Fantasy Football Breakout Players
Every year, there are so many unknown or undrafted players in fantasy football that break out. They win people their fantasy football leagues. Thus, everyone seeks to find out who is going to break out before everyone else. Of course, you want them on your team since you want to win. You can brag to your league-mates that you drafted the guy or got him off waivers before anyone else even has a single clue that he’s going to do great this year.
So, what guys should you acquire? I’ll recommend one main breakout player from every team. I’ll explain why I chose them, offer my predictions, and discuss what rank I think they will finish the year at. There are only a couple more weeks until the season starts. Finish your drafts, get those waiver claims in, and make any trades to get your team ready for the season. I wish you the best of luck and hope that you’re beginning what I hope is a championship year for you. Good luck and let’s win some fantasy football leagues!
Arizona Cardinals: Rondale Moore
Rondale’s a beast in the gym and on the field. Achieving a 600-pound squat while having a 99-percentile breakout age in college football is something not many NFL players can claim. Add in his playmaking skills in which teams create plays to get him the ball and you have a future fantasy star on your roster. He had rather mediocre stats in college after his freshman year. However, don’t let that alarm you. He played with awful QBs and then opted out after a few games into the 2020 season. Rondale got drafted by the Cardinals in the 2nd round and it’s a perfect fit. They are already creating ways to get the ball into Moore’s arms and targeting him often. When you take just the two first quarters that Rondale played in, he has gotten 3 carries and 7 targets. Meanwhile, the general fantasy community is ignoring him and the fact he’s one of the pass-heaviest offenses in the league. Take him in redraft or dynasty and he’s going to quickly become one of your favorite players.
Atlanta Falcons: Russell Gage
Russell Gage kind of broke out already. He had a rather good stat-line of 72 catches for 786 yards and four touchdowns for the 2020 season. That’s not bad for a player who many had written off before the season. He played on over 68% of the offensive snaps last year. With Julio Jones gone and Gage stepping into that #2 WR spot behind Calvin Ridley, he should be in the 80% snap share range. Kyle Pitts coming into the offense will help defenses not key in on Gage which should allow him to top his 120 targets this year. Don’t forget that the Falcons defense is going to be awful which means a ton of garbage time catches and yards. Hey! Those still count in your fantasy leagues. I would put money on Gage finishing as a top-30 WR this year.
Baltimore Ravens: Gus Edwards
Gus the Bus is back for another tour of duty with the Baltimore Ravens! He’s set to resume his role behind J.K. Dobbins in the run-heavy offense. Many, including me, didn’t think Gus would be back with the Ravens. In fact, selfishly for fantasy purposes, I was hoping he would go to a team that needed a running back. Gus is meant to drive the Bus to the end-zone after all. Unfortunately, we can’t all get what we want. As it turns out, it might be a good thing that Gus is still with the Ravens. Mark Ingram left the team and it’s now a two-RB room. Gus averaged 5.0 yards per carry and is set to build off his limited role last year. Mark Ingram’s touches are gone and many are going to assume that Dobbins gets them. That’s just not the case. Gus is going to get his fair share of touches. After all, the Ravens did sign him to a contract extension. Plus, Gus is one of the best handcuffs to have in fantasy. If Dobby misses time, Gus is an RB1/2 for that week. He’s also going about 6 rounds after Dobby in redraft. That’s a massive steal. He’s going to win people a lot of games as a weekly flex play and the occasional big game. Don’t miss out on Gus and get run over by the Bus. UPDATE: JK Dobbins was just carted off the field in what looked like a brutal knee injury during Saturday’s preseason game. If he’s out for an extended period of time, Gus the Bus will win leagues for you this year. Acquire GUS NOW.
