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Unlike standard formats, where touchdowns and yards are essential, points per reception (PPR) leagues reward players for every catch. PPR leagues make pass-catching running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends valuable. Pinpointing the right players to thrive in this format can give fantasy managers a powerful edge.
Several players have distinguished themselves as must-haves in PPR leagues for this upcoming season. These players often lead their teams in targets and receptions. Additionally, they maximize their opportunities to gain yards and score touchdowns.
There is a mix of veterans and rising stars who are set to provide consistent PPR performances throughout the season. This article spotlights the top players you should consider for your roster in 2024. It provides insights into their likely impact in PPR leagues.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
One must-roster player for PPR leagues this season is star wideout A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles. In 2023, the Ole Miss product was ranked WR8 in standard leagues and stood out in PPR formats, finishing as WR5.
Brown had an outstanding season, with 106 receptions on 158 targets. He totaled 1,456 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 games. Despite a late-season crash by the Eagles that hindered his fantasy production, the 27-year-old remains a trustworthy option.
Brown's connection with quarterback Jalen Hurts remains vital to his success. With Hurts returning alongside WR2 DeVonta Smith and TE Dallas Goedert, the Eagles' passing game should continue to thrive.
AJ Brown was WIDE open. 👀
(🎥: @NFL)
— theScore Bet (@theScoreBet) October 8, 2023
The wide receiver's remarkable stats include an average depth of target of 12.4 yards and a team-leading 42% of the Eagles' air yards. His target share of 27.4% ranked eighth among wide receivers, while his receiving yards market share of 35.8% was sixth best (per Fantasy Points Data).
Looking ahead, the Eagles have made noteworthy changes. One change includes hiring Kellen Moore as their new offensive coordinator. This shift could help Brown, as Moore's offensive schemes often emphasize a deep passing attack.
Brown should be a top-10 wide receiver again this season. With his new three-year, $96 million contract extension, the former second-round pick will be the main target in Hurts' offense through 2029.
Davante Adams, WR, Las Vegas Raiders
Davante Adams enters the 2024 season as a key player for PPR leagues despite a challenging 2023, primarily due to poor quarterback play. Adams finished as WR14 in standard leagues while posting WR10 in PPR leagues.
He still managed an impressive 33.1% target share, converting 103 receptions into 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns. Despite the complications, Adams' routes per game and team-receiving touchdown market share of 40% make him a valuable fantasy asset.
This year, the Raiders have a quarterback competition between Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew II. Adams has shown a favorable connection with O'Connell. No matter who starts, the 31-year-old is expected to maintain a large amount of receptions.
Davante Adams with the first TD of the day 🔥🔥🔥
— Dylan (@PowellAnalytics) September 17, 2023
The Raiders selected top tight end Brock Bowers in the draft. Bowers will likely assume some targets from the now-released Hunter Renfrow and second-year TE Michael Mayer. Adams has delivered four straight seasons with 1,100-plus yards, proving his consistency no matter the other targets on the field.
Another positive factor is the 2014 second-rounder's relationship with offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. Getsy, who formerly coached Adams with the Packers, has played a substantial role in the wide receiver's career, helping him achieve his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections.
With Getsy coordinating the Raiders offense, Adams will flourish. His large target share and proven track record make him a secure option for fantasy managers this season.
Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets
The New York Jets' lead running back solidified his place as a top running back in PPR leagues by finishing as RB2 in 2023 despite the team's difficult offensive situation.
Aaron Rodgers' injury early in the season hampered Breece Hall's fantasy production. Hall still managed to accumulate 1,585 yards from scrimmage, ranking fourth overall. Hall showed versatility, rushing for 994 yards and five touchdowns while also grabbing 76 passes for 591 yards and four touchdowns.
Hall is expected to be a focal point of the Jets' passing attack in 2024, making him a perfect fit for PPR leagues. Last season, he led all running backs in receiving yards, surpassing Christian McCaffrey, and averaged 34.8 receiving yards per game.
Breece Hall is up to 25.5 points after this TD 👏 pic.twitter.com/AhZchAjuOc
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) December 10, 2023
The Iowa State product is a likely candidate to be the second target in the Jets offense behind Garrett Wilson in 2024. He managed a 17.5% target share last season, evading 77 tackles, and was a workhorse back with 299 touches.
