The 2024 fantasy football season has officially come to a close and has led us to the second edition of our awards series voted on by you guys each day. Today’s article will be about all of the biggest sleepers from the 2024 fantasy football season. The candidates up for the biggest bust include Jayden Daniels, Brian Thomas Jr, Chuba Hubbard, Chase Brown, Bucky Irving, Jerry Jeudy, Baker Mayfield, Brock Bowers, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Ladd McConkey. Below are each candidate’s statistical breakdowns and a summary of their 2024 season with the voting poll at the bottom of the document to determine the winner. All Awards will be announced before Saturday’s playoff game.
NOTE: There are so many options for this award so there will be a write-in section if a player is not mentioned
If you missed the last two articles, click on the links to vote on the MVP and Biggest Bust of 2024
Best Pick Candidates
Jayden Daniels QB (WAS)
Preseason ADP: 102.6
Points Per Game: 21.5
Position Rank: QB5
Stats: 3568 Passing Yards, 25 Passing Touchdowns, 9 Interceptions, 148 Carries, 891 Rushing Yards, 6 Rushing Touchdowns
Summary: Jayden Daniels was a popular sleeper heading into the season after winning the Heisman trophy and having an elite rushing upside. Daniels delivered on the hype and was able to make a major contribution this season in fantasy football, averaging 21.5 points per game, helping him finish as the QB5. He led the Commanders to the playoffs in his first season and will likely be the third quarterback drafted in 2025.
Brian Thomas Jr. WR (JAX)
Preseason ADP: 116.2
Points Per Game: 16.7
Position Rank: WR4
Stats: 87 Catches, 1282 Receiving Yards, 10 Touchdowns
Summary: Brian Thomas Jr. exceeded expectations this season despite the Jaguars’ miserable 2024 season. He reached 10 touchdowns and over 1200 receiving yards despite Trevor Lawrence missing a significant number of games. BTJ will likely be even better in year two, with the Jaguars bringing in a new head coach and improvements on both sides of the ball.
Chuba Hubbard RB (CAR)
Preseason ADP: 132.4
Points Per Game: 16.1
Position Rank: RB14
Stats: 250 Carries, 1195 Rushing Yards, 10 Rushing Touchdowns, 43 Catches, 171 Receiving Yards, 1 Receiving Touchdown
Summary: Chuba Hubbard’s breakout season earned him an extension in Carolina locking him into the lead-back role for years to come. Hubbard was the key cog in the offense before Bryce Young’s late resurgence totaling 1195 rushing yards. Expect Hubbard to be a popular pick next season as the Panthers improve their offense.
Chase Brown RB (CIN)
Preseason ADP: 111.2
Points Per Game: 15.9
Position Rank: RB10
Stats: 229 Carries, 990 Rushing Yards, 7 Rushing Touchdowns, 54 Catches, 360 Receiving Yards, 4 Receiving Touchdowns
Summary: Chase Brown was one of the best sleepers in the draft taking over the Bengals backfield halfway through the season. After that point, Brown never looked back scoring over 20 points every week. If the Bengals don’t bring in another running back this offseason, Brown could be in conversations as a late first-round pick.
Jerry JeudyWR (CLE)
Preseason ADP: 137.75
Points Per Game: 14.2
Position Rank: WR12
Stats: 90 Catches, 1229 Receiving Yards, 4 Touchdowns
Summary: The Jerry Jeudy breakout finally materialized! All it took was Jameis Winston airing it out for him to get enough volume to start producing finally. Jeudy had a career year with 1229 receiving yards with four different starting quarterbacks. With more stability at the position in 2025, expect him to be better with more touchdown catches.
Bucky Irving RB (TB)
Preseason ADP: 191.0
Points Per Game: 14.4
Position Rank: RB13
Stats: 207 Carries, 1122 Rushing Yards, 8 Rushing Touchdowns, 47 Catches, 392 Receiving Yards
Summary: Bucky Irving is a fan favorite after taking over the Buccaneers’ backfield and being one of the most dynamic backs in the NFL. Irving had 8 touchdowns with 1122 rushing yards helping him average 14.4 points per game. In the last few games, Irving has played significantly more than Rachaad White suggesting that it will be his backfield in 2025.
Baker Mayfield QB (TB)
Preseason ADP: 166.6
Points Per Game: 22.5
Position Rank: QB4
Stats: 4500 Passing Yards, 41 Touchdowns Passes, 16 Interceptions, 60 Carries, 378 Rushing Yards, 3 Rushing Touchdowns
Summary: Baker Mayfield had a career year notching 4878 total yards and 44 total touchdowns on the season. His numbers helped him finish as the QB4 despite leading the NFL in interceptions. Mayfield is in an explosive offense and will be in for another good season when Chris Godwin returns next year.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR (SEA)
Preseason ADP: 99.8
Points Per Game: 14.9
Position Rank: WR9
Stats: 100 Catches, 1130 Receiving Yards, 6 Receiving Touchdowns
Summary: Jaxon Smith-Njigba took over the Seahawks receiving room, making DK Metcalf less valuable and Tyler Lockett droppable in fantasy football. JSN had 100 catches for 1130 receiving yards helping him average 14.9 points per game this season. He has a high floor with even more upside with a new offense coordinator and potentially a new QB in 2025.
Brock Bowers TE (LV)
Preseason ADP: 100.6
Points Per Game: 15.5
Position Rank: TE1
Stats: 112 Catches, 1194 Receiving Yards, 5 Touchdowns
Summary: Brock Bowers might be one of the best draft picks after being the best option at tight end this season in a down year for the position. Bowers had 1194 receiving yards despite having one of the worst quarterback situations in the NFL. Heading into his second year, a new quarterback and coach will benefit him propelling him into the second round.
Ladd McConkey WR (LAC)
Preseason ADP: 105.4
Points Per Game: 15.1
Position Rank: WR12
Stats: 82 Catches, 1149 Receiving Yards, 7 Touchdowns
Summary: Ladd McConkey finished the season strong putting up big performances throughout the fantasy football playoffs. He established himself as Justin Herbert’s go to receiver with 1149 receiving yards helping him finish as the WR12. If McConkey maintains his second-half production all of next season, he will finish within the top three wide receivers in 2025.