Buffalo Bills: Zack Moss
The Bills were another tricky team to try to predict a player to break out for fantasy this season. I would’ve said Gabriel Davis but the signing of Emmanuel Sanders squashed that. Therefore, it had to be one of the two running backs on the team. I decided to go with the player I think is better and will get the goal line touches this year. That back is Zack Moss. He had an injury-filled 2020. However, when he was able to play, he still got 5 total touchdowns on 126 touches. To add to that, he had the 7th most yards created per attempt in the ENTIRE NFL with 1.71. Finally, Moss is set to resume his goal-line role on the offense. Josh Allen just signed a massive contract. I can’t see the Bills allowing him to have the risk of getting hurt while he’s trying to bulldoze his way into the end-zone. That just means more points for Moss. He’s a great flex play and RB3 on the season. Watch out for Moss to be a riser among the fantasy community this year.
Carolina Panthers: Terrace Marshall
Do you want another training camp rookie hype pick? You must think I am some type of fool. I might be, but that doesn’t change my belief you need to get Marshall on your team in all dynasty leagues this year. He’s perfect for Joe Brady’s system in Carolina. That makes sense too as he played under Brady while at LSU. During this camp, Marshall’s showcased his skills at route-running, catching the ball, and getting yards after the catch. Additionally, have you seen his preseason tape this year? It’s amazing. To think the Rams drafted Tutu Atwell over him blows my mind. Marshall’s preparing to be the WR3 for the team this year. However, he could be the WR2 by year’s end. Yes, even with Robby there long-term. He’s good and his price is only going to rise. Go get Marshall before you regret it.
Chicago Bears: Cole Kmet the Frog
Chicago’s got their Travis Kelce. At least, they have their Travis Kelce role finally filled. He’s set to have the full-time share of the TE snaps this year after out-snapping Jimmy Graham 87% to 45.5% in the final 6 weeks of the season last year. Graham will be present on crucial 3rd-downs and in the Red-Zone. The NFL might need to test Cole’s hands for sticky stuff after he had a True Catch Rate of 93.3%. Cole’s going to be the Kelce to Justin Fields Mahomes by the end of this season. Get Cole on your team in redraft as he is a sure-fire TE1 in 12-team leagues. If you’re in dynasty, Cole’s price is going to rise after the first few weeks of the season. The Fields of Kmet coming to Chicago soon.
Cincinnati Bengals: Tyler Boyd
Boyd meets World is such a nostalgic show in fantasy football for some people. I don’t understand why they think it’s not still on. The Bengals might have added Chase into the mix. However, Boyd is the slot receiver and will still demand plenty of targets from bionic knee Joe Burrow. Boyd’s got two 1,000-yard seasons in his career. He’s not going to be the weekly WR2 like he used to be. Yet he’s still going to be a weekly flex/bye-week play. He’s a WR3 with plenty of upsides. That upside becomes even more apparent if Chase or Tee Higgins misses any time this year. Plus, defenses no longer can just key in on Boyd and stop him. That’s going to allow Boyd to feast. I have no doubts that, if healthy, he will get 120+ targets, 5+ touchdowns, and 900+ yards. I’ll gladly take him 3-4 rounds after Higgins and Chase to get myself a piece of that monster offense. It’s a re-breakout year for Mr. Boyd.
Cleveland Browns: Donovan Peoples-Jones
No one’s stock is rising as much as Donovan Peoples-Jones is on the Browns. He’s establishing himself in this camp to be the WR3 on the team. This is a run-heavy offense, but do you truly trust Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry to stay healthy the entire season? If you’re playing dynasty, do you truly think the Browns bring them both back next season? I don’t think yes is a correct answer for either question. The Browns just paid their running backs. They need to pay their defense and Baker Mayfield. That means they are going to be needing some cheap but skillful WRs. Good thing Jones has both those qualities. He’s in the second year of his rookie contract. Jones has established his deep ball skills and shown a great connection with Baker. He’s fast, elusive, and is football smart. He’s the type of player that coaches love. Fantasy owners will love him too once he puts on full display his talents this year. If I’m in a large league or dynasty, I’m drafting DPJ with a late-round pick.
