Should I Draft Calvin Ridley, Diontae Johnson, Jahan Dotson For Fantasy Football? WR Outlooks For 2024

The NFL offseason isn’t for everyone. Some fans get excited about free agency and the NFL Draft. Others check out of the world of football from February until August.

Much of what happens during the offseason impacts the fantasy football world. Hundreds of players change teams every offseason, whether via free agency or trades. This year, there were several wide receivers to change teams, including Calvin Ridley, Diontae Johnson, and Jahan Dotson.

How did changing teams impact their fantasy football value for the 2024 season? Which one of these wide receivers should fantasy players draft? Let’s dive into it.

Calvin Ridley 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Many had high hopes for Ridley in 2023 with the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, the veteran showed signs of rust after nearly missing two years with mental health issues and a gambling suspension. Ridley was the WR17, averaging 11.3 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, totaling 1,016 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

Heck of an effort by @Trevorlawrencee who finds @CalvinRidley1 for the TD! @Jaguars are on the board!

📺: #JAXvsIND on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/G4uoYVOqQn pic.twitter.com/B0ZlHvFl6K

— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2023

While many thought he would re-sign with the Jaguars in the offseason, the veteran joined the division-rival Tennessee Titans. Ridley got a downgrade at quarterback, going from Trevor Lawrence to Will Levis. However, he should thrive in new head coach Brian Callahan’s offense.

Diontae Johnson 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

The last time Johnson was a fantasy superstar was in 2021. He was a top-10 wide receiver that season, with Ben Roethlisberger under center. Unfortunately, the veteran has struggled over the past two years. Johnson was the WR42 in 2023, averaging 9.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. After totaling zero receiving scores in 2022, the veteran had five last season.

Touchdown Diontae Johnson! Steelers take the lead with 4:02 to go. @Juiceup__3#TENvsPIT on Prime Video
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/SEBKoOkzMq pic.twitter.com/W8zIEsL1Ym

— NFL (@NFL) November 3, 2023

Johnson got traded to the Carolina Panthers in the offseason after five years with the Pittsburgh Steelers. New head coach Dave Canales called the veteran receiver the focal point of the offense. While some are concerned about Bryce Young, the former Alabama star made Adam Thielen a top-10 wide receiver over the first six weeks last season. Johnson should thrive with Canales on the sidelines.

Jahan Dotson 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

The biggest preseason riser last year was Dotson. Many had high hopes for the young receiver, with some ranking him higher than Terry McLaurin in their fantasy rankings. Unfortunately, the former Penn State star was a massive bust, ending the season as the WR56, averaging only 5.9 half-point PPR fantasy points per game.

Yet, some called Dotson a post-hype sleeper for the 2024 season until he got traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. The third-year receiver went from being the likely No. 2 wide receiver with the Washington Commanders to fighting for targets behind A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert in Philadelphia.

TRADE: Eagles agree to terms on trade with Commanders for WR Jahan Dotson and a fifth-round pick in the 2025 draft in exchange for a third-round pick and two seventh-rounds picks from the 2025 draft. pic.twitter.com/4t0W1XswtS

— NFL (@NFL) August 22, 2024

Who Should I Draft in Fantasy Football?

Unfortunately, Dotson’s fantasy value is close to zero this season without an injury to Brown or Smith. Meanwhile, Ridley and Johnson are solid low-end WR2s or high-end WR3s for fantasy players.

Both veterans are in better situations than they were a year ago. While both wide receivers are solid fantasy football picks, Johnson is higher in my rankings. He has the better quarterback and less target competition, giving him more upside than Ridley.

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