As the fantasy football season draws to a close, it's time to reflect on the players who fell short of expectations in 2024. While many athletes surpassed their projected performances, several notable names left much to be desired. This article highlights some of the most disappointing players across various positions, offering insights into why they underperformed and what this means for future drafts.
Key Players Who Fell Short in 2024
In the world of tight ends, Kyle Pitts stands out as a significant letdown. Despite his high draft position within the top 150, Pitts has struggled to deliver consistent results. Over four NFL seasons, he has managed only nine touchdowns, which is less impressive when compared to Mark Andrews' tally in a supposedly disappointing year. Pitts has also seen a career-low average of 2.7 receptions per game, with inconsistent weekly finishes that have frustrated many fantasy managers.
At quarterback, C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans faced similar challenges. Initially hyped as a top-tier prospect, Stroud's performance did not match his preseason ADP. He currently ranks as the QB17 in total points and QB25 in points per game. With just one 20+ point performance all season, Stroud's output was significantly lower than expected, especially considering Mac Jones had twice as many such performances.
The Denver Broncos' running back, Javonte Williams, also failed to meet expectations. Despite efforts to slim down and become the team's primary back, Williams could not consistently separate from the rest of the backfield. His average of 3.6 yards per carry over two seasons and limited breakout games made him a less reliable asset for fantasy rosters.
Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears' rookie quarterback, was another major disappointment. Despite being given an ideal situation as the No. 1 overall pick, Williams struggled under Shane Waldron's offensive scheme. However, recent improvements suggest potential for growth in 2025, though his current standing as QB17 in points per game is far from satisfactory.
Deebo Samuel, the San Francisco 49ers' wide receiver, was perhaps the biggest letdown. After thriving in previous seasons without Brandon Aiyuk, Samuel faltered when Aiyuk was sidelined due to injury. Samuel's production dropped significantly, scoring only 50.8 points from Weeks 8-15, a stark contrast to his performance in the same period last year. Even a strong Week 16 showing couldn't salvage his overall poor season.
Aaron Rodgers at the New York Jets also disappointed, despite throwing for the seventh-most passing touchdowns. Ranked as QB20, Rodgers had multiple subpar performances, including nine games below 16.1 points. His tendency to force passes to Allen Lazard and the negative energy he brought to the team further detracted from his value.
Lastly, Zamir White of the Las Vegas Raiders, who had a promising end to the 2023 season, failed to capitalize on his momentum. After adding weight during the offseason, White played only eight games and never scored more than seven PPR points. Other running backs like Alexander Mattison, Sincere McCormick, and Ameer Abdullah outperformed him, making White a non-factor in fantasy lineups.
Reflections and Future Outlook
From a journalist's perspective, these disappointments highlight the unpredictability of fantasy football. High draft positions do not guarantee stellar performances, and even established veterans can struggle. For fantasy managers, it’s crucial to stay informed about player development, coaching changes, and team dynamics. The 2024 season serves as a reminder that adaptability and careful analysis are key to success. As we look ahead to 2025, reevaluating strategies and identifying undervalued players will be essential for competitive rosters.