Dallas Cowboys: Michael Gallup
The Cowboys are in a weird spot. They are getting Dak back so Yay! However, their defense will be what costs them games. Due to that reason, I’m predicting some high-scoring games in the Cowboys’ future. If that sounds like last year, you would be right. Now, why am I predicting Gallup of all players? Well, to be quite honest, it’s due to the fact he’s in a contract year and is learning to do other routes in the Cowboys’ offense. If you look at some other recent contract-year breakouts like Corey Davis, Curtis Samuel, Nelson Agholar, and Jarvis Landry. They were all rather mid-tier players before blowing up in their contract years and getting a handsome reward. Now it’s Gallup’s turn. He’s learning how to run in the slot this camp and has looked rather good at it. This means more playing time. More time on the field catching passes from Dak isn’t a bad thing for your fantasy. Additionally, if Amari or Lamb miss any time this year, you have a guaranteed top target that week in a fantasy-friendly offense. Finally, Gallup’s rather free in fantasy right now. You only need him to be a flex play. He’s the Cowboys’ best shot at blowing up the stat-books.
Denver Broncos: Jerry Jeudy
Judge Jeudy is back in session. He had a rather average rookie season. He had only a 46% catch rate. That’s not going to get it done in the NFL. On the other hand, it’s not all on him. He had some miserable balls thrown to him. Drew Lock didn’t have a good year last year. He was missing all his targets. Then Courtland Sutton goes down with a torn ACL. Now, Jeudy had to handle all the WR pressure on him. Couple that with the fact he was a rookie and the team was playing catch-up constantly made it a trying year for him. I don’t blame people for not trusting Jeudy this season. Especially with Courtland Sutton coming back and looking good in camp. With Sutton coming back, Jerry will be covered by CB2s and not face so much pressure from the defense. Teddy Bridgewater is the new QB for the Broncos. His throws will be a lot more consistent and on target. If Jeudy can get his hands working this season, he has a great likelihood of finishing as a WR2 this season. He’s currently being drafted as a late WR3 in redraft. He’s an every-week flex play but I have the utmost faith that he gets those hands working and establishes himself as one of the best WRs in the NFL.
Detroit Lions: Amon-Ra St. Brown
It’s the Detroit Lions and you want a breakout player? Well, if you insist, I guess I can oblige. There’s no one of particular note besides Hockenson and Swift. Plus, those two have already broken out. So, let’s go with the rookie “Sun God” that came from USC. He’s been putting on quite a display during training camp. Well, there’s not much that’s playing beside him so it’s probably easier to stand out. Nonetheless, someone’s got to catch passes from new QB Jared Goff. The best bet to make on a Lions WR is Amon-Ra. That’s because he’s playing the slot, has solid hands, and has shown a nice rapport with Goff. He’s not going to be more than a flex-play/bye-week filler at this point. But just maybe there’s a chance he is more than that this year. To get that in the final rounds of a redraft league is enough to say he breaks out this year.
Green Bay Packers: AJ Dillon
QuadDilla is ready to showcase his ability in a feature role behind Aaron Jones on the Packers this year. AJ Dillon is the #1 hand-cuff to own in redraft or dynasty. Why? Well, because of multiple reasons such as Aaron Jones’ health and contract, the team’s rushing focus, and the fact the team will be playing all-out to win this year. In only one of Aaron Jones’ 4 years in the NFL has he managed to play all the games. Couple that with an additional game this year and you have the makings of Dillon starting at least a few games this year. Jamaal Williams was a weekly flex-play during his time with the Packers. Dillon now has that role and is more talented than Williams. Dillon averaged over 5 yards per carry last season. Getting him more carries both this year and the future is going to help Aaron Jones stay healthy and the Packers win games. Also, Jones’ contract can be ditched after a year or two. If it is, Dillon’s set for a massive rushing load. I think his quads can handle it. Go get him while you can in the late rounds of redraft or dynasty. You can thank me later.
Houston Texans: Nico Collins
Let’s be honest, unless you’re drafting Brandon Cooks, you don’t want a piece of the Texans’ offense. Tyrod Taylor is not a starter-worthy QB. Davis Mills is a rookie. Watson is a mess right now. Yet, if I had to pick one player from their team to break out this year. It’s got to be their impressive rookie Nico Collins. He’s going to be the WR2 on the team this year. Like it or not, there are a lot of fantasy points to be had here. The Texans will be playing catch-up a lot. That means more passing and deep throws. These both benefit Nico. Additionally, Cooks will be the player opposing defenses seek to stop. That will give Nico open lanes and 1 on 1 coverage. He’s not going to be more than a bye-week cover. Despite that, he might just show out enough to be raising his value and price for next season.
