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FanNation’s Fantasy Football Breakouts for All 32 NFL Teams
There’s no such thing as too much information. If you play fantasy football, then you know this to be true. Fantasy football competition is fierce.
It’s all about where you go for that information. FanNation’s NFL contributors have been spending tons of time at training camps around the league, so they’re laser-focused on what teams are doing and which players have stepped up their games.
For that reason, we asked the FanNation crew to spotlight one player from every NFL team as a potential fantasy breakout this season. And if you need more fantasy prep, don’t miss SI Fantasy’s 2023 Fantasy Football Draft Kit and Michael Fabiano’s updated PPR rankings.
Let’s go!
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Fantasy breakout: RB Tony Pollard
Tony Pollard rushed for 1,007 yards and nine touchdowns last season, earning Pro Bowl honors as a backup behind Ezekiel Elliott. However, now that Elliott has moved on to the Patriots, Pollard has the starting job locked up and shouldn’t have anyone behind him with a significant number of snaps on Sundays. Pollard’s abilities as a receiver (39 receptions for 371 yards and three touchdowns) last season will also make PPR-scoring fantasy football managers hungry for him. His production in 2023 should be much higher than last season’s elite performance. – Hunter De Siver
New York Giants
Fantasy breakout: WR Jalin Hyatt
Any concerns about the Giants’ rookie third-round pick being unable to handle the entire route tree or get separation have been eradicated by his showing in training camp, including the joint practices against the Lions. Hyatt not only slices the top off a defense but also creates separation for himself, leading to larger chunks of yards after the catch. He likely won’t be the Giants’ top receiving target this season, but he’ll still be capable of some nice production for fantasy owners looking for depth on their roster. – Patricia Traina
Philadelphia Eagles
Fantasy breakout: RB Rashaad Penny
Since 2021, Rashaad Penny has led the NFL, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. However, his challenge has been his inability to stay healthy. Now, he gets a fresh chance to join the reigning NFC champions behind the NFL's best offensive line. With the Eagles ranking third in rushing attempts with 544 last season, Penny will have plenty of opportunities to emerge as a fantasy football stud this year. – Jacob Hare
Washington Commanders
Fantasy breakout: WR Jahan Dotson
With an upgrade at quarterback in Sam Howell and a new offensive system, Jahan Dotson can build on a strong rookie season. Despite missing five games and erratic quarterback play, Dotson still had 35 catches for 523 yards and led Washington with seven touchdowns. He also has the benefit of playing across from Terry McLaurin. If Dotson can stay healthy and Howell lives up to expectations, Dotson can have a breakout year. – Nathaniel Marrero
NFC North
Chicago Bears
Fantasy breakout: RB Khalil Herbert
The Bears talk about back by committee but the bulk of the work will fall in the hands of Herbert. With a 5.0 rushing average for two seasons, expect him to be a much better producer of big plays than David Montgomery was. Something around 200 or more carries wouldn’t be surprising. He has also improved as a receiver and will be on the field more than other Bears running backs. Expecting Justin Fields to “break out” is to deny last year happened. He already climbed to QB6 or QB7 in most fantasy analysis and there’s not much higher he can go. Anticipated improvement he’ll have as a passer will decrease his rushing opportunities and lower or hold his overall fantasy value close to level. – Gene Chamberlain
Detroit Lions
Fantasy breakout: WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
With Jameson Williams being suspended for the first six games, St. Brown is expected to be targeted heavily. He has performed at a very high level all throughout training camp. In fact, quarterback Jared Goff texted offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to indicate the third-year wideout was in store for a “huge year” after a throwing session out West. Find St. Brown early and make sure he is on your roster this season, especially in PPR leagues. – John Maakaron
Green Bay Packers
Fantasy breakout: TE Luke Musgrave
