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Fantasy football enthusiasts eagerly await Matthew Berry’s rankings each season, and 2024 is no exception. Berry’s expert analysis and insights have a significant impact on draft strategies across leagues nationwide. His comprehensive rankings cover all positions, from quarterbacks to tight ends, providing valuable guidance to fantasy managers preparing for their drafts.
This article delves into Matthew Berry’s top picks for the 2024 fantasy season. It examines the elite quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers to target in drafts. The piece also explores Berry’s tight end rankings and highlights potential sleepers and breakout candidates. By analyzing Berry’s tier rankings and considering injury updates, fantasy managers can gain a competitive edge in both standard and PPR formats as they prepare for Week 1 and beyond.
Top Quarterbacks to Target in 2024
As fantasy football managers prepare for the 2024 season, quarterbacks remain a crucial position to consider. Matthew Berry’s rankings highlight Josh Allen as the top quarterback to target, placing him at the forefront of fantasy draft strategies.
Josh Allen’s Fantasy Outlook
Josh Allen has consistently proven his value in fantasy football, finishing as a top-two quarterback in each of the last four seasons. His dual-threat ability sets him apart, as he ranks third in both passing grade and rushing attempts among quarterbacks during this period. This unique combination of elite passing and rushing skills makes Allen a standout choice for fantasy managers.
Josh Allen’s Projected Stats
While specific projected stats are not provided, Allen’s track record suggests another strong season ahead. Despite the loss of Stefon Diggs, the Buffalo Bills’ offensive adjustments may lead to an increased reliance on Allen’s abilities. This could potentially boost his fantasy production, as he becomes an even more integral part of the team’s offensive strategy.
Josh Allen’s Draft Position
Berry’s rankings place Josh Allen as the top quarterback and the first overall pick in the quarterback position. For fantasy managers looking to secure an elite quarterback, Allen is recommended as an ideal selection at the start of Round 3. This draft position aligns with the strategy of targeting top-tier quarterbacks early, similar to how Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts were often selected at the end of Round 2 in previous seasons.
Elite Running Backs for 2024
Christian McCaffrey stands out as the top choice among elite running backs for the 2024 fantasy season. His exceptional performance and versatility make him a highly sought-after player in fantasy drafts.
Christian McCaffrey’s Fantasy Value
McCaffrey’s fantasy value remains unparalleled. In the 2023 season, he led all NFL running backs with 324.3 fantasy points, ranking fifth overall across all positions. His consistent production is evident, as he averaged 20.3 points per game. McCaffrey’s best performance came in Week 4 against the Arizona Cardinals, where he amassed an impressive 41.7 fantasy points.
Christian McCaffrey’s Projected Usage
The San Francisco 49ers heavily rely on McCaffrey’s skills. In 2023, he showcased his efficiency by averaging 5.4 rushing yards per attempt, ranking second in the league. His versatility is further highlighted by his receiving capabilities, with 564 receiving yards on 83 targets. However, there are discussions about potentially limiting his workload to protect his long-term health.
Christian McCaffrey’s Injury Concerns
Despite his stellar performance, injury concerns loom over McCaffrey. He’s reportedly dealing with a calf strain, which raises concerns about potential Achilles tendon damage. The interconnection between the calf muscles and Achilles tendon means that a strained calf could lead to compensatory movements, increasing the risk of Achilles injury. While Matthew Berry still ranks McCaffrey as the top player, these injury concerns warrant careful consideration in fantasy drafts.
Wide Receiver Studs to Draft
CeeDee Lamb emerges as the top wide receiver to target in 2024 fantasy drafts. His consistent improvement over the past seasons has propelled him to the pinnacle of his position. Lamb’s breakout potential is evident in his 2023 performance, where he set franchise records for catches and receiving yards.
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CeeDee Lamb’s Breakout Potential
Lamb’s ascent to the top of the wide receiver rankings is backed by his impressive stats. He finished 2023 as the leading wide receiver in fantasy points, and his outlook for 2024 appears even brighter. With the departure of Tony Pollard and Michael Gallup, Lamb faces less competition for targets, potentially boosting his fantasy value further.
CeeDee Lamb’s Chemistry with Dak Prescott
The bond between Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott has strengthened over time, contributing to their on-field success. In 2023, Prescott connected with Lamb for 135 completions, a career-high for the receiver. This chemistry has resulted in Lamb accumulating 395 catches for 5,145 yards and 32 touchdowns on 568 targets since 2020.
CeeDee Lamb’s Target Share
Lamb’s target share is expected to increase in 2024. With fewer established receivers on the roster, he’s poised to dominate the Cowboys’ passing game. His previous success, combined with the team’s reliance on his skills, suggests that Lamb will continue to be a focal point of the offense, making him a prime candidate for fantasy managers seeking a top-tier wide receiver.
