RADIO
Kacey Kasem outlines fantasy football players from each NFC team who are considered the safest picks. 16 players are highlighted in this detailed look.
Identifying reliable players is the key to success in fantasy football. By deep-diving into the safest fantasy football options from each NFC team, I look to spotlight the players who offer the most stability and predictability for your roster.
This article examines a range of players from across the NFC, from established veterans to emerging talents. Whether it's a quarterback with a secure starting role or a wide receiver who always commands a large target share, these players will deliver steady returns throughout the season.
With a focus on reliability and minimal risk, these players stand out as the safest options for your fantasy team. By looking at their recent performance, team dynamics, and potential impact, you will be better informed for your 2024 fantasy football drafts.
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Safest NFC East Players for Fantasy Football
CeeDee Lamb (WR, Dallas Cowboys)
CeeDee Lamb stands out as the safest fantasy option on the Dallas Cowboys. He is coming off a stellar 2023 season where he finished as the WR1 with 403.2 PPR fantasy points. The 25-year-old's impressive stats, including a career-high 1,749 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, highlight his consistency and dominance in the passing game.
DAK TO CEEDEE FOR THE TOUCHDOWN
pic.twitter.com/mPqHGxLjSc— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) December 11, 2023
With a 30.3% target share and career-highs in receptions, targets, and touchdowns last season, Lamb is expected to continue being a key player in the Cowboys offense despite concerns over his contract status.
Devin Singletary (RB, New York Giants)
Devin Singletary steps into the lead running back role for the New York Giants after Saquon Barkley's departure. Last season with the Houston Texans, Singletary demonstrated his ability by leading the team in rushing, even though he started the season behind Dameon Pierce.
DEVIN SINGLETARY TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/QS41BVyCeu
— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) November 19, 2023
His signing to a three-year, $16.5M contract with the Giants suggests a substantial role in the offense. Singletary's expected high volume of touches makes him a reliable fantasy option.
Jalen Hurts (QB, Philadelphia Eagles)
Jalen Hurts is the safest fantasy pick on the Philadelphia Eagles, finishing as the QB2 in 2023 with 371.8 fantasy points. Despite a slight dip in passing stats, Hurts' rushing ability, including a record 15 rushing touchdowns, makes him a dual-threat asset.
Jalen Hurts with 55 total yards and a rushing touchdown on the opening drive!
9.16 fantasy points already 😤 pic.twitter.com/W2lZ9jJeaC
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) December 19, 2023
With new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore aiming to increase passing attempts, Hurts' combination of passing and rushing prowess ensures his high fantasy value.
Terry McLaurin (WR, Washington Commanders)
Terry McLaurin remains the safest fantasy pick from the Washington Commanders, consistently surpassing 1,000 receiving yards over the past four seasons. His durability and expansive route tree make him a reliable option despite career lows in touchdowns and yards per catch last season.
Terry McLaurin With the Touchdown 🔥🔥@TheTerry_25 pic.twitter.com/PfDBfKBsw3
— Barstool Ohio State (@BarstoolOSU) December 31, 2023
With the arrival of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and a new coaching staff, McLaurin is poised for a strong 2024 season as the primary target in Washington's offense.
Safest NFC North Players for Fantasy Football
D'Andre Swift (RB, Chicago Bears)
D'Andre Swift, now with the Chicago Bears, is a safe fantasy pick due to his clear starting role and solid performance history. Coming off a career-high season with the Philadelphia Eagles (14.3 carries per game and 1,049 rushing yards), Swift's consistent top-24 finishes make him a dependable RB2.
D’Andre Swift may have had a touchdown called back earlier, but this one is here to stay!!! pic.twitter.com/03KJ2WwYTq
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) December 26, 2023
He has dealt with changing teams and injury challenges and still has good fantasy numbers. With the Bears' investment in Swift and his expected lead role in the backfield, he is set for a productive 2024 season.