The obvious choice here is second-year receiver Christian Watson, who led all rookie receivers in touchdowns last season and will be the big-play threat in the offense for the Packers this year. However, let’s go for someone who is being ignored on a national level. Musgrave, a second-round pick this year, hardly put up any numbers at Oregon State but he’s big, fast and talented. He’s the No. 1 tight end by a mile, meaning he’s going to be out there for 50 snaps a game. How much do the Packers like him? He got the ball on an end-around during joint practices with the Patriots. That’s not something you see every day with a tight end. -- Bill Huber
Minnesota Vikings
Fantasy breakout: WR Jordan Addison
It would be easy to put Alexander Mattison here, but everyone knows he’s going to take on a much bigger role with Dalvin Cook gone. Instead, let’s go with Addison, the Vikings’ first-round pick out of USC. He’s lived up to the billing by putting together an extremely impressive first training camp, displaying crisp route-running, sure hands and excellent body control. Addison should see a lot of single coverage while playing alongside Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson. He looks primed for a productive rookie season. – Will Ragatz
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
Fantasy breakout: WR Mack Hollins
The Falcons have a lot of fantasy-relevant names on their offense, including running back Bijan Robinson, receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts, among others … but Hollins has been a clear standout throughout training camp, showing strong chemistry with quarterback Desmond Ridder. Hollins continued to impress in his lone preseason drive, catching two passes from Ridder. He enjoyed a breakout 2022 and, by all accounts, appears poised to keep the momentum going as Atlanta’s No. 2 wideout. – Daniel Flick
Carolina Panthers
Fantasy breakout: TE Hayden Hurst
The Panthers don’t have a true No. 1 receiver and someone must emerge as a security blanket for rookie Bryce Young. Hurst appears to be that guy. He dealt with a groin injury throughout the entire 2022 season, yet still produced 52 receptions for 414 yards and two scores. I expect a significant bump in each of those categories in 2023 in what is a very tight end friendly offense. – Schuyler Callihan
New Orleans Saints
Fantasy breakout: TE Juwan Johnson
I had trouble deciding between tight end Juwan Johnson and wide receiver Chris Olave but ultimately chose Johnson. Derek Carr plans to adopt offensive strategies similar to those Sean Payton and Drew Brees used in New Orleans. Johnson is evolving into a reliable target that will work well in the Saints' screen game and mid-range passing attack for Carr. Last season he had 42 receptions for 508 yards and seven touchdowns. Expect those numbers to climb to 60-plus receptions, 800 yards, and 10-plus scores for the fourth-year converted tight end’s breakout season. – Kyle T. Mosley
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Fantasy breakout: RB Rachaad White
With Leonard Fournette no longer taking up any of Rachaad White’s snaps, you should expect a heavy use of the second-year running back from Arizona State. White has been impressing throughout training camp and Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales has been prioritizing White during goal-line drills immensely, so expect plenty of touchdowns on Sundays from White to help add some extra fantasy points in your league. -- Logan Robinson
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Fantasy breakout: WR Michael Wilson
There are a few different options here in the desert, but none have gathered more hype than rookie receiver Michael Wilson -- and rightfully so. Wilson has garnered plenty of praise during camp and though he’s under Marquise Brown/Rondale Moore, Wilson’s 6’2” frame and consistent ability to get open could see him finish as Arizona’s WR1 and it wouldn’t be shocking. If he stays healthy, Wilson could be the steal of your draft. -- Donnie Druin
Los Angeles Rams
Fantasy Breakout: QB Matthew Stafford
After winning the Super Bowl in 2021, injuries derailed Stafford last season, limiting him to just nine games during which he threw 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Now, after the Rams spent the offseason revamping their offensive line and with Stafford fully recovered entering this year, he should be in store for a significant bounce-back this season. – Jacob Hare
San Francisco 49ers
Fantasy breakout: WR Brandon Aiyuk
Aiyuk has been the 49ers’ best offensive player in practice all offseason. He’s their best route runner, he has the largest catch radius and he has the best hand-eye coordination – he’s the total package. But until this season, he has been the fourth option in a run-first offense. This year, he appears to be the 49ers’ first option, at least in the passing game. He has almost twice as many targets in training camp as the next leading receiver, Deebo Samuel. Look for Aiyuk to have a Pro Bowl season. The only thing that can hold him back is his quarterback’s limitations. -- All 49ers
