Predicting All First-Time 1,000-Yard Receivers in 2024 - NFL Fantasy Football Outlook

July 19, 2024

Dave Ventresca breaks down five wide receivers who will eclipse 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in 2024. Consider drafting these players in fantasy football.

The 1,000-yard mark has long been seen as a barometer of success for wide receivers. In truth, it has been watered down a bit with the league becoming more pass-heavy. However, it’s still a badge of honor, and 1,000-yard receivers certainly help any fantasy football roster.

Each year, we have a new crop of receivers reach the 1K threshold and take their games to a new level. Whether it’s a young player showing improvement or a veteran finding a better fit, we always see new faces emerge.

So, which receivers are poised to eclipse 1,000 yards for the first time in 2024? Let’s dive in and analyze a few names.

Drake London, Atlanta Falcons

While London has yet to produce a monster statistical season, it’s not due to a lack of talent.

Get ready to see A LOT of this from #Falcons WR Drake London in 2024.

He is an EASY breakout call.

Don’t overthink it. Draft London and be happy.#Fantasyfootball #Fantasyadvice #NFL pic.twitter.com/z6fucGYCFK

— Dave Ventresca (@FF_Stallion) July 3, 2024

The third-year receiver gets a massive quarterback upgrade after Atlanta signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in free agency. Cousins is without a doubt the best quarterback London has ever played with thus far in his career. That should mean great things for his fantasy football production. London is the most obvious candidate to surpass 1,000 yards, and he should finish 2024 as a WR1.

Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers

The Packers struck gold after selecting Reed in the second round of last year’s draft. He is a dynamic playmaker and a fantastic route runner.

Jayden Reed carrying Vikings defenders on his back inspiring go pack go chants in Minnesota pic.twitter.com/dHCTREJl4Q

— IKE Packers Podcast (@IKE_Packers) January 1, 2024

Reed’s advanced data from his rookie season was also quite good. Per Fantasy Points Data Suite, he posted a .26 targets per route run (TPRR) and 2.23 yards per route run (YPRR). These are two highly predictive stats for future success, and it's good to see Reed finish strong in these areas.

Now, there are some concerns regarding Green Bay’s wide receiver rotation. It’s unclear how often Reed sees the field. While this is a fair concern, he is arguably the most talented player at the position, and it would be absurd if the Packers did not play him more in Year 2. Even if Reed starts the year as a rotational receiver, the odds are good he will force his way onto the field more due to his sheer talent. It’s always a good idea to bet on talented receivers in a good offense.

Curtis Samuel, Buffalo Bills

Samuel arrives in Buffalo after signing a three-year, $24 million contract in free agency. The Bills have 241 vacated targets from last year after parting ways with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis this offseason.

Samuel also has experience in offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s system from their days with the Carolina Panthers. The WR actually had his best season as a professional in Brady’s system during the 2020 season. He is as good a bet as any to emerge as Josh Allen’s WR1, and gamers should expect Samuel to be a major cog in this offense.

Curtis Samuel Touchdown ‼️
Buckeyes all over the field tonight @CurtisSamuel4__ pic.twitter.com/G0TPlaKzAN

— Barstool Ohio State (@BarstoolOSU) October 6, 2023

Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens

Flowers enters his second season, and this has been a year where we’ve seen many receivers take a big statistical leap. Flowers’ 1.70 YPRR is lower than we’d ideally like to see, but he wins routes at all levels of the field and is a talented player.

TOUCHDOWN ZAY FLOWERS!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/vvOzEjxA5u

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 28, 2024

A full breakout might not be in the cards as the signing of Derrick Henry indicates Baltimore wants more from its ground game. Even still, Lamar Jackson set career highs in pass attempts and passing yards during his first year in offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s system.

We would expect that to continue and for Baltimore to hyper-target its best players. Flowers' only true competition for targets is tight end Mark Andrews. While Andrews is a stud, there’s room in this offense for two legitimate receiving threats, and Flowers has a strong chance of cracking 1,000 yards.

Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals desperately needed a WR1, and they got their man in Harrison. He is one of the best wide receiver prospects to enter the league in recent years. There’s not much he can’t do, and he figures to make an instant impact.

Marvin Harrison Jr. is a NFL player.

pic.twitter.com/fzt65W4WOi

— Jeff Bell (@4WhomJBellTolls) September 9, 2023

Harrison should immediately see a large target share, and he may produce a massive rookie season akin to what we’ve seen from Ja'Marr Chase and Puka Nacua. The former Ohio State Buckeye is talented enough to do so. The volume should be there. He’s a good bet to hit the ground running and eclipse the 1K mark.

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