Fantasy football is all about unforgettable moments. Sometimes, a player’s performance is so over-the-top incredible that it becomes etched in history. Let’s dive into the top single-game fantasy football performances since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970. Whether you’re a diehard fan or a casual player, these games will blow your mind.
We’ll break this into two sections: non-PPR and PPR scoring systems. Historically, non-PPR dominated fantasy leagues, so we’ll focus on those performances. Let’s get started!
Top 5 Non-PPR Fantasy Performances
5. Josh Allen, QB – 51.9 Fantasy Points (2024)
Game: Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams (Week 14, Dec. 8, 2024)
Josh Allen’s Week 14 performance was nothing short of legendary. Despite the Bills losing 44-42 to the Rams, Allen left it all on the field. He threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns, adding 81 rushing yards and three more touchdowns on the ground.
This game marked Allen as the only player in NFL history with three passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns in a single game. Fantasy managers riding Allen’s performance likely clinched their playoff spots with ease.
4. Jerry Rice, WR – 52.5 Fantasy Points (1990)
Game: San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons (Week 6, Oct. 14, 1990)
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The GOAT wide receiver delivered an all-time great fantasy performance in Week 6 of the 1990 season. Against the Falcons, Jerry Rice hauled in 10 receptions for 255 yards and five touchdowns. Two of those scores came late in the game to seal a 45-35 victory for the 49ers.
It’s rare for a wide receiver to crack the 50-point mark in non-PPR scoring, making Rice’s feat even more extraordinary.
3. Shaun Alexander, RB – 53.1 Fantasy Points (2002)
Game: Seattle Seahawks vs. Minnesota Vikings (Week 4, Sept. 29, 2002)
Shaun Alexander’s Week 4 performance in 2002 showcased his dominance. Against the Vikings, Alexander put up 139 rushing yards, 92 receiving yards, four rushing touchdowns, and a receiving touchdown.
What’s even crazier? All five touchdowns came in the first half. The Seahawks led 45-17 at halftime, making Alexander’s performance the ultimate first-half fantasy explosion.
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2. Alvin Kamara, RB – 53.2 Fantasy Points (2020)
Game: New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings (Week 16, Dec. 25, 2020)
On Christmas Day 2020, Alvin Kamara delivered one of the most memorable fantasy performances ever. He rushed for 155 yards and six touchdowns, setting the record for the most rushing touchdowns in a single game. Kamara also added 17 receiving yards for good measure.
Since this game fell during fantasy championship week, Kamara’s performance likely secured titles for countless managers or left them heartbroken if they were on the wrong side.
1. Clinton Portis, RB – 55.4 Fantasy Points (2003)
Game: Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Week 14, Dec. 7, 2003)
Clinton Portis holds the record for the most non-PPR fantasy points in a single game. In Week 14 of the 2003 season, he torched the Chiefs for 218 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns, and 36 receiving yards. Portis scored three of his touchdowns within a 10-minute span in the second half, solidifying his place in fantasy history.
This monster performance helped the Broncos secure a 45-27 win, and it’s still unmatched in standard scoring leagues.
Honorable Mention: Ja’Marr Chase’s Recent Explosion (2024)
In Week 10 of the 2024 season, Ja’Marr Chase lit up the Ravens for 11 receptions, 264 yards, and three touchdowns. His 44.4 non-PPR points, while jaw-dropping, fell just shy of making the top five. However, his 55.4 PPR points place him among the all-time greats in PPR scoring.
Top 5 PPR Fantasy Performances
While non-PPR dominated historically, PPR scoring has grown in popularity. Chase’s 55.4 PPR points join an elite group. Here are some of the most iconic PPR games:
- Clinton Portis (2003) – 55.4 points
- Ja’Marr Chase (2024) – 55.4 points
- Alvin Kamara (2020) – 56.2 points
- Jerry Rice (1990) – 57.5 points
- Josh Allen (2024) – 58.9 points
Each of these games left fantasy managers in awe, proving why we play the game in the first place. Got a performance we missed? Share it-these moments are what make fantasy football special.
Also Read: What Defines A ‘Palpably Unfair’ And ‘Extraordinarily Unfair Act’ In The NFL?
