Darnold’s performance in 2024 earned him the Comeback Player of the Year from PFF in their fantasy football awards.
The Minnesota Vikings signed quarterback Sam Darnold as a bridge quarterback for the 2024 season. Fantasy football players didn’t give him much in terms of expectations but like Vikings fans, fantasy players were left in shock in what they got out of the former USC Trojan.
Darnold’s performance in 2024 earned him the Comeback Player of the Year from PFF in their fantasy football awards.
Jonathon Macri of PFF writes that “Darnold’s rise to fantasy stardom was arguably so much greater than anyone else in consideration that he might have been the easiest choice among all the awards listed. . .Darnold continued to put up strong numbers throughout the year, finishing top-three in passing yards (4,153), throwing for 35 touchdowns (fourth), setting a new career-high in passing grade (83.6) while helping the Vikings lock up a playoff spot, and helping fantasy managers find a literal diamond in the rough as he finished as the overall QB7 on the season.”
Fantasy football players love waiting to find a quarterback in their drafts every offseason. To get Sam Darnold, you didn’t even need to draft him so for him to turn into the seventh overall quarterback is something to stand in disbelief of.
For Vikings fans, they hope the season isn’t over anytime soon.
The performance of Bucky Irving in 2024 was good enough that PFF recognized it in their 2024 Awards piece.
Every year in fantasy football two types of players emerge, rookies that earn meaningful roles and produce and waiver wire pickups. In the case of Bucs running back Bucky Irving, he checks both of those boxes to the joy of fans and fantasy players alike.
The performance of Bucky Irving in 2024 was good enough that PFF recognized it in their 2024 Awards piece.
In Pro Football Focus’ 2024 fantasy football awards, they awarded Bucky Irving as their Waiver Wire Pickup of the Year. They discuss how Irving had some limitations to grow out of to start the year, but once he did, he made the most of his time.
Jonathon Macris writes, “It wasn’t until Week 6 that Irving was given more than 12 touches in a game and went on to average 16.5 touches per game from that point on and finished as a top-10 PPR running back over that span. While Irving still had to share the workload a bit in the Buccaneers backfield, he did so very efficiently, averaging 5.5 yards per carry (tied for third) with an 85.5 rushing grade (11th) and was the only running back with over 1,000 rushing yards on fewer than 200 carries.”
Irving is now set to be one of the best running backs in the 2024 playoffs and in the NFL next season. He is going to bring balance to the pass-happy offense the Bucs have had in the past, and his size allows him to handle the workload.
There is a lot to like about Bucky Irving, whether you are a Bucs fan or a fantasy player.
Here’s a look at some potential bargains for daily fantasy from the New York Giants-Philadelphia Eagles Week 18 game on Sunday afternoon.
Welcome to Week 18 of the NFL, perhaps the most unpredictable week in the schedule as teams are either gearing up for the playoffs or the golf course.
Our picks this week are clearly aimed at the DFS crowd as most year-long leagues wrapped up their seasons last week.
This week’s game features two teams facing very different realities. The 3-13 Giants, who have been long eliminated from postseason play, trying to end one of their worst seasons ever on a high note versus a 13-3 Philadelphia Eagles team that is locked into the No. 2 spot in the upcoming NFC Playoffs and trying to shield themselves from unnecessary injuries.
Still, there is always money to be made in any football game.
Here are our tentative DFS plays in this game. We say that because some players could be severely limited or even held out on Sunday, so check the news before kickoff.
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Giants QB Drew Lock
Drew Lock had a monster game last week against Indianapolis, racking up 37.36 FPS on DraftKings, which was third among quarterbacks last week behind only the unconscious Joe Burrow and the surging Baker Mayfield.
Don’t expect the Giants to rein him in this week against an Eagles defense that should be littered with backups most of the game. Many are wondering if the light has finally gone on for Lock or was last week was simply an anomaly.
We’re thinking a little of both. He appeared to be in complete control last week and it reminded us of his two-game starting stretch for the Seahawks last December when he held his own against the 49ers and then beat the Eagles with solid showings.
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Giants WR Malik Nabers
Malik Nabers really stepped things up last week with 39.10 FPS on DK, second only to the Bengals’ Tee Higgins (44.10). He seemed to click with Lock under center and is developing into a more versatile and reliable player.
Expect the Giants to continue to pepper Nabers with targets and, as you know, you can’t score points without the ball in fantasy and Nabers is certainly getting the lion’s share of touches in the Giants’ offense.
