Top 10 Fantasy Football Busts for 2024: Avoid These Big Names
As we gear up for the 2024 fantasy football season, it’s crucial to identify players who may not live up to their average draft position (ADP). Here are the top 10 fantasy football busts for 2024, with insights into their 2023 performances and why they might disappoint this year.
- Justin Jefferson
- Brandon Aiyuk
- Christian McCaffrey
- DJ Moore
- Puka Nacua
- NIco Collins
- Devon Achane
- Tee Higgins
- Keenan Allen
- Aaron Jones
1. Justin Jefferson, WR – Minnesota Vikings
Justin Jefferson is undeniably talented, but 2024 might not be his year. In 2023, he posted impressive stats with over 1,400 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. However, with the Vikings’ offensive line struggles and a potential quarterback change, his production might dip. His high ADP makes him a risky pick if the Vikings’ offense doesn’t perform up to expectations.
The thought of drafting Jefferson in round one with Sam Darnold as the QB does not make me feel comfortable. A top 5 pick in fantasy should certainly have more security, which Justin Jefferson does not provide. Yes, the talent is there, but the QB issues and the injury from last year makes me want to fade him entirely in 2024 drafts.
2. Brandon Aiyuk, WR – San Francisco 49ers
Brandon Aiyuk had a solid 2023 season, tallying over 1,342 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns on 105 targets. Yet, the 49ers’ crowded receiving corps and the emergence of other offensive weapons might limit his targets. His 3rd round ADP suggests high expectations, but he could fall short if the ball is spread around too much in San Francisco.
We contend with CMC, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and Rookie Rickey Pearsall. Drafting overrated Brandon is not one of my things to do in 2024. I don’t trust him and the 9ers coming off a Superbowl Hangover. I will draft someone more secure in round three of my drafts, and you should as well.
3. Christian McCaffrey, RB – San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey is a fantasy football favorite, but 2024 might see him underperforming relative to his ADP. Injuries plagued his 2020 and 2021 seasons, limiting him to just 10 games. The past two years have been great, but very pinnacle and what goes up must come down.
Based on his age, the Super Bowl hangover, and two significant years in a row, I strongly feel that he will go down this season. I don’t see a third consecutive season where CMC finishes as a top 2 RB in fantasy football. Draft someone else who is trending upwards and not CMC and who is on his way down!
4. DJ Moore, WR – Chicago Bears
DJ Moore had a solid 2023 season with over 1,364 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. However, with the Bears’ uncertain rookie quarterback situation and the addition of Keena Allen and Rome Odunze, DJ Moore might struggle to replicate those numbers in 2024. His ADP reflects high expectations that he might not meet.
This is a three-headed monster at WR in Chicago, and no one knows who the WR1 is. For that reason, I don’t feel like guessing on players in the early rounds. Moore will see a regression in volume from last year and will bust on his current ADP.
5. Puka Nacua, WR – Los Angeles Rams
Puka Nacua showed flashes of brilliance in 2023, but relying on him in 2024 might be a mistake. The Rams’ offense is in a transitional phase, and Nacua’s role is not yet solidified., with Cooper Kupp full healthy and back in the mix. His first round ADP is based on last years big year with Kupp being sidelined most of the season, rather than proven production. Making him a risky pick for fantasy managers.
I love the talent of Puka, but his numbers we really high last year and really hard to duplicate. 2024 will be a telling tale, on if he is the real deal or not. I am not paying a 1st round pick to find out.
6. Nico Collins, WR – Houston Texans
Nico Collins had a decent 2023 season with over 1297 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. However, the Texans’ offense will look much different with the addition of Diggs and the return of Tank Dell. Nico was a product of the offense last year that lacked any other top WR.
He was 25th in targets with 109 among WRs without Diggs even there. Now, with this major target dilution, I see a big regression here for Nico, and he is way too expensive of a draft pick in the 2nd round. No, thank you for Nico, where we don’t know who the true WR1 is in Houston!
7. Devon Achane, RB – Miami Dolphins
Devon Achane is an exciting young player, but his 2024 fantasy prospects are uncertain. In 2023, he struggled with injuries and managed just over 800 rushing yards in only 11 games along with 7.8 YPC. The Dolphins’ backfield is crowded, and Achane might not get enough touches to justify his ADP. With Mostert coming back and off a big year and the NFL draft pick of speedy Jaylen Wright, I doubt the Dolphins believe in Achane.
People are putting too much weight on his performance from last year, and I won’t be drafting him for 2024 fantasy football.
8. Tee Higgins, WR – Cincinnati Bengals
Tee Higgins had a terrible 2023 with only 656 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. However, with Ja’Marr Chase dominating the Bengals’ passing game, Higgins will always see fewer targets. His ADP suggests he’s a WR1, but he never performs at this ADP.
Last year, I told everyone to avoid Higgins in round 2, yet all the mainstream sheep told you to draft him early. Never draft a guy you know is a WR2 early in drafts. It is a big waste of a pick.
9. Keenan Allen, WR – Chicago Bears
Keenan Allen’s move to the Bears adds uncertainty to his fantasy value. In 2023, he had over 1243 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns with the Chargers, but the many Bears WR 1 options, it will limit his production. His high ADP also doesn’t account for his potential struggles in Chicago’s system.
Keenan Allen is old and washed and has no business being on any NFL team. If you remember last year, he was force-fed by Herbert, and that won’t be the case this season with the Rookie Williams.
10. Aaron Jones, RB – Green Bay Packers
Aaron Jones had a mixed 2023 season, with only playing 11 games, rushing for 652 yards but just 2 touchdowns with the Packers. Now at the age of 29 and a team change to the Vikings, I am seeing him decline big time this season.
He cannot be trusted at a true RB 1 and shouldn’t be drafted as one. I would never draft a 29 year old washed up RB with no upside. The only old RB I like is Henry this year.