Top 2024 Late-Round Fantasy Football Values
10. BUCKY IRVING
Bucky Irving came in with solid hype but no one thought he was going to take over the Bucs backfield like he did after Rachaad White’s great fantasy 2023. Yet, as someone drafted around the 15th round in leagues, he ended up providing constistent value all season as the current RB17 in PPR formats.
9. BO NIX
Another guy who was going around the same time as Bucky is the newly crowned QB savior of the Broncos. Nix took a few games to get his footing but soon gave fantasy managers a great late season option as the QB10 on the year for someone you likely picked off the waiver wire.
8. JAXON-SMITH NJIGBA
JSN on the other hand was going around the 10th round, a theme that will continue for the next few guys as well. As the WR5 right now, he took over as Geno Smith’s go-to option underneath while Metcalf has nursed a shoulder injury along with mediocre performances lately.
7. BROCK BOWERS
Some might think that the #1 TE in fantasy as we speak should be rated higher, but I feel like his breakout wasn't as unexpected as most. He was still drafted as a top 10 TE going into the season so the hype was there and many managers likely reached knowing he would swallow plenty of check downs from the abysmal QB situation in Vegas.
6. JAYDEN DANIELS
Another guy that people (and ESPN) were high on is the likely rookie of the year in J Jayden Daniels. Completely turning around the Comanders’s franchise, Daniels has given us a season eerily reminiscent of RG3 in 2012 with his calm pocket presence and running ability leading to a top 5 placement amongst QB’s as we speak.
5. CHUBA HUBBARD
Now this guy was not hyped up whatsoever. Everybody, including me, were on the Jonathon Brooks train and managed to take him over Chuba despite the ACL. That was not very bright in hindsight. as one of the bright spots on the Panthers season, Chuba has taken his 10-12 round draft spot and turned it into an RB1 finish (12th overall).
4. BRIAN THOMAS JR
Brian Thomas was going around 9th round for fantasy managers expecting a solid rookie season and they were pleasantly surprised. Whether it was Trevor Lawrence or Mac Jones, Thomas almost always managed a way to feast his way to his overall WR7 position that he is in now through deep balls and quick passes.
3. SAM DARNOLD
Rounding out the top 3 is the man everyone has made fun of for years who has become a legit MVP candidate with the Vikings. Darnold went undrafted in most leagues and soon made them regret it. He is the QB9 on the year and a tremendous value coming from nowhere.
2. CHASE BROWN
My personal favorite fantasy player is Chase Brown. I managed to snag him in six of my eight leagues on draft day when he was going around pick 100. Zack Moss was never going to beat him for the job and we were fortunate enough for him to go down (sorry Zack). Since he took over in week 9, only teammate Jamarr Chase and Saquon Barkley have more fantasy points than him, easily giving him a spot at #2 as a possible league winner.
BAKER MAYFIELD
Last but not least, we have the underdog of all underdogs. No matter how many times Baker Mayfield is underestimated or faces adversity, he finds a way. Baker was generally not touched in drafts due to a low upside with rushing and previously average fantasy performances. Those who were gifted with him on the waiver wire have gotten production on the ground and through the air even without Chris Godwin. A top 5 QB from free agency is insane to think of and great to see. Did I miss any? Let me know!
