The 2024 fantasy football season has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, with several players defying expectations and others falling short. This article highlights the standout performers, late-round gems, and disappointing picks from this year's drafts. From rookie sensations to veterans making a comeback, the season offered plenty of surprises for both seasoned and new fantasy enthusiasts.
Brock Bowers: The Rookie Sensation
In the early autumn of 2024, the Raiders' tight end Brock Bowers emerged as an unexpected star in the world of fantasy football. Initially drafted in the later rounds due to concerns about his supporting cast, Bowers quickly proved his doubters wrong. With key injuries to teammates like Michael Mayer and Davante Adams, Bowers found himself with more opportunities on the field. Since Week 3, he has consistently delivered, averaging 73 receiving yards per game and leading all tight ends in targets and fantasy points. As he approaches the record for most receptions by a rookie, Bowers is set to be a coveted pick in next year’s drafts.
Bucky Irving: The Waiver Wire Wonder
Bucky Irving, the Buccaneers' undrafted rookie, became a hidden gem for many fantasy leagues. Starting the season on the waiver wire, Irving burst onto the scene with a stellar performance in Week 1, gaining 76 yards on just 11 touches. His consistent production throughout the season, despite battling injuries, made him a must-have player. Over his final five games, Irving averaged an impressive 22.4 fantasy points per game, ranking top 10 in yards per touch and explosive run rate. His emergence as a reliable option proves that sometimes the best finds come from the least expected places.
Marvin Harrison Jr.: The Disappointing Prospect
Not every highly-touted prospect lived up to the hype. Marvin Harrison Jr., selected fourth overall by the Cardinals, was touted as a can’t-miss talent. However, his rookie season fell short of expectations. Drafted in the second round of many leagues, Harrison struggled to deliver consistent performances. Limited to primarily vertical routes, he failed to showcase his full skill set, resulting in uncatchable targets and inconsistent play-calling. Despite his potential, Harrison finished the season as WR43 in points per game, rarely providing the monster weeks fantasy owners hoped for.
Chuba Hubbard: The Late-Round Breakout
Chuba Hubbard, initially overlooked in the draft process, turned out to be a valuable asset for many teams. Drafted in the 11th or 12th round, Hubbard capitalized on the absence of Jonathon Brooks, who was sidelined due to injury. In the first four games, Hubbard averaged 95 total yards per game and finished as a top-10 RB twice. Even after Brooks returned, Hubbard continued to shine, finishing the season with seven top-10 finishes and earning a contract extension. His strong play suggests he will be a much higher draft pick in 2025.
Drake Maye: The Future Late-Round QB Star
Every season, there's a quarterback who emerges from the later rounds to become a league-winning asset. In 2024, Jayden Daniels filled that role, but looking ahead to 2025, Drake Maye looks poised to take over. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a poor offensive line and inconsistent play-calling, Maye showed flashes of brilliance. He finished as a top-12 weekly option in five of his 12 starts and demonstrated exceptional mobility with over 400 rushing yards. With the Patriots expected to improve their roster significantly, Maye could be the next late-round QB sensation in 2025.
Reflecting on the 2024 fantasy football season, it's clear that success often comes from identifying undervalued talent and being adaptable to changing circumstances. Players like Bowers and Irving remind us that sometimes the best finds are hidden in plain sight, while Harrison's struggles highlight the importance of patience and realistic expectations. As we look forward to the 2025 drafts, these lessons will undoubtedly shape our strategies and choices.