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Kacey Kasem focuses on one fantasy football player from each AFC team considered a safe pick for 2024 drafts. Read about which veterans or newcomers can aid your team.
When drafting your fantasy football team, you want to ensure you have reliable players on your roster. This article highlights the safest selections from each AFC team, helping you make informed decisions about your roster.
The players discussed consistently deliver solid performances and have proven track records, making them trustworthy choices for the 2024 season. These standout performers from across the AFC include seasoned veterans and rising stars.
Understanding their strengths will give you an edge in your league. It's time to dive into the AFC to find the safest picks. Whether you've been playing fantasy football forever or you're brand new to the game, it is vital to identify those no-brainer picks.
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Safest AFC East Fantasy Football Players
James Cook (RB, Buffalo Bills)
Running back James Cook is a vital part of the Buffalo Bills offense and a safe fantasy pick for 2024. In 2023, he ranked fourth among running backs in rushing yards with 1,122. Cook had 237 carries, 44 receptions, and six touchdowns last season, indicating he can manage a hefty workload.
An ANGRY run here by James Cook 😤pic.twitter.com/93c6it1YzL
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 17, 2023
Cook's role in the passing game has improved, with his target share growing by 4 percent under offensive coordinator Joe Brady. While his red-zone usage needs improvement, Cook's overall production makes him one of the safest fantasy options on the Bills.
Tyreek Hill (WR, Miami Dolphins)
Tyreek Hill has a lofty price tag but remains a safe fantasy option. Miami's running back situation is tricky, with Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane both delivering last year. Rookie Jaylen Wright also joins the squad as a depth player.
Breaking news: Tyreek Hill is FAST pic.twitter.com/KDd8yiae2s
— Eric Rosenthal (@ericsports) September 24, 2023
Despite sharing the field with Jaylen Waddle, Hill still produces. Last season, he registered 3.82 yards per route run, grabbing 119 passes for 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns. The departures of Cedrick Wilson Jr., Robbie Chosen, and Chase Claypool also benefit his status in the receiving game.
Garrett Wilson (WR, New York Jets)
Poor quarterback play has hurt Garrett Wilson’s production. Last season, he finished as WR26 in PPR leagues with 213.2 total points and 12.5 points per game. Although Wilson has dealt with unstable quarterback play and uncatchable targets, he is still a trustworthy draft pick.
GARRETT WILSON. UNREAL. pic.twitter.com/Ein2spHwYC
— Fantasy Life (@MBFantasyLife) September 12, 2023
Wilson averaged 9.9 targets per game in 2023, showing his integral role in the offense. Mike Williams joins the team but starts training camp on the PUP list. Wilson's fantasy outlook improves with quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning from his Achilles injury. If Rodgers stays healthy, Wilson will become a dependable fantasy option.
Rhamondre Stevenson (RB, New England Patriots)
Despite a bumpy season with only 71.4 yards per game, Rhamondre Stevenson is still a reliable Zero RB option. He inked a four-year, $36M extension with the Patriots, locking in his role as the lead back. In 2022, he averaged 14.8 PPR points per game. Stevenson posted 12.9 PPR points per game in 2023 before a high ankle sprain shortened his season.
Rhamondre Stevenson rattles off the longest rush of his career:pic.twitter.com/iQ4mKrsoPG
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) November 5, 2023
Stevenson had more carries than Ezekiel Elliott last season in a struggling Patriots offense. The Patriots added Antonio Gibson but didn’t re-sign Elliott. Despite Gibson's impact on Stevenson's receiving stats, the running back is a solid pick for 2024. New offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, who excels with rushing offenses, should elevate Stevenson’s play.
Safest AFC North Fantasy Football Players
Lamar Jackson (QB, Baltimore Ravens)
Lamar Jackson is an elite fantasy quarterback for 2024, thanks to his dual-threat capability and steady performance. In 2023, he set career highs with a 67.2% completion rate, 3,678 passing yards, and 8.0 yards per attempt. He added 821 rushing yards and five touchdowns, ranking fourth in yards per attempt.
LAMAR JACKSON. WOW 🤯 pic.twitter.com/LsOMBj2ma5
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) January 28, 2024
Jackson averaged 21.1 fantasy points per game and ended as QB4 with 338.2 points. The addition of Derrick Henry and the return of Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers raise his value. Jackson’s all-around skills make him a low-risk pick for constant fantasy points.
Amari Cooper (WR, Cleveland Browns)
Despite turning 30, Amari Cooper has stayed consistent, ranking 10th in receiving yards (1,250) and seventh in air yards (1,820) last season. Even with Deshaun Watson's uneven play, Cooper averaged 96 receiving yards and 17.6 PPR points per game when Watson played half the snaps.
