Both A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles and Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams finished in the top five among wide receivers in total fantasy points in 2023.
So when it comes time for fantasy managers to pick a wide receiver, and these are your two best choices, which is the better pick for your lineup? Let’s check out the fantasy outlook for each player.
2024 Fantasy Outlook for A.J. Brown
Brown comes in as the No. 4 wide receiver in Pro Football Network’s consensus fantasy football rankings.
Brown is coming off a career-high season for targets (158) and receptions (106) while producing at least 1,400 receiving yards (1,456) for the second straight season. He also set a career-high for catch percentage at 67.1%.
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But the reason last season wasn’t described as a “career year” was the fact that Brown didn’t quite reach his previous highs in some other notable statistics. Brown went from a career-high-tying 11 touchdown receptions in 2022 to seven last season. And his yards per reception (13.2) were also a career low for the three-time Pro Bowler.
Brown finished fifth in total fantasy points last season (289.6), and his 17.0 fantasy points per game also ranked in the top 10 (eighth). And with the addition of running back Saquon Barkley and wide receiver Jahan Dotson, this offense could be even more potent in 2024.
But will that take away opportunities for Brown this season?
2024 Fantasy Outlook for Puka Nacua
Nacua is the WR7 on PFN’s consensus rankings, and he enjoyed one of the great rookie seasons by a wide receiver in NFL history. He finished with over 100 receptions (105), nearly 1,500 receiving yards (1,486), and six touchdown catches.
Now the question is, will Nacua be able to match those impressive numbers in Year 2?
Although many of those who question Nacua’s chances of duplicating his rookie numbers are likely people who didn’t see Nacua’s season coming in the first place, there are legitimate reasons to question just how much should be expected this season.
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One of the cases against Nacua having an incredible 2024 season is the fact that when teammate Cooper Kupp was out of the lineup for the first four games of the 2023 season, Nacua put up some of his most impressive numbers.
Nacua had at least 100 receiving yards in three of his first four games, and two of his three games with at least 30 fantasy points came in those first four weeks.
Overall, Nacua finished fourth among wide receivers in total fantasy points (298.5) and sixth in fantasy points per game (17.6).
Who Should I Draft in 2024?
Obviously, strong cases can be made for either receiver.
Brown is a major part of what could be an explosive Eagles’ offense, while Nacua will also play a significant role in the Rams’ potentially elite offense.
It’s a close call, but I’m inclined to choose Brown if the two are available.