Looking to dominate your fantasy football league in 2024? We’ve got you covered with breakout candidates from all 32 NFL teams. FantasyPros experts Pat Fitzmaurice, Andrew Erickson, Derek Brown, and Ryan Wormeli share their top picks, offering in-depth insights and actionable advice to help you make the most of your draft. Whether you’re looking for a sleeper or the next big star, these analysts have pinpointed the players poised to exceed expectations this season.

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Breakout Fantasy Football Players from Each Team

AFC East

Dalton Kincaid (TE – BUF)

We’re all expecting second-year improvement from Dalton Kincaid — especially in the TD category after Kincaid reached the end zone only twice as a rookie. But Kincaid had 73 catches last year, so you could argue that we’ve already seen the breakout. I’m optimistic about a true breakout from third-year WR Khalil Shakir, who’s in line for a much bigger role in Buffalo following the departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. Shakir drew only 45 targets during the 2023 regular season but was highly efficient, averaging 15.7 yards per catch and 13.6 yards per target. He got a postseason bump in usage and had a touchdown catch in each of the Bills’ two playoff games. Shakir had a team-high nine targets and seven receptions in the divisional-round loss to the Chiefs. Curtis Samuel and rookie Keon Coleman will be prominently involved, too, but Shakir could very well be the Bills’ top receiver. — Pat Fitzmaurice

De’Von Achane (RB – MIA)

Achane can take over as the leadback for Miami this year. If he does, it will be glorious. The coaching staff has been praising him throughout camp. In the eight games he played at least 41% of the snaps, Achane averaged 14.2 touches and 113.8 total yards. With Achane’s explosive playmaking ability, he doesn’t need 18-20 touches per game to crush. Last year, he ranked first in explosive run rate, third in missed tackles forced per attempt, and second in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). Prepare yourself. The breakout is coming. – DBro

Javon Baker (WR – NE)

Even though the Patriots drafted Washington’s Ja’Lynn Polk two rounds ahead of Javon Baker, the 4th-rounder offers a much higher ceiling as a potential alpha in New England’s passing game. He has off-the-charts dog levels. Baker finished fourth in targets and third in receptions of 20-plus air yards in 2023. The only other WRs in the class to do so? The consensus top-four (Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze, Brian Thomas Jr., and Malik Nabers) were all selected in Round 1. If Baker can outduel Polk in training camp (who at times struggled to stand out at Washington), the second WR they drafted this season could emerge as the Pats No. 1 WR in 2024. So far through training camp, Baker has flashed his high ceiling. – Erickson

Garrett Wilson (WR – NYJ)

Garrett Wilson “earned” a 58% catchable target rate which ranked 48th out of 57 qualifying WRs with at least 75 targets last season. But Zach Wilson is gone. Aaron Rodgers is healthy. And that’s why we should expect a full-fledged Year 3 face-melting breakout for Wilson in Year 3. Wilson is also a clear positive TD regression candidate. When you catch 90-plus balls and go for nearly 1100 yards (on nearly 170 targets), you should be scoring more than three or four TDs. Wilson has barely scratched the surface of his potential after finishing inside the top 26 WRs the last 2 seasons. – Erickson

AFC North

Rashod Bateman (WR – BAL)

It’s hard to tell whether Zay Flowers will be able to beat his rookie-year stat line (77-858-5) if TE Mark Andrews stays healthier than he did last year. I’m more intrigued by the possibility of at least a mild breakout from Rashod Bateman, a former first-round pick who’s been thwarted by injuries throughout his first three NFL seasons. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has been talking up Bateman as “a top receiver in the league.” That may well be hyperbole, but Harbaugh’s enthusiasm for a player who’s largely being ignored in fantasy drafts is noteworthy. — Pat Fitzmaurice

Chase Brown (RB – CIN)

