For the fifth straight season, the consensus No. 1 overall fantasy draft pick got hurt. Christian McCaffrey has been that top pick three times, including 2024. Among the top 12 running backs drafted based on average draft position (ADP) data at the NFFC, eight ranked in the top 12. That’s 67 percent. However, the list of runners who failed to meet expectations included McCaffrey (RB69), Breece Hall (RB16), Travis Etienne Jr. (RB35), and Isiah Pacheco (RB64). Their combined average finish was an awful RB46.
McCaffrey was the consensus No. 1 overall pick in 2024 fantasy football drafts. Unfortunately, he ended up missing the first nine weeks of the season with Achilles tendon issues. Upon his return, McCaffrey played four games and averaged just 11.9 points before getting hurt again. He finished the season with a mere 47.8 fantasy points, ranking him at RB69. This is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of injuries in fantasy football.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the standout performances from the 2024 NFL season. Saquon Barkley was a force to be reckoned with, scoring 355.3 fantasy points and averaging 22.2 points per game. This performance was a significant improvement, as it was 132.1 more points than he averaged in his final season with the New York Giants. Barkley rushed for 2,005 yards, making him the ninth running back in NFL history to surpass 2,000 yards in a single season.
Quarterback Surprises and Breakouts
Among the top 12 quarterbacks drafted based on average draft position (ADP) data, only seven finished in the top 12 in fantasy points. The signal-callers who failed to meet expectations included C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson, Jordan Love, Dak Prescott, and Brock Purdy. In contrast, quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield, Jared Goff, Bo Nix, and Justin Herbert exceeded expectations, finishing in the top 12 despite being drafted lower.
Lamar Jackson had a historic season, finishing with 430.4 fantasy points—the most scored by a signal-caller in a single season in the Super Bowl era. He scored at least 20 points in 14 games, showcasing his ability to deliver consistent high scores. Jackson’s rushing prowess was evident as he rushed for 915 yards, surpassing Michael Vick to become the NFL’s all-time leading rusher among quarterbacks.
Rookie Quarterback Phenoms
Jayden Daniels had one of the greatest rookie seasons of all time, throwing for 3,568 yards with 25 touchdown passes and just nine interceptions. He also rushed for 891 yards and finished Year 1 with 355.8 fantasy points, second only to Cam Newton’s rookie season. Daniels’ performance solidified his place among the elite rookie quarterbacks in NFL history.
Bo Nix also made waves, finishing with 316.2 fantasy points. After a slow start, he averaged 21 points per game in the latter half of the season, ranking fifth among quarterbacks. His ability to adapt and thrive under pressure is something fantasy managers should keep an eye on moving forward.
Wide Receiver Highlights
Among the top 12 wide receivers drafted based on ADP data, only seven ranked in the top 12. The list of wideouts who failed to meet expectations included Tyreek Hill (WR18), A.J. Brown (WR20), and Chris Olave (WR94). Despite injuries plaguing the position, players like Ja’Marr Chase led the way with 403 fantasy points, recording career-best numbers across the board. Chase’s performance included a staggering game against the Baltimore Ravens, where he scored 55.4 points.
CeeDee Lamb was the first wide receiver drafted based on ADP data but finished eighth in fantasy points. His season was marred by injuries, and he saw a significant drop in his points-per-game average, going from 23.7 in 2023 to 17.6 in 2024. On the other hand, Drake London had a breakout season, finishing fifth in fantasy points among wideouts, thanks to a strong finish to the year with rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Tight Ends Making Waves
The tight end position saw some exciting performances as well. Brock Bowers led all tight ends in fantasy points, setting a new NFL record for receptions by a rookie with 112 catches. His 249.8 fantasy points were a remarkable achievement, showcasing his potential for years to come.
Among the top 12 tight ends drafted, seven finished in the top 12 in points. However, players like Dalton Kincaid and Kyle Pitts fell short of expectations. Pitts, in particular, continued to disappoint, as he failed to improve upon his previous seasons despite the addition of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Mark Andrews had a rocky start but rebounded to score 11 touchdowns, leading all tight ends in that category. His performance over the final 12 games proved crucial for fantasy managers who had faith in his abilities.
As we reflect on the 2024 NFL season, it’s clear that fantasy football remains as unpredictable and thrilling as ever. With breakout performances, disappointing injuries, and record-setting achievements, the landscape of fantasy football is ever-changing. What will the 2025 season hold? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement of NFL fantasy football will keep us all on the edge of our seats!