Indianapolis Colts: Parris Campbell
The French Soup is ready. Sorry, I mean Parris Campbell is healthy and ready to take on defenses. He’s made it through training camp on the other side and showcased his abilities. With a QB in Wentz who isn’t afraid to make risky passes, Parris could feed this year. Parris is a possession receiver who can make the tough catches. He’s got good speed as well. Finally, he plays out of the slot in the offense. That’s Wentz’s favorite position to target on the offense. Over 30% of his throws have gone to the slot over his past 4 NFL seasons. Parris is going to out-perform his ADP of WR66 by a large margin this year. The only thing that can prevent that is his health. He’s healthy right now and I’ll gladly take a “risk” drafting him in the final rounds of a redraft league this year.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Laviska Shenault
Due to the season-ending injury of Travis Etienne, Laviska’s outlook just got a lot prettier. He’s been making all the coaches happy during camp and the preseason. He’s healthy, excited to play with Trevor Lawrence, and has shown the potential to be a top WR in the NFL. A great rapport with Tlaw has been established just through the preseason. During the first half against the Saints, Viska had 7 targets and 36 yards. Laviska is also the team’s gadget guy. He can rush the ball, do trick plays, and create separation whenever needed. Last season, Shenault had a line of 58 receptions, 600 yards, and five touchdowns. I would be very shocked if he doesn’t have 70 or more receptions, 800 or more yards, and 7+ touchdowns. He’s going in the 7th round or later. Go get some Laviska and watch him establish himself as WR2 in the fantasy football world.
Kansas City Chiefs: Mecole Hardman
Who wants the new WR2 for the Chiefs with Patrick Mahomes at the helm? I certainly do! Mecole’s stepping into the role that Sammy Watkins left behind. He’s been running in practice consistently higher than Demarcus Robinson and Byron Pringle. To add to that, he’s been targeted frequently in the preseason games to this point. He’s fast, reliable, and has flashes of Tyreek Hill. The Chiefs also drafted him in the 2nd round of the 2019 draft. He’s only improved ever since then. He’s averaged 16+ yards per reception and has developed a consistent approach with the magical Mahomes. I did a deep dive on why Mecole’s going to break out this year in fantasy. He’s currently a WR4/5, but don’t be surprised when he finishes the season as an every-week flex/WR3 play.
Las Vegas Raiders: Bryan Edwards
Here’s a player that you can get after your draft in redraft or for free in dynasty. Coming off a miserable year, Bryan Edwards is set for a comeback. The Raiders don’t have much in the WR room unless you think Old-Man John Brown is going to go off this year. If you’re an analytics lover, you will enjoy this. Bryan Edwards broke out as a 17-year old. That’s insanely good. To top it off, he had a College Dominator rating in the 94th percentile. He is good at what he does. He struggled a lot with injuries and inconsistent playing this year. He’s been running with the first-stringers once again and has a good shot to be a WR4 this season. Getting that in a deep redraft league or dynasty for free is pretty good. It’s not going to be a huge breakout year but he will win a lot of people over with his play this year.
Los Angeles Chargers: Josh Palmer
Move over Mike Williams, there’s a new WR2 in town. It’s the Josh Palmer show in LA. Not only has he had an amazing training camp, but he’s being groomed for the long-term WR2 spot in an offense with Justin Herbert at QB. Mike Williams is in the last year of his rookie contract. It’s exceedingly apparent that Williams will not be back. Palmer’s a terrific deep-ball receiver. He can get open, knows how to work his body to gain extra separation, and come away with the catch. He’s improving his route running. His one big flaw is that he has no burst. He’s not typically able to break out the long gains. That’s fine though when you’re making the catch 20+ yards down the field. With a strong-armed QB in Herbert, magic can happen. Palmers’ a WR4 that can finish this season as a WR3. Don’t be surprised when coming into next season, you see Palmer being drafted in the middle rounds.
