2024 Fantasy Football Draft: Wide Receivers to Avoid

Hey, fantasy football aficionados! It’s that time of the year again when we’re all poring over stats, trends, and player movements to craft our perfect fantasy draft. But it’s not just about who you pick; it’s also about who you avoid.

Today, we’re diving deep into the wide receiver pool to pinpoint those players you might want to steer clear of for the upcoming season. Let’s get into it, breaking down each player with stats, trends, and insights to back up our advice.

1. Gabe Davis, Jacksonville Jaguars

ADP Alarm: Hovering in the 7th-8th round range on Underdog, which is too rich for my blood considering the alternatives available.
Catch Rate Concerns: Ranked 96th out of 101 wide receivers in catch rate at a dismal 53.4% with at least 75 targets since 2022.
Consistency Crisis: Last season featured 11 games with three or fewer catches and four complete no-shows. Not the reliability you want for your roster.

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2. Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings

Quarterback Quandary: The uncertainty at QB with Sam Darnold at the helm is a red flag. His performance historically has been less than stellar, dampening Addison’s outlook.
Target Share Trouble: Even with undeniable talent, Addison is battling for targets in a crowded field led by Justin Jefferson‘s 36% share. It’s hard to see a clear path for consistent fantasy relevance.

3. Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers

Injury Red Flags: Despite tantalizing talent and explosive playmaking ability, Watson’s injury history is a concern.
Chemistry Questions: With a subpar 69.8 passer rating when targeted by Jordan Love and a catch rate of only 53%, the connection just isn’t there.
Target Share Turmoil: No Packers WR had over a 17% target share last season. With this offense, Watson’s upside seems capped, making him a risky bet at his current draft position.

4. George Pickens, Pittsburgh Steelers

Offensive Identity Issues: The combination of Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith’s influence raises questions about the offensive game plan and how it’ll affect Pickens’ usage.
Red Zone Run Heavy: Historical trends from Smith’s tenure suggest a run-heavy approach in the red zone, potentially limiting Pickens’ touchdown opportunities.
Draft Uncertainties: With the draft yet to happen at the time of recording, the Steelers could still add competition, further clouding Pickens’ outlook.

Key Takeaways:

Prioritize Consistency: Avoid players with high volatility in weekly performances. You want reliable starters, not headache-inducing guesswork.
Understand the Offense: A player’s talent can be overshadowed by the offensive scheme or quarterback play. Dig deeper into how these factors might impact your targets.
Monitor ADPs and Trends: Use ADP as a guideline but not gospel. Be ready to pivot based on the latest news, camp reports, and preseason performances.

Drafting is as much about avoiding pitfalls as it is about finding gems. While these wide receivers have their merits, the risks at their current valuations just don’t add up for me. Remember, fantasy football is a marathon, not a sprint. Making smart, informed decisions on draft day can set you up for success all season long.

Disagree with any of my picks or have someone else in mind you’re steering clear of? Let’s get the conversation going in the comments below. And as always, for the latest fantasy insights and updates, follow along on all my socials at Real Deal Fantasy. Happy drafting, folks!