Having the first pick in a fantasy football draft allows a manager to select any NFL player for their roster. This is an absolute luxury, as long as they make the appropriate choice. The 2024 season features one clear choice, which is the best overall option.
Who should you draft first in fantasy football this year?
Managers lucky enough to get the first overall pick in their fantasy football drafts for the 2024 season would be wise to select Christian McCaffrey. He has arguably the highest ceiling and the safest floor of any player this year, regardless of position. He has been among the most dominant fantasy players ever and is coming off of one of the best seasons of his career.
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McCaffrey has finished among the top three running backs in season-long fantasy scoring in the past four seasons that weren't shortened by injuries. This includes two RB1 finishes, with one of them coming last season with the San Francisco 49ers.
His excellent year set new career highs in several categories, including rushing yards, yards per carry, and total touchdowns.
Fantasy Football PPR Rankings for 2024
- Christian McCaffrey
- CeeDee Lamb
- Bijan Robinson
- Breece Hall
- Tyreek Hill
- Amon-Ra St. Brown
- Ja'Marr Chase
- Justin Jefferson
- Jonathan Taylor
- Garrett Wilson
- Kyren Williams
- Saquon Barkley
- Puka Nacua
- AJ Brown
- Jahmyr Gibbs
- Derrick Henry
- Marvin Harrison Jr.
- Travis Etienne
- Isiah Pacheco
- Drake London
- Davante Adams
- Chris Olave
- Travis Kelce
- De'Von Achane
- Josh Jacobs
- Mike Evans
- Rachaad White
- Sam LaPorta
- James Cook
- Michael Pittman Jr.
Which round should you draft each position in fantasy football?
Deciding when to target each position in fantasy drafts is based on several factors, such as league format and scoring settings. For example, quarterbacks can be targeted in the first round of 2-QB and Superflex leagues but avoided until later in traditional formats.
Using the typical style of one quarterback in a starting lineup each week, it's often beneficial to use the first three rounds of a draft to focus on the best available running backs and wide receivers. Many managers would agree that there is no real limit to how many elite backs and wideouts can be included on a roster.
After the first three rounds, managers may continue to target those premium positions, but strategizing at round four is when the elite tight ends and quarterbacks can begin to become legitimate options. The key is not to reach too high on any player and not to panic-pick a mediocre quarterback or tight end if there is an early run on them in the draft.
As for kickers and defenses, managers should wait as late as possible before targeting either of these positions. It's often more beneficial to make sure a roster is complete with all of their starters and some solid depth options before even considering picking a defense or kicker.
Using ADP and rankings are some of the best ways to make sure that each pick in the fantasy football draft is getting the most value.
Sportskeeda's Who Should I Draft tool is another excellent resource, allowing managers to compare fantasy projections in real-time and make the best picks each time.
49ers Fans! Check out the latest San Francisco 49ers Schedule and dive into the 49ers Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.
