The world of fantasy football is constantly evolving, and identifying future stars is key to staying ahead of the competition. Wide receivers, in particular, are a volatile position characterized by frequent injuries, changing workloads, and emerging new talents. As we look ahead to 2024, it's essential to keep an eye on potential breakout stars who can provide significant value to your dynasty team. This article highlights the top five wide receivers to watch for 2024, offering insights into their current roles, performance, and future potential.
Also, if you'd like to check out both the potential "Young Guns" and "Fantasy Studs" articles, those can be reached here:
Now on to the wide-outs!
WR 1: Drake London (Atlanta Falcons)
Current Team and Role
Drake London has quickly become a cornerstone of the Atlanta Falcons' offense since being drafted in 2022. Now playing alongside veteran QB Kirk Cousins, London has developed into one of the best wideouts in the entire NFL. Out from the shadows of former coach Arthur Smith, the sky-is-the-limit for the third year wide-out. His ability to make big plays and consistently produce high yardage has made him a top fantasy option.
Performance So Far and Potential
London looked the part of an eighth overall pick in his first two NFL seasons, mixing flashes of relevance with stretches of poor production. However, much of this was due to being on a Falcons’ team that had bad QB play and used a run heavy offense. This, combined with a new coach, offensive coordinator, and QB, position London as one of the biggest potential breakouts of 2024.
Why He Is a Good Stash for 2024
Given both his age and proven track record, London is not just a good stash but a must-have for any dynasty roster. His increasing chemistry with Cousins and his role as the primary target in a potent Atlanta offense ensure he will remain a top fantasy performer for years to come.
Future Projections and Expectations
Looking ahead to 2024, one can expect London to take significant strides forward. His ability to consistently produce amidst terrible play calling and QB play his first two years in the league and his central role in the Falcon’s offense make him a player on the rise. With the potential for even more growth, London could be a Top-10 receiving option iin many fantasy leagues by the end of the year.
WR 2: Jahan Dotson (Washington Commanders)
Current Team and Role
3rd Year wide-out Jahan Dotson has had an interesting first two seasons in the NFL. A 2022 first round pick, Dotson remains the solid #2 in the Commander's receiver corps behind veteran Terry McLaurin. With the Commanders sporting a new coaching staff and QB in Jayden Daniels, that role doesn’t figure to change anytime soon.
Performance So Far and Potential
Dotson’s first two seasons in the NFL were up and down. In his rookie year he flashed his WR1 potential, averaging about 3 catches per game and ending up with over 500 receiving yards despite poor QB play. The interesting thing is that in year 2 his averages were almost exactly the same but his efficiency cratered. Whether this was due to even more poor QB play or other scenarios remains to be seen, however, Dotson has the potential to be a solid WR2 with upside now that he has a new QB and coaching staff.
Why He Is a Good Stash for 2024
Dotson has both youth and first round pedigree on his side. Additionally, when new OC Kliff Kingsbury was in Arizona, he made Kyler Murray into a stud QB and is expected to do something similar for Daniels. This pairing has the potential to only help Dotson improve, and Daniels will most likely look his way early and often during the 2024 season.
Future Projections and Expectations
Now heading into his third year, this is a bit of a make or break season for Dotson. If he gels seamlessly with Daniels and the new staff, the potential exists for him to have a solid 3rd year to the tune of at least 750 receiving yards. However, if teammate McLaurin continues to steal most of the volume and his relationship with Daniels fails to materialize, it’s quite possible he could stay at around the 500 yard level and be on a different team in the not too distant future.
WR 3: Michael Wilson (Arizona Cardinals)
Current Team and Role
A 3rd round pick, Wilson earned the starting job right away with a thin receiving group for the Cardinals last year. He’s currently heading into his sophomore year in the NFL and looking to improve upon a 500 yard receiving rookie season. With the Cardinals selecting wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. in this year’s rookie draft, Wilson is projected to be third on the receiving depth chart behind Harrison and breakout TE Trey McBride.
Performance So Far and Potential
Despite playing with a backup QB for the first half of 2022, Wilson averaged 50 YPG. Once starter Kyler Murray returned, the two clicked, and Wilson ended up second on the team in receiving yards with over 500 as a rookie. Now that Harrison Jr. is on the roster along with free agent signee Zay Jones, Wilson figures to get some competition. However, he has the potential to build on the success his rookie year and have an even better relationship with Murray.
