familiar with fantasy football, there are some fantasy football players that you’re probably already aware of.

Regardless of the app or platform that your league operates on, some of these names are going to appear at the top of every draft board.

For the sake of this piece, we’re looking at some players who may be available after the first round, but no list of fantasy football draft tips would be complete without mentioning these players.

Patrick Mahomes - Kansas City Chiefs

Widely considered the face of the NFL, he’s the best player in football on a high-powered offense. Mahomes generally does well at protecting the ball, which means you don’t have to deal with lost points from interceptions. He’s probably the only QB you can justify picking in the first round.

Lamar Jackson - Baltimore Ravens

Jackson is statistically the best dual-threat QB in league history, which makes him a must-have in fantasy football. Adding his rushing stats with his passing stats makes Jackson a great grab, especially if you can get him in the second or third round.

Tyreek Hill - Miami Dolphins

“Cheetah” is consistently one of the top fantasy football receivers, thanks in large part to his blazing speed. He’s a threat to put up 150 or more yards in any game.

Christian McCaffery - San Francisco 49er's

The 49ers running back is coming off an Offensive Player of the Year award and is a dual-threat option who can put up receiving and rushing stats as good as anyone in the game. Most platforms have him as the top player available in pre-draft settings.

CeeDee Lamb - Dallas Cowboys

The number-one receiving target in a high-powered Dallas Cowboys offense is a must-get if he’s on the board with your first-round pick. Lamb doesn’t have a ton of competition for catches, and Dallas’ running game seems to be suspect at best heading into this season.

Travis Kelce - Kansas City Chiefs

The tight end position is one that brings about a lot of debate in fantasy football drafts, but Patrick Mahomes’ favorite target (and Taylor Swift’s boyfriend), is a must-draft. Unlike most other TEs in football, he’s the number one option on a high-scoring offense.

Now that we have some of the most obvious choices out of the way, let’s take a look at some other players you need to grab. Some of these players should be available after your first pick (or even two picks) are gone.

Quarterbacks

Looking for a signal caller for your fantasy football team? Don’t pass on these guys, especially if they’re available after the first round.

Jalen Hurts - Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles QB finished the 2023 fantasy football season as the second-leading scorer among QBs. While this typically means he may not be available in a lot of leagues, the fact remains that people who take QBs early typically go for Mahomes, Jackson, or Josh Allen.

In addition to his passing, Hurts grabs some rushing TDs thanks to the Eagles’ patented “tush push.”

Anthony Richardson - Indianapolis Colts

The Colts QB missed most of his rookie season due to a shoulder injury, and that causes some concerns for fantasy football players looking for a QB.

What you can’t ignore is the fact that he’s perhaps a better runner than he is a passer, which is great news for fantasy drafters. You shouldn’t burn a top-20 pick on him, but if he’s there in the fourth and you don’t have a QB, he’s worth the risk.

CJ Stroud - Houston Texans

Last season, CJ Stroud silenced the doubters who said Ohio State QBs don’t do well in the pros. The young signal caller of the Houston Texans exceeded expectations and got the Texans into the postseason. With another year under his belt, he should take the next step in his development.

Running Backs

Running backs are considered the most important position in fantasy football, especially if you get a player who is the clearcut number-one option on his team. We’ve already discussed a couple of great running backs, but here are some more guys to add to your draft board.

Josh Jacobs - Green Bay Packers

After spending his entire career with the Raiders, Josh Jacobs moves to the Midwest to suit up for the Green Bay Packers this season. The team relied heavily on Aaron Jones last year, who moved on to Minnesota for the 2024 campaign.

Jacobs’ closest competition on the depth chart is a rookie and AJ Dillon, who is the subject of some trade speculation. Jacobs is going to get touches.

Derek Henry - Baltimore Ravens

Even when Lamar Jackson isn’t running, the Ravens love the ground game. After spending his career in Tennessee, Henry signed with the Ravens. He’s going to get a lot of touches, and he’s proven to be a high-end fantasy option.

Isaiah Pacheco - Kansas City Chiefs

Some people shy away from drafting Chiefs’ players not named Mahomes or Kelce, but Pacheco has positioned himself as a great fantasy option. Between rushes and receptions, he’s a great option from a volume perspective.

Wide Receivers

The wideout position is sometimes tricky, especially in a PPR league. These players are all excellent options for your fantasy football draft.

Justin Jefferson - Minnesota Vikings

There is some concern around Jefferson coming into this season because of the change at quarterback. It doesn’t matter. He’s one of the best players in the league and put up solid numbers without Kirk Cousins under center last season.

Jamaar Chase - Cincinnati Bengals

Jamaar Chase’s contract with the Bengals has been the topic of discussion this off-season, but if he’s there, he’s a must-have on your roster. Joe Burrow is a great QB option, and Chase is his favorite receiver.

Amonra St. Brown - Detroit Lions

Many people knew about Amonra St. Brown’s ability two years ago, but last season proved to be his “coming out party.” As the top receiving option on the high-scoring Lions’ offense, get him if he’s available.

Tight Ends

After Travis Kelce comes off the board, who should you take at tight end? Good TEs are those who are consistent red-zone targets and who don’t have to share significant snap counts with other players at the same position.

Mark Andrews - Baltimore Ravens

Zay Flowers (WR) made an impression last season, his rookie year, in Baltimore. However, when the rubber meets the road, Mark Andrews is still Lamar Jackson’s favorite target. He’s going to get touches, and he’s going to be the preferred option in the red zone.

Sam LaPorta - Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions have been trending in the right direction since Dan Campbell became the head coach. Last year, Sam LaPorta was far and away the best rookie TE in football, and he’s expected to take another step in his development in 2024.

Kyle Pitts - Atlanta Falcons

Pitts had a lot of hype surrounding him a couple of years back when the Falcons took him fourth overall. However, the Florida Gator alumni struggled to meet expectations. Things should change this year in Atlanta with a new head coach and Kirk Cousins under center.

Set Your Strategy

Ultimately, the players you take and when you draft them depends on your draft strategy. Spend some time researching what works and what doesn’t based on your league’s setup.

However, getting one or more of these players on your roster is a great way to ensure that you’re going to be among the last teams standing.