Fantasy football predictions, expectations, surprises for 2024 - ESPN

In less than a week, we will have NFL games that count and, therefore, fantasy football results to track. Hope springs eternal and everyone has an opinion on which players will do this and which teams will do that. That's the fun of being a fan, right?

With that in mind, we asked our ESPN fantasy football analysts to put those thoughts out there for the world to see. If any of these come true, don't act surprised.

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Currently being drafted as WR61, the Indianapolis Colts rookie has the size and speed (his 4.34 40-yard dash was third fastest among wide receivers at this year's combine) to render him a deep threat in this offense. And with Josh Downs currently sidelined because of a high ankle sprain, Mitchell has had the opportunity to build rapport with QB Anthony Richardson in camp. Mitchell flew under the radar at Georgia but emerged at Texas to provide a glimpse of what he could become — and the Colts liked what they saw, drafting him 52nd overall. If Downs has a prolonged absence and/or Mitchell makes a strong case for playing time, he could provide a big return on investment for fantasy managers. — Stephania Bell

Etienne averaged 16.6 points per game last season and scored 12 touchdowns. He's a volume runner (267 carries) with the dual-threat skills to produce in the pass game, as Etienne caught 58 of 73 targets in 2023. Even if he has a slight decline in total touches this season, his deployment leads to consistent weekly volume as both a runner and receiver while also creating scoring opportunities in the low red zone. There's real upside