Second-year RB Chase Brown is primed for a breakout in 2024. He showcased his abilities as a rookie, demonstrating his versatility as both a rusher and a receiver alongside a healthy Joe Mixon. Even with a hamstring injury sidelining him in October, he proved his worth and earned opportunities on the field. And he was running routes, which we love for RBs in PPR formats. One notable aspect in Brown’s favor is his explosiveness, evident in his impressive ball carrier speed on a 54-yard touchdown reception, as documented by NFL’s Next Gen Stats. During OTAs, Brown drew rave reviews from his QB/HC with his pass-catching prowess. He then took the majority of 1st-team reps during the start of training camp while being praised for his immense consistency by Zac Taylor. I think Brown wins the Bengals’ RB1 job over journeyman RB Zack Moss (despite what the Bengals’ preseason depth chart might suggest). – Erickson

Jerome Ford (RB – CLE)

Jerome Ford quietly churned out 1,132 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns for the Browns last year after Nick Chubb sustained a gruesome knee injury early in the season. Chubb might not be ready for the start of the season and will undoubtedly be eased back into action, with Ford destined to get ample work in the first half of the regular season and perhaps beyond. He’ll be operating behind one of the better offensive lines in the league, and Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is devoted to the running game. — Pat Fitzmaurice

Pat Freiermuth (TE – PIT)

The Steelers are thin at wide receiver, and new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is a former tight ends coach who used his TEs heavily in Atlanta last season. Falcons TEs combined for 174 targets, 114 catches, 1,380 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023. Pat Freiermuth is far and away the best pass-catching tight end on the Steelers’ roster. He’s extremely affordable in 2024 fantasy drafts and looks like a terrific value. — Pat Fitzmaurice

AFC South

Tank Dell (WR – HOU)

As a rookie, Tank Dell posted an identical air yards share to Nico Collins at 31% while falling just short in target share at 21%. The undersized WR posted over 1,000 air yards in just 10 games played. In those games, Dell posted again a 21% target share, 33% air yards share and 14.2 points per game (9th). In the 8 games Collins and Dell played together – each missed a game with injury – the production was nearly identical. 13.9 points per game for Collins and 14 points per game for Dell. But Dell out-gained Collins in yards over their last four contests together. The discounted Texan posted higher rates of top-12 and top-24 finishes (equal in raw finishes). Collins will be drafted AHEAD of Dell in every draft this year. I like the value of taking the rookie breakout LATER come 2024, presuming he is 100% healthy coming off a broken fibula and gunshot flesh wound. C.J. Stoud absolutely loves Dell; he convinced the front office to draft the Houston product back during the 2023 NFL Draft. And more recently, Stroud selected Dell in his ‘Perfect Offense’ as his slot WR, while opting to leave both Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs off the roster. Sure, Dell might have “broken out” during his rookie year. But the injury-shortened season held him back from his true upside potential. Year 2, Watch out. – Erickson

Anthony Richardson (QB – IND)

Please, please, PLEASE let us get a full season of good health for Anthony Richardson. There were only two games last season that Richardson started and finished, and he scored 21.9 and 29.6 fantasy points in those two games. Josh Allen led all quarterbacks in fantasy scoring last year, and Anthony Richardson averaged 19.4% more fantasy points per snap than Allen did last year. A dynamic runner and underrated passer playing in offensive guru Shane Steichen’s offense has the potential to be fantasy gold. — Pat Fitzmaurice

Trevor Lawrence (QB – JAC)

Calvin Ridley and Zay Jones combined for 200 targets last season. Considering Gabe Davis has never commanded 100 targets in a single season, rookie Brian Thomas is looking at close to at least 100-plus targets in the Jaguars offense. That’s a very encouraging benchmark for a rookie WR – given every rookie in the last few years to hit that threshold has drastically exceeded expectations and finished at least top-4 in receiving yards among rookie WRs. I fully expected BTJ to take over the Calvin Ridley role, who was miscast as a field stretcher last season. That role was salivating for fantasy purposes: 1800-plus air yards, 23% target share, 36% air yards share, NFL leader in end zone targets, and WR10 expected points per game. – Erickson

Tyjae Spears (RB – TEN)

