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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.
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Fantasy Football Middle-Round Targets
Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers
ADP: RB13
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.
An update on Nick Chubb: Currently, Chubb can run nearly full speed in a straight line and the next step in his recovery is cutting laterally, a big progression towards returning to the field. Chubb is ahead of schedule on his recovery after he underwent two surgeries in the fall… pic.twitter.com/DiLHImc6h4
— Noah Weiskopf (@BrownsWithNoah) June 28, 2024
Fantasy Football Middle-Round Avoids
Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans
ADP: WR33
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.
Najee Harris in his first 3 seasons:
🟡 2023 - 1,205 Yards + 8 TDs
🟡 2022 - 1,267 Yards + 10 TDs
🟡 2021 - 1,667 Yards + 10 TDsHe’s been as consistent as they come. pic.twitter.com/ZAnQkwMaLe
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) April 11, 2024
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