NFL 2024 Fantasy Draft Primer & How to Bet It: Wide Receivers

Last week we broke down the running back position for fantasy football drafts, and value picks from rounds 2 – 12. If you haven’t read each part of that series what are you doing? Now it’s time to turn to a position that is not scare, but harder to find true game changers, in the wide receiver. I’ll be looking to have my top two receivers drafted by round three in most leagues, but let’s still find depth throughout the draft. Today we will select one receiver from rounds 2-4 and discuss their NFL fantasy value.

This is an ongoing series to highlight players who REEK of value in NFL fantasy drafts. We aren’t talking about McCaffrey with the 1st overall pick, but instead we are going to be finding gems. Each article will feature a position within a range of draft rounds (we will always skip the 1st round). We will assume that these picks are for 12-team leagues with .5 PPR and will not be discussing in terms of Superflex. On top of that I’ll highlight a futures bet that corresponds with each player, all of whose odds can be found on BETONLINE.

Without any more delays, let’s get started with the wide receivers, the top 3 value picks for NFL fantasy football in 2024. It’s time for the mock draft season, folks!

1. Wide Receiver Value Round Two: Marvin Harrison Jr.

Is there a possibility of a rookie receiver surpassing 1,000 receiving yards this year?

I must admit that the wide receivers in round two are uncertain. Is Aiyuk going to join the 49ers? Will Devante Adams be traded? Will Drake London and Kirk Cousins establish a connection? Ideally, I aim to secure my top receiver in round one, unless the top 7 WRs have already been chosen. After those top 7, there is a significant drop-off in talent. However, if I do end up picking my top receiver in round two, I will prioritize players with high potential.

Marvin Harrison Jr. stands out among the receivers typically available in the second round, as he has the highest potential to crack the top 5 in his position. Despite being a rookie, recent seasons have witnessed explosive performances from rookie wideouts like Justin Jefferson, who recorded 7 touchdowns and 1,400 receiving yards in his debut season. Similarly, Ja’Marr Chase had an impressive rookie season with 13 touchdowns and 1,455 yards. Moreover, even last year, Puka Nacua managed to secure the fifth spot in PPR formats.

Marvin Harrison Jr. brings an impressive draft pedigree and comes from a family of hall of famers. Additionally, the Cardinals will benefit from a healthy Kyler Murray and an improved offensive line. With limited competition from other receivers on the team, aside from Trey McBride, Michael Wilson, and Zay Jones, Marvin has the potential to be the top receiver in his position. Considering the uncertainties surrounding other receivers, I believe drafting Marvin in round two for NFL fantasy value is a wise decision, especially if he is available in the middle of the round.

Marvin Harrison Jr. o1,050.5 receiving yards for -112 on BetOnline:

Although we lack NFL stats to support this wager, analyzing the impressive performances of other rookie wide receivers should instill confidence in this play. Chase, JJ, Puka Nacua, Garrett Wilson, and AJ Brown have all surpassed this line in their rookie seasons, accounting for at least one rookie each year since the 2020 season. I believe the uncertainty surrounding Harrison’s transition to the professional game is the reason for this line, and I am fully endorsing it.

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2. NFL Fantasy Round Three Value Wide Receiver: Mike Evans

Once again, Mike Evans has the potential to be a hidden gem in the NFL fantasy draft.

Make sure to include Mike Evans in every single draft. I mean, every single one without fail. Evans has proven himself to be incredibly reliable, achieving ten straight 1,000-yard seasons. This level of consistency is absolutely priceless in the world of fantasy football. Additionally, Evans is often targeted in the red zone, presenting a constant threat for touchdown opportunities whenever the Buccaneers approach the end zone. In fact, he ranked as the 4th best receiver in .5 PPR leagues last season, accumulating an impressive 1,255 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.

Ignore the negative critics and doubters; age should not be a concern here. Despite approaching the age of 31 when the season commences, this individual has consistently delivered exceptional performance and rarely missed games throughout his ten-year NFL career. He has proven to be a reliable player, earning him the title of “Mr. Reliable.” I am confident in selecting Evans as my top choice in the third round, and would even consider taking him in the latter stages of the second round if necessary.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield immediately established a remarkable connection with Evans, and it seems unlikely that their chemistry will diminish any time soon. Mayfield’s team competes in a less challenging division, facing the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta Falcons twice each. Additionally, the Buccaneers have a relatively tough schedule compared to other teams. Considering these factors, I personally consider Mayfield an excellent choice for NFL fantasy, and I will make every effort to draft him in all my leagues.

Mike Evans o1,000.5 receiving yards for -112 on BetOnline:

Evans has consistently achieved this milestone in every NFL season he has played. It is expected that his age could lead to some decline in performance, as suggested by the experts. However, Barker, the quarterback, enjoys passing the ball, and the Buccaneers have a strong lineup of players to support Evans in finding open spaces on the field. Despite his size and ability to outplay defenders, the team has enough talent to ensure that Evans receives his fair share of passes. It seems likely that he will once again achieve another remarkable 1,000+ yard season, continuing his impressive record.

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3. Value Wide Receiver NFL Fantasy Round Four: DK Metcalf

Metcalf, who ranked among the top 15 wide receivers in the league last season, is available for selection in the fourth round.

Similar to how Mike Evans was a valuable pick in the third round, I have my sights set on DK Metcalf as my fourth-round choice. While I’ll primarily be focusing on selecting running backs or quarterbacks at this stage of the draft, if the need arises to strengthen my receiver lineup, DK stands out as the most dependable option among the usual names found in this round.

Metcalf is younger and less worn out compared to Cooper Kupp, and has proven himself as a veteran unlike rookie Nabers. Additionally, he has achieved top 15 wide receiver seasons, something that Devonte Smith has not yet accomplished. Metcalf’s unique combination of size (6’4″, 235 lbs) and speed (4.33 40-yard dash) makes him extremely difficult for defenders to handle. He has consistently delivered strong performances since joining the NFL, even though his quarterback situation may not be elite. DK has proven to be a dependable fantasy producer with multiple 1,000-yard seasons.

In NFL fantasy drafts, this is precisely the kind of profile and value that I seek from round 4 onwards.

DK Metcalf o950.5 receiving yards for -112 on BetOnline:

I have the least amount of confidence in this particular bet. Its outcome heavily relies on Geno Smith’s performance as a quarterback this season and how the team adapts to a new coach and scheme. However, it is worth noting that Metcalf has consistently achieved 950 receiving yards in every season he has played, except for his rookie year.

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NFL Fantasy Football 2024 Top 3 Value Picks: Wide Receviers

1. Wide Receiver Value Round Two: Marvin Harrison Jr.

2. NFL Fantasy Round Three Value Wide Receiver: Mike Evans

3. Value Wide Receiver NFL Fantasy Round Four: DK Metcalf

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