Spears and Tony Pollard could work in tandem this year, but there is no clear lead back. That might cap Spears’ ceiling if it continues all season, but don’t rule out him taking over as the frontrunner in this backfield. Spears is one of the most talented backs in the league. Last year, he ranked fifth in explosive run rate and 14th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). He proved that he can be a three-down explosive play monster as well, ranking seventh in target share, 10th in TPRR, and 17th in YPRR. Spears should outplay his ADP, but a “true breakout” could easily happen in 2024, making him a monster value in drafts. -DBro

AFC West

Jaleel McLaughlin (RB – DEN)

The McLaughlin train is full steam ahead. One of the first players in the building in Denver every day. Sean Payton has praised him all offseason. He can take control of the passing down back role in this offense this season and blow away consensus expectations. Among all running backs with at least 50 rushing attempts or 20 targets, McLaughlin ranked 14th in explosive run rate, fifth in missed tackles forced per attempt, fourth in yards after contact per attempt, and fourth in yards per route run. Nothing is stopping this train all season. – DBro

Xavier Worthy (WR – KC)

There aren’t many key contributors to the Kansas City offense who haven’t had a breakout season already, so first-round draft pick Xavier Worthy is an easy choice. Worthy broke the combine record with a 4.21 in the 40-yard dash, and Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is just the man to leverage that sort of exotic speed. But Worthy is more than just a sprinter. He had 62 catches, 981 yards and 12 TD catches for a big-time University of Texas program as an 18-year-old true freshman. It seems inevitable that Worthy and Patrick Mahomes will connect for a bunch of big plays this year.

Brock Bowers (TE – LV)

You’re going to fade one of the best TE prospects to ever enter the NFL after a season in which a rookie, Sam LaPorta, led all tight ends in fantasy scoring? Bowers had 882 receiving yards and 13 TD catches for a national championship-winning Georgia team as an 18-year-old freshman, then won the John Mackey Award as the best tight end in the country as a sophomore and junior before going pro. Bowers is fast, has great hands, consistently gets open against both man and zone, is a beast after the catch, and can line up anywhere in the formation. Avoiding the mega-talented Bowers because you’re scared of the Raiders’ QB situation could be a missed opportunity. — Pat Fitzmaurice

Kimani Vidal (RB – LAC)

Kimani Vidal was only a sixth-round draft pick, but he could quickly ascend a Chargers RB depth chart headlined by early-down plodder Gus Edwards and the oft-injured J.K. Dobbins. Troy University’s all-time leading rusher, Vidal had 2,793 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns over his final two college seasons. He’s a 5-7 1/2 -inch, 213-pound bowling ball with surprising power and contact balance. Vidal has 4.46 speed and a Relative Athletic Score of 8.81. He’s a great way to spend a late-round pick in a fantasy draft. — Pat Fitzmaurice

NFC East

Rico Dowdle (RB – DAL)

Remains to be seen whether Rico Dowdle can usurp Ezekiel Elliott as the Dallas RB1, but the early training camp reports have been glowing about the 5th-year RB. He’s looked explosive, and the team knows that he can offer more juice than Zeke. Dowdle was ninth in yards per touch and 18th in juke rate last season. Now it’s just a matter of getting those red-zone touches over Elliott. So far, throughout the summer, Dowdle has gotten extensive looks in high-leverage situations, per the Athletic. – Erickson

Malik Nabers (WR – NYG)

The sixth overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft has been tearing it up in training camp and looks like a future star — and it’s quite possible the future is now. Nabers is a shifty route runner and is absolutely sensational after the catch. Don’t fade him just because you don’t like the Giants’ QB situation. Daniel Jones is capable of throwing a spiral into Nabers’ area code. Take advantage and buy Malik Nabers at what could be the most affordable price he’ll ever have. — Pat Fitzmaurice

Johnny Wilson (WR – PHI)

