Late-round fliers: Rico Dowdle, Greg Dortch among the top post-120 ADP targets for fantasy football 2024
Late-Round Fliers: Rico Dowdle, Greg Dortch Among the Top Post-120 ADP Targets for Fantasy Football 2024
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Fantasy football drafts are often won or lost in the later rounds. While the early rounds are critical for securing star players, it’s the late-round gems that can make the difference between a good team and a championship-winning one. In 2024, two players stand out as potential steals after the 120 ADP mark: Rico Dowdle and Greg Dortch. These late-round fliers could provide tremendous value, offering upside that belies their current draft position.
Why Late-Round Fliers Matter
The later rounds of a fantasy football draft are where savvy managers can separate themselves from the pack. By identifying players with upside who are being overlooked by the majority of drafters, you can secure valuable assets without spending high draft capital. These players often have the potential to outperform their ADP (Average Draft Position), providing crucial depth and, in some cases, becoming weekly starters.
Rico Dowdle: A Potential Breakout in Dallas
Rico Dowdle, the running back for the Dallas Cowboys, is a name that should be on every fantasy manager’s radar heading into the 2024 season. Currently flying under the radar with an ADP outside the top 120, Dowdle has the potential to carve out a significant role in the Cowboys’ offense.
Opportunity in Dallas With Ezekiel Elliott no longer in the picture, Tony Pollard is expected to take over as the lead back in Dallas. However, the Cowboys have historically favored a committee approach in their backfield, and Dowdle is well-positioned to benefit. Dowdle has shown flashes of talent in limited opportunities and could see an expanded role in 2024, particularly in goal-line and short-yardage situations.
Injury Risk and Insurance One of the key reasons to target Dowdle in the later rounds is the injury risk associated with Pollard. If Pollard were to miss time, Dowdle could step into a starting role and provide significant fantasy value. Even if Pollard stays healthy, Dowdle’s potential to vulture touchdowns and contribute in key situations makes him a worthwhile flier.
Undervalued Talent Dowdle’s ADP suggests that fantasy managers are not fully recognizing his potential. However, his combination of size, speed, and vision makes him a candidate to outperform his draft position. In a high-powered Dallas offense, Dowdle could be a valuable asset, especially in deeper leagues or as a bench stash with upside.
Greg Dortch: A Sleeper Wide Receiver in Arizona
Greg Dortch, the wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, is another player who could provide significant value well beyond his ADP. With DeAndre Hopkins no longer on the roster and Kyler Murray recovering from injury, Dortch could emerge as a key target in the Cardinals’ passing game.
Path to Opportunity The departure of Hopkins leaves a void in the Cardinals’ receiving corps, and Dortch is well-positioned to step up. While Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and Rondale Moore are expected to be the primary receivers, Dortch could carve out a role as a reliable slot receiver, particularly in PPR (points per reception) formats.
Chemistry with Kyler Murray Dortch developed a strong rapport with Kyler Murray during the 2023 season, and this chemistry could translate into increased opportunities in 2024. Murray’s ability to extend plays and find open receivers bodes well for Dortch, who excels at getting open in short and intermediate routes.
Potential for Consistent Production While Dortch may not be a flashy pick, his potential for consistent production makes him an attractive late-round target. He could serve as a reliable option for fantasy managers, particularly in weeks where the Cardinals face favorable matchups. In deeper leagues, Dortch could even become a weekly flex option.
Other Late-Round Fliers to Consider
In addition to Rico Dowdle and Greg Dortch, several other players currently going outside the top 120 ADP could provide value in 2024. Here are a few names to keep in mind as you approach the later rounds of your draft:
1. Jayden Reed (WR, Green Bay Packers) The Green Bay Packers’ receiving corps is wide open following the departure of Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb. Jayden Reed, a rookie with impressive speed and playmaking ability, could emerge as a key weapon for quarterback Jordan Love. Reed’s ability to stretch the field makes him an intriguing late-round target, particularly in best-ball formats.
2. Tank Bigsby (RB, Jacksonville Jaguars) With Travis Etienne locked in as the Jaguars’ lead back, Tank Bigsby is flying under the radar. However, Bigsby has the potential to carve out a role as a change-of-pace back and could see increased opportunities if Etienne were to miss time. His physical running style and goal-line potential make him a valuable stash in deeper leagues.
3. Tyler Conklin (TE, New York Jets) Tight end is often a difficult position to fill in fantasy football, but Tyler Conklin could provide value late in drafts. With Aaron Rodgers now under center for the Jets, Conklin could see a boost in targets, particularly in the red zone. If you miss out on the top tight ends, Conklin is a name to consider in the later rounds.
4. Michael Wilson (WR, Arizona Cardinals) Another Arizona Cardinals receiver to keep an eye on is rookie Michael Wilson. With Hopkins gone, there’s an opportunity for Wilson to make an impact in his first season. Standing at 6’2” with good speed and hands, Wilson could become a red-zone threat and provide value in deeper leagues.
5. Jerome Ford (RB, Cleveland Browns) Jerome Ford is another running back who could surprise in 2024. With Kareem Hunt no longer in Cleveland, Ford is set to back up Nick Chubb. If Chubb were to miss time, Ford would become a must-start player, making him a valuable handcuff to target in the later rounds.
Strategies for Drafting Late-Round Fliers
When targeting late-round fliers, it’s important to keep a few key strategies in mind:
1. Focus on Opportunity Look for players who have a clear path to playing time. Whether it’s due to injuries, depth chart changes, or team departures, players who have the opportunity to see the field are more likely to provide value.
2. Target High-Upside Players In the later rounds, you’re looking for players who have the potential to significantly outperform their ADP. Focus on players with high ceilings, even if they come with some risk.
3. Consider Team Context Think about the team context in which a player is operating. Is the team expected to be competitive? Are there questions about the starting lineup? Players on teams with fluid situations may have more opportunities to emerge.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Take Risks The later rounds are where you can afford to take some risks. Don’t be afraid to draft players who may have question marks but also offer the potential for big rewards.
Conclusion: Capitalizing on Late-Round Fliers
The 2024 fantasy football season offers several intriguing late-round fliers, including Rico Dowdle and Greg Dortch. These players may not be household names, but they have the potential to provide significant value for fantasy managers who are willing to take a chance on them. By focusing on opportunity, upside, and team context, you can identify these hidden gems and gain a crucial edge in your fantasy league.
As draft day approaches, keep these late-round targets in mind and be prepared to pounce when the opportunity arises. With the right late-round picks, you can build a roster that’s not only competitive but also has the potential to dominate the competition.
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