Seattle Seahawks
Fantasy breakout: RB Zach Charbonnet
The Seahawks have options at the running back position and this might be the perfect opportunity for Kenneth Walker to take the jump he needs. He'll be sharing a load of touches with Zach Charbonnet, who the team just brought in as a rookie. Charbonnet is a short-play and receiving back, so Walker facing that pressure should be able to step up. – Kade Kimble
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
Fantasy breakout: RB James Cook
The Buffalo Bills have had question marks at the running back positions. They also might have their answer to that question in James Cook. The Georgia product is headed into his second season. His ability to make big plays with the ball opens things up for the offense, and Cook will be in prime positions to be a playmaker both in the run- and pass-game. – Kade Kimble
Miami Dolphins
Fantasy breakout: WR Braxton Berrios
It’s awfully difficult to predict a fantasy breakout player for the Dolphins because the passing game once again should feature massive doses of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle (and they’re not “breakout players”) and because the running back figures to be handled by committee. But if we have to pick one player, we’ll go with Berrios, though maybe only in PPR formats because his route-running ability gives him a chance to catch a lot of the passes not going Hill or Waddle’s way, though he’s not a big-play threat and his lack of size doesn’t make him ideal for red-zone situations. — Alain Poupart
New England Patriots
Fantasy breakout: WR Demario Douglas
A sixth-round rookie out of Liberty, Douglas rose throughout the pre-draft process after lighting up practices at the East-West Shrine Bowl and posting a strong Combine performance. Douglas has been difficult to cover throughout training camp and was on the receiving end of two passes from Mac Jones in New England’s latest preseason game against the Packers. The Patriots have a history of featuring small yet explosive slot receivers, and Douglas’s playmaking skill set certainly fits the bill. – Daniel Flick
New York Jets
Fantasy breakout: WR Garrett Wilson
The 2022 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year isn’t taking anyone by surprise this draft season, but he likely hasn’t hit his statistical ceiling yet, either. Wilson totaled 1,103 yards and four touchdowns on 83 receptions as a first-year pro while working with four different quarterbacks. Now with four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers at the controls, the Jets’ WR1 will likely see his scoring opportunities increase along with an improvement on the 56.5% catch rate he posted last year. — Ralph Ventre
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Fantasy breakout: WR Zay Flowers
Zay Flowers can make an immediate impact as a rookie in the Ravens offense. Flowers has impressed throughout camp and will get to play with quarterback Lamar Jackson, receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and tight end Mark Andrews. With the attention that trio will draw from opposing defenses, Flowers will be set up for success and could be a sneaky Rookie of the Year candidate. – Nathaniel Marrero
Cincinnati Bengals
Fantasy breakout: RB Chase Brown
The rookie running back is firmly behind Joe Mixon to start the season, but he brings explosiveness and big-play ability to a backfield that desperately needed more athleticism and speed. Brown didn’t catch the ball much in college, but he has good hands and should get plenty of touches this season, even if Mixon stays healthy. – James Rapien
Cleveland Browns
Fantasy breakout: WR Elijah Moore
Not a practice has gone by in which Moore hasn’t had a highlight play. He’s been sensational since arriving in Cleveland and could end up being the No. 2 receiver in their offense. An offense in which Deshaun Watson looks far more like the player who excelled as a member of the Houston Texans. -- Browns Digest
Pittsburgh Steelers
Fantasy breakout: WR George Pickens
The easy answer is Pickens. The second-year wideout quickly became a highlight reel as a rookie and has only gotten better entering his sophomore season. With viral catches from training camp already circulating the internet, it’s hard to imagine this season ending up a bust for the former Georgia Bulldog. -- All Steelers
AFC South
Houston Texans
Fantasy breakout: RB Dameon Pierce
