Fantasy Football Breakouts: Unleashing Your Team's Hidden Potential
Hello, fantasy football enthusiasts! Buckle up as we embark on an exhilarating journey to uncover the fantasy football breakouts that could make or break your 2023 season. We've scoured the depths of player stats, team dynamics, and coaching trends to bring you an insider's guide to the sleepers and late-round gems that could turn your season around. So, grab a cold one, get comfy, and let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and fantasy football breakout.
Understanding Fantasy Football Breakouts
Before we unveil our top picks, let's ensure we're on the same page about what constitutes a fantasy football breakout. A breakout is not merely about a player having a good year; it's about a playerexceeding expectations, often by a significant margin. These players are typically drafted late or even go undrafted, making them crucial for those looking to gain an edge in their leagues.
A fantasy football breakout often occurs due to a change in circumstances – a new coach, an injury opening up playing time, or a player simply refining their skills. By identifying these situations early, you can snag these potential stars before your competitors catch on. Now that we're clear on the concept, let's meet our potential fantasy football breakouts for the 2023 season!
Quarterbacks: The Unsung Heroes
Trey Lance, San Francisco 49ers
Draft Position: QB23 (according to FantasyPros)
Trey Lance has been a popular fantasy football breakout candidate since he was drafted in 2021. Now, with a full offseason under his belt and the departure of Jimmy Garoppolo, Lance is ready to take the reins in San Francisco. The 49ers' offense is primed for a resurgence, with Lance's dual-threat abilities poised to wreak havoc on opposing defenses.
Lance completed just 57.6% of his passes last season, but his 5.5% touchdown rate and 7.9 yards per attempt suggest there's plenty of room for growth. With a full offseason to develop chemistry with his receivers and a running game that will keep defenses honest, Lance could be this year's fantasy football breakout at the quarterback position.
Running Backs: Carrying the Load
Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans
Draft Position: RB32
In Houston, a new era is dawning with the arrival of head coach DeMeco Ryans and his zone-running scheme. Enter Dameon Pierce, a fourth-round pick out of Florida who could be the perfect fit for Ryans' system. Pierce is a bruising back with excellent contact balance and the agility to make defenders miss in space.
With Marlon Mack and Rex Burkhead both set to hit free agency, Pierce is poised to enter the season as the Texans' lead back. In Ryans' offense, the featured running back has seen an average of 234 touches per season over the past three years. If Pierce can win the job, he could provide significant value as a late-round fantasy football breakout.
Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Draft Position: RB36
Rachaad White was a revelation in the second half of the 2022 season, averaging 15.5 touches and 104.3 yards from scrimmage over the final five games. With Leonard Fournette now in Carolina, White is primed to take on an even larger role in Tampa Bay's offense.
White's versatility as a receiver (28 receptions in 2022) makes him an attractive option in PPR formats, and his 4.5 yards per carry suggest he has the talent to be an every-down back. As the clear-cut lead back in Tampa Bay, White has the potential to be a significant fantasy football breakout in 2023.
Wide Receivers: The Game-Changers
Skyy Moore, Denver Broncos
Draft Position: WR47
Skyy Moore was a revelation in his rookie season, catching 47 passes for 568 yards and two touchdowns despite playing with Russell Wilson at less than 100%. With Wilson now in Las Vegas and Sean Payton taking over as head coach, Moore could be set for a breakout campaign in 2023.
Payton's offense typically features a slot receiver heavily, and Moore's 5'10", 191-pound frame is perfect for the role. With Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy both set to hit free agency, Moore could enter the season as the Broncos' top wideout. If he can build chemistry with new quarterback Nathan Peterman (or whoever ends up under center), Moore has the talent to be a significant fantasy football breakout.
Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers
Draft Position: WR52
Quentin Johnston was one of the most electrifying receivers in college football last season, and he could bring that same explosiveness to the NFL. With Mike Williams now in Pittsburgh, Johnston has a clear path to significant playing time in the Chargers' offense.
Johnston's size (6'4", 208 pounds) and speed (4.44 40-yard dash) make him an ideal red-zone threat, and his 17.3 yards per reception in college suggest he has the talent to stretch the field. If Johnston can win the starting job opposite Keenan Allen, he could be a late-round fantasy football breakout with massive upside.
Tight Ends: The Unsung Heroes
*Dalton Kincaid, Atlanta Falcons
Draft Position: TE20
Dalton Kincaid was one of the most productive tight ends in college football last season, catching 70 passes for 915 yards and eight touchdowns. With Kyle Pitts struggling with injuries and the Falcons' offense in need of playmakers, Kincaid could be a significant contributor in his rookie season.
Kincaid's 6'4", 246-pound frame and 4.51 40-yard dash speed make him an ideal red-zone threat, and his 12.8 yards per reception suggest he has the talent to make plays down the field. If Kincaid can win the starting job in Atlanta, he could be a significant fantasy football breakout at the tight end position.
Final Thoughts on Fantasy Football Breakouts
There you have it, folks – our top fantasy football breakout candidates for the 2023 season. Remember, the key to success in fantasy football is finding those hidden gems that can give you an edge in your league. By targeting these players late in your draft or even snagging them off the waiver wire, you can set yourself up for a championship run.
So, keep an eye on these players throughout the offseason and into the preseason. And who knows – by the time your draft rolls around, you might just find that one of these fantasy football breakouts is the key to unlocking your team's full potential.
Happy drafting, and we'll see you on the gridiron!