Young has big finish to season

We like to do this article after every season, looking at the fantasy players that produced big late in the season. Is this a sign of things to come for these fantasy players? Or do we think these players have little shot to keep producing at such a high clip? It is always a good idea to examine these players to try to figure out if their stats are fact or fiction.

So here are some of the top finishers this season and our thoughts on their fantasy value going forward.

Bryce Young, QB, Panthers. Young had quite the turnaround to his season. He was benched, returned to the starting lineup and played as well as any quarterback late in the year. If you can believe this, Young was second overall in fantasy quarterback scoring his last three games. He had 28-plus fantasy points two of three games and scored a season-best 38.95 fantasy points in Week 18. Young just looked like a different quarterback late in the year, playing with confidence and making big play after big play. If the Panthers can get him some more talent to work with offensively, you have to like his chances to have the breakout season in year three. Things are trending up for Young.

Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts. The Colts leaned heavily on Taylor late in the season, changing the offensive philosophy with their quarterbacks struggling with turnovers. Instead, Taylor had 29-plus carries each of his last three games. He was second overall in fantasy running back scoring those three games. Taylor was just 13th overall for the entire season but carried fantasy teams to championships during the playoffs. It would not surprise to see the Colts really lean on Taylor again next season but from the get-go. It is likely Anthony Richardson gets one last chance to start for the Colts, so look for the team to try to limit the chances for him to make mistakes.

Ricky Pearsall, WR, 49ers. Pearsall had all sorts of injury problems his rookie season but was healthy late in the year and played a big role in the offense with the 49ers having injury problems offensively. Pearsall had 18-plus fantasy points each of his last two games. It is not certain where Pearsall will be on the depth chart next year but it sure looks like he will be a big part of this high-powered offense going forward. The 49ers didn’t use a high draft pick on him to sit him on their bench. He is going to be an intriguing late-round fantasy pick.

Tyjae Spears, RB, Titans. Spears had an injury-plagued season but was healthy late in the season and even got some starts with Tony Pollard out. Spears had 21-plus fantasy points two of his last three games. He shows his potential in an expanded role offensively. We aren’t sure if this is going to be a trend, though. Spears is likely to split the work again next season but if Pollard is gone for some reason, his stock would go up in a hurry. But for now, expect Spears to platoon once again.

Tee Higgins, WR, Bengals. Higgins was the top-ranked fantasy receiver his last three games. He had 19-plus fantasy points three of his last four, including a 41.1 fantasy point performance in Week 17. Higgins is a free agent this offseason, so his landing spot will obviously make a big impact on his fantasy value. But if he lands in the right situation, Higgins could be setup for a career season. He has never been that clear top option in the passing game with Ja’Marr Chase around. That might change for him going forward, though. Higgins could be an elite fantasy receiver.

Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers. The Chargers were more of a run-first team much of the year but let Herbert air it out a lot more late in the year. He was fourth in fantasy quarterback scoring his last three games and had 26-plus fantasy points three of his last four games. He produced more like you are used to when it comes to his fantasy production. Is this going to be a trend for next season? We still aren’t so sure with Jim Harbaugh still running the show. The Chargers are going to run the ball. It would not surprise to see Herbert hit and miss once again despite his big numbers late in the year. 

Marvin Mims, WR, Broncos. There was a lot of high hope for Mims this season but he got off to an awful start, getting dropped in most fantasy leagues. He was a lot more involved in the offense the second half of the season, though, producing his best numbers late. He had multiple touchdown games each of his last two, topping 22 fantasy points each of those games. The Broncos could make him a bigger part of the offense from day one next season. It would not surprise, considering his big plays made late in the season. The only thing to keep an eye on is the Broncos offseason moves. If they don’t bring in much more, Mims could have a breakout 2025.

Jalen McMillan, WR, Bucs. McMillan was a nonfactor much of his rookie season but became a big part of the Bucs passing game from week 14 on. He had 16-plus fantasy points five straight games to end his season. He found the end zone each of those five games and had five receptions four straight games. McMillan was 11th overall in fantasy scoring the last three games. McMillan could be the No. 2 or 3 receiver in the Bucs high-powered offense from day one next year. His huge finish showed his potential in an expanded role. He should just keep getting better with more seasoning.

Jonnu Smith, TE, Dolphins. Smith had a career season but it was really from about Week 11 forward. He had 19-plus fantasy points five of his last eight games. He was a huge part of the Dolphins passing attack. He had double-digit targets four of seven games. The Dolphins clearly like what he brings to the offense and should be a top option for their passing game once again next year. He might even improve on his already big numbers from this past season. Smith seems to finally be living up to his potential.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.