Fantasy Football 2024: Will Odunze And McCarthy Live Up To The Hype?

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Post on Jul 28, 2025

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Fantasy Football 2024: Will Quentin Johnston and Jaxon Smith-Njigba Live Up to the Hype?

The 2024 Fantasy Football season is looming, and with it comes the usual flurry of excitement, speculation, and the crucial question: who will deliver on their pre-season hype? This year, all eyes are on a pair of wide receivers poised to make a significant impact: Quentin Johnston and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. But can they truly live up to the expectations? Let's dive into their potential and assess their fantasy value.

Quentin Johnston: The Breakout Star in Waiting?

Johnston, selected by the Chargers in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, boasts impressive physical attributes: size, speed, and strong hands. His potential to become a true number one receiver is undeniable, and many fantasy analysts have him ranked highly for 2024. However, his rookie season wasn't without its challenges. Consistency was an issue, and the Chargers' offensive scheme sometimes limited his opportunities.

• Strengths: Exceptional athleticism, big-play potential, and a clear path to significant targets in the Chargers' offense.
• Weaknesses: Inconsistency in his rookie year, potential for drops, and reliance on a healthy Justin Herbert.
• 2024 Outlook: If Johnston can refine his route running and improve his consistency, he's primed for a breakout season. His upside is enormous, making him a high-risk, high-reward pick in fantasy drafts. A strong showing in the preseason will be crucial to solidifying his status as a top WR prospect.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Ohio State's Prodigy Ready to Shine?

Smith-Njigba, another highly touted receiver, enters the NFL after a standout college career at Ohio State, where he consistently showcased his ability to make big plays. Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks, he'll be playing alongside a strong quarterback in Geno Smith, and a potent receiving corps. His agility, route-running precision, and ability to create separation make him a tantalizing fantasy asset.

• Strengths: Exceptional route running, reliable hands, and ability to win in one-on-one matchups. He also benefits from Seattle's pass-heavy offensive scheme.
• Weaknesses: Potential for limited early-season targets depending on how quickly he integrates into the Seahawks offense, and the overall health of the offense.
• 2024 Outlook: Smith-Njigba's fantasy value hinges heavily on his ability to quickly adapt to the NFL game and secure a consistent role in Seattle's passing attack. He possesses the talent to be a top fantasy receiver, but his rookie year will be a crucial test.

The Verdict: Hype vs. Reality

Both Johnston and Smith-Njigba possess the talent to become fantasy football stars. However, their success hinges on several factors: consistent performance, staying healthy, and the overall performance of their respective teams' offenses. Fantasy football owners should weigh the risk and reward carefully before drafting either player. Their rookie seasons offered glimpses of their immense potential, but only time will tell if they can truly live up to the hype.

Further Research:

For more in-depth analysis on these players and other fantasy football prospects, check out resources like ESPN Fantasy Football, CBS Sports Fantasy, and NFL.com Fantasy.

Call to Action: What are your thoughts on Quentin Johnston and Jaxon Smith-Njigba's potential for the 2024 Fantasy Football season? Share your predictions in the comments below!