Los Angeles Rams: Tyler Higbee
The return of the Higbee hype train has arrived. It just took an extra year to finally come. Higbee’s going to be the TE1 for the Rams this season. Gerald Everett and his targets are no longer with the team after he signed with the Seahawks. Due to that, Higbee’s own targets are set to explode. In 2019, Higbee exploded during the final 5 weeks of the season while Everett was injured. Within those 5 weeks, Higbee had a stat-line of 43 receptions, 56 targets, 522 yards, and 2 touchdowns. He’s now set to be the main receiving TE. Couple that with the likelihood the Rams throw more this year after acquiring Stafford and losing Cakers and you have a good chance that Higbee finishes better than his TE14 ADP range. You will want a piece of this offense and Higbee’s the best chance to finish better than his ADP.
Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa
Yes, the unicorn will show out in full force this year. The left-handed Hawaiian QB will showcase his talents down in Miami after they added loads of talent to the offense in the off-season. Tua’s had a fully healthy off-season for the first time in two years. Additionally, it CANNOT be said enough how important it was for Tua to have a full and normal off-season of training and learning. Back in 2020, there was no real training going on. This year, Tua’s been able to practice, learn, and meld his game with Mike Gesicki, Devante Parker, Jaylen Waddle, and Will Fuller. He’s looked sharp and ready for the season during his pre-season games. So far this preseason, he’s gone 24/34 for 282 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. I can’t wait for Tua to prove the doubters wrong and finish the season as a high-end QB2.
Minnesota Vikings: Irv Smith Jr.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is no longer with the Vikings. That opens up a lot of playing time and red-zone touches for Big Irv Smith Jr. In only roughly 50% of the offensive snaps last year, he compiled a stat-line of 30 receptions for 365 yards and 5 touchdowns. That’s good enough for 12.2 yards per reception. I wouldn’t want to be covering Irv as he makes a quick cut on a route and then catches the ball. Nor would I want to try to tackle him as he punishes players who do try. I would not be surprised at all if Irv finishes the season with 12 touchdowns and around 65 receptions. In the TE-wasteland of fantasy, that’s a massive breakout for a player being drafted in the TE1-2 range.
New England Patriots: Jakobi Meyers
The New England Patriots added two wide receivers in the offseason but that isn’t going to stop Jakobi from Jakobi-ng it up this season. He’s due for a huge year. He had a coming-out party last year by snagging 59 receptions for 729 yards. That’s where it got weird though. He had zero touchdowns. In fact, through two seasons, he has no touchdowns. He has a good average per reception of 12.4. It’s like he’s got the Julio Jones curse. That’s going to change this year. Last year, he had Cam Newton and back-ups throwing to him. Cam and the running backs stole most of the touchdowns. Now Big Mac Jones is in town. He’s going to be the starter by season’s end. When that happens, Jakobi is going to be getting a lot of targets and touchdowns. Lastly, Jakobi’s good at getting open, precise route-running, and has reliable hands. He’s the best WR the Patriots have and is having a great camp. Jakobi’s going in the very late rounds of redraft leagues right now. It’s very likely he ends the season as a WR3. He’s currently going as a WR4/5. Take him and run!
New Orleans Saints: Marquez Callaway
Who else besides the jewel of the Saints training camp could I pick? I couldn’t pick anyone besides the player that some Saints reporters are saying is having the best training camp of any Saints player EVER. Callaway has risen from the undrafted shadows to being the probable WR1 for the Saints to begin the season. Once Michael Thomas comes back, he should be the WR2. Callaway’s got the route running skills for short-intermediate routes plus great ball tracking skills to get those 20+yard catches. He averaged around 20 yards per catch last season. To further the breakout belief, now that Jameis is the QB for the Saints, Jameis arm will allow him to take deep shots to Marquez all game long. Finally, when MT comes back, that’s just going to open more lanes for Marquez to be thrown the ball. Go get him in redraft or dynasty as it’s the last chance to get him at a good price.
