It’s funny how fantasy football works, right? You think you’ve nailed the draft, only to find out your neighbor with the auto-draft team is the one lifting the trophy. But this year—oh man—2024 was wild. We saw breakout stars, comeback stories, and a few downright unbelievable performances that carried teams to glory.
If you’re sitting here, licking your wounds after another year of “almosts,” this list might sting a little. But hey, hindsight is 20/20. Here are the 25 players who turned ordinary rosters into fantasy football juggernauts.
1. Jalen McMillan (23.18% of championship rosters)
Raise your hand if you thought McMillan would end up as a league-winner. No one? Cool, same. While all the rookie buzz swirled around guys like Brian Thomas Jr. and Malik Nabers, McMillan quietly did the thing. Six touchdowns in four games to close the season? That’s how legends are made. If you didn’t draft him, you probably picked him up late—or watched someone else do it.
2. Tee Higgins (23.08%)
Ah, the Bengals. Always good for fantasy. Higgins wasn’t just good this year; he was electric. Drafted as WR28 but delivering WR2 production? Yeah, that’ll win you some weeks. The guy is a walking, talking highlight reel. And let’s not forget, Joe Burrow (spoiler alert: he’s on this list, too) was dishing dimes like he was Oprah handing out cars.
3. Saquon Barkley (22.75%)
The late-first-round RB everyone kind of trusted? Yeah, he delivered. Barkley might not have been the guy punching it in at the 1-yard line (thanks, Jalen Hurts), but 15 touchdowns with an average scoring distance of almost 30 yards? That’s just rude. If you had him, you probably rode him to the finals.
4. Jonathan Taylor (22.57%)
Oh, JT. You had us all sweating after that Week 15 fumble. But then? RB1 performances in back-to-back playoff weeks. Taylor showed up when it mattered most, and that’s why managers who stuck with him were the ones popping champagne.
5. Bucky Irving (21.98%)
Tampa Bay’s rookie sensation wasn’t on many radars early, but wow, did he make an impression. With veterans holding strong in 2024, Irving’s burst onto the scene was refreshing. 5.5 yards per carry and an insane catch rate? Unreal.
6. Joe Burrow (20.08%)
Here’s your conductor for the Cincinnati fantasy train. Burrow was on fire post-Halloween, dropping bombs and racking up points like it was a video game. Honestly, if you didn’t have him in the second half of the season, I’m sorry.
7. Jahmyr Gibbs (19.73%)
Sharing a backfield with David Montgomery didn’t stop Gibbs from being a star. He was a consistent RB1 option all season, and when Montgomery went down? Gibbs hit another gear, carrying teams through the playoffs.
8. Baker Mayfield (19.65%)
Baker freaking Mayfield. Who saw this coming? He’s officially out of “journeyman” territory after this season. Efficient, poised, and—most importantly—clutch when fantasy playoffs rolled around.
9. J.K. Dobbins (19.57%)
Sure, an MCL sprain sidelined him for a chunk of the season, but Dobbins came back strong. RB8 in Week 17? That’s what winners do.
10. Isaac Guerendo (19.15%)
This one’s for the sharp managers who know when to go all-in. Guerendo didn’t dominate all year, but his timely explosions were game-changers.
The Rest of the Best:
Here’s the rest of the top 25. Let’s see if your team had any of these gems:
- Adam Thielen (19.05%)
- Ladd McConkey (19.04%)
- Brian Thomas Jr. (18.78%)
- Jonnu Smith (18.57%)
- Bijan Robinson (18.42%)
- Malik Nabers (18.41%)
- Derrick Henry (18.05%)
- Jayden Daniels (17.95%)
- Brock Bowers (17.47%)
- Josh Jacobs (17.23%)
- Justin Jefferson (17.16%)
- Jerome Ford (16.60%)
- Sam Darnold (16.60%)
- Bo Nix (16.55%)
- Chuba Hubbard (16.55%)
Fantasy football is as much about adapting as it is about drafting. Managers who picked up players like Guerendo or Irving, or trusted comeback stories like Mayfield, thrived. It’s not just about the studs—it’s about timing, matchups, and taking risks.
Here’s hoping 2025 brings just as much chaos. Now, go update your keeper leagues and start mock drafting. Because, let’s face it, fantasy football never really ends.
PS: Did anyone else draft Malik Nabers as their WR3 and then feel like a genius? No? Just me?
PPS: Don’t forget to grab some snacks and a comfy chair for draft night next season. You’re gonna need it.
PPPS: Yes, I know I forgot to include Brock Purdy. Sorry, Brock fans.