Jared Goff (QB, Detroit Lions)
The Detroit Lions starting quarterback is the safest fantasy option on the team. Jared Goff showed continuous progress with a strong 2023 season. With an outstanding supporting cast that includes Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, David Montgomery, and Jahmyr Gibbs and a solid offensive line, Goff's passing production, including 4,575 yards and 30 touchdowns last season, indicates he is a reliable mid-range QB2 in superflex leagues.
Jared Goff with the THROW of the YEAR 💯 pic.twitter.com/yVcQIPYhdJ
— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) December 31, 2023
Despite not being a running quarterback, Goff's passing production has been significant. His passing yards and touchdown totals from last season were the second-best of his career. Goff led Detroit to its first playoff win since 1991. The former No. 1 draft pick has solidified his role as a leader on the team.
Jordan Love (QB, Green Bay Packers)
Jordan Love, the Green Bay Packers' young quarterback, is a safe fantasy pick due to his significant improvement over the 2023 season. With impressive stats in his last eight starts and added value as a runner, Love's strengthened offensive line and youthful receiving corps make him a dependable week-to-week option.
What a PERFECT throw by Jordan Love right there.
Christian Watson starting to heat up and I love it.pic.twitter.com/IBN8LFMuku
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) November 23, 2023
In his last eight games, Love averaged 268.8 passing yards per game with 18 touchdown passes, one interception, and 7.7 yards per attempt. His potential for further growth in 2024 solidifies his status as a reliable fantasy selection.
Justin Jefferson (WR, Minnesota Vikings)
The 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year remains a safe fantasy pick despite missing seven games in 2023 due to a hamstring injury. Kirk Cousins was lost to a season-ending Achilles tear last season. Justin Jefferson's consistent high target share and overall impact on the Vikings no matter the quarterback situation make him a top draft choice.
How did Justin Jefferson catch this? #NFL #Skol #TNF pic.twitter.com/iS1rowyM3I
— Tanner Phifer (@TannerPhiferNFL) September 15, 2023
Cousins is now a Falcon, and the team drafted J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. McCarthy suffered a meniscus injury that will require surgery. He will not be starting the season. Sam Darnold was signed in free agency and will be taking over starting duties. With a new quarterback situation and Jefferson's proven ability to thrive no matter who is under center, he is set to continue being a key player in the Vikings offense.
Safest NFC South Players for Fantasy Football
Bijan Robinson (RB, Atlanta Falcons)
Bijan Robinson looks to be a safe fantasy pick from the Atlanta Falcons due to his impressive rookie season of 1,463 yards from scrimmage and eight scores. With new offensive strategies and a much-improved offense under veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, Robinson's potential for a high target share and substantial carries makes him a reliable fantasy option.
The Bijan Robinson showpic.twitter.com/VB03YcdXJi
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) October 1, 2023
Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson combined for 14.3 carries per game last season, something Falcons head coach Raheem Morris looks to change. The head coach highlighted the importance of getting the ball to Robinson in 2024.
Diontae Johnson (WR, Carolina Panthers)
Diontae Johnson is the safest fantasy pick from the Carolina Panthers. He is expected to be the WR1 on offense after joining the team from Pittsburgh. Despite an injury-shortened 2023 season, Johnson's consistent high target share and proven track record make him a reliable choice.
FINALLY! My guy Diontae Johnson finds the end zone again. Been waiting for this
— Aidan Maher (@Aidan_Maher17) November 3, 2023
He has seen three straight seasons of 140-plus targets before his injury-shortened 2023 season. Given the lack of target challengers -- only Adam Thielen exceeded 550 receiving yards on the team last season -- Johnson should see a substantial increase in target share from quarterback Bryce Young.
Derek Carr (QB, New Orleans Saints)
The New Orleans Saints' Derek Carr is a safe fantasy pick due to his stability and reliable performance. You know what you are getting with Carr. Wide receiver Chris Olave, who had a strong season and saw the fourth-most deep targets in the league, should help the veteran quarterback's fantasy numbers. Rashid Shaheed is expected to leap forward this season.
