Is CeeDee Lamb the WR1 in 2024 Fantasy Football drafts? Analyzing where he stands among the elites

CeeDee Lamb has increased his overall output, including receptions and yards, with the Dallas Cowboys in each of his seasons in the NFL so far. This resulted in the best year of his career last year, leading the entire NFL in receptions on his way to being named a first-team All-Pro for the first time.

His continual improvements have also made him a superstar in fantasy football, finishing as the overall WR1 for the 2023 season. After being projected as more of a second-round pick entering draft season last year, he is expected to be taken in the first round in basically every league this year.

In fact, Lamb is currently listed as the WR1 in many pre-draft rankings for the 2024 fantasy football season and even as the top overall player, regardless of position, in many scoring formats. His dominant performance last season has a major influence on his standing this year, while his current situation suggests that a similar output could be on the way.

Unlike many of the other top wide receivers, CeeDee Lamb has few factors working against him when analyzing his fantasy value. He will enter the season in essentially the same situation that led to his WR1 finish last year. He likely gets the luxury of having the same quarterback in Dak Prescott and no legitimate wide receivers behind him on the depth chart to challenge his target share.

The Cowboys declined to add any other significant receivers during the offseason, so they are expected to heavily feature Lamb again in their offensive system. This could potentially lead to another finish on top of the season-long fantasy scoring list, or at least close to it. His ideal situation with the Cowboys justifies his current WR1 status, as he may have both the highest ceiling and floor of any wide receiver.

CeeDee Lamb trumps other top WRs in 2024 fantasy football

CeeDee Lamb

Of any wide receiver with a legitimate case for being the first one selected in 2024 fantasy football drafts, only CeeDee Lamb has an unchallenged role for target share and continuity at the quarterback position. Every other top-tier player in this position will have to overcome one or both of these factors.

Justin Jefferson has a new quarterback, while Tyreek Hill and Ja'Marr Chase have an elite WR2 behind them on their rosters. Like Lamb, all three of them have previously finished as the overall WR1. Other candidates to potentially become newcomers to the WR1 list, such as Amon-Ra St. Brown, AJ Brown and Garrett Wilson, have either elite target competition or a new quarterback.

Repeating as a WR1 is not uncommon in fantasy football, unlike the running back position. Over the past 10 years, the season-ending WR1 had already done so in a previous season four times. It's reasonable to predict CeeDee Lamb joining this elite list, and given his absolutely ideal situation, he deserves to be the WR1 in 2024 fantasy football drafts. He's one of the safest overall picks in any position this year.