Fantasy football is a game of strategy, risk-taking, and sometimes a bit of luck. As the 2024 season approaches, fantasy football enthusiasts are preparing to make their picks and build their dream teams. While some may opt for a safer, less risky approach, others are willing to take chances in pursuit of fantasy glory. Here are the top three fantasy football risks to consider in 2024.
Take a RB in the first 2 rounds, no matter what
When it comes to drafting your fantasy football team, the running back position has long been considered one of the most important. In recent years, however, the landscape of fantasy football has shifted, with more emphasis being placed on high-scoring wide receivers and quarterbacks. This has led to a trend of owners waiting to select running backs in the early rounds of drafts.
According to ESPN’s Average Draft Picks (ADP), only nine running backs are being taken in the first 22 picks of fantasy drafts. This means that many owners are opting to wait on running backs and focus on other positions such as wide receivers. While this strategy may seem tempting, it’s important to remember that running backs are still the backbone of many successful fantasy teams.
The role of running backs in today’s game has evolved, with many teams employing a committee approach to the position. This has led to a wider pool of running backs who have the potential to be top producers. However, the effort and uncertainty that come with trying to identify these hidden gems may not be worth the risk.
To mitigate this risk, it’s advisable to target two top-17 running backs in the first four rounds of your draft. By securing two reliable running backs early on, you can then focus on other positions knowing that you have a solid foundation at a crucial position.
Take Marvin Harrison Jr. as early as you have to
One of the biggest risks in fantasy football is selecting a rookie player with a high draft pick. Rookies are notoriously unpredictable, with many failing to live up to the hype surrounding their debut seasons. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. could be one of them.
Harrison Jr. is currently being drafted around the 24th pick in ESPN leagues, making him the 10th wide receiver off the board. While this may seem like a risky move, Harrison Jr. has the potential to be a standout performer in his rookie season.
With a proven track record of success in college and elite NFL bloodlines (his father is Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison), Harrison Jr. is poised to make an immediate impact in the NFL. As the projected No. 1 wide receiver in an offense led by quarterback Kyler Murray, Harrison Jr. is likely to see plenty of targets and scoring opportunities.
While taking a rookie player early in your draft may seem like a gamble, Harrison Jr. has the talent and situation to justify the risk. By selecting him as early as you have to, you could be adding a potential fantasy star to your roster.
Stream your defense and special teams units
In fantasy football, defense and special teams units are often an afterthought for many owners. However, these units can have a significant impact on your team’s success, especially when facing weaker opponents.
Instead of investing heavily in a top-tier defense in the draft, consider streaming your defense and special teams units based on matchups. By targeting defenses that are facing bottom-5 offenses, you can capitalize on favorable matchups and maximize your fantasy points.
Research has shown that the performance of defense and special teams units can vary greatly from week to week, making them an ideal position to stream. By staying flexible and adapting to the weekly matchups, you can optimize your team’s performance and potentially gain an edge over your opponents.
Additionally, by streaming your defense and special teams units, you free up valuable draft capital to invest in other positions such as running back and wide receiver. This strategic approach allows you to build a well-rounded team with depth and flexibility, giving you the best chance of success in your fantasy league.
In conclusion, fantasy football is a game of risk and reward. While playing it safe may seem like the prudent choice, taking calculated risks can lead to greater success and enjoyment. By considering these top three fantasy football risks in 2024 and incorporating them into your draft strategy, you can give yourself the best chance of building a championship-caliber team. So trust your instincts, do your research, and don’t be afraid to take a chance on the unknown.