Don't look now. However, the NFL Draft is fast approaching and we're already thinking about him thinking about the 2024 fantasy football season. And with a total solar eclipse occurring in several states across the United States on Monday, there's no better time to take an early look at the players who are predicted to “upend” predictions for next season. Thought.
It's never too early to stay ahead of the game, Fantasy Analyst Liz
Be sure to also check out our sortable player predictions page and Mike Clay's detailed 2024 NFL predictions PDF guide, updated regularly throughout the offseason.
quarterback
Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
Cousins joined his third franchise after his season was interrupted by a torn Achilles tendon, but he threw for 2,331 yards and 18 TDs in eight games. The Falcons are without Justin Jefferson, but Drake Rondon will be a great player. RB Bijan Robinson is great. TE Kyle Pitts is great. Cousins threw for over 4,000 yards seven times and had over 25 TD passes seven times. He will get there in 2023. He'll get there in 2024 with Atlanta. caravelle
Clay's predictions for 2024: 3,993 passing yards, 25 TDs, 11 INTs. 118 yards rushing, 2 TDs
Statistics for 2023: 2,331 passing yards, 18 TDs, 5 INTs. 25 yards rushing, 0 TD (8 games)
running back
Devon Ashen, Miami Dolphins
Achan enjoyed a phenomenal rookie campaign, averaging 17.3 PPR fantasy points per game while establishing himself as a mainstay in the Dolphins' running game for the time being. It's an important difference, as Raheem Mostert enters this season at age 32 after serving in a starting role for most of 2023, meaning the Dolphins will shift some of their duties in Achan's direction. This means that getting started is a wise strategy. The real problem is injuries — Ashan missed six games as a rookie — but if he stays on the field, he could easily reach 200 carries and 50 receptions. — cockcroft
Clay's predictions for 2024: Rushed for 739 yards and 6 TDs.47 receptions, 395 receiving yards, 3 TDs
Statistics for 2023: 800 yards rushing, 8 TDs. 27 receptions, 197 yards, 3 TDs (11 games)
Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings
Jones spent much of last season hampered by a hamstring injury he suffered in Week 1. Clay's prediction makes sense, considering Jones, a former Packer, is at a disadvantage at 27 years old. Still, I think the chip on his shoulder, combined with a relatively open backfield, should provide the 29-year-old with a strong chance. The talent under center won't result in an explosive offense, but that should be offset by the growing talent down the field in receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Additionally, if tight end TJ Hockenson, who tore his ACL late last year, isn't ready to depart in September, Jones could emerge as an early-season safety valve for the star under center. — rosa
Clay's predictions for 2024: 766 yards rushing, 4 TDs.43 receptions, 340 yards receiving, 2 TDs
Statistics for 2023: 656 yards rushing, 2 TDs. 30 receptions, 233 yards receiving, 1 TD (11 games)
Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
Barkley averaged 98.8 scrimmage yards per game in six pro seasons and is now part of Philadelphia's upgraded offensive line. I expect the Eagles and new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to use Barkley as a two-way back to maximize his explosiveness in the run game and as a receiving target. Notice how Barkley upsets both rushing and receiving projections. — bowen
Clay's predictions for 2024: 1,046 yards rushing, 9 TDs.46 receptions, 359 yards receiving, 2 TDs
Statistics for 2023: Rushed for 962 yards and 6 TDs. 41 receptions, 280 yards receiving, 4 TDs (against Giants)
Zamir White, Las Vegas Raiders
White's fantasy outlook improved after the departure of Josh Jacobs, who averaged 22.1 touches per game over the past two seasons. The Raiders signed Alexander Mattison, but I don't see him as a true threat to White. Head coach Antonio Pierce has prioritized the running game since taking over, and White averaged over 23.3 touches and 15.2 fantasy points over the final four weeks of last season. All of these factors, combined with a 2024 NFL Draft class without elite running backs, set White up to exceed Klay's expectations. — Moody
Clay's predictions for 2024: Rushed for 869 yards and 5 TDs.35 receptions, 247 yards receiving, 1 TD
Statistics for 2023: 451 yards rushing, 1 TD. 15 receptions, 98 yards, 0 TDs
wide receiver
Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans
Forget about ground games, these new Titans are meant to fly high at a fast pace. With Brian Callahan calling the plays and Will Revis throwing the stones, Ridley matched his 1,000-yard career as a Jaguar in 2023. DeAndre Hopkins will no doubt continue to be the center of attention, but given the veteran receiver's predictable usage and durability issues, Ridley will likely emerge as the team's target leader. His production may be inconsistent, but his versatility makes him his WR2 for fantasy purposes. — rosa
Clay's predictions for 2024: 74 receptions, 986 yards receiving, 7 TDs. 20 yards rushing, 0 TD
Statistics for 2023: 76 receptions, 1,016 yards receiving, 8 TDs. 23 yards rushing, 0 TD (against Jaguars)
drake london, falcons
So far, Rondon has given fantasy managers only a glimpse of his abilities. On a run-heavy Falcons team coached by Arthur Smith, the quarterback's play was less than optimal, but last season he had more than 1,200 air yards and 905 receiving yards (with just two TD catches). ) was recorded. Now, London finds itself upgrading its head coach, offensive coordinator and quarterback in Kirk Cousins, who led the league in on-target passes last season. London is firmly on the breakout radar and is well positioned to beat expectations. — Moody
Clay's predictions for 2024: 84 receptions, 1,033 yards receiving, 7 TDs. 0 yards rushing, 0 TDs
Statistics for 2023: 69 receptions, 905 yards receiving, 2 TDs. 0 yards rushing, 0 TDs
Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions
This could be a breakout season for Williams, who will see an increase in targets. Williams has third-level ability to stretch defenses down the field and can loosen up after the catch. Detroit's play-action-based concept allows for both vertical matchups and open spaces in the middle of the field, and projects Williams to exceed his projected total receptions and record over 800 yards receiving. — bowen
Clay's predictions for 2024: 47 receptions, 674 yards receiving, 4 TDs. 34 yards rushing, 0 TD
Statistics for 2023: 24 receptions, 354 yards receiving, 2 TDs. 29 yards receiving, 1 TD (12 games)
tight end
Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys
Ferguson had 71 receptions for 761 yards with Dallas last season, showing his ability to stretch the seam after the catch and his rough-and-tumble style of play. He is quarterback Dak Prescott's primary target in the middle of the field and also an underground outlet for boot/play action. Considering these numbers and his role in Dallas' route tree, Ferguson will likely end up with 75-80 receptions in 2024. bowen
Clay's predictions for 2024: 65 receptions, 670 yards receiving, 5 TDs
Statistics for 2023: 71 receptions, 761 yards receiving, 5 TDs
Zach Ertz, Washington Commander
Ertz, 33, is past his prime, but it's important to remember that he had 47 catches for 406 yards and four touchdowns in just 10 games with the Cardinals in 2022. He produced it with Kliff Kingsbury and now they are reunited. I love Ertz, and while no one is calling him a top-10 fantasy tight end, he could be important in deeper leagues as long as he's healthy and the quarterback is competent. 50 Catches is in play again. — caravelle
Clay's predictions for 2024: 40 receptions, 399 yards receiving, 3 TDs
Statistics for 2023: 27 receptions, 187 yards receiving, 1 TD (7 games; Cardinals)
Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders
Sam LaPorta may have been good as a rookie tight end, but he's more the exception than the rule, as first-year tight ends typically endure struggles like Meyer's. Still, Meyer seems to be getting more comfortable with each passing week, averaging 22 routes and four targets over the final nine games of 2023, and his Raiders opened up a significant amount of targets in the offseason ( (Josh Jacobs, Hunter Renfroe, and Austin Hooper all left). . I think Meyer has over 60 catches and 600 yards. — cockcroft
Clay's predictions for 2024: 51 receptions, 545 receiving yards, 3 TDs
Statistics for 2023: 27 receptions, 304 receiving yards, 2 TDs
Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals
The measurable ROI that Gesicki wowed (and wooed) fantasy managers in 2018 is yet to come. Despite his gridiron, the 28-year-old's raw talent is still hard to throw away, and there's a good chance the sky is the limit in Cincinnati. The Bengals have been without an elite tight end since Tyler Eifert left after 2019. The departure of Tyler Boyd could also make room for Gesicki's slot-like skillset, giving the tight end an opportunity to shine as the team's third receiving option. — rosa
Clay's predictions for 2024: 28 receptions, 286 yards receiving, 3 TDs
Statistics for 2023: 29 receptions, 244 yards, 2 TDs (against Patriots)
