Quarterback: Jared Goff (Lions (Yahoo: 103.5 ESPN: 149.6)
Although Goff has done wonders for his reputation since joining the Lions, he's still being relegated to QB2 level in fantasy. Goff has thrown for over 4,400 YDS and 29 or 30 TD's in each of the past 2 seasons, which even with his lack of meaningful rushing statistics makes him a reliable starting fantasy option that could even get up to the top 8 overall if another pass-catcher breaks out alongside Amon-Ra St.Brown and Sam LaPorta (Jameson Williams perhaps?).
Honorable Mentions: Matthew Stafford (Rams), Caleb Williams (Bears), Jayden Daniels (Commanders)
Deep Rookie Sleeper: Bo Nix (Broncos)
Running Back: Zamir White (Raiders) (Yahoo: 70.0 ESPN: 77.7)
White first appeared on the fantasy radar late last season when he stepped into start for the injured Josh Jacobs over the final 4 weeks of the regular season. Over that stretch, White averaged 23.25 touches per game and cleared 100 scrimmage YDS 3 times. With Jacobs leaving for Green Bay in free agency and Alexander Mattison currently slated to be his backup, White should have a strangehold on the Raiders backfield touches in 2024. Given the Raiders QB situation (Gardner Minshew starting, Aidan O'Connell backing him up) and OC Luke Getsy's deep love of running the ball, White couldn't possibly find himself in a more ideal situation to contribute. TD's could prove to be an issue as White only scored once last season, but the near guarantee of a high volume of touches and considerable upside to turn into a true dual-threat back should make him a priority target for players waiting until the middle rounds to select their RB's.
Honorable Mentions: James Conner (Cardinals), Tony Pollard (Titans), Gus Edwards (Chargers)
Deep Rookie Sleeper: Bucky Irving (Buccaneers)
Wide Receiver: Christian Kirk (Jaguars) (Yahoo: 80.0 ESPN: 100.6)
Injuries put a damper on Kirk's 2023 campaign, which has subsequently done damage to his ADP. Kirk has been the clear WR1 in Jacksonville over the past 2 seasons when healthy and his established rapport with Trevor Lawrence/proven dynamism as a receiver should give him a leg-up on his new counterparts Brian Thomas Jr. and Gabe Davis in the target share pecking order. A 1,000+ YDS and 5+ TD's feels like the floor for Kirk if he plays in 17 games.
Honorable Mentions: Jayden Reed (Packers), Diontae Johnson (Panthers), Khalil Shakir (Bills)
Deep Rookie Sleeper: Ja'Lynn Polk (Patriots)
Tight End: Jake Ferguson (Cowboys) (Yahoo: 79.6 ESPN: 96.0)
The 3rd year tight end is coming off a nice 2003 campaign (71 REC/761 YDS/5 TD's) and with Brandin Cooks coming off an underwhelming season where his explosiveness and effectiveness appear to have taken a hit, Ferguson would be the frontrunner to be the Cowboys primary pass-catching option if CeeDee Lamb doesn't join the team before the start of the season or is showing signs of rust upon his return whenever that proves to be. Even if Lamb reports in the coming weeks and plays up to his typical elite level in short order, Ferguson's role in the Cowboys offense should increase as he enters his second season as a starter and if it does, the odds of him clearing his current overall late 6th-to-early 8th round ADP/TE8-TE10 position are great.
Honorable Mentions: Evan Engram (Jaguars), Brock Bowers (Raiders), Luke Musgrave (Packers)
Deep Rookie Sleeper: Ben Sinnott (Commanders)
Defense/Special Teams: Bears (Yahoo: 140.4 ESPN: 165.4)
The Bears quietly had one of the best defenses in football during the second half of last season, with their takeaway rate (19) over that 8-game stretch being particularly impressive. Early returns from training camp and the preseason have me bullish that what we saw to end last year wasn't a fluke and this group really is among the NFL's top defenses. At their current dirt-cheap ADP on both of the major fantasy sites, Matt Eberflus' troops are worth taking a gamble on.
Honorable Mentions: Vikings, Saints, Seahawks
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