Drafting a player who turns out to be a bust can set back your fantasy football team.
Picking one in the first few rounds can downright sink your ship.
Let’s take a look at a handful of busts from the 2024 fantasy football season that might have caused you to lose a bit of your hair. And if you play in as many leagues as I do, you probably had a few of these guys on your rosters.
Christian McCaffrey, RB/San Francisco 49ers
I don’t think there was a bigger bust in 2024 than the guy who went first overall in so many fantasy football drafts. McCaffrey entered the 2024 season as a consensus top pick in fantasy drafts, with managers banking on his dual-threat capabilities as both a runner and receiver. However, the season unfolded in a manner that left many regretting their investment. McCaffrey struggled with injuries that limited his availability and effectiveness on the field. Even when he did play, he failed to produce the elite numbers expected of him, often finding it challenging to break through defenses and lacking the explosive plays that once defined his game. His decline in performance was a significant factor in many fantasy teams underperforming, especially those that selected him with an early draft pick. The combination of his injury woes and diminished production made McCaffrey one of the most disappointing players of the 2024 fantasy football season.
Travis Etienne, RB/Jacksonville Jaguars
Etienne’s 2024 season was a source of frustration for many fantasy owners. Drafted with the expectation of consistent RB1 production, he struggled to deliver on those promises. While he had moments of explosiveness, he lacked the consistent volume and touchdown production needed to justify his high draft position. His season was characterized by underwhelming performances and injuries that limited his effectiveness. The Jaguars’ offensive inconsistencies and game-script issues contributed to his unpredictable output. Many weeks he would have low rushing totals, and it was hard to trust him in starting lineups. A large reason he is considered a bust is due to this lack of consistency.
C.J. Stroud, QB/Houston Texans
Entering 2024, Stroud was riding a wave of immense hype following a rockstar rookie campaign. Many anticipated him to elevate his performance, solidifying his status as an elite fantasy quarterback. However, reality proved otherwise. While flashes of brilliance were present, consistent high-end production eluded him. Factors contributing to this included fluctuations in the offensive line’s performance, which led to pressure and inconsistent passing rhythm. While he did have some good games, his overall season totals were not what people who drafted him expected. Because of the high expectations, and his draft position, he is considered a bust for the 2024 season.
Tyreek Hill, WR/Miami Dolphins
Hill was anticipated to be a cornerstone of fantasy teams, given his track record as one of the most explosive wide receivers in the NFL. However, the 2024 season told a different story. Hill’s production took a noticeable dip, with his points per game average falling behind other top-tier receivers. Several factors contributed to this decline, including inconsistent quarterback play and defensive schemes that effectively neutralized his deep-threat capabilities. Fantasy managers who invested heavily in Hill were left scrambling for alternative options as his week-to-week reliability waned. His underwhelming performance was a stark contrast to the high expectations set at the season’s outset, making him one of the year’s biggest fantasy busts.
Jordan Love, QB/Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love entered the 2024 season with a lot of hype. While he showed moments of brilliance, he also displayed a level of inconsistency that frustrated fantasy managers. While the Packers offense had moments of high production, Love did not consistently provide the fantasy points that many people expected. Because of this inconsistency, he is considered a fantasy bust.
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR/Arizona Cardinals
Rookie wide receivers are always a gamble, and Harrison’s 2024 season exemplified that. He entered last year with considerable hype. Many fantasy managers expected him to make an immediate impact, drafting him as a low-end WR1. Unfortunately, Harrison struggled to adapt to the professional level, failing to establish a strong connection with Kyler Murray and often being overshadowed. His inability to meet the lofty expectations placed upon him led to frustration among fantasy owners who had hoped for a breakout rookie season.
Sam LaPorta, TE/Detroit Lions
LaPorta was another player who entered the 2024 season with high expectations, especially in tight end premium formats where he was often drafted near the 1st/2nd round turn. However, LaPorta’s season was marred by underperformance, as he struggled to become a focal point in the Lions’ offense. His lack of production was particularly damaging where managers had invested significant draft capital expecting high returns. LaPorta’s inability to deliver made him one of the most significant busts of the season.
