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Today we're going to look at some upcoming wide receivers who are ready to breakout in 2024. Some of these wide recivers have already had good fantasy seasons, but it's time from them to take things to the next level. For others, they haven't proven much, but due to their talent or change in situation they should produce in 2024 fantasy football.
Drake London, Atlanta Falcons
2023: 69 Catches - 905 Yards - 2 Touchdowns
It’s officially put up or shut up time for the Atlanta Falcons. Although the Falcons have some very talented players with low production, the crutch has always been the inadequate quarterback play since the departure of Matt Ryan. The Falcons tried drafting their quarterback for the future, but that didn’t work. So, here we are as they take a chance on Kirk Cousins.
Cousins is recovering from an Achilles injury but appears to be right on the right track for the 2024 season. Now, a 35-year-old quarterback coming off an Achilles injury may not be the team’s dream solution, but Cousins has shown enough in the past to receive the benefit of the doubt. That said, Drake London is now poised to be the new target hog for Cousins.
London is no Justin Jefferson, but he possesses size and speed that can really take the top off a defense. A strong running game should boost those play-action throws and allow London to use his athleticism and size.
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts
2023: 68 Catches - 771 Yards - 2 Touchdowns
Josh Downs had an under-the-radar successful rookie campaign. Downs showed flashes of his speed and toughness and was a key piece of the Colts offense. Josh Downs is set to be the starting slot receiver for the Colts, and Anthony Richardson's return will only bolster this offense.
In 2023, Downs played the 3rd highest snaps amongst wide receivers from the slot with 598. Downs broke away for some long touchdowns last year showing his speed and he was playing through an injury that he suffered in the preseason. I would be targeting Downs everywhere I can with the Colts offense looking much better for 2024.
Dontavion Wicks, Green Bay Packers
2023: 39 Catches - 581 Yards - 4 Touchdowns.
Well, Aaron Rodgers left, and the Green Bay Packers immediately became fun again. Dontayvion Wicks has the skills to threaten defenses with his big play potential. Wicks is currently living in the shadow of Jayden Reed and Christian Watson, but he showed that he would be efficient with his opportunities.
The wide receiver room for the Packers seems to always be battling injuries, and in Weeks 8-11 last year, Wicks was a key lifeboat for the Green Bay Packers. As the Packers offense continues to improve and balance out, I believe there is enough opportunity for Wicks to be fantasy- relevant. However, Wicks's teammate also deserves a spot on this list…
Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers
2023: 64 Catches - 793 Yards - 8 Touchdowns
Jumping into a significant role immediately with the Packers, Jayden Reed was also pretty limited. Reed had the 3rd highest snap share for receivers in Green Bay, behind Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson. Now, there are a lot of mouths to feed in Green Bay, but what separates Reed from the rest of his peers is that he received 11 carries last year.
Reed took those 11 carries and turned them into 119 yards and 2 touchdowns. If Reed continues in this Percy Harvin, Deebo Samuel-esque role for the Packers offense, he could have a monster 2024 season. Christian Watson can't seem to beat the injury bug, and Romeo Doubs has not shown us much since the departure of Aaron Rodgers.
Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills
2023: 49 Catches - 686 Yards - 4 Touchdowns.
Khalil Shakir is coming off a strong sophomore year where not only did his playing time increase, but so did his production.Throughout Shakir's collegiate career, he demonstrated his ability to make big plays and be a reliable target for his quarterbacks. Shakir's route-running ability and his knack for creating separation from defenders have made him a constant threat in the passing game.
That said, Shakir's athleticism extends beyond just catching passes. Shakir has also shown proficiency as a kick returner, adding another dimension to his game and providing the Bills with excellent field position. Shakir caught a touchdown in back-to-back playoff games, and with Gabe Davis leaving, targets have opened up. Shakir has slowly been earning trust and building chemistry with Josh Allen.
