Marvin Mims Breakout: Real or Mirage?
Will Marvin Mims Breakout in 2025?
Marvin Mims is quickly becoming a trendy name in fantasy football circles heading into the 2025 season. He finished the 2024 campaign on a high note, averaging 62 receiving yards per game from Week 11 through the end of the season. He even led all NFL wide receivers in yards per route run during that stretch, according to FantasyPros. Add to that a 28 percent targets per route rate—a mark that placed him among the top 15 in the league—and it’s no surprise some are calling him a third-year breakout candidate.
But take a closer look, and it becomes clear that Mims’ end-of-season surge was more mirage than momentum. His role in the Denver offense was far from stable, and the production that fantasy managers are clinging to was largely built on gimmicks.
A Closer Look at the Role
On paper, Mims looked efficient. In reality, he was being used like a gadget player—not a traditional wide receiver. He lined up in the backfield, was featured heavily in the screen game, and was occasionally used as a deep threat to stretch the field. That’s not necessarily a red flag in isolation, but it becomes a concern when you realize how little he was actually involved in the core structure of the passing game.
According to analyst Josh Norris, Mims caught just 11 passes beyond the line of scrimmage in 2024. Of his 41 total receptions, 29 came on screen passes. That’s a staggering stat—and it paints a very different picture than the surface-level efficiency metrics do.
The NFL has seen its fair share of gadget guys—players who can make plays when schemed into space but rarely become reliable weekly fantasy contributors. Think of names like Tavon Austin or Cordarrelle Patterson in his early years. They were exciting and explosive but not consistent or trustworthy in fantasy formats. There’s little reason to believe Mims will be any different.
Changing Dynamics in Denver
The other problem? Denver doesn’t need to be so gadget-heavy anymore.
The Broncos made several offseason moves that indicate a shift in offensive philosophy. They upgraded their backfield, added Evan Engram—one of the most targeted tight ends in the league—and spent a third-round pick on wide receiver Pat Bryant. All of that points to a more balanced and traditional offense in 2025.
On top of that, Courtland Sutton is still the alpha in the receiver room. He remains the go-to option in high-leverage situations, particularly in the red zone. And while quarterback Bo Nix brings some intrigue, his tendency to scramble limits overall pass volume and reduces opportunities for players lower in the target hierarchy.
Why Mims Isn’t Worth the Price
Mims is currently being drafted in the 10th round of fantasy football drafts. That’s far too early for a player who’s yet to prove he can earn and sustain a real role in a pro-style offense. You’re paying for perceived upside based on a misleading end-of-season stretch, not dependable opportunity or usage.
Yes, Mims is explosive. Yes, he’ll make some splash plays in 2025. But there’s little to suggest he’ll get the volume needed to justify his ADP—or that his gadget-centric role will translate into consistent fantasy success.
Sean Payton may continue to scheme up creative ways to use him, but that doesn’t make Mims a reliable fantasy asset. At best, he’s a volatile flex option. At worst, he’s a waiver wire trap who burns a valuable draft pick before October.
Final Verdict
Marvin Mims was a fake breakout in 2024. Don’t let a handful of exciting plays and inflated efficiency metrics blind you to the reality of his usage. He’s a role player—not a cornerstone. At his current price, you’re better off looking elsewhere.
Avoid the hype. Let someone else take the bait.
RANKINGS | DYNASTY | REDRAFT
Draft season starts TODAY on Underdog. Sign up and draft now! Use Promo-Code: YARDSPER to claim your Special Pick + First Time Deposit offer up to $1,000 in bonus cash!