Why He Is a Good Stash for 2024
Wilson’s potential for growth amidst an improving Arizona passing attack make him roster worthy for 2024. While he probably won’t be a top-25 receiving option, he does have a chance at quickly being a staple in the Cardinals offense and one of their playmakers. Additionally, savvy fantasy managers may be able to acquire him cheaply as a solid bench stash for 2024.
Future Projections and Expectations
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how much Wilson will be utilized in the Arizona offense. While McBride and Harrison project to fight it out for the #1 receiving option in the passing game, Wilson could easily be used as a bit of a safety blanket for QB Murray. Should Murray look to him often, it’s not out of the realm of possibility for Wilson to end the year with around 750 receiving yards or more.
WR 4: Dontayvion Wicks (Green Bay Packers)
Current Team and Role
Dontayvion Wicks has emerged into a reliable target for QB Jordan Love. Thrust into a starting role after Christian Watson and Jayden Reed were injured, Wicks made the most of his opportunity and ended up with over 500 receiving yards for his rookie year. Wicks is probably the most physical among all Green Bay’s wideouts, but the target projection is tricky based on both the earlier draft capital and NFL success of his teammates.
Performance So Far and Potential
Wick’s rookie season saw him emerge as a key player for Jordan Love and company, establishing himself as a go-to option in the passing game. Heading into 2024 however, he’ll have to continue the solid play in order to crack the starting lineup given the Packers other WR options. Should he earn a starting gig, Wicks has the potential to be the best of all of the Green Bay wideouts given his physicality and great combine scores.
Why He Is a Good Stash for 2024
Wicks' youth and upside make him a sneaky good stash healing into 2024. Having logged over 500 receiving yards in his rookie season, it’s clear Jordan Love gained trust in him as the season went along, and that shouldn’t change much in 2024. If any of the other Green Bay receivers get hurt, Wicks is next in line and could easily improve on his stats from last year.
Future Projections and Expectations
Looking ahead to 2024, it’s not out of the realm of possibility for Wicks to continue his upward trajectory. Assuming he is able to obtain playing time, Wicks should be able to carve out a consistent role in the offense. Should this occur, look for him to build on his 500 yard rookie season and finish 2024 closer to 750 receiving yards.
WR 5: Josh Downs (Indianapolis Colts)
Current Team and Role
Josh Downs has quickly become a key player in the Colts offense. Lasting until pick 79 in the 2023 NFL draft, Downs has established himself in the Indianapolis pecking order as the WR2 behind star Michael Pittman. Even though the Colts have Alec Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell behind him on the depth chart, neither projects to be a threat to Downs' status as the #2 option in the passing game.
Performance So Far and Potential
Downs was able to corral 98 targets last year and translate that into over 750 receiving yards. That is….excellent production, especially for a rookie. He excels in the slot, and that is where he was used most often during his rookie season and where the Colts figure to utilize him again in 2024. Should he stay healthy for another 17 games, it is reasonable to expect at least another 750 yards if not more.
Why He Is a Good Stash for 2024
Down’s combination of slot excellence, speed, and route running make him an outstanding bench piece for fantasy rosters. Throw in the fact that he’s the bona-fide #2 in the passing game behind Pittman and he has the potential to grow even more in year 2. While rookie Adonai Mitchell could take some of those targets away, he mainly projects as more of a deep threat option, whereas Downs is by far the more polished player.
Future Projections and Expectations
As we look to 2024, Downs is expected to continue his development. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that when all is said and done, Downs could be knocking on the door of a top-25 fantasy receiver by the end of the year. Much of this will depend on the health of QB Anthony Richardson, the health of Pittman, and the play of the rookie Mitchell. However, Downs should remain as the main check down option out of the slot all year for the Colts, and that alone should increase his value exponentially.
Stashing young wide receivers can be a game-changing strategy in dynasty leagues, providing valuable assets for the future. The five wide receivers highlighted—Drake London, Jahan Dotson, Michael Wilson, Dontayvion Wicks, Josh Downs — each offer unique potential and the ability to contribute significantly in 2024. By securing these players now, you position yourself for future success and create opportunities to capitalize on their development. As you make your dynasty league decisions, consider the long-term value of these young wide receivers and take action to enhance your roster for the upcoming season and beyond.
