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Who among San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey and Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb should be the first overall pick in fantasy football for the 2024 NFL season.
Christian McCaffrey and CeeDee Lamb earned First-Team All-Pro selections due to their spectacular performances last season. McCaffrey dominated the opposition, tallying 2,023 yards from scrimmage, including a league-leading 1,459 rushing yards for the San Francisco 49ers. He added four touchdowns during the playoffs, including one in Super Bowl 58.
Meanwhile, Lamb led all receivers with 135 receptions with 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Dallas Cowboys wideout became the first player in NFL history to have at least 10 catches and 150 yards in three consecutive games. Lamb added 113 rushing yards and two touchdowns to solidify his second All-Pro selection.
The numbers they delivered last year make them top targets in fantasy football. But who among the two should be the top pick for the 2024 NFL season?
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CeeDee Lamb Fantasy Football Outlook
Eric Kendricks was Dallas's only notable free-agent acquisition before the 2024 NFL Draft. Worse yet, they lost vital offensive contributors like Tony Pollard, Tyler Biadasz, and Tyron Smith.
Therefore, Lamb remains the primary option in the Cowboys passing game, and rightfully so. However, they did not bring in a high-profile wideout that could have given opposing defenses nightmares in covering Dallas.
These Ceedee Lamb catches... whew 😮💨@dallascowboys | @_CeeDeeThree pic.twitter.com/YVG4WQUFqp
— NFL (@NFL) June 8, 2024
In addition to Lamb playing in his prime, Dak Prescott is looking to prove that he deserves a contract extension that rivals the top salaries at his position. If he had 410 completions for 4,516 yards and 36 touchdowns last season, imagine what he can do if he's auditioning for a contract. Another spectacular regular season from him directly helps Lamb's fantasy numbers.
Christian McCaffrey Fantasy Football Outlook
As talented as Lamb is, McCaffrey is the best choice if you have the top overall pick in your fantasy football draft. He covers more bases than Lamb, making him an invaluable contributor in all formats. In addition to dominating the ground game, his receptions could be the difference-maker in PPR or half-PPR leagues.
Since McCaffrey can hurt opponents through the run or the pass, he must be the lock for the first pick. More importantly, he has shaken off injury concerns by not missing a game in the last two seasons. His ability to deliver jaw-dropping stat lines when healthy translates to a boatload of fantasy points every week.
In honor of Christian McCaffrey’s birthday, here’s a look back at his 4 touchdown game against Arizona last season pic.twitter.com/qIb4LLOBTe
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) June 7, 2024
As he extends his tenure with the 49ers until 2027, playing with an elite offensive unit will also help his chances to succeed. Pro Bowl quarterback Brock Purdy will continue to give him touches, while Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk (if he remains with the Niners) can water down the coverages against him.
The Niners will remain among the NFL's top contenders, and McCaffrey will be an integral part of their success. Barring any injury, no other player comes close to being the consensus top overall pick for the 2024 fantasy football season.
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