Pierce was Houston's main offensive catalyst last season due to their struggling air-attack. The fourth-round rookie finished with the NFL’s eighth-most rushing yards per game (72.2), fifth-most yards after contact (506) and fourth-most broken tackles (27). Now entering his sophomore year, the power back is expected to only increase those numbers. The Texans revamped their air attack this offseason, which may take away some of Pierce’s touches, but he no longer has to face the pressure of being the opponent’s sole defensive game plan. – Hunter De Siver
Indianapolis Colts
Fantasy breakout: WR Alec Pierce
Keep an eye on Pierce this season. His specialty coming into the league last year was his abilities downfield as well as in contested catch situations. With new head coach Shane Steichen bringing vertical intentions to the offense -- and quarterbacks in Anthony Richardson and Gardner Minshew who are willing to participate -- Pierce should be able to shine in 2023. Both quarterbacks have made big plays with Pierce throughout training camp, and you won't find anyone in the Colts organization who doesn't see Pierce's arrow pointing up. While I think Michael Pittman Jr. will still lead the team in receptions, it's certainly plausible that Pierce leads in receiving yards and/or receiving touchdowns. -- Jake Arthur
Jacksonville Jaguars
Fantasy breakout: QB Trevor Lawrence
Lawrence has already burst onto the scene as the Jaguars’ franchise quarterback, but this could be the year he establishes himself as a legitimate elite fantasy quarterback. Lawrence has the best weapons he has ever had and potentially one of the best skill rooms in the entire NFL after the additions of Calvin Ridley, Tank Bigsby and Brenton Strange this offseason. Ridley has looked like a true No. 1 receiver and could unlock Lawrence’s game to a level the Jaguars have never seen before, giving Lawrence legit potential to hit 5,000 passing yards. -- John Shipley
Tennessee Titans
Fantasy breakout: TE Chig Okonkwo
Now that wide receiver Treylon Burks might miss some time in September because of a knee injury, it looks like second-year tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo might become a featured target again. The former Maryland star burst on the scene as a rookie, making 32 catches for 450 yards. Don’t be surprised if he comes close to doubling those numbers in 2023. — Tom Brew
AllTitans.com
AFC West
Denver Broncos
Fantasy breakout: WR Jerry Jeudy
Jeudy is a name known to all NFL fans but since arriving as a 2020 top-15 pick, he’s failed to meet the standard some of his fellow draft classmates have established, especially Justin Jefferson. However, after dealing with injuries, an unstable QB situation and his own pro learning curve, Jeudy showed down the stretch last season what he’s truly capable of in the NFL. With Sean Payton now calling the plays in Denver, Russell Wilson is poised for a return to form, which spells big things on the horizon for Jeudy in 2023. Take it to the bank. – Chad Jensen
Kansas City Chiefs
Fantasy breakout: WR Skyy Moore
Aside from Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, the Chiefs’ high-flying offense doesn’t have many bonafide fantasy stars, and predicting the team’s top wide receiver is a challenge. If Kadarius Toney wouldn’t have suffered an injury before the first full-team training camp practice of the year, he would have been my top selection. Instead, second-year wide receiver Skyy Moore narrowly projects as K.C.’s No. 1 wide receiver in 2023. For a higher ceiling, Toney’s explosiveness is enticing. For consistency in what could be a quietly excellent year, Moore is a safer bet. -- Joshua Brisco
Las Vegas Raiders
Fantasy breakout: TE Michael Mayer | WR Jakobi Meyers
Josh McDaniels is thrilled with two breakout players in 2023. The first is Mayer, the rookie from Notre Dame, who has already shot to the top of the depth chart. The second breakout player is Meyers. He has had a sensational camp, and even though he is WR2, WR1 Davante Adams has received so much attention that Meyers is on fire, destroying the San Francisco 49ers in joint practices. – Hondo S. Carpenter Sr.
Los Angeles Chargers
Fantasy breakout: Quentin Johnston
Johnston is the Chargers top rookie after being taken in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft and thus far he is shining in training camp. He’s the early pick for the WR3 role behind their two veterans, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. It’s no secret their two top guys suffer through injuries and even though that’s the last thing we want, we can’t rule it out. An injury to one of the two guys could give Johnston the opportunity to shine even brighter. Still, even with Williams and Allen out there, Johnston will get plenty of touches and they will be long balls that could turn into touchdowns. Look out for Johnston and if he’s available between rounds 12-14, make sure you snag him. -- Ricardo Sandoval