Wilson has been pushing for the WR3 role in this offense in camp. He could easily seize this lucrative role for 2024. While it might not equate to weekly value, the contingent upside is massive. Philly should push the pace this season with Kellen Moore at the helm, and we could finally see them lean into the passing volume. Wilson has massive talent, just waiting to be unleashed. He ranked fourth in yards per route run and 25th in PFF receiving grade in 2022 (per PFF). If he can insert himself into the starting lineup, don’t be shocked if he pushes Dallas Goedert weekly as the third option in the target pecking order. – DBro

Jayden Daniels (QB – WAS)

Jayden Daniels SZN is ready for liftoff. We know about Daniels’ rushing ability and Kliff Kingsbury’s propensity to push the pace, so we don’t have to discuss his legs or this offense’s play volume. We do need to discuss his passing acumen, though. Last year, he ranked in the top six in passing grade, adjusted completion rate, yards per attempt, and deep adjusted completion rate (per PFF). If Daniels hits the ground running as a passer, he carries top-five fantasy quarterback upside for 2024. – DBro

NFC North

Roschon Johnson (RB – CHI)

I can’t help but think the best fantasy value in the Chicago backfield is second-year RB Roschon Johnson, who should/could emerge as the primary receiving back/third-down RB for the Bears with his excellent pass-blocking chops. The only rookie RB who had more pass-blocking snaps than Johnson last season was Tyjae Spears (who played two more games). I like the chances of Johnson at 219 pounds to be the Bears’ goal-line back in 2024 – an easy access point to fantasy production. D’Andre Swift has been an afterthought as a red-zone rusher on his last TWO teams, but his backfield teammates between Jamaal Williams and Jalen Hurts have averaged 16 rushing TDs. And typically…second-year RBs that fail to fire as rookies are the best bets to see BOOMs in value the following season. – Erickson

Jameson Williams (WR – DET)

Admittedly, Jameson Williams will probably be a more valuable asset in best-ball leagues than in dynasty leagues. WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, TE Sam LaPorta and RB Jahmyr Gibbs are destined to combine for a high percentage of the Lions’ targets. But Williams is an explosive big-play threat who has little competition for snaps among Detroit’s outside receivers. Lions head coach Dan Campbell has talked up Williams during the offseason, and we could see a breakout from the former University of Alabama star in his third NFL season. — Pat Fitzmaurice

Christian Watson (WR – GB)

I know you might be tired of hearing this, but it is again Christian Watson SZN. All we need is for his problematic hamstrings to cooperate, and we’ll get the season we were hoping for from Watson last year in 2024. In Weeks 5-13, Watson led the team in target share (17.7%), air-yard share (36.7%), YPRR (1.79), end zone targets (14), first-read share (22.3%), and FD/RR (0.081, per Fantasy Points Data). Watson is Green Bay’s WR1. – DBro

J.J. McCarthy (QB – MIN)

The McCarthy haters are going to cry themselves to sleep every night once he starts games in Minnesota. I don’t envision this to happen until after their bye, as their opening set of games is against brutal defenses. Once he is under center, though, I expect him to flash big-time upside quickly. In his final collegiate season, he ranked top-12 in passing grade, adjusted completion rate, yards per attempt, deep adjusted completion rate, and completion rate against pressure (per PFF). With a brilliant offensive mind in Kevin O’Connell nurturing him, McCarthy will wow people in 2024. – DBro

NFC South

Drake London (WR – ATL)

Despite being the only credible wide receiver on the Falcons’ roster last season, London finished 29th in the league in targets with 110 and tied for WR36 in PPR scoring. Blame it on lousy QB play and the curious playcalling of former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith. Atlanta dramatically improved the QB position by signing Kirk Cousins and drafting Michael Penix, and Smith was fired at the end of the 2023 season. The eighth overall pick of the 2022 draft, London has a clear runway and should finally take off this year. — Pat Fitzmaurice

Jonathon Brooks (RB – CAR)

Jonathon Brooks tore his ACL last November and was still the first running back selected in this year’s NFL Draft, and the Panthers traded up to get him. Brooks is an explosive runner with the sort of pass-catching ability fantasy managers covet. He might not make substantial fantasy contributions early in the season, with the Panthers likely to give him the kid-gloves treatment coming off his knee injury, but Brooks could start to assume a substantial role later in the year, just as we get into the most critical portion of the fantasy schedule. — Pat Fitzmaurice

