With fantasy football draft day right around the corner, it’s time to put the finishing touches on your preseason prep. Oftentimes, chasing the hot rookies and this season’s trendy breakout picks won’t necessarily be the best way to go. So don’t overlook the boring old players and consistently productive veterans who will add more value to a fantasy roster than meets the eye.
TOP 200: Overall player rankings for 2024 fantasy drafts
CHEAT SHEET: How the players stack up at each position
Here are some of the best value picks for the upcoming season (ADPs from all August drafts, courtesy of NFFC):
QUARTERBACK
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (ADP: 133, QB 19): Despite his low placement in drafts to date, Stafford has a wealth of weapons at his disposal. Major losses on the defensive side will also put pressure on the offense to score more.
NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.
RUNNING BACK
Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos (ADP: 90, RB 28): Versatility and talent is clearly there … when healthy. He should be fully recovered from 2022 knee surgery and he’s been impressive so far in camp.
WIDE RECEIVER
Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers (ADP: 84, WR 39): Now that doctors have finally figured out the issue with his nagging hamstring, Watson has top-15 upside at wide receiver with Jordan Love coming into his own as a passer.
TIGHT END
Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders (ADP: 260, TE 30): While past his prime, Ertz, 33, knows the system and has a rookie QB who will lean on him heavily. That’s enough to warrant TE2 value.
KICKER
PK Daniel Carlson, Raiders (K 18): Former two-time No. 1 fantasy kicker was uncharacteristically inaccurate last year. He deserves a pass, especially where he’s going in drafts.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Indianapolis Colts (D/ST 15): Fine value considering the talent and recent success the Colts defense has enjoyed (No. 6 in 2023, top 10 three of the last four years).