Opportunity and consistent usage are keys to producing weekly numbers in fantasy football. But for some players, those opportunities can be limited by a variety of factors. Maybe there's a proven vet at the top of the depth chart. Or a backfield rotation that limits offensive touches. Plus, there are players coming off injuries from the 2023 season. And we still have training camp competitions that will determine roster spots.
In what has become an annual piece in early August, I'll break down eight players who possess game-ready traits but need that opening to generate viable fantasy production in your lineups. Let's check out the "have skills, need opportunity" team heading into the 2024 NFL season.
Running backs
Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos
The Denver running back room features size and power with Javonte Williams, rookie Audric Estime and Samaje Perine, which leaves McLaughlin as the outlier as a 5-foot-8, 187-pound dual-threat back.
McLaughlin caught 31 of 35 targets for 160 yards and two scores last season and averaged 5.4 yards per carry (76 carries). He's decisive and explosive as a runner, with the sudden burst and vision to produce off screens or as an underneath outlet.
With his ability to post numbers as a receiver, McLaughlin has an opportunity to establish a more defined role as a change-of-pace/third-down back if his pass protection continues to improve. And with his home run speed, that would open the door for McLaughlin as a deeper league PPR target.
Pierre Strong Jr., Cleveland Browns
The run game is a foundational aspect of Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski' offense, so keep an eye on Strong during camp. With Nick Chubb still sidelined after his knee injury last season, Jerome Ford could potentially start the season as the lead back. But I still like what I saw from Strong on tape last season. He's a rapid accelerator who plays with vision, finding running lanes to attack.
Strong rushed for 291 yards in 2023 (4.6 YPC), and while his receiving numbers didn't jump (five receptions, 47 yards), he has the ability to be productive on swings, screens and checkdowns if put in a more consistent role. Strong is another player to keep on your fantasy radar if Chubb isn't ready to go or if the Browns experience more injuries at the position.
Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars
We know Travis Etienne Jr. is the primary ball carrier in Jacksonville, plus veteran D'Ernest Johnson has quality NFL tape on his résumé. So, why talk about Bigsby here? I'm betting on his traits, along with the anticipated Year 2 jump we often see from pro players. Yes, Bigsby's rookie season in 2023 was rough, as he saw only 50 carries (2.6 YPC) while averaging just 1.3 fantasy points per game.
However, if Bigsby can hold down the No. 2 role, then he becomes a deeper league insurance option behind Etienne. Plus, Bigsby is an injury away from a volume role as an early-down runner in Doug Pederson's offense. Bigsby has the running style and frame to hammer the ball downhill, with the skill set to be deployed underneath as a receiving option.
Wide receivers
Dontayvion Wicks, Green Bay Packers
Wicks doesn't have a path to guaranteed fantasy production heading into second pro season, as he's part of a dynamic, yet crowded, Packers wide receiver room. Christian Watson is healthy, Jayden Reed has explosive traits and Romeo Doubs is a quality starter. If Wicks can earn more reps, however, he has the skills to produce based on what I saw on his tape last season.
Wicks posted double-digit fantasy production in four of his final six games in 2023, highlighted by his career-high 24.1 points against the Chicago Bears in Week 18. He plays with really good body control at the top of the route, creating separation to the ball, and Matt LaFleur's offense can generate middle-of-the-field opportunities for Wicks on deep in-breakers.
While Wicks isn't a straight-line burner (4.61 speed), he's a good mover at 6-foot-1 and 206 pounds, playing in an offense with an emerging star in quarterback Jordan Love. Wicks is a potential late-round add in deeper leagues or as a priority waiver target once the season starts.
The Giants used a top-10 pick to draft wide receiver Malik Nabers this past April, and Nabers will get No. 1 volume in Brian Daboll's offense with Wan'Dale Robinson slated to work out of the slot. But let's not forget about Hyatt, who flashed his vertical ability last season, as a potential No. 3 target if he can hold off veteran Darius Slayton in camp.
In 2023, Hyatt averaged 16.2 yards per catch (on 23 receptions), while registering a vertical route percentage of 57.1%. That speaks to Hyatt's third-level speed, as 30.4% of his receptions went for 20 or more yards. He can get loose on deep-ball throws.
If Hyatt can develop his route tree, adding more of an underneath element on crossers and slants to pair with his vertical presence, he could have deeper league WR3 value as the season progresses.
Cedric Tillman, Browns
Tillman saw his usage elevate at the end of last season, logging at least four targets in six of his final seven games played. And there's a lot to like here with Tillman. At 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, he's a smooth mover with the physical tools to work the dirty areas of the field as a possession receiver in the Browns' route tree. Plus, he has the skills to win at the third level on 50/50 throws.
However, with wide receivers Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore already the mix, plus the offseason addition of Jerry Jeudy, Tillman would most likely need an injury to one of the top three receivers to see a dramatic bump in volume. But there's no question he has the traits to find his way into the fantasy mix if he's presented with an opportunity in a Cleveland pass game that can be play-action heavy.
Tight ends
Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens
Likely made this list last summer, and he's on here again because we saw his production in an expanded role last season. In 2023, Likely started six games for the Ravens when Mark Andrews went down with an ankle injury. During that stretch (Weeks 12-18), Likely averaged 13.9 PPG while posting three games with 18 or more points.
Likely will need another Andrews injury to jump back into fantasy relevance. But if he gets that opportunity, Likely has top-10 upside at the tight end position in an offense that will use his alignment and route versatility.
Jelani Woods, Indianapolis Colts
Woods missed the 2023 season due to reoccurring hamstring injuries, but I'm adding him to this list because of his physical traits and the potential for more volume/opportunity in the Colts' offense under head coach Shane Steichen.
During his rookie season in 2022, Woods logged three touchdowns (all from the red zone), while catching 25 of 40 targets for 312 yards. And at 6-foot-7, 253 pounds with movement ability, Woods has the makeup of a seam stretcher with more scoring potential inside the 10-yard line, which could boost the passing game for quarterback Anthony Richardson on middle-of-the-field throws. Woods is a potential upside target at the tight end position.