After the conclusion of the 2024 fantasy football season, it’s time to recognize the standout players who made a significant impact.
Fantasy MVP: Ja’Marr Chase stood out as the highest-scoring non-QB in full-PPR leagues, dominating his position with a considerable lead over other top receivers. His consistent performance throughout the season made him a valuable asset to fantasy teams.
Honorable mention: Saquon Barkley had a strong showing but fell short of the top spot.
Fantasy Football Bust of the Year: Breece Hall failed to live up to expectations, despite playing in most games. His lack of explosive plays and limited impact on the field led to his disappointing performance as the RB18.
Dishonorable Mentions: Tyreek Hill, Marvin Harrison Jr., Deebo Samuel Sr., Anthony Richardson
Fantasy Rookie of the Year: Brock Bowers emerged as a standout rookie, breaking records for receiving yards and receptions at the tight end position. His impressive debut season marked him as a player to watch in the future.
Honorable mentions: Jayden Daniels, Bucky Irving, Brian Thomas Jr., Malik Nabers
Sleeper of the Year: Jayden Daniels exceeded expectations with his dynamic play and strong finish to the season. Despite facing challenges, he emerged as a top quarterback in the final weeks, making him a valuable addition to fantasy teams.
Honorable Mentions: Sam Darnold, Chase Brown, Bucky Irving, Brian Thomas Jr., Jonnu Smith
Most underrated asset: Baker Mayfield had a remarkable season, surpassing career highs in key statistics and showcasing his talent on the field. His consistent performance and impressive numbers made him a standout player in fantasy football.
Honorable mentions: Josh Jacobs, Joe Mixon, Courtland Sutton
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Bucky Irving emerged as a breakout star, surprising many fantasy football players who had not rostered him at the start of the season. Despite being unrostered in 79% of Yahoo leagues early on, he quickly became a difference-maker with impressive performances, including delivering 190 scrimmage yards in Championship Week. Irving showcased his skills as a dynamic runner and was a standout highlight on the field.
In contrast, Kyle Shanahan, head coach of the 49ers, earned the “Liar, Liar Award” for misleading information regarding Christian McCaffrey’s injury status, causing frustration for fantasy managers who had drafted him. Shanahan’s misinformation led to uncertainty for many fantasy teams, particularly those with the top pick in their draft.
On the coaching side, the Lions, under OC Ben Johnson, stood out as a top fantasy team by consistently delivering strong performances from key players like Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. The offense thrived, scoring the seventh-most points all-time, despite facing challenges due to defensive injuries.
Jalen Hurts excelled in goal-line situations, scoring an impressive 11 touchdowns from the one-yard line, showcasing his ability as a scoring threat close to the end zone. His performance earned him the “Jerome Bettis Award” for his prowess in short-yardage situations.
Jalen McMillan’s late-season surge drew comparisons to Patrick Jeffers’ memorable 1999 streak, as he recorded six touchdowns in the final four weeks of the fantasy season. McMillan’s impact on fantasy teams was significant, as he became a key player on many league-winning rosters.
Grateful acknowledgments: Jerry Jeudy, Xavier Worthy
RB of the Year in the Dead Zone: James Conner
It is understood that there may be varying opinions on where the RB dead zone starts and ends, but it is generally agreed that Conner falls within this range. With a cross-platform ADP of 58.3, Conner, at 29 years old, achieved his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season and a career-high 1,508 scrimmage yards. Despite a knee injury cutting his Championship Week short, Conner’s performance was solid enough to carry any fantasy team through to Week 17. In the two games prior, he totaled 304 scrimmage yards, three TDs, and nine receptions. For many managers who drafted in the dead zone and ended up with Zamir White or Javonte Williams, Conner proved to be a valuable discovery.
Other notable mentions: Aaron Jones Sr., David Montgomery
Kyle Pitts Award: Kyle Pitts
This award is designated for a player whose preseason hype far exceeds their end-of-year performance. Pitts has consistently embodied this distinction since entering the league. Concluding his fourth fantasy season as TE14 overall, Pitts was rostered in just 77% of Yahoo leagues. Drafted as a consensus top-8 tight end within the top 75 picks, his performance did not match the hype surrounding him.
Also recognized: Travis Etienne Jr., C.J. Stroud
Billy Volek Award: Jameis Winston
For those unfamiliar with Billy Volek, he had a remarkable three-week run in 2004 that Jameis Winston mirrored in 2024. Winston’s erratic performances included a standout game against Denver, where he threw for 497 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. However, his inconsistency was evident as he lost the starting role for Cleveland following a three-interception game against Kansas City. Winston’s season was characterized by highs and lows, reminiscent of Volek’s legendary streak.
Additional mention: Drew Lock
Yahoo Sports Fantasy Awards
In the 2022 season, Johnson saw an extraordinary 147 targets and 86 catches without a touchdown. McBride endured a touchdown drought for most of 2024 before finally scoring in Week 17. With 104 catches, 1,081 yards, and just one touchdown, McBride’s performance reflected more on Kyler Murray and the Arizona coaching staff than on his own abilities. Johnson’s stint with the Ravens was uneventful, with only one catch for six yards in four games. As he enters his age-29 season, Johnson’s future remains uncertain.
Yahoo Sports Fantasy Awards
Known for his touchdown prowess, Orange Julius was a standout in 2014, scoring 12 touchdowns on just 43 receptions and 62 targets.
In a stunning display of skill and efficiency, Thomas made his mark over two remarkable seasons by finding the end zone on an impressive 22.2% of his receptions, a feat deemed almost absurd by many. However, in the year 2024, Westbrook-Ikhine outshone this already remarkable statistic with a performance that left spectators in awe. Among all players in the league, none could rival NWI in his ability to convert touches into touchdowns, as he currently stands at an astounding nine touchdowns on just 28 receptions as Week 18 approaches. This places him in an exclusive club of only four players in the annals of the league’s history who have achieved the milestone of nine or more touchdowns on 30 or fewer touches. Such a remarkable feat has not been witnessed since the legendary Paul Warfield accomplished a similar feat back in 1973, underscoring the rarity and significance of NWI’s achievement. The mere act of typing out such statistics is enough to stir feelings of disbelief among fans and analysts alike.
Honorable mentions also go out to Quentin Johnston, Rashod Bateman, and Tucker Kraft, whose performances have been noteworthy in their own right, even when compared to the exceptional displays put on by Thomas and NWI. These individuals have added their own chapters to the ongoing narrative of excellence and innovation within the realm of professional football, contributing to the ever-evolving tapestry of the sport.