How did Amari Cooper catch this?! 🤯
pic.twitter.com/Myg0otuttf— Ryan Mohler (@MohlerFootball) October 15, 2023
Cooper's value should grow with Ken Dorsey as the new offensive coordinator and head coach Kevin Stefanski, who focuses on the passing game. The Browns restructured the receiver's contract to guarantee $20M in 2024 plus $5M in incentives. The veteran will stay the primary receiver, even with Jerry Jeudy now on the roster. Running back Nick Chubb’s recovery from a torn ACL could lead to more passing opportunities.
Pat Freiermuth (TE, Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers have several players with question marks this season. Running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are competing for carries. At the same time, quarterback Russell Wilson, at age 35, may struggle to adapt to a new team.
Touchdown Pat Freiermuth pic.twitter.com/CuXpQu5djU
— PS Football U (@psufootballu) September 25, 2023
Tight end Pat Freiermuth is a safe fantasy prospect despite last season’s struggles. He averaged 6.4 PPR points per game, partially due to injuries and inconsistent play, down from his previous averages of 9.5 and 9.9. This number should improve with better health and steady quarterback play. Additionally, the trade of Diontae Johnson to the Panthers should increase George Pickens' targets and benefit Freiermuth as Pickens grabs more attention.
Ja'Marr Chase (WR, Cincinnati Bengals)
Ja'Marr Chase is a low-risk fantasy pick for 2024. With Tyler Boyd landing with the Titans and Joe Mixon traded to Houston, Chase profits from 162 vacated targets. Last season, the wide receiver nabbed 100 passes for 1,216 yards and seven scores in 16 games.
JA’MARR CHASE AGAIN 🔥
He was +625 to score 2+ TDs ✅ pic.twitter.com/lYkAg6Ib1F
— Action Network NFL (@ActionNetNFL) October 8, 2023
Chase’s significant connection with Joe Burrow, who he played with at LSU, raises his fantasy value. Although he dealt with injuries last season, the former fifth overall pick still played well. In his first three seasons, Chase totaled 268 receptions, 3,717 yards, and 29 touchdowns. The wideout is a notable fantasy choice, with high passing volume predicted under Zac Taylor.
Safest AFC South Fantasy Football Players
Joe Mixon (RB, Houston Texans)
Joe Mixon is a reliable fantasy pick for the Texans this season. Last year, he ranked fifth in carries and 13th in targets. Despite missing the 2024 Hall of Fame Game with a hamstring injury, Mixon remains Houston's primary running back with little competition behind him.
WE GOT A TOUCHDOWN!
Great run by Joe Mixon pic.twitter.com/KAAh90WQBr
— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) September 26, 2023
Mixon has run for over 1,000 yards in four seasons with the Bengals and achieved 12 touchdowns last year. His new three-year, $25.5M contract and C.J. Stroud at QB after a breakout rookie season guarantee Mixon will be essential to the offense. With a solid passing game opening up running lanes, Mixon is a dependable selection for fantasy managers.
Evan Engram (TE, Jacksonville Jaguars)
Evan Engram concluded 2023 as TE2 in PPR leagues, averaging 12.5 fantasy points per game. He posted 963 yards and 114 catches, making him the Jaguars' primary tight end and an unquestionable mid-range TE1 option for fantasy managers. Despite scoring only four touchdowns, positive regression in that department is anticipated this season.
The answer to Sam LaPorta vs Trey McBride is Evan Engram rounds later!
In 2023⤵️
#1- Receptions (114)
#2- YAC (516)
#2- Target Share (23.8%)
#2- Fantasy Points (230)
#1- Juke Rate (11.4%)Are YOU drafting him?📢#PlayerProfilerStats pic.twitter.com/vlioJChGKl
— PlayerProfiler (@rotounderworld) July 27, 2024
Engram, almost 30, has been healthy, absent from only two games in four seasons. The Pro Bowler should see numerous targets, with Trevor Lawrence supporting multiple receivers and Calvin Ridley out of the picture. Christian Kirk's status as WR1 in Jacksonville and the new additions of Gabe Davis and rookie Brian Thomas Jr. won't affect Engram's role as a trustworthy, target-hogging TE1.
Michael Pittman Jr. (WR, Indianapolis Colts)
Ultimate safe pick alert! Michael Pittman Jr. had a career-best season in 2023 with 109 catches and 1,152 receiving yards on 156 targets. He ended the season as WR13 in PPR leagues, showing continued value since his second season. Although he hasn't scored more than six times in the past three years, his high target volume indicates potential for positive regression in touchdowns.
