DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 20: Wilson brand footballs with the NFL logo are pictured during the game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns at Ford Field on November 20, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
The 2024 fantasy football season is officially over. And if you were sly enough to snag one of these 5 players in the later rounds of your fantasy drafts, you almost certainly won your leagues.
Baker Mayfield, QB, TB
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 31: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Mayfield was an incredible value at the quarterback position this year. Despite injuries to starting receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, Mayfield has exploded for over 4,500 total yards and 42 total TDs. He was drafted as the consensus QB21 and finished as the QB5.
Bucky Irving, RB, TB
TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 10: Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carries the ball to score a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
The league’s best rookie running back by a long shot, Irving has had a sensational debut in Tampa. The former Oregon Duck has rushed for over 1,000 yards on just 188 carries and found the end zone seven times. He was undrafted in many leagues and finished as the RB15.
Chase Brown, RB, CIN
CINCINNATI, OHIO – DECEMBER 10: Chase Brown #30 of the Cincinnati Bengals carries the ball during the second half of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Paycor Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Brown was a big surprise for Cincy. Following Zack Moss’ injury, the backfield was all his, and Brown performed exceptionally. A back who was drafted in Round 9 or later, on average, finished as the RB10, scoring 15.9 PPG.
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, JAX
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 27: Brian Thomas Jr. #7 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at EverBank Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Despite playing for a horrendous Jags team, Thomas Jr. proved that he’s one of the top young wideouts in the league. The potential Offensive Rookie of the Year posted 1,179 yards and 10 TDs, helping him to a shock WR4 finish.
Brock Bowers, TE, LV
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 29: Tight end Brock Bowers #89 of the Las Vegas Raiders stands on the field during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, at Allegiant Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
Bowers was being drafted around Round 10 or later in fantasy football this season – which seems absolutely ridiculous now. His 108 catches for 1,144 yards led all tight ends, allowing him to finish as the overall TE1 in his first NFL season.
