With the 2024 fantasy football season quickly approaching, it’s time to dive into fantasy outlooks. Last year, the fantasy football industry had a near consensus of Justin Jefferson as the WR1. Unfortunately, he missed seven games because of injury. Yet, the superstar was the WR5 on a points-per-game basis, averaging 16.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per contest.
However, we aren’t breaking down Jefferson in this article. Instead, we are going to talk about CeeDee Lamb. The Dallas Cowboys superstar is one of five players in the mix to be the first wide receiver drafted this season, along with Tyreek Hill, Ja’Marr Chase, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jefferson. Should Lamb be the WR1 in 2024 fantasy football drafts?
WR CeeDee Lamb Fantasy Value
Lamb had a breakout season in 2023, setting career highs in receptions (135), targets (181), receiving yards (1,749), and touchdowns (12). Furthermore, he ranked first, second, or third in the NFL in all four receiving categories. More importantly, Lamb was the WR1, averaging 19.7 fantasy points per game.
The superstar was outstanding despite an incredibly slow start. He was the WR20, averaging 11.5 fantasy points per game over the first five weeks. By comparison, Lamb was the WR1, averaging 23.2 fantasy points per game over the final 12 contests, scoring 26.5 or more in 41.7% of the matchups. The former Oklahoma star was the main reason Dak Prescott was a top-three fantasy quarterback last season.
Fantasy Football Outlook
Fantasy players should expect another monster year from Lamb in 2024. The Cowboys didn’t do anything to improve their receiving core. Instead, they lost Michael Gallup, making Jake Ferguson and Brandin Cooks the only meaningful pass-catchers on the team besides Lamb. Furthermore, Dallas will have one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL after swapping Tony Pollard for Ezekiel Elliott this offseason. Therefore, expect Lamb and the passing attack to become a larger part of the Cowboys’ offense.
Dynasty Football Outlook
While Lamb should have an outstanding 2024 season, dynasty fantasy football managers should have some concerns with the superstar wide receiver. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract and didn’t report to mini-camp earlier this month. While the team will likely use the franchise tag on him next offseason if they can’t get a long-term deal done, fantasy players know that can make things messy for the player and fantasy squads.
More importantly, Prescott is entering the final year of his contract and can’t be franchise-tagged in 2025. Therefore, Dallas could lose their franchise quarterback in free agency with no viable option behind him on the depth chart. Trey Lance is also a free agent after the upcoming season, with four career starts on his resume. While these two things are a concern, Lamb remains a top-four dynasty wide receiver alongside Chase, St. Brown, and Jefferson.
Conclusion
Lamb is arguably the top wide receiver in the NFL and fantasy football. He is too talented to bust, barring injury. However, the concerns with his contract and Prescott’s deal should worry dynasty fantasy players. Yet, the former Oklahoma star will be a high-end WR1 in 2024 with the easiest pathway to the overall WR1 finish. Lamb is my clear-cut WR1 for redraft leagues and a top-four wide receiver in dynasty leagues.
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