BEST of 2024 So Far (After Week 13) 

Fantasy football analysts strive to forecast the top performers in each position every season. If you've followed my insights on The Science of Fantasy Football, you're aware that total points at the end of the year can be misleading, and points per game can also distort the picture. However, in Best Ball Fantasy Football, the frequency with which a player appears on our score sheet is crucial. This is precisely what the BEST Index aims to measure. After week thirteen, let's examine the top performers according to the BEST Index.

BEST Index Explained

Fantasy Football requires weekly statistical analysis. The MVP Index evaluates players based on three possible outcomes each week: whether a player contributed to a win, led to a loss, or had no impact on the matchup. It establishes benchmarks using historical median production that players must surpass to be considered impactful. Disregarding subpar Best Ball Fantasy Football scores, the BEST index employs two components of the MVP Index to assess the Best Ball performance of each player.

QB Position

BEST of 18 Top Rated: Lamar Jackson 

Best of 16 Super Elite: Joe Burrow 

BEST of 15 Super Elite: Baker Mayfield

BEST of 14 Elite: Josh Allen

BEST of 13 Elite: Jayden Daniels

BEST of 12 Solid: Jalen Hurts, Sam Darnold

RB Position

BEST of 18: Top Rated: Derrick Henry, Bijan Robinson

BEST of 16: Super Elite: De’Von Achane, Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs

BEST of 15 Super Elite: Jahmyr Gibbs, Alvin Kamara

BEST of 14 Elite: Joe Mixon, Kyren Williams, David Montgomery

BEST of 13 Solid:  Chuba Hubbard

BEST of 12 Solid: Breece Hall

WR Position

BEST of 17 Top Rated: Ja’Marr Chase 

BEST of 15 Super Elite: Justin Jefferson, Amon Ra St Brown

BEST of 14 Elite: Terry McLaurin

BEST of 12 Solid: Malik Nabers, Zay Flowers, Jaxon Smith Njigba

TE Position

BEST of 13 Top Rated: George Kittle

BEST of 12 Super Elite: Brock Bowers, Trey McBride

BEST of 10 Elite: Travis Kelce, Johnu Smith

BEST of 7 Solid: Mark Andrews, Zach Ertz, Tucker Kraft

Conclusion

Lamar Jackson has separated himself from the field for the QB MVP in Fake Football this season. Only three QBs have hit that Super Elite level after 13 weeks. Josh Allen is a close fourth, and Jayden Daniels has a fantastic rookie fifth-place season. Only seven QBs have maintained that “Games Played Minus One or Better” level this season. 

Derrick Henry has been slowing down over the past few weeks, which allowed Bijan Robinson to match him at the top of the BEST index. The King has not topped 20 PPR points since week nine, which is his longest season streak for missing that high production level this year. De’Von Achane has moved into the RB3 position with five of six games over 20 PPR points since Tua returned to the lineup. Despite missing three games, Joe Mixon is eighth best in the BEST index after 13 weeks. 

The top WR, Ja’Marr Chase, has gapped the field by 2 BEST points after week 13. Justin Jefferson missed reaching the 20+ PPR points mark for the fourth straight week, which was his worst streak of the season. Despite being the only WR threat on the Commanders roster, Terry McClaurin continues to live up to his “Scary Terry” nickname and has moved into WR4 after 13 weeks. Rookie Malik Nabers has been solid, and second-year man Jaxon Smith Njigba is now living up to his expectations. 

George Kittle had an off game in the snow but remains on top of the TE BEST standings. Three TEs stand out, with rookie Brock Bowers and Trey McBride solidly in the second and third positions despite McBride not receiving a TD all season! Travis Kelce and Johnu Smith have gapped the field for fourth and fifth-best at TE after 13 weeks. Good luck in Byemaggedon II this week!