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Eagles running backs
Saquon Barkley ate his former mates alive in the first meeting to the tune of 176 yards on the ground and is now angling in on the NFL’s all-time single-season rushing record.
The Eagles are weighing their options with Barkley this week of whether to play him in this meaningless game and risk injury to achieve the record or to play it safe and sit him out.
The best-case scenario for those wishing to play Barkley is that he plays and gets pulled once he gains the 101 yards needed to break the record, so there’s a ceiling here.
Our suggestion is you stay away from Barkley as he is likely to be expensive and not bring you the bang for your buck. Instead, take a flier on one of his backups — Tyrion Davis-Price or Kenneth Gainwell.
Check the latest buzz to see which one could be the lead back in Barkley’s absence. And with the Eagles likely to be playing a conservative game, they’ll be looking to run first most of the afternoon.
If you have a fantasy football championship game in Week 18, consider these five running backs on the waiver wire.
If you’re reading this, you likely play in a fantasy football league that schedules its championship game for Week 18. If that’s the case, consider talking with your league’s managers about moving the title game up to Week 17 in 2025 because there are so many key players who are rested in the final week of the NFL’s regular season.
With that suggestion out of the way, here is our final fantasy football waiver wire list of the 2024 season. It’s five running backs, none of whom were considered viable starters in Week 1 of this season. That’s fantasy football (and a reflection of the Week 18 landscape).
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Running Backs
1. RB Ameer Abdullah (33.4%): Abdullah had double the amount of carries (20) as Alexander Mattison (10) on Sunday and he led the Raiders with 115 yards on the ground while adding three catches for 32 yards. Abdullah is the RB1 in Las Vegas going into Week 18.
RB Ameer Abdullah has played in 141 games since entering the league in 2015 and has now recorded his first career game with 100+ rushing yards.
2. RB Michael Carter (1.1%): Trey Benson (ankle) was inactive on Sunday and James Conner (knee) left the game after just four carries. The Cardinals then turned to Michael Carter, who stepped up with 13 carries for 70 yards while adding two receptions for 11 yards. If Benson and Conner are sidelined again this week, Carter could have another productive day.
3. RB Kareem Hunt (66.1%): The Chiefs are expected to rest their key starters, likely including Isiah Pacheco, against the Broncos. That could leave a sizable workload for Hunt. If Hunt is not available in your league, there should also be plenty of touches for Samaje Perine (2.4%) against his old team.
4. RB Khalil Herbert (4.4%): Chase Brown injured his ankle on Saturday, leaving Herbert as the next man up for the Bengals. It’s not believed to be a serious injury, so Brown might be on the field for a must-win game in Week 18. If Brown isn’t able to suit up, Cincy will turn to Herbert.
5. RB Jaleel McLaughlin (17.8%): McLaughlin has been the Broncos’ best running back in recent weeks and he will face KC’s backups on Sunday. McLaughlin turned 10 carries and two catches into 76 yards in Week 17.
Roster percentages for players listed in this article were sourced from ESPN. For more fantasy coverage, check out our fantasy football hub.
Here’s a look at some potential bargains for daily fantasy from the New York Giants-Indianapolis Colts Week 17 game on Sunday afternoon.
The New York Giants (2-13) host the Indianapolis Colts (7-8) at MetLife Stadium this coming Sunday in a game that has no meaning for the Giants other than to avoid becoming the first team in NFL history to go 0-9 at home in a single season.
The Colts have a very thin chance of qualifying for the postseason. They need to win and hope four other teams lose to keep their hopes alive.
BetMGM is expecting Indianapolis to control this game (-7.5) and the total score to be around 40 points.
From a fantasy point of view, there are a few options to explore.
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Giants WR Malik Nabers
With the Giants playing out the string they will want to get their rookies more comfortable on the field. That all starts with Malik Nabers, who has been targeted 14 times in each of the past two weeks. He is also vying for Puka Nacua’s rookie record for receptions. Expect the Giants to continue to target him.
Caution: Nabers was listed with a toe issue on Wednesday and Thursday, so make sure you check the injury report before penciling him in.
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Colts RB Jonathan Taylor
The Giants are 31st against the run this season and have allowed the fourth most fantasy points to running backs this year. Jonathan Taylor has been ramping up the past few weeks including a monster 218-yard-three touchdown performance last week versus Tennessee. He’s in a plus matchup here.
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Giants RB Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. is having a fine rookie season. He ranks third among rookies in rushing yards (721) and fourth in scrimmage yards (984). Combined with Nabers, they can become the first rookie teammates to each eclipse 1,000 total yards from scrimmage since 2006. The Giants are aware and Tracy will get plenty of opportunities.
