The 2024 fantasy football season was perhaps the most challenging campaign that fantasy managers have ever faced. With injuries and disappointing performances, particularly among wide receivers, many fans were left scrambling to fill gaps in their lineups. However, amidst the chaos, we witnessed the remarkable resurgence of running backs, including the electrifying Saquon Barkley, who became the ninth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season.
Derrick Henry also made headlines, finishing the regular season with over 1,900 rushing yards and a career-best 336.4 fantasy points at the age of 30! The King solidified his legacy as only the second running back over 30 to rush for more than 1,800 yards, following Tiki Barber’s feat in 2005. This season was a rollercoaster, but it also showcased the resilience and talent of some players.
Now that the dust has settled on the 2024 fantasy season, it’s time to hand out some prestigious fantasy football “hardware.” Yes, it’s time for the 20th annual Fabby Awards! Because after all, it’s all about the gold!
Top Performers of the Season
Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Bengals: Chase dominated the fantasy landscape, finishing the season with an astounding 377.4 points—68.3 points ahead of the second-best wide receiver, Justin Jefferson. With jaw-dropping performances, including 55.4 points in a Week 10 matchup against the Ravens and 41.3 points in Week 5 against the same team, Chase was a game-changer. He scored over 19 fantasy points in nine games, leading many managers to victory and solidifying his value for the Bengals.
Runner up: Saquon Barkley, RB, Eagles – Barkley finished as the RB1 with 355.3 points and an impressive average of 22.2 points per game, marking a historic season as he joined the elite group of running backs rushing for 2,000 yards.
Jayden Daniels, QB, Commanders: Daniels had a breakout year, finishing with 351.6 points, ranking fourth among quarterbacks and fifth among all offensive players. He consistently scored over 20 points, averaging 29.9 points during the fantasy playoffs. His 355.8 fantasy points in the regular season are the second-most ever for a rookie quarterback, trailing only Cam Newton’s record.
Runner up: Bijan Robinson, RB, Falcons – Robinson finished as the RB3, averaging 19.8 points per game, and improved significantly from his rookie campaign.
Surprise Standouts
Chase Brown, RB, Bengals: Drafted with an average position of just 96.4, Brown was overlooked in many drafts, going behind players like Javonte Williams and Raheem Mostert. After a slow start, he exploded for 255 points, finishing 10th among running backs in fantasy scoring. Ironically, he injured himself while trying to avoid scoring a touchdown in Week 17.
Runner up: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seahawks – JSN finished as the WR7, averaging 15.5 points per game, proving to be a valuable asset after being drafted as the WR40.
Jonnu Smith, TE, Dolphins: Coming into the season, Smith wasn’t even on most fantasy radars with an average draft position of 222. However, he caught fire in Week 11, leading all tight ends in scoring over the final seven weeks with 130.1 points, averaging an impressive 18.6 points per game.
Runner up: Ladd McConkey, WR, Chargers – McConkey, a preseason sleeper, had an ADP of 94.7 and finished 12th in points among wideouts.
Rookie of the Year and Breakout Stars
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jaguars: While Jayden Daniels was the top rookie, I’m awarding Thomas Jr. the Fantasy Rookie of the Year. Selected fifth among rookie wide receivers, he finished as the top non-quarterback rookie in fantasy points, scoring 16-plus points in each of his last five games and averaging 24 points per game during that stretch.
Runner up: Malik Nabers, WR, Giants – Nabers finished as the WR6 and was the most targeted wideout this season, with 104 catches.
Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers: The consensus No. 1 overall pick, McCaffrey struggled this season, missing the first nine weeks due to Achilles issues. He played in just four games, averaging 11.9 points, and finished with a disappointing 47.8 fantasy points.
Runner up: Tyreek Hill, WR, Dolphins – Despite an ADP of 3.7, Hill had a lackluster season, finishing as WR18 and scoring single digits six times.
Comeback Players and Unexpected Success
Joe Burrow, QB, Bengals: Burrow bounced back in style, finishing as the QB3 with 4,641 passing yards and 44 total touchdowns, averaging 22.5 fantasy points. His performance was a stark contrast to the previous season, where he averaged just 14.7 points due to injuries.
Runner up: Josh Jacobs, RB, Packers: Jacobs finished as the RB6, posting 281.5 points and averaging 17.6 points per game, a significant improvement over his previous season.
Chuba Hubbard, RB, Panthers: Drafted as the RB40, Hubbard defied expectations, finishing as the RB12 despite missing Week 17. He consistently scored over 15 points, earning him a contract extension with the Panthers.
Runner up: Baker Mayfield, QB, Buccaneers: Mayfield finished as the QB5, scoring 41 total touchdowns and averaging 21.5 points per game.
As we celebrate the highs and lows of the 2024 fantasy football season, it’s clear that while challenges abounded, the passion and excitement of the game never wavered. With standout performances and unexpected surprises, fantasy managers have plenty to reflect on as they prepare for the next season. Who will rise to the occasion next year? Only time will tell!
