One of the under-discussed benefits to making deep runs in the fantasy playoffs — aside from the glory, the trophies and the financial incentives — is becoming attentive to individual breakout performances in the closing weeks.
We can pretty much guarantee your league’s last-place, three-win manager wasn’t hyper-focused on Marvin Mims Jr.’s December usage.
For the benefit of anyone who didn’t completely lock in during Weeks 16-18 (most of whom aren’t consuming the content now, either), let’s review the players who most significantly boosted their 2025 fantasy appeal with end-of-year binges …
Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers
Way back in September, there was simply zero chance — none, zip, zilch — that Young was prepared to give us a moment like this:
Young’s transformation from the season-opener to the season-ender was outrageous. His year began with a two-interception performance against the Saints, a game in which he completed just 13 of 30 passes; it ended with an overtime win against Atlanta in which he delivered five combined touchdowns without a turnover. Young was the overall QB5 in fantasy over his final five games, passing for nine scores and rushing for four.
Again: Outrageous.
Carolina closed the season with two wins in the last three weeks, so it’s not as if Young was piling up stats in non-competitive situations. Maybe he hasn’t yet reached the same tier as C.J. Stroud, but he’s certainly not far behind. Young is gonna deserve fantasy consideration in nearly all formats in 2025. The Panthers’ receiving room is a lock to improve, too.
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Atlanta Falcons
It wasn’t always a clinic with Penix in the closing weeks — he completed less than 60% of his throws and tossed as many picks as TD passes — but there’s no questioning the quality of his arm. His best throws were absolutely filthy:
Penix was sacked just three times in his three starts while passing for three scores and rushing for another. He also fed…
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