Trey Benson is among the top running backs to target on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.
Congratulations, you’ve made it to your fantasy football championship game!
Either that or you’re taking a consolation bracket very seriously, or you play in a league that has a Week 18 championship game (which is a bad idea). Regardless of why you’re here, we’re happy to have you.
Bryce Young (4.9%) is suddenly fantasy-relevant at quarterback, Jalen McMillan’s (33.1%) stock is through the roof at wide receiver, and Chigoziem Okonkwo (6.4%) has had a great two-week run at tight end. Today, though, we’re taking a look at the running back position.
We’ve put together a quick list of five running backs to target on the fantasy football waiver wire going into Week 17.
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire RB Targets
1. RB Kendre Miller (47.6%): Alvin Kamara is dealing with a groin injury, leaving Miller as the Saints’ primary running back. New Orleans wasn’t able to get anything going against the Packers on Monday, but they’ll have an easier matchup against the Raiders next week.
2. RB Trey Benson (18.1%): James Conner might miss the final two games of the season with a knee injury, leaving Benson as Arizona’s new RB1 (health permitting). Benson missed last week with an ankle injury, so it’s worth taking a look at Michael Carter (0.1%) in case Benson is also held out this week.
3. RB Audric Estime (8.4%): Estime led Denver’s backfield in carries (nine) and rushing yards (48) on Thursday and scored his first NFL touchdown. Broncos coach Sean Payton has hinted that Estime’s workload could increase over the next two weeks.
4. RB Tyjae Spears (48.2%): Spears (14) got more touches than Tony Pollard (12) and he totaled more yards (66 vs. 40) and touchdowns (2 vs. 0). TDs can be fluky, but Spears is worthy of flex consideration.
5. RB Patrick Taylor (33.0%): Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell, Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo are all banged up, leaving Patrick Taylor as the 49ers’ de facto RB1. Taylor led the team in carries (eight on Sunday), but Deebo Samuel (five) was also involved. Taylor is worth a look in case Guerendo is sidelined again in Week 17.
Roster percentages for players listed in this article were sourced from ESPN. For more fantasy coverage, check out our fantasy football hub.
“We’ll keep playing those guys,” Broncos coach said after Kris Abrams-Draine and Audric Estime impressed against the Chargers.
Take note, fantasy football managers. Just in time for championship games, it might finally be Audric Estime time in Denver.
With Jaleel McLaughlin (quad) sidelined in Week 16, Estime led the Broncos‘ backfield in carries (nine) and rushing yards (48) in a Thursday Night Football showdown with the Chargers. Estime also scored the first touchdown of his rookie career.
Javonte Williams and rookie Blake Watson both received four carries (and Williams was the most involved in the passing game). After an eventual 34-27 loss, Broncos coach Sean Payton hinted that the rookies will continue to get looks to close out the season.
“I thought the young backs did a good job,” Payton said. “We’ll keep working those guys.”
When he was later asked about rookie cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine, Payton referenced Estime again.
“Overall, he’s [Abrams-Draine] been a pleasant surprise watching him. I’m encouraged that he’s getting to play. Some of these young guys are getting to play. Audric the same way, so we’ll keep playing those guys.”
Denver has two games remaining and after impressing against the Chargers, Estime figures to remain involved down the stretch.
“They played really well in the first half,” quarterback Bo Nix said of Estime and Watson. “Gave us a spark, especially on the first drive. They both had a few good runs and it’s just good to see those guys. They got their opportunity.
“We’ve seen it from Audric and with Blake. He’s been practicing really well, so he got his opportunity and ran the ball really well. I think that’s going to be good for us going forward.”
Estime has rushed 55 times for 252 yards through his first 11 games in the NFL. His workload has not been consistent enough for him to be a reliable option in fantasy football, but that might change soon. Stay tuned.
Here’s a look at some potential bargains for daily fantasy from the New York Giants-Atlanta Falcons Week 16 game on Sunday afternoon.
The Atlanta Falcons (7-7) host the New York Giants (2-12) in Week 16 of the 2024 NFL season in a game that has some postseason interest from the Atlanta side.
The Giants have been a mess offensively this season and are averaging a league-low 14.9 points per game.
The Falcons haven’t been a whole lot better (20.9 PPG) but believed they may have solved their issues by benching underperforming quarterback Kirk Cousins for their 2024 first-round pick, Michael Penix Jr.
The game is indoors at the Mercedes Benz Stadium, so weather should not be a problem. The Falcons are on a short week, having played in Las Vegas on Monday night.
The Giants are on a nine-game losing streak and have an injury list you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy. That’s made it tough to handicap Giants games this year, especially since they’ve had four different quarterbacks throw passes this season, tying the franchise high.
Here are three fantasy streamers to consider in this game.
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Falcons RB Bijan Robinson
The Giants have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs this season and now face one of the NFL’s top young runners in Bijan Robinson. The former Texas standout ranks 6th in FPS per game among running backs this season and there’s no way the battered Giants’ defense is going to contain him for 60 minutes.
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Giants WR Malik Nabers
Flip the script here as the Falcons have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Malik Nabers, regardless of who plays quarterback for the Giants this week, should see plenty of footballs thrown his way on Sunday. Only Dallas’ CeeDee Lamb (144) has seen more targets than Nabers (140) this season and Nabers’ 90 receptions are fourth-best among wide receivers this year.
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Falcons Defense
We’ve already mentioned the Giants’ inability to score, which is one positive for the Falcons’ defense this week. Atlanta is coming off a solid showing against the Raiders with 20.0 FPS on DraftKings last week. They have been getting to the quarterback of late with four or more sacks in three consecutive games. The Giants have had only one turnover-free game this season and have allowed 3.7 sacks per game over their last three.
Fantasy football managers may need to decide whether to keep George Pickens on their roster as he may miss the entirety of their playoffs.
For the lucky few fantasy football fanatics who have made it into the playoffs, congratulations are in order! However, if Steelers WR George Pickens is on your roster, things may be looking grim.
While league settings may vary, the majority of fantasy football leagues will be playing their playoffs between Weeks 15 and 17—the weeks Pickens might miss, according to one Steelers insider.
It is unlikely Pickens will end up on IR, forcing fantasy managers to decide if the Steelers WR is worth keeping around ultimately. His absence from Week 15 is all but confirmed, and insiders seem to agree that Pickens may not be able to recover from his hamstring injury in time for Weeks 16 and 17.
If Pickens is on your roster, it is important to consider when, if at all, he will return to action in the regular season. Can your roster sustain having the Pittsburgh Steelers WR taking up a spot on the bench, or will you ultimately need to let him go in favor of some other potential breakout Steelers players, like WR Mike Williams, WR Calvin Austin III, or TE Pat Freiermuth?
Here’s a look at some potential bargains for daily fantasy from the New York Giants-Baltimore Ravens Week 15 game on Sunday afternoon.
The New York Giants (2-11) host the Baltimore Ravens (8-5) in what oddsmakers are predicting will be a mismatch as the Ravens are favored by 16 points as of midweek.
The Giants are on an eight-game losing streak while the Ravens are coming off their bye week.
The Giants have seven losses by eight points or less and have been their own worst enemy. They are also banged up beyond recognition while the Ravens are 5th in the AFC standings and have designs on the postseason.
The fantasy angles are simple in this game, so we’ll limit the options to three.
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Ravens RB Derrick Henry
The Giants have allowed 147.1 yards per game on the ground this season, the fourth-highest in the NFL. They are getting trampled and things just got harder as they lost nose tackle Dexter Lawrence for the season and their second-best lineman, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, is hurting and may not play this week.
Derrick Henry is second in the NFL in rushing with 1,407 yards behind only the unconscious Saquon Barkley and the Giants are allowing the fifth-most FPS to running backs this year. He will be heavily used in DFS this week but he will cost you ($8,300 on DraftKings), but it might be worth it.
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Giants WR Malik Nabers
Malik Nabers has not been spectacular, but he’s been steady considering the Giants’ quarterback situation and their shoddy play-calling and execution. He is fourth in the NFL in targets despite missing two games.
The Ravens have allowed the third-most FPS to wide receivers this season and there’s no indication that they’ll be able to bottle up Nabers on Sunday. The Giants must stay committed to getting the ball to him. With few other options, that shouldn’t be a problem.
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Ravens QB Lamar Jackson
Of course. How can one avoid the Ravens’ best weapon against this Giants’ defense? Lamar Jackson is leading all NFL quarterbacks in FPS per game on every platform.
This week, Jackson is in a must-win situation against an inferior opponent and will not take his foot off the gas pedal. He leads all NFL QBs in rushing (684 yards) and seventh in passing yards (3,290), second in touchdown passes (29), and has the second-fewest interceptions (3) of any player with over 300 passing attempts.
In addition, Jackson has been sacked just 19 times.
