Fantasy Football Wish List

2024 Fantasy Football Wish List

As we open the “off”season part of the 2024 NFL year, all 32 teams have a specific plan for improving. Even the two-time defending champs know they have needs to address, whether through impending free agency or the upcoming NFL Draft.

The Fulltime Fantasy 2024 Fantasy Football Wish List approaches the needs of all 32 teams from a fantasy football perspective. What would fantasy fanatics like to see each squad do?

Some of these options aren’t necessarily realistic but are meant to maximize the fantasy fun. After all, isn’t that what it’s all about?

AFC East

Buffalo Bills – Find a WR2

This is a great free-agent and NFL Draft class to find an impact wide receiver. The cash-strapped Bills aren’t currently in a position to sign one of the premier veteran wideouts. However, Buffalo has the No. 28 pick in the first round and will be in a good position to acquire an immediate starter. Pending free-agent Gabe Davis hasn’t been consistent enough and adding a playmaker opposite of Stefon Diggs would go a long way toward the Bills keeping their Super Bowl window open.

Miami Dolphins – Unleash De’Von Achane

Let’s ignore how Achane’s unreal efficiency wavered down the stretch for a minute. Instead, let’s embrace the rookie rusher who posted the RB4 numbers in points per game getting 200 touches as Miami’s 1a. Yes, Raheem Mostert is still under contract. However, Achane showcased that elite top gear and Mostert will be 32. As a starter, Achane could be a Chris Johnson or Jamaal Charles-esque fantasy asset.

New England Patriots – Draft Jayden Daniels

For the first time in over two decades, it is a new era in New England. As the Patriots move on from Bill Belichick, embracing an athletic, dual-threat quarterback would be a signal that it’s out with the old and in with the new. New offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt has a strong track record with quarterbacks and said he intends to build the offense around his players’ strengths. Daniels is an elite runner and passer and would be a huge step for the Patriots to return to credibility after a rare down year.

New York Jets – Sign Aaron Rodgers

Some pundits think the Jets signed Rodgers last season but I’m not seeing any stats for the veteran signal-caller. Instead, we suffered through an abysmal passing offense that had so much potential. Breece Hall was magnificent, and WR Garrett Wilson still managed to post WR2 numbers with Ham-and-Eggers under center. Imagine a full season with future Hall-of-Famer Aaron Rodgers under center. Insert rocket emoji.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens – Sign Calvin Ridley

The Ravens need WR help. More specifically, they need a consistent deep threat that can open up the offense and complement Zay Flowers. Marquise Brown (also a free agent) performed beautifully for the Ravens in 2021. Ridley just went 76/1,016/8 for the Jaguars and could post similar numbers with Lamar Jackson and Todd Monken.

Cincinnati Bengals – Re-Sign Tee Higgins

Reports indicate the Bengals plan to franchise tag Higgins. Hopefully, Higgins avoids a holdout and reports to camp on time. With Tee, Ja’Marr Chase, and Joe Burrow fully healthy next summer, Cincinnati would have a top-10 offense that would once again be very popular in the early rounds of fantasy drafts.

Cleveland Browns – Bring Back Joe Flacco

I’m a realist. There is no way that Flacco’s magical December run would carry over for a full season. But having him chuck it for 330 yards, three scores, and two picks every game would be awesome for fantasy purposes. Also, seeing Deshaun Watson wearing a knit cap as the most expensive backup quarterback in the league would be icing on the cake.

Pittsburgh Steelers – Trade for Justin Fields

This is the hot rumor of the day, and I’d like to see it. I like Fields, and reportedly Mike Tolmin does as well. I’m not sure how Fields would fit in a traditional Steelers offense. But at least Matt Canada is gone. Additionally, Fields has proven he can be an excellent fantasy option. With the Bears poised to snag Caleb Williams with the first pick in the draft, having two viable fantasy staters only strengthens the QB pool.

AFC South

Houston Texans – Re-Sign Dalton Schultz

Houston has all the pieces in place to contend while they have C.J. Stroud playing for a rookie contract. The Texans will target a zone runner and could bring Devin Singletary back for a reasonable deal. Schultz posted top-10 PPR numbers and has already displayed chemistry with Stroud. Plus, the 2024 free-agent class of tight ends is barren, except for Schultz. Houston can add a WR3 via this deep draft class, but finding a proven safety valve for their young superstar thrower would be more difficult. A reunion seems like the best-case scenario for all parties.

Indianapolis Colts – Re-Sign Michael Pittman

Pittman emerged as a true No. 1 wide receiver in his fourth season. He ranked ninth with 156 targets, including a pair of games with 11-plus looks started by Anthony Richardson. Richardson was far more competent as a passer than many projected. That bodes very well for the Colts’ offense, which ranked 10th in points even with Richardson shelved for most of the season.