New York Giants: Darius Slayton
Hear me out. Don’t boo me, I said to hear me out. Is this likely to happen? Probably not. However, that doesn’t mean it won’t. While he’s currently slated to begin the season on the bench, he only has Kenny Golladay and Sterling Shepard ahead of him. Yes, there’s Kadarius Toney but I doubt he will be doing the same routes that Slayton would do. Therefore, he doesn’t affect him as much. Slayton’s a deep threat who can also run short-intermediate routes well. His main focus is on running deep though. That’s why the signing of Golly hurt Slayton so bad. Yet, there might be a glimmer of hope. It’s no secret that Golladay and Shep are two players who have been known to miss some games every season. If that happens again this year, Slayton is the next man. That makes Slayton a worth WR handcuff in redraft and gives him the upside of being a WR3 on the weeks he starts.
New York Jets: Corey Davis
I get Corey Davis is on the Jets so people are automatically suspicious of him in fantasy football but come on, enough is enough. The man broke out last year finally after 3 semi-decent years. He had 65 receptions for 984 yards and 5 touchdowns. That’s pretty good for being on the run-first Titans last year. Fast forward to this season and he’s the WR1 for the up-and-coming Jets. They have a QB who looks like the best QB they have had in potentially decades. They have an actual coaching staff and not Adam Gase. Furthermore, he’s shown an amazing connection with QB Zach Wilson. In just partial playing time through his two pre-season games, he’s gotten 13 targets. Yes, Crowder and Elijah Moore will steal some targets from Davis. However, Crowder is older and on the way out in his final season. Moore is still a rookie. He’s also recovering from a leg injury. He needs to prove he is ready. Meanwhile, they PAID Davis big money to come in and be the WR1. Despite these reasons, he’s going as a WR3/4 in redraft leagues. That’s simply just not right. I’m expecting a WR2 year out of Mr. Davis. Yes, I said it, a WR2 year.
Philadelphia Eagles: Quez Watkins
Quez has been a 2nd-year standout during the preseason. He’s played like a completely different player. Last year, he struggled with everything needed of a WR besides his speed. He worked out with Calvin Ridley during the off-season. Those sessions must’ve been life-changing. Quez is running crisp routes, making highlight catches, and gaining separation from the cornerback who is covering him using more than speed. He’s a threat to take the ball to the end-zone every time he touches it. Currently, he’s working as the slot WR for the Eagles which is beautiful for those in PPR leagues. Jalen Hurts will target him often. It certainly seems like this player who can be had off the waiver wire or in the final rounds of a draft will be a WR3 this year. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a better season than Devonta Smith.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Pat Freiermuth
Sorry Eric Ebron, you’re about to be replaced. There’s a new tight-end in town. His name is Pat Freiermuth. He’s a rookie TE so don’t expect him to set the world on fire. Rookie tight-ends never do (yes, even Kyle Pitts will let people down this year according to his ADP). Pat’s a high-flying TE who isn’t afraid to get dirty for an extra yard. If he’s even near the red-zone, he’s scoring. It’s like holding a piece of meat out for a dog. Pat’s going to run his way over people for that touchdown. He’s skilled at running routes and gaining enough separation to make big plays. In redraft, I’m not sure he’s going to be the guy to get just yet. However, in dynasty, he’s going to break out in a huge way. His price is a 2nd round rookie pick and he’s set to be the Steelers TE1 next season. In the disparate TE world, I’ll a weekly set-it and forget-it guy in a year right now. He’s worth the wait. Don’t wait for him to make even more flashier plays that get spread on Twitter.
