Terry McLaurin, wide receiver for the Washington Commanders, delivered his best fantasy season in 2024 after finally benefiting from an improved quarterback situation. Fantasy football managers are now debating whether McLaurin can sustain his WR2 status or if last year’s touchdown spike inflates his value unfairly.
McLaurin’s Career Development and Production
McLaurin has been a reliable NFL pass catcher since entering the league in the third round five years ago, despite initially dealing with poor quarterback play. Early in his career, he posted solid numbers—over 900 receiving yards as a rookie—but never quite crossed into elite territory.
While he consistently performed as a productive receiver, McLaurin generally settled at WR2 or WR3 production levels. His average fantasy points per game hovered around 12.3 to 13.7, with the exception of a 2020 season during the Covid-19 offensive surge where he averaged 14.9 points. He was steady but not a game-changing presence.
What Drove McLaurin’s 2024 Fantasy Surge?
In 2024, McLaurin posted career-best numbers, averaging 15.8 fantasy points per game, nearly reaching WR1 territory. This improvement coincided with the arrival of a higher-caliber quarterback on the Commanders’ roster. However, a closer look reveals that his underlying volume metrics remained consistent with previous years.
McLaurin’s target share stayed at 23.3%, ranking 34th in the league, and he was targeted on 22.7% of his routes run, placing him 44th. His receiving totals—82 catches for 1,096 yards—were in line with his performance from 2020 onwards, where his yearly catches ranged from 77 to 87 and yards from just over 1,000 to nearly 1,200.
The key difference in 2024 was McLaurin’s touchdown count, which soared to 13 after four previous seasons of scoring only four or five times. This outlier touchdown production was the primary factor behind his increased fantasy scoring.
Value Considerations and Draft Strategy for McLaurin
Currently, McLaurin’s average draft position (ADP) is around WR16. While undeniably talented, the steep increase in touchdowns last season suggests caution. One more typical touchdown total would reduce his fantasy points per game closer to his historical range.
Given this, McLaurin is ranked as WR20 in some evaluations, slightly below the general consensus. He may be a worthwhile pick if he falls below his ADP, but investing a high draft pick expecting WR1 production could be risky. Fantasy managers should weigh the likelihood that McLaurin’s ceiling is near what was shown in 2024 rather than assuming continued touchdown surges.