RADIO
Roquan Smith 2024 Outlook: A Return to Fantasy Form
6 months agoRoquan Smith is universally accepted as an elite NFL linebacker, and he's typically been a good fantasy option. He had a down year in 2023, though. Last year he finished just 14th in solo tackles and sixth in total tackles, after finishing top three the year prior. As a result, Smith was just the LB12 in Standard IDP Scoring in 2023, in both points per game and total points. That was disappointing, considering he was the second LB drafted in most IDP drafts. Thankfully, Smith should rebound in 2024 for a couple of reasons. First, the Georgia alum posted career lows in sacks and TFLs last year. He also posted one of his career-worst totals in forced turnovers. Based on his age (27), advanced metrics, and career averages, those numbers should rise next year. The second reason for optimism is the fact Patrick Queen is gone. Queen vultured several fantasy opportunities from Smith last year, but now Queen is in Pittsburgh. Now, Smith has little competition for tackles or big plays. For that reason, Smith should again be a top-five fantasy LB.