Jacksonville Jaguars – Draft a WR

With Calvin Ridley set to test the market and the Jaguars only having about $7 million in effective cap space, it looks like drafting a replacement is more likely than breaking the bank for a proven veteran pass-catcher. Jacksonville is set at RB,TE, and has two solid veteran wideouts. That’s a good landing spot for an incoming rookie. Finally, the 2024 rookie class is deep and talented. The club could target both lines early while still adding a quality receiver on Day Two.

Tennessee Titans – Switch Full-time to Those Sweet Oilers uniforms

It’s full-blown rebuild time for the Titans, who welcome a new head coach to begin the painful process. While Tennessee boasts the second-most available cap space, there isn’t much to feel optimistic about. I do like Tyajae Spears getting an increased role with the expected departure of Derrick Henry. But the jury is still out on Will Levis at quarterback and Tennessee has one of the worst receiving corps in football. I expect the Titans to be losing plenty in 2024, but at least they could look good doing it by embracing the greatest uniforms in NFL history.

AFC West

Denver Broncos – Make-Up With Russell Wilson

Sean Payton did Russell Wilson dirty. Wilson rebounded from a poor 2022 showing and totaled 29 touchdowns versus only eight interceptions. Regardless, with a post-June-1 cap hit of over $35 million, Wilson isn’t going anywhere. Denver has some interesting weapons and it seems like the best way forward is for Payton to figure out a way to patch things up.

Kansas City Chiefs – Sign Mike Evans

Kansas City just proved that they can win without viable wide receivers. But they don’t have to. Re-signing Chris Jones will be Andy Reid’s top priority on defense. However, landing a legitimate WR1 to team with Rashee Rice would go a long way in setting up KC for a three-peat. Also, a red-zone threat like Evans would make a huge addition for Patrick Mahomes, who is coming off a “down” year by his lofty standards. Most likely, the Chiefs will address wideout in the draft. But a fella can dream.

Las Vegas Raiders – Find the Right Quarterback

The Raiders got their guy in Antonio Pierce. Now, it’s time for the club to finally figure out who can be a viable franchise quarterback. Signing a journeyman veteran hasn’t worked out well for the Raiders, so finding a young signal-caller to develop is Vegas’ top need. Unfortunately, Pierce did such a good job down the stretch that the Raiders don’t pick until the 13th pick. That is well after Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye are projected to be selected. Trading up for one of those elite options would be expensive- and risky. This class has as many as six first-round QBs, so the Raiders will have options at 13. But identifying the long-needed right option is paramount.

Los Angeles Chargers – Sign Josh Jacobs

With Jim Harbaugh in town, you know the Chargers will re-commit to the running game. Austin Ekeler fell off fast, so the Chargers must add a new starting running back to carry the load. Jacobs is a three-down workhorse who has proven he can carry the load and play all three downs. But signing him would be challenging for a team that is currently $45 million over the cap. Expect a mass exodus with the new regime, but adding a proven RB1 to this offense would be a fantasy dream come true.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys – Sign Derrick Henry

Dallas is already some $20 million over the salary cap, so I don’t think shelling out $10 million annually on a premiere running back is likely. However, if the Cowboys could add Derrick Henry (who would be cheaper and short-term), it would be an intriguing fantasy fit after Tony Pollard’s down 2023 showing. Henry would have league-leading touchdown potential in this offense.

New York Giants – Don’t Draft Giants

Sorry, Giants fans, but this is a team fantasy managers should steer clear of. New York has perpetual offensive line woes. They’re likely to lose their best asset in Saquon Barkley. They have a bunch of ill-fitting JAGs at wide receiver. Finally, the team is stuck in QB purgatory with Daniel Jones, who was awful last season, is coming off of a major injury, and has an albatross of a contract. Except maybe for TE Darren Waller or WR Wan’Dale Robinson, this looks like an offense to avoid at all costs.

Philadelphia Eagles – Sign Saquon Barkley

Let’s pretend for a minute that the league outlaws the Brotherly Shove play. QB Jordan Love ran for an NFL-high 13 rushing scores inside the five-yard line last season. Saquon Barkley could be a potent three-down monster behind Philly’s elite offensive line, with a ton of TD potential. Plus, the Eagles have the cap room to sign Barkley and D’Andre Swift is also a free agent. Additionally, signing Barkley would further handicap the Giants and give the Eagles the best running back in the tough NFC East.

Washington Commanders – Draft Drake Maye

A new regime almost always means a new quarterback. Especially when you have the second overall pick and an immediate need for the most important position on the field. North Carolina’s Drake Maye has all the athletic tools to be a franchise quarterback and stood out in a pro-style offense. Maye followed Sam Howell at North Carolina and there’s a very good chance he will do the same in the pros.