Oh my dear word, Michael Pittman Jr. pic.twitter.com/HQCbrKgVUx
— Anand Nanduri (@NanduriNFL) September 24, 2023
At 26, Pittman stays the Colts' leading receiver and signed a new three-year deal worth up to $70M. With Anthony Richardson anticipated to be healthy, Pittman’s value is raised. Anticipate Pittman to score more than the four touchdowns he had last season. The quarterback's return should help Pittman improve his scoring numbers and maintain his role as a dependable WR2 in fantasy.
DeAndre Hopkins (WR, Tennessee Titans)
32-year-old DeAndre Hopkins remains the top wideout for the Titans. Despite his age, Hopkins had a 26.9% target share and 43.6% air-yard share last season. He’s working with quarterback Will Levis, who’s concentrating on improving medium throws this offseason. Hopkins had 2.09 yards per route run last season and should be a solid WR3 or flex play in 2024.
DeAndre Hopkins has three... yes THREE TDs today 😳pic.twitter.com/u5gPwuUm4C
— The Game Day NFL (@TheGameDayNFL) October 29, 2023
Hopkins faces more competition with Calvin Ridley, who signed a four-year, $92M contract, and Tyler Boyd in the slot. The team will deliver more passing plays with Brian Callahan's pass-centric offense. Although Hopkins is declining with age, he remains reliable. Expect him to have some good games and be a strong option in your lineup this season.
Safest AFC West Fantasy Football Players
Patrick Mahomes (QB, Kansas City Chiefs)
Patrick Mahomes had a down year in 2023, averaging 261.4 passing yards per game, his lowest in six years as the starter. Even with this, he finished as QB8 in fantasy points. He now has more dependable options in the passing game, including Marquise Brown and first-round pick Xavier Worthy.
The angle of this throw from Patrick Mahomes 😳
pic.twitter.com/YZl9wZiG1z— PFF (@PFF) November 26, 2023
Mahomes has twice led all quarterbacks in total fantasy points and remains a top fantasy option. Though he had his lowest touchdown rate (4.5%) last season, the upgraded receiving corps and solid offensive line should help him return to form. Expect positive regression in touchdowns and a potential bounce-back season, making him a safe fantasy football draft selection.
Davante Adams (WR, Las Vegas Raiders)
Davante Adams finished as WR14 in standard leagues and WR10 in PPR leagues, primarily due to subpar quarterback play. Despite this, he handled a 33.1% target share, 103 receptions, 1,144 yards, and eight touchdowns. Adams' connection with quarterback Aidan O'Connell was notable, but even if Gardner Minshew II starts, Adams should remain productive.
Is Davante Adams the best WR in the league?
— Dylan (@PowellAnalytics) September 17, 2023
Adams brings four straight seasons of 1,100-plus yards and remains a high-volume receiver. With new additions like top tight end Brock Bowers and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, Adams is looking at a rebound. Getsy, acquainted with Adams from their Packers days, will likely maximize his potential in 2024.
Courtland Sutton (WR, Denver Broncos)
Courtland Sutton is Denver's top receiving weapon and finished last season as WR35 in PPR scoring. Despite zero 20-point fantasy games in PPR, he had 10 touchdowns, the most in his career. Sutton should see touchdown regression this season, but he will still have the opportunity to be the team's leading scorer.
COURTLAND SUTTON 46-YARD TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/4rekk0wDX5
— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) December 10, 2023
Sutton is a consistent low WR3 to high WR4 with the talent to be a solid WR3 in fantasy, providing valuable depth. With Jerry Jeudy now with the Browns, Sutton should continue to lead the Broncos in targets. Denver’s passing game may struggle with rookie QB Bo Nix, but the SMU product remains a fantasy football depth option.
Justin Herbert (QB, Los Angeles Chargers)
Justin Herbert's 2023 season ended after 13 games due to a broken index finger. Before the injury, he had low-end QB1 value, showcasing his great arm and rushing upside. Despite finishing with 3,142 yards, 20 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, Herbert's production was hampered by injuries. Now led by head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the Chargers strive for a run-heavy offense.
Unfortunately, there are people that think Justin Herbert isn’t a top 5/6 QB talent
Truly is absurd… pic.twitter.com/VXwafMzrpE
— Snoog’s Dynasty Society (@FFSnoog) December 5, 2023
Herbert lost key receivers Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and tight end Gerald Everett. Despite these losses and a middling supporting cast, Herbert remains a safe fantasy pick. With new acquisitions like J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and rookie Ladd McConkey, he could regain QB1 upside. The former first-rounder's QB17 finish in 2023 was his poorest performance, but he was QB2 in 2021, showing the possibility for a rebound.
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