X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Middle-Round Draft Targets and Avoids for 2024 Fantasy Football

Najee Harris - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Top 2024 fantasy football middle-round targets and avoids. Justin Pottinger dives into the fantasy football middle-round players you must have for your team in the 2024 season.

Fantasy football enthusiasts know that the middle rounds of a draft can make or break a season. These rounds are often filled with players who have high potential but also a significant risk. These rounds require careful consideration and strategic planning. The middle rounds are especially crucial as the landscape of the NFL continues to evolve with emerging stars and shifting team dynamics.

Identifying the right players to target and avoid in these rounds can set the foundation for a championship-winning team. With a focus on current performance trends, injury histories, and potential upside, we’ll delve into the statistics and situations that make certain players appealing or concerning.

This article aims to guide you through those tough decisions, highlighting players who could be the hidden gems of your roster as well as those who might turn into regrettable picks. Who are the key middle-round players you may want to target or avoid in fantasy football this season? Let's dive in.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Fantasy Football Middle-Round Targets

Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers

ADP: RB13

Josh Jacobs is poised to be a standout fantasy football option with the Green Bay Packers this year due to his versatile skill set and the Packers' dynamic offensive scheme. Jacobs had a career year back in 2022, where he ran for over 1,600 yards and totaled 12 touchdowns on the ground. In 2023, Jacobs played just 13 games but still was able to record a solid season as he ran for 805 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Transitioning from the Raiders, Jacobs brings his proven track record of consistent rushing yards, goal-line efficiency, and receiving capabilities to a team known for maximizing running back potential. With rising star quarterback Jordan Love orchestrating the offense and drawing defensive attention, Jacobs will find opportunities to exploit gaps and contribute significantly in both rushing and passing plays.

Considering Jacobs is listed outside the top ten for running backs, he can be considered a middle-round option with tons of upside. The biggest concern for Jacobs, however, is that head coach Matt Lafleur, in the past, has loved to split up the carries between his running back room, but Jacobs should have no problem seeing the most touches in the backfield. His role as the primary back in Green Bay’s high-powered offense makes him a valuable asset for fantasy managers aiming for a reliable and high-ceiling option in their lineups. Jacobs is an early to middle-round player that you should be aiming for in your fantasy drafts.

Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns

ADP: RB36

Last season, Nick Chubb was taken as a second-round player with plenty of upside until he unfortunately suffered a gruesome knee injury which kept him out for the entire NFL season. Since 2018, Chubb has been one of the more consistent runners in the league and has been known as one of the most talented players in his position. Due to his injury last season, Chubb is listed shockingly low on player rankings, and fantasy managers should take advantage of his low ADP. Even if he disappoints, his cost makes him worth the roster spot.

Chubb is set to be a premier fantasy football option with the Browns in 2024, despite coming off an injury, due to his exceptional rushing ability and the team's commitment to a run-heavy offense. Chubb has always combined his power, vision, and breakaway speed, which has made him a consistent threat to rack up significant yardage and touchdowns when he is on the field. His recovery has been impressive, but there is still no clear timeline on when he will return. With Deshaun Watson at quarterback, defenses will be less able to stack the box against Chubb, opening up more running lanes for explosive plays.

Additionally, the Browns’ strong offensive line and Chubb's reliable performance in goal-line situations further bolster his fantasy value, making him a top-tier running back option for fantasy managers. Don't let Chubb's low ADP scare you away because he could be one of the most slept-on running backs this season.

Fantasy Football Middle-Round Avoids

Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans

ADP: WR33

After spending last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Calvin Ridley was dealt to the Tennessee Titans, where he will be playing alongside star wideout DeAndre Hopkins. Ridley had a solid season in 2023, where he caught 76 passes for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns. Even though Ridley was pretty consistent last season, he may not be a reliable fantasy football option with the Titans this year due to several concerning factors.

Transitioning to a new team that has a second-year quarterback could draw some setbacks. Ridley faces challenges in re-establishing himself as a top-tier receiver, especially since he won't be viewed as the number one option in the passing game with both Hopkins and Tyler Boyd on the roster. The Titans’ offensive scheme, which has heavily relied on the run game in the past, limits the volume of passing opportunities available. Additionally, the inconsistency at the quarterback position further diminishes Ridley's potential for steady production, as Will Levis hasn't shown anything too impressive. These uncertainties make Ridley a risky pick for fantasy managers seeking dependable wide receiver options. This should be a player to avoid in the middle-rounds in your fantasy football draft.

Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers

ADP: RB22

Najee Harris has been as productive as they come since he entered the league in 2021 as the 26-year-old has run for over 1,000 yards in all three seasons he has been in the NFL. This may look good on paper, but Harris may not be a reliable fantasy football option with the Steelers this year due to several key concerns. Despite his favorable middle-round ADP, he should be a player to avoid.

The Steelers' offensive line struggles continue to impede their rushing attack, limiting Harris’s ability to find running lanes and break off big plays consistently. Harris has also been splitting time with running back Jaylen Warren, who honestly has looked better than Harris and is capable of doing more with his exceptional catching abilities. Rumors have also been swirling that Harris may not be in Pittsburgh for much longer, which can give the expectation that Warren may be used more than Harris this season. If Warren continues to shine, this will cut into Harris' workload, reducing his overall volume and fantasy production.

The Steelers' offensive inconsistencies and a potential focus on a more pass-heavy game plan with newly acquired Russell Wilson at quarterback which could further diminish Harris’s upside, making him a risky option for fantasy managers this season. Try to avoid Harris at all costs.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jaylen Waddle

Questionable for Week 3 Against Buffalo
Joe Burrow

Bengals Not Closing the Door on Joe Burrow Returning This Year
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Play Against Missouri?
Kyle Tucker

Progress has "Plateaued"
Isaac Paredes

has "Outside Chance" to Return This Weekend
CFB

Kaidon Salter Expected To Start for Colorado on Saturday
Willson Contreras

Goes on 10-Day Injured List, Done for Season
Justin Fields

Ruled Out for Week 3 Due to Concussion
Jayden Reed

Out Indefinitely After Foot and Shoulder Surgery
Washington Commanders

Preston Smith Signs With Commanders
Trey Jemison III

Joins Knicks on Two-Way Contract
Kevin McCullar Jr.

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Knicks
Matt Ryan

Returns to Knicks on Exhibit 10 Contract
New York Knicks

Alex Len Signs Exhibit 9 Deal With Knicks
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Expected to Take on Larger Offensive Role With Hawks
Thomas Sorber

Undergoes Surgery
Dominic Canzone

Has Five-Hit, Three-Homer Game Tuesday
Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
CFB

Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Aaron Jones Sr.

Injures Hamstring During Sunday Night Football
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Exits with Back Tightness
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP