Our Best Beat-the-Waiver-Wire Fantasy Football Calls of 2024

Throughout the fantasy football season, staying one step ahead on the waiver wire can make all the difference. That’s what we do with “In the Scope” by looking at the players poised for breakout performances before they become hot commodities. As the 2024 season comes to a close, it’s time to celebrate the calls that defined this year’s “All-In-the-Scope Team.” By scouting these players before they hit the mainstream waivers, savvy fantasy managers capitalized with clutch performances and championships.

Here’s a look back at our best “beat-the-wavier-wire” picks of the season:

2024 All-In-the-Scope Team: Our Best Beat-the-Waiver Wire Calls

Drake Maye (QB, New England Patriots) | Week 10

Stepping into the starting role in Week 6, New England Patriots QB Drake Maye emerged throughout the season as a hidden gem for fantasy football managers and proved his worth, finishing as the QB12 and QB14 on a per-game basis in that span. Despite limited buzz, Maye’s rushing ability gave him a lethal edge as a low-end QB1 option, making him a critical late-season addition for playoff-bound teams. If you trusted the call in Week 10 and grabbed Maye off the waiver wire, he likely helped you navigate the challenging late-season stretch and reach championship contention.

Jerome Ford (RB, Cleveland Browns) | Week 15

Cleveland Browns RB Jerome Ford was a game-changer late in the season, stepping up in Week 15 and scoring 18.4 Points Per Reception (PPR) points following Nick Chubb‘s injury. Those who acted quickly reaped the rewards, as the former Cincinnati Bearcat followed up with a 24.1-fantasy point explosion in Week 16. Although an ankle injury in Week 17 curtailed his run, Ford’s impact during the fantasy football playoffs was undeniable, delivering when managers needed him most.

Adam Thielen (WR, Carolina Panthers) | Week 8

Carolina Panthers Adam Thielen defied time and expectations, proving once again that he’s as reliable as they come. Dubbed “Thanos” on a recent episode of “The In-Between Fantasy Football Podcast” for his unstoppable presence, Thielen rewarded managers who stashed him early. From Week 8 onward, he averaged 17.1 PPR points per game, finishing as the PPR WR15 in that span. He also had multiple WR1 and WR2 finishes, including a massive 28-point outing in fantasy football championships. If you snagged him after the waiver wire, ran for free you likely cashed in big.

Quentin Johnston (WR, Los Angeles Chargers) | Week 1

After a rocky rookie campaign, Los Angeles Chargers WR Quentin Johnston delivered a strong sophomore rebound. Called out before Week 1 as a breakout candidate, Johnston provided consistent mid-range production as WR45 on a points-per-game basis and WR47 overall. He added upside with two WR1 finishes, one WR2 finish and nine games with nine-plus PPR points, making him a steady flex or WR3 option throughout the season.

Wan’Dale Robinson (WR, New York Giants) | Week 2

New York Giants WR Wan’Dale Robinson provided early-season fireworks as WR23 through the first six weeks, making him an invaluable addition for those who acted quickly and snagged him before he became a mainstream waiver wire target. While he cooled mid-season, Robinson’s strong finish in Weeks 16 and 17, with games of 13.2 and 18.1 PPR points, gave managers a late-season boost when it mattered most.

Jonnu Smith (TE, Miami Dolphins) | Week 8

One of the most surprising breakout players of the year, Miami Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith, finished as the PPR TE4 overall and TE1 from Week 8 onward. With career highs in targets (99), receptions (79) and yards (828), along with seven touchdowns, Smith delivered double-digit PPR points in seven consecutive games to end the season. If you trusted this call, you had a consistent weapon in your tight end slot during the most critical stretch of the year.

Check out all of our Week 18 fantasy football content:

Thanks for reading “In the Scope” this season! Check out more of our fantasy football and other written content here at In-Between Media, or head over to our YouTube channel to get your fix via video.

*Photo Credit: Jasen Vinlove – USA TODAY Sports*

IBT Media Staff

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All-In-the-Scope Team (2024)