Top Tight End Options
Travis Kelce remains a top choice among tight ends for the 2024 fantasy season. Despite a slight decline in production, he still led the position in PPR points per game (14.8) and PPR points per snap (0.29) in 2023. Kelce’s consistency has been remarkable, finishing as the TE1 for several consecutive seasons until 2023, when rookie Sam LaPorta dethroned him.
Travis Kelce’s Consistency
Kelce’s reliability is evident in his 2023 performance. He ranked third among tight ends with 126.4 fantasy points, averaging 8.4 points per game. His best game came in Week 7 against the Chargers, where he amassed 23.9 fantasy points with 12 receptions, 179 yards, and a touchdown.
Travis Kelce’s Red Zone Usage
While specific red zone statistics aren’t provided, Kelce’s touchdown production remains a key factor in his fantasy value. Despite missing one game in 2023, he’s still considered among the best bets at the position for high-volume targets and scoring opportunities in 2024.
Travis Kelce’s Age Concerns
At 35 years old, Kelce faces questions about his longevity. The Chiefs have made efforts to spread the ball around, potentially impacting Kelce’s target volume. While he’s not expected to be a total bust, his fantasy production might align more closely with other tight ends. Despite these concerns, Kelce is still the second-most popular tight end by average draft position for the 2024 season.
Sleepers and Breakout Candidates
Fantasy football enthusiasts are always on the lookout for players who can significantly impact their team’s success. This season, several emerging players and late-round draft targets have the potential to become league winners.
Emerging Players to Watch
Tyjae Spears of the Tennessee Titans stands out as a promising running back. Despite sharing the backfield with Tony Pollard, Spears’ efficiency and playmaking ability make him an intriguing fantasy option. His impressive stats, including ranking sixth in Yards Per Touch and fourth in Juke Rate among all RBs, suggest he could outperform his current ADP of 107.8.
Late-Round Draft Targets
Jermaine Burton (CIN) and Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) are two wide receivers worth considering in the later rounds. Burton’s deep threat potential and Robinson’s increased role following Darren Waller’s retirement make them valuable sleeper picks. Both players offer significant upside relative to their current draft positions.
Potential League Winners
Rookies often emerge as league winners, and this year’s class has several candidates. Jayden Daniels, the Washington Commanders’ quarterback, brings dual-threat capabilities that could translate to fantasy success. His ability to accumulate points through both passing and rushing makes him a potential top-five QB option.
Conclusion
Matthew Berry’s rankings for the 2024 fantasy season have a significant impact on draft strategies across leagues. His insights cover all positions, from top quarterbacks like Josh Allen to elite running backs such as Christian McCaffrey, and highlight potential sleepers and breakout candidates. These rankings provide valuable guidance to fantasy managers as they prepare for their drafts, helping them to gain an edge in both standard and PPR formats.
To wrap up, Berry’s analysis of player values, injury concerns, and potential breakouts offers a comprehensive view of the fantasy landscape for 2024. By considering these rankings alongside team dynamics and individual player situations, fantasy managers can make informed decisions to build competitive rosters. As the season approaches, staying updated with Berry’s insights will be crucial to adapt strategies and maximize success in fantasy football leagues.
FAQs
- Is Matthew Berry still involved in fantasy football analysis?
- Yes, Matthew Berry remains a key figure in fantasy football analysis. He hosts a daily show where he discusses player rankings, waiver wire recommendations, start/sit advice, and his famous love/hate lists. You can watch the video version of his show on Peacock and the NFL on NBC YouTube Channel.
- Who is the top quarterback to target in 2024 according to Matthew Berry?
- Matthew Berry ranks Josh Allen as the top quarterback for the 2024 fantasy season. Allen’s dual-threat ability and consistent top-tier performances make him a standout choice for fantasy managers.
- Who is the best running back in Matthew Berry’s 2024 rankings?
- Christian McCaffrey tops the list of elite running backs for 2024. Despite some injury concerns, his versatility and high usage in the San Francisco 49ers’ offense make him a highly coveted player in fantasy drafts.
- Which wide receiver does Matthew Berry recommend drafting in 2024?
- CeeDee Lamb is Berry’s top wide receiver pick for 2024. Lamb’s breakout potential, strong chemistry with Dak Prescott, and increased target share make him a prime choice for fantasy managers.
- Who are some sleeper and breakout candidates in Matthew Berry’s 2024 rankings?
- Matthew Berry highlights Tyjae Spears, Jermaine Burton, and Wan’Dale Robinson as potential sleeper picks for the 2024 fantasy season. These players offer significant upside relative to their draft positions and could become key contributors to fantasy teams.