Winning a fantasy league isn't just about drafting big names. It’s about being right when everyone else is guessing. If you played in 2024, you know exactly what I mean. Some of the "locks" for the first round ended up being massive headaches, while guys you could’ve snagged in the middle rounds basically handed you a trophy.
The numbers are finally settled. Looking back at the top fantasy scorers 2024 season, we see a wild mix of predictable dominance and total, unscripted chaos.
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The Quarterback Tier: It Was Josh Allen’s World (Again)
Let's be real. Josh Allen is a cheat code. He finished as the overall QB1 for what feels like the hundredth time, but the way he did it in 2024 was different. He didn't have a superstar WR1 or a top-tier tight end to lean on for most of the year. Instead, he just put the Buffalo Bills on his back and ran. A lot.
Allen finished the season with 425.35 total fantasy points in most standard scoring formats. That’s an average of about 22.3 points per game. If you had him, you basically started every week with a 20-point cushion.
But check out the rest of the list. It gets weird.
Lamar Jackson was right there, finishing with 486.1 points in FFPC-style scoring, showing that his dual-threat ability is still the gold standard. But did you see Baker Mayfield coming? Seriously. Baker finished as the QB3 in many formats with 429.8 points. If you waited on a quarterback and grabbed Baker late, you probably dominated your league. He was ultra-consistent, which is something we haven't always been able to say about him.
Then there’s Jayden Daniels. The kid was a sensation. He posted 398.5 points, proving that a rushing floor for a rookie quarterback is basically a fantasy manager's best friend. He had five games with over 25 points. That’s elite production from a guy who was likely your QB2 or a late-round flyer.
Running Backs: Saquon’s Redemption and the Workhorses
Running back was a rollercoaster. Remember the "Zero RB" truthers? They were quiet this year.
Saquon Barkley in an Eagles uniform was exactly as terrifying as we feared. He averaged 22.21 points per game. Behind that Philly offensive line, he wasn't just running; he was gliding. He helped more people "cash in" than almost any other player.
Then you have the McCaffrey situation. Christian McCaffrey remains the king of efficiency when he's on the field, averaging a staggering 23.2 half-PPR points. The gap between him and the next guy—usually around 19.1 points—is just silly. It makes him the most valuable asset in the game, provided his hamstrings hold up.
- Bijan Robinson: Finally became the workhorse we wanted. He finished strong, getting 20+ carries in six of his final games.
- Jahmyr Gibbs: Electricity in a bottle. He was one of only three backs to post a 40-point game this year.
- De'Von Achane: He broke the record for yards per carry (7.8). If he ever gets 20 touches a game, the servers might actually melt.
Breece Hall and Kyren Williams also stayed in that elite tier. Williams, in particular, continues to be the engine of that Rams offense. He’s not the flashiest, but the volume is undeniable.
The Wide Receiver Reality Check
Ja'Marr Chase didn't just play well; he dominated the "man coverage" composite scores. He was the WR1 for a reason. He finished with 1,708 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. That's a "season-winning" stat line.
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But Puka Nacua is the story everyone keeps talking about. Finishing as the WR2 overall (or close to it depending on your scoring) with 375 fantasy points is historic. Even with Cooper Kupp back in the mix for parts of the year, Puka stayed relevant. Interestingly, when they were both on the field, Puka’s production dipped by about 33%, but he still remained a high-end starter.
Amon-Ra St. Brown is basically a metronome. 1,401 yards. 11 touchdowns. He doesn't have "down" weeks. He’s the safest pick in the first round, honestly.
On the flip side, what happened with Tyreek Hill? He still had 1,350 total yards, but the touchdown variance and the quarterback instability in Miami made him feel a lot "bustier" than in previous years. He finished as a top-12 guy, but he wasn't the untouchable force he was in 2023.
Why 2024 Changed the Way We Scout
We need to talk about the "Value at Cost" metric because that’s where championships are actually won.
A Reddit deep dive of over 4.4 million matchups showed that players like Terry McLaurin, George Kittle, and Mike Evans were the real MVPs. Why? Because they provided first-round production at a fifth-round price. Terry, in particular, thrived with Jayden Daniels, putting up 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns.
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If you spent a high pick on CeeDee Lamb, you got 1,194 yards and 6 touchdowns. That’s fine, but it didn't win you your league. It basically just kept you afloat. The guys who won were the ones who realized that Baker Mayfield was going to outscore Patrick Mahomes. Yeah, that happened. Mahomes finished as the QB11 with 333 points. Not exactly what you wanted from a top-tier draft pick.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Draft
- Prioritize the "Konami Code": Rushing quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Jayden Daniels are the only way to get a true ceiling. Unless a pocket passer throws for 50 touchdowns, they can't keep up.
- Volume is King for RBs: Look at Saquon and Bijan. The talent is great, but the 20+ touches are what matter. Avoid committees like the plague if you're looking for a top-5 finish.
- The TE "Dead Zone" is Real: Unless you get a guy like Trey McBride (who had 126 catches for 1,239 yards), you're better off waiting. The difference between the TE5 and the TE15 is often negligible.
- Target Year 2 Receivers: Puka Nacua and Zay Flowers showed that the "sophomore slump" is a myth for elite talents. Flowers finished with 1,059 yards and is clearly Lamar's favorite target.
The 2024 season proved that the "rankings" we see in August are just guesses. The real top fantasy scorers 2024 were the ones who stayed healthy and played in aggressive, pass-heavy offenses. If you want to win next year, stop looking at jersey names and start looking at snap counts and red-zone targets. That's where the money is.