If you were able to win your league’s fantasy football championship, chances are you landed a few surprise players in your league’s draft or auction, or via a trade with another team.
Getting good value with your draft picks or auction dollars is what it’s all about, and what separates the winners from the losers.
Here’s a look at 5 fantasy football running backs from the 2024 season who provided surprise value.
How many of them did you have on a fantasy roster?
Brian Thomas Jr.., WR/Jacksonville Jaguars
Some draft analysts argued for Brian Thomas Jr. as the better prospect of the two high-profile LSU receivers last offseason. And although Malik Nabers was a dominant fantasy player last year, it’s easy to see why Thomas received that hype. Thomas’ rookie season was met with high expectations, and he delivered a promising start. His size and speed made him a dangerous deep threat, and he quickly developed a rapport with his quarterback. He had some big games, and showed he could be a very valuable fantasy asset. His red zone presence was a significant factor in his fantasy production. As he gains experience, he has the potential to become a true WR1.
Drake London, WR/Atlanta Falcons
Fantasy owners who have been waiting years for Drake London to fulfill his promise were finally rewarded with the kind of season they had been hoping for since he was drafted by the Falcons. Although he had been showing encouraging signs previously, he had always been underwhelming. But his 2024 season was a significant step forward, fueled by improved quarterback play. The arrival of Kirk Cousins unlocked his true potential, leading to a significant increase in targets and receptions. He became a reliable WR1, showcasing his size, strength, and route-running skills. London’s ability to win contested catches and excel in the red zone made him a valuable fantasy asset. He became a very consistent player, and a high volume receiver.
Malik Nabers, WR/New York Giants
Malik Nabers was every bit the stud that fantasy owners had been hoping for since he got drafted. There was a lot to like about him and not much to complain about, except perhaps his landing spot, in a New York Giants offense with subpar quarterback play. As it turns out, he might be quarterback proof. Nabers turned in a WR1 season behind a lot of high-volume performances. He displayed explosive playmaking ability and impressive speed, but consistency was a challenge. He showed flashes of brilliance, and his ability to gain yards after the catch was a valuable asset. The Giants’ offensive struggles sometimes limited his production, but his raw talent was undeniable. If and when he does get better quarterback play, the sky’s the limit.
Terry McLaurin, WR/Washington Commanders
Since he entered the league, Terry McLaurin kept showing his undeniable playmaking ability, but his fantasy value seemed to be capped at the WR2 range. Enter rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and suddenly McLaurin was able to reach the peak. His connection with Daniels was a key factor in his success and his ability to create separation and gain yards after the catch made him a valuable fantasy asset.
Jerry Jeudy, WR/Cleveland Browns
Talk about a guy who resurrected his career. After being selected in the first round by the Denver Broncos and then completely tanking his fantasy value for the next few years, Jeudy found a way to make it work with the Browns this past year. Somehow Jeudy put together low-end WR1/high-end WR2 (depending on your league’s format) production in 2024. For those dynasty owners who held on to him despite all the turmoil, or for those redraft owners who took a shot on him late in your drafts or picked him up off the Waiver Wire, kudos to you. I think I’d sell him high this offseason if you’re in dynasty leagues, but that’s a story for another day.