With an upgraded offensive line and improved quarterback play, Hall is in for a strong season. He is another year removed from his torn ACL suffered in October 2022.
Hall's potential for success has increased in 2024 as he is healthier and has plenty of offensive support, making him an essential pick for fantasy managers seeking a high-volume, dual-threat running back.
Rachaad White, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rachaad White had a big season in 2023, showing he was a top pass-catching back in the league. Despite his inefficiency as a rusher, averaging just 3.6 yards per carry, White finished the season as RB4 in PPR and RB8 in standard leagues.
His strong performance was highlighted by 990 rushing yards and six touchdowns. He additionally had 549 receiving yards on 64 catches. White's 1,539 yards from scrimmage emphasized his meaningful role in the Buccaneers offense.
Going into his third season, White has not missed any time in his NFL career, making him a dependable option to roster. In 2023, he was ranked fourth among running backs for receptions and eighth in overall target volume.
Rachaad White just keeps producing week in and week out. pic.twitter.com/5gtM8709UN
— Wyatt 🥃 (@WyattB_FF) December 10, 2023
With 70 targets and a 91.4% catch rate, he proved to be a favorite target of quarterback Baker Mayfield. White's pass-catching ability makes him a central option in the Buccaneers' passing game.
White is expected to continue his role as a pass-catching back for the Buccaneers, even with the addition of rookie running back Bucky Irving. The running back was selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft and may contribute to the offense this year.
The Buccaneers will likely depend on White as Irving adjusts to the pros. White's proven track record and versatility make him a valuable asset in PPR leagues, and he can consistently produce double-digit points.
Evan Engram, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars
Evan Engram appeared as a top tight end in PPR leagues last season, finishing as TE2 with an impressive 12.5 fantasy points per game.
As the Jaguars' primary tight end, Engram played a crucial role in Jacksonville's passing game, highlighted by his 963 receiving yards. Although he scored only four times in 2023, his constant involvement in the offense suggests positive touchdown regression this season.
Engram's role in the Jaguars offense should remain significant, especially with Trevor Lawrence's ability to support numerous receivers. Engram improved his production from 2022 to 2023, averaging 6.7 receptions and 56.6 receiving yards per game.
Evan Engram with the route and one handed catch 🔥
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/RgAWdybTFO
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) October 15, 2023
His Pro Bowl selection and 114 catches last season, the most by a tight end, underscore his reliability. Despite turning 30 this year, Engram's position and skill set suggest he can remain effective for years.
With Calvin Ridley now on the Titans and Zay Jones a Cardinal, Engram is poised to be a significant figure in the Jaguars offense. His high route participation (97.2% of passing plays) and limited blocking duties benefit him in fantasy football.
With Christian Kirk stepping up as the WR1 and the addition of unproven Brian Thomas Jr., Engram is predicted to see plenty of targets and continue his success as a solid mid-range TE1.
Trey McBride, TE, Arizona Cardinals
Trey McBride's second year in the NFL was a breakout season. Despite Kyler Murray's absence for over half the season, McBride handled 81 receptions for 825 yards.
His 2023 season began slowly, with minimal work in the first five games. However, his role grew considerably after tight end Zach Ertz was placed on injured reserve with a quad injury. From Week 8 onward, he averaged 6.6 catches and 65.5 receiving yards per game, ranking as the TE3 in PPR scoring.
In games without Murray, McBride saw a modest 51% snap share. However, upon Murray's return, McBride's snap share soared to 88.6%, and his targets jumped to 8.3 per game. This increase in involvement should continue, making him a high-end fantasy tight end for years to come.
The Cardinals offense made sure that Trey McBride was getting into the end zone. 💪
(🎥: @NFL)pic.twitter.com/W4DVBLZykz
— theScore (@theScore) October 29, 2023
McBride's skill and potential are apparent from his league-leading 26.1% targets per route run rate and his second-best 2.03 yards per route run among tight ends. His ability to be a focal point in the offense alongside Marvin Harrison Jr., who replaces Marquise Brown as the top wide receiver, is promising.
With Ertz now on the Washington Commanders, McBride is set to be a vital offensive target for the Cardinals. NFL reporter Gregg Rosenthal projects McBride as the second-leading receiver for the Cardinals, with rookie Harrison seeing the most volume.
McBride's chemistry with Murray and the lack of Ertz solidify his status as a top TE1 option capable of delivering consistent fantasy production.
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