8 Potential Fantasy Football Breakout Candidates (Non-Rookies)

So many fantasy football players are worried about who they will pick in the early rounds. In reality, leagues are won by drafting players whom most others are not even looking at. These late-round players can really make or break your chances of winning a fantasy football championship. 

If your league is very competitive, the difference between taking the top prize and being the laughingstock can be a small amount of points. Each season before you draft, you should identify players you think will exceed their current expectations. Below, we will look at my favorite eight potential breakout candidates who are not rookies.

Sam Howell, Washington Commanders

Howell enters his sophomore season as the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders. Howell did make one start in Week 18 last season, completing 11 of his 19 passing attempts for 169 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Additionally, he did add 35 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown for 19.26 points. While Howell has an average dynasty ranking of 32, I project him to exceed that and enter at least the top 15-20.

Furthermore, Howell has looked very comfortable this preseason and appears ready to take a step forward. His rushing upside is a nice boost, too. Howell is currently being drafted at 219 ADP, according to Fantrax. Personally, I’m projecting him to end the season with around 3,800 yards passing, 23 passing touchdowns, and 13 interceptions to go along with 450 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns (306 FanDuel fantasy points).

Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Steelers

Pickett has an excellent supporting cast and made two improvements on their offensive line by acquiring Isaac Seumalo from the Philadelphia Eagles and drafting Georgia left tackle Broderick Jones. Pickett looks significantly more at ease in the pocket and has developed more chemistry with his receiving corp. Both of which should translate well.

Now, Pickett has a current average draft position (ADP) of 143, according to Fantrax. Personally, I’m projecting Pickett to have approximately 3,500 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, 14 interceptions with 270 yards rushing, and two touchdowns (271 FanDuel fantasy points).

A.J. Dillon, Green Bay Packers

Dillon has had back-to-back solid seasons while being behind Aaron Jones, but at least statistically, he will surpass Jones this season. Dillon will hit the market following the 2023 season, so he’ll be playing for a solid payday in the offseason. It will also help that Jordan Love will be assuming the role of starting quarterback following the departure of Aaron Rodgers.

Young quarterbacks with little experience tend to have to check down more often, and Dillon is more than capable of handling that role. Dillon has a current ADP of 96, according to Fantrax. Ultimately, I have Dillon pegged for 1,100 total yards, 38 receptions, and nine total touchdowns (183 FanDuel fantasy points).

James Cook, Buffalo Bills

While the Bills did move on Devin Singletary, they signed Damien Harris, who could hinder this one, but I’m still sticking to it. Cook flashed signs of being an effective runner and receiver last year, averaging 5.7 yards per carry (YPC) and catching five or more passes on multiple occasions. It’s very possible that since Buffalo didn’t bring in another viable target, Cook’s receiving role could be increased.

Personally, I think it would be wise of Buffalo to reduce the wear and tear on Josh Allen and use Cook more. According to Fantrax, Cook has an ADP of 82. My projection for Cook is 1,300 total yards, 45 receptions, and eight total touchdowns (200.5 FanDuel fantasy points). 

Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers

Johnson had a down year last year when Pickett took over the starting quarterback role. With an entire season under their belts, he and Pickett have developed better chemistry, which will help Johnson return to numbers resembling his 2021 season. It also helps that Johnson had 18 red zone looks, which led the Steelers last season. This makes it even more odd that he ended the season with zero touchdowns.

As mentioned above, this offensive line should allow the Steelers adequate time for the plays to develop and Pickett to connect with Johnson. Johnson had a Consistency Score of 3.93 in 2022, but that should improve for us this season. Fantrax has Johnson with an ADP of 70 as of now. I have Johnson projected at 93 receptions for 950 yards and seven touchdowns (183.5 FanDuel fantasy points).

Treylon Burks, Tennessee Titans

Burks’ 2022 season was hindered by injuries that led to him missing six games. The Titans also lost their top two target leaders from 2022 in Wide Receiver Robert Woods (91 targets), and Austin Hooper (60 targets), so Burks will likely significantly increase targets.

Furthermore, a determining factor in Burks’ success will be his health. If he can stay on the field, Burks will take over the role as the WR1 in Tennessee. Burks is sitting at an ADP of 89 currently. I’m projecting Burks to end this season with 64 receptions, 950 total yards, and six touchdowns (169 FanDuel fantasy points).

Cole Turner, Washington Commanders

Turner is entering his second season, and luckily for him, the only thing possibly standing in his way from being the starting tight end is Logan “I’m made of balsa wood” Thomas. In the preseason, Turner has shown solid chemistry with second-year quarterback Sam Howell. At 6′-foot-6, Turner will provide Howell with an excellent red zone target. Turner is a last-pick flier, or a potential waiver add once Thomas does get injured (and we all know he will). I am higher on Turner than most, as I have him projected at 40 receptions, 520 receiving yards, and six touchdowns (114 FanDuel fantasy points).

Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys let Dalton Schultz go in the offseason, opening up 89 targets. I could also see the Cowboys spreading some of running back Tony Pollard’s targets around since he is now the workhorse on the ground. While I don’t feel that Ferguson will be targeted 89 times, I think he gets his fair share and has a solid season, especially for his price tag. Ferguson has a current ADP of 206, according to Fantrax. I have Ferguson projected to have 50 receptions, 475 yards, and five touchdowns (102.5 FanDuel fantasy points).

I hope you enjoyed this article. To follow me on X (Twitter), I can be found @BigEZDFS. If you want to join my free Discord room, please email or PM me on X (Twitter). Good luck with your season!

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