NFC North

Chicago Bears – Draft Caleb Williams

It’s odd to see a staff coaching for their jobs draft a rookie passer when they already have a solid young QB under contract. But that’s how much of a “can’t miss” prospect Williams is. If D.J. Moore was able to post WR15 numbers in Chicago’s 27th-ranked passing attack last season, he will excel with Williams’s arm. It also wouldn’t hurt for the Bears to find one running back.

Detroit Lions – Target an Elite WR2

The jury is still out on Jameson Williams. Detroit needs to add weapons to reinforce their passing attack. Especially knowing that TE T.J. Hockenson could miss a significant part of the season with an ACL and MCL injury. The Lions have plenty of cap space and could be serious contenders to add Tee Higgins, Micheal Pittman, or Mike Evans. They could also address wide receiver via the draft. Either way, with Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond set to depart, expect Detroit to use significant capital on the position.

Green Bay Packers – Extend Jordan Love

Jordan Love played superlatively in his first season as the starter. Love will only cost the Packers about $10 million in 2024, but that is the final season he is under contract. Green Bay is currently over the 2024 salary cap, but signing Love to a long-term extension is crucial for the NFL’s team.

Minnesota Vikings – Re-sign QB Kirk Cousins

Cousins was having another fine campaign until his season ended after eight games with a ruptured Achilles. The 35-year-old veteran posted excellent numbers in each of his six seasons as the Vikings’ starter. A reunion would be the best-case fantasy scenario. Not only for Cousins but for Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and millions of fantasy football supporters.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons – Draft J.J. McCarthy

Finding a franchise quarterback is a top priority for the Falcons. Well, that and actually attempting to use the three skill-position players you’ve wasted top-10 picks on. With those weapons in place, new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson comes over from the Rams and will look for an accurate passer who stands out as a processor. That is McCarthy, who comes from Michicgan’s pro-style offense and is widely considered to be this draft’s No. 3 signal-caller by many teams. McCarthy has excellent touch and experience progressing through multiple reads. He’s drawn Matt Ryan comparisons and would give the Falcons their best passing threat since Ryan was in his prime.

Carolina Panthers – Fix Bryce Young

The Panthers went all out to secure the No. 1 pick last season. Subsequently, Carolina is missing this year’s preeminent selection. Therefore, Dave Canale’s top priority is to put Bryce Young in a position to succeed after a disastrous rookie showing. Canales was foundational in Baker Mayfield’s rebound in Tampa last season. For the Panthers to have even a fraction of fantasy relevancy, Young will have to make a similar leap.

New Orleans Saints – Have an Open QB Competition

Can you imagine the fun it would be this summer if the Saints let Taysom Hill openly compete for the starting QB position? Just think of the fantasy madness in formats where Hill is still TE-eligible. Also, it’s not like Derek Carr has been all that as a stater, like, ever. It won’t happen, but the mayhem would give fantasy podcast hosts plenty to argue over.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Bring the Boys Back Home

Don’t leave the Bucs fans on their own, no, no. Few prognosticators expected much out of Tampa’s offense in 2023. However, Todd Bowles guided the Bucs to an NFC South title, a playoff win, and multiple impressive fantasy showings. Baker Mayfield had a QB1 campaign. Rachaad White was the RB4. And WR Mike Evans led the NFL with 13 receiving touchdowns. Mayfield and Evans are both set to enter unrestricted free agency. But fantasy football fans would undoubtedly like to see the pair re-sign with Tampa Bay.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals – Draft Marvin Harrison Jr.

Jonathan Gannon had his Cardinals ready to play last season. Arizona was better than anticipated but the offense needs some massive help. The wide receiver room might be the shallowest in the league, especially if Marquise Brown walks, as anticipated. Harrison would immediately step in and be the alpha wideout that Kyler Murray needs. With the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Cardinals will be in prime position to add an impact pass-catcher. Harrison and Malik Nabors fit the bill as potential top-5 playmakers. If Gannon pulls the trigger, 130-plus targets is a reasonable starting point for the fantasy football wish list.

Los Angeles Rams – Leak Your Draft Board Early

Sean McVay has done a tremendous job with the limited draft capital the Rams have had. Last summer, Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua went largely undrafted in fantasy leagues, only to be league winners. If McVay and company have identified any more superstar mid-t0-late-round talents, I’d like to start doing my research now.

San Francisco 49ers – Add Another Wideout

The 49ers have elite options at every position, with few true needs from a fantasy perspective. Perhaps a luxury pick like a playmaking WR3 will add more depth and creativity to Kyle Shanahan’s squad. As long as it doesn’t take away touches from Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, or George Kittle.

Seattle Seahawks – JSN PLZ

Can we just get more targets for Jaxon Smith-Njigba? 93 didn’t cut it. And with Tyler Lockett turning 32 and in a three-year decline, dynasty managers need the new staff to throw us a bone. Or, rather, thrown JSN a lot of balls. Help us, MM1- you’re our only hope.