Chris Olave (WR – NO)

Chris Olave is poised for a breakout season in 2024. With a 25% target share and 40% air yards share, he amassed over 1,800 air yards, ranking 8th in the NFL in 2023. He was 10th in targets per snap, and post-bye week in 2023, his catchable target rate soared to 89%, boosting his PPG to 12.7 (WR16). His Year 2 chemistry with Derek Carr and the addition of OC Klint Kubiak from the Kyle Shanahan scheme suggest more motion and play action, which bodes well for Olave. Ranking 3rd in yards per route run while in motion in 2023, Olave has the potential to leap from good to great in Year 3, aiming for a top-10 WR finish. His steady improvement, from WR25 as a rookie to WR19 in Year 2, coupled with the Saints’ favorable schedule, underscores his breakout potential. – Erickson

Jalen McMillan (WR – TB)

A third-round pick from the University of Washington, McMillan has reportedly been a revelation in training camp, wowing observers on a daily basis. McMillan is developing strong chemistry with QB Baker Mayfield and seems destined to open the season as the Bucs’ No. 3 receiver behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. It’s worth noting that before he ran into injury problems in his final college season, McMillan had more receptions and touchdowns than teammate Rome Odunze (a top-10 draft pick this year) in 2022. — Pat Fitzmaurice

NFC West

Trey McBride (TE – ARI)

McBride was on a tear at the end of last year, and I fully expect him to pick up right where he left off. In Weeks 8-18, among tight ends, he ranked first in weighted opportunity and target share, fourth in YPRR and missed tackles forced, and fifth in PFF receiving grade. If you extrapolate that ten-game sample over a full season, McBride would have finished with 144 targets, 112 receptions, and 1,114 receiving yards. McBride has TE1 overall upside this season. – DBro

Demarcus Robinson (WR – LAR)

If Robinson can build upon last season’s stretch run, he’s in line for the best season of his career. In Weeks 13-18, he went on a tear ranking (among 109 qualifying receivers), 36th in YPRR, 28th in FD/RR, and 26th in fantasy points per route run. In those six weeks, Robinson was the WR31 in fantasy points per game. I don’t usually talk about a wide receiver “breaking out” in his age-30 season, but Robinson could be that outlier. – DBro

Ricky Pearsall (WR – SF)

Pearsall could easily get squeezed for playing time and volume in year one, but he’s one injury or Brandon Aiyuk trade away from being an exquisite value. Pearsall became one of my favorite players during the NFL Draft cycle. His film was fantastic as he oozes high-end route running prowess with the athleticism to stretch the field. In his final season at Florida, he finished in the 89th percentile in receiving grade, the 91st percentile in receiving grade against single coverage, and the 90th percentile in separation percentage. Pearsall could be a player who is dropped to waivers by Week 4, but the upside is there for him to crush as well in his rookie season. – DBro

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR – SEA)

In his first season, JSN managed 63 receptions from 93 targets (17.5% target share), totaling 628 yards. Smith-Njigba only scored 4 touchdowns, resulting in lackluster efficiency in PPG as the WR48 overall. But it shouldn’t be forgotten that the former 1st-rounder suffered a wrist injury that contributed to his slow start. He started to hit his stride after Week 6, where he averaged 8.2 points per game. But still, over this span, his route participation (74%, 50th, and 64% snap share) and high-end target competition between Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf made it tough for JSN to produce. With more opportunities in 2024 at just 22 years old, Smith-Njigba is a cheap and easy breakout candidate if he can overtake one of the other Seattle WRs (most likely Lockett). He flashed his YAC-ability as a short underneath target, with the 12th-highest YAC/reception (5.9) in 2023. And when he was on the field, his targets/snaps were nearly identical to his two teammates. So far this offseason, the Seahawks’ training camp drum beat has been loud for JSN experiencing a true second-year breakout under new OC Ryan Grubb.- Erickson

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