San Francisco 49ers: Deebo Samuel
Talk about a player with immense talent but a struggle to stay on the field due to injuries and most fantasy players will say that player is Deebo Samuel. This third-year player might just breakout. The 49ers are healthy and have a new and exciting rookie QB. Deebo’s healthy. He’s looking sharp in practice. He’s forceful in gaining extra yardage after the catch. Samuel’s one of the best at trick and gadget plays. He’s excellent at the end-around or confusing DB’s. He’s third in line for targets on a rush-happy offense. However, that doesn’t mean he can’t do better than his WR33-ish ADP rank. He’s shown an ability to rush the ball and has a good nose for the end-zone. You also can’t trust Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle to stay healthy. Deebo’s being drafted closer to WR4 than a top WR3. I’d love to have him in my flex and WR3 spots. He’s a personal favorite of mine and it’s not just because I love saying his name. Get some Deebo in your line-up and reap the rewards.
Seattle Seahawks: Rashaad Penny
Well, someone’s got to be chosen for the Seahawks. Penny’s the best bet to break out. After two injury-riddled years, he’s finally healthy and looking good. He’s still re-establishing himself on the football field but it shouldn’t be long until he’s doing all the cuts and tricks he used to do. Plus, he’s the top backup to Chris Carson. Carson’s been unable to stay healthy for an entire season in years. Penny will be a great handcuff and might even help you win some games. He’s just got to stay healthy. All the talent in the world and a motivated team will help him produce when he’s on the field. His career average per rush is 4.6 yards. That’s great for a handcuff. Look to get Penny off your waivers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jaelon Darden
Unfortunately for the NFL and dynasty players, the Buccaneers have virtually no weak spots on their team. Everyone on the team has already broken out. The starters are all established. There are very few you could buy low on. Thus, I turned my attention to the player that everyone has been raving about during camp. Jaelon Darden. If you’re playing redraft, don’t bother with Darden. He’s set to be the WR4/5 on the team. However, if you play dynasty, go get Darden and place him on your taxi squad. He’s got clean route-running skills, can make the hard catches, and knows how to explode off the line of scrimmage. The Bucs might not have Antonio Brown and Chris Godwin next season. If that’s the place, Darden will completely break out. However, during this year, he’s going to make some highlight catches and tease just enough of his tantalizing ability.
Tennessee Titans: Anthony Firkser
With Jonnu Smith out of Tennessee, a big role on the offense has opened up. Enter Anthony Firkser. He’s been slowly building up his abilities in the NFL and I think this year is when he establishes himself. Julio Jones’ arrival to the Titans does temper my expectations a bit. However, there’s no reason why he has to affect Firkser a bunch. After all, Julio is replacing Corey Davis. He’s going to take some targets away from Firkser but he’s also likely to miss some games. Just as well, Firkser’s established himself as a good pass-catching TE and red-zone target when given the chance. Plus, the Titans should be throwing more this year as I highly doubt Derrick Henry will have 360+ carries again this season. I expect Firkser to finish in the high-TE2 range at the end of the season. That’s a lot better than his ADP in the TE20 range.
Washington Football Team: Taylor Heinicke
Do you truly trust Ryan Fitzpatrick to last this whole season? He hasn’t played a full season of games since 2015. Additionally, every time he’s been handed the starting job, he tends to screw it up. Just look back to his Bills, Jets, and Bucs days. He’s an amazing partial-season starter but you need to keep him on his toes. Additionally, you can’t forget that he is 38 years old. That’s not young in the NFL. He is going to hit the wall soon and it could be this year. Meanwhile, WFT has a very capable fill-in in the form of Taylor Heinicke. He has good rushing ability and is conservative with the ball. He led the Football Team into the playoffs last year and nearly upset the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Plus, don’t forget that the team signed him to a contract extension in the off-season. He’s a great flier for your dynasty team. He might just end up becoming a QB2 by the start of next season. If he does, that’s quite a breakout.
Thank you all for reading this article! I hope I helped you with your draft, waiver claims, or put you on the path to a championship. Hit me up on Twitter at @DarthDbacks and in the largest Fantasy Football Chat on Discord under the same username. I hope this season goes excellent for you, and I’m happy to help on Twitter or Discord anytime! Let’s go win some leagues and have the best season yet! Most importantly, HAVE FUN this year. Fantasy Football is meant to be fun and to enrich our love of a great game. After all, it is just a game. The friendships and family you form along the way are what lasts.