With a solid completion rate of 68.4% last year and the arrival of new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, Carr's experience and improvements in the Saints offense make him a dependable QB2 option. His consistency and potential for solid streaming performance ensure his value in fantasy drafts.
Mike Evans (WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
A safe fantasy bet from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is Mike Evans. He delivers strong performances even with quarterback changes, from Tom Brady to Baker Mayfield last season. In 2023, Evans snagged 79 receptions for 1,255 yards, scoring 13 times in 17 games.
Your weekly Baker Mayfield —> Mike Evans touchdown for the Buccaneers.
pic.twitter.com/qLfQ1RG3VL— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) December 17, 2023
Chris Godwin only had two touchdowns last season, and injury concerns and decline hang over his shoulders. Evans' consistent high yardage, touchdown production, and ability to produce with various quarterbacks make him a reliable WR2 with WR1 upside. Evans' new two-year, $41M contract and lasting productivity ensure his crucial role in the Buccaneers offense.
Safest NFC West Players for Fantasy Football
Trey McBride (TE, Arizona Cardinals)
Trey McBride had a breakout season in 2023 for the Arizona Cardinals, significantly after Zach Ertz was injured. McBride was not fantasy-relevant while working alongside Ertz, as he only saw three targets a game in seven games with Ertz. He averaged 6.6 catches and 65.5 yards per game from Week 8 onward. McBride saw 2.15 yards per route run and additionally had 171 yards after contact on receptions, per Fantasy Points Data.
Kyler Murray to Trey McBride is something we will be seeing for a while now 😎pic.twitter.com/AvwNr8svSl
— South Harmon (@SouthHarmonFF) November 12, 2023
Even with rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. expected to be Kyler Murray's top target, McBride is still a strong fantasy option, averaging 14.9 PPR points in eight games with Murray. If Murray stays healthy, McBride's fantasy value will increase even more.
Matthew Stafford (QB, Los Angeles Rams)
Matthew Stafford remains a safe fantasy pick from the Los Angeles Rams, showing solid performance in 2023 with 24 touchdowns and great passing yardage where he threw for an average of 264.3 passing yards per game. Benefiting from the emergence of rookie Puka Nacua and getting a boost from a healthy Cooper Kupp helps Stafford be a safe selection.
Matthew Stafford ➡️ Tutu Atwell
WHAT A THROW AND CATCH 🔥#RamsHouse
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 22, 2023
Despite being interception-prone and lacking mobility, Stafford's reliable QB2 numbers and potential for spike weeks make him a valuable option in superflex and 2QB leagues. His proven track record with a high-scoring Rams offense supports his fantasy relevance.
Brock Purdy (QB, San Francisco 49ers)
In his first healthy offseason, Brock Purdy is a safe fantasy pick for 2024. Purdy retains his offensive weapons: Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel Sr., George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey. His connection with Kittle is one to note, as the tight end had over 1,000 yards for the first time since 2019.
Brock Purdy specifically making throws for social media clout now pic.twitter.com/uFdeLJyefj
— JetPack Galileo (@JetPackGalileo) December 12, 2023
Mr. Irrelevant threw the ball for 3,280 yards while flinging 31 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season. Purdy's role as the starting quarterback under Kyle Shanahan ensures his high fantasy value. His performance in a high-scoring 49ers offense and continued development make him a dependable option for fantasy managers.
DK Metcalf (WR, Seattle Seahawks)
DK Metcalf remains a great fantasy option, finishing within the top 24 wideouts for three straight seasons. His potential is strengthened by a new offensive scheme under offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, which should offer more end-zone opportunities for the veteran receiver.
DK METCALF HAT TRICK!
pic.twitter.com/pcaJ5eJ1aX— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) December 1, 2023
Metcalf had a career-high 16.9 yards per reception in 2023. Geno Smith, who is more accurate on deep passes than backup Sam Howell, should continue supporting Metcalf in the deep game. Metcalf's overall production, including 66 receptions for 1,114 yards and eight scores in 2023, reinforces his value.
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