Top NFL Fantasy Football Breakout Players for 2024

As we head into the 2024 NFL season, fantasy football enthusiasts are on the lookout for breakout players who could provide significant value and potentially lead them to victory. I took a look at some potential under the radar, breakout stars for the upcoming season, and here is the list of players I came up with.

Quarterback: Jayden Daniels

Jayden Daniels isn’t talked about much, but the No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Commanders is poised for a standout rookie season. Daniels' college career showcased his deep passing accuracy and elite rushing ability. In his final college season, he led all FBS quarterbacks in yards per pass attempt and completed 35 of 55 deep passes for 1,347 yards and 22 touchdowns without an interception. His rushing was equally impressive, with 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns, which could translate well into fantasy points.

Daniels joins a Washington team with solid offensive weapons, including wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, and newly acquired running back Austin Ekeler. With offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, known for his work with mobile quarterbacks like Kyler Murray, Daniels has a clear path to top-10 fantasy quarterback production.

Running Back: Zamir White

Zamir White of the Las Vegas Raiders is another player with breakout potential. White finished strong last season, averaging 21 carries per game over the final four weeks. The departure of Josh Jacobs to the Green Bay Packers opens up the lead role for White. Despite the addition of Alexander Mattison, White's late-season performance and coach Antonio Pierce's run-heavy philosophy bode well for his fantasy prospects.

White's ability to handle a heavy workload and his performance as a top-10 fantasy running back in the final stretch of the previous season indicate he could be a valuable pick, especially considering his current ADP in the ninth round.

Running Back: Jonathon Brooks

Jonathon Brooks, the rookie running back for the Carolina Panthers, is another name to watch. Drafted early in the second round, Brooks enters a favorable situation with limited competition. Despite an ACL tear that ended his college season early, Brooks' talent and versatility make him a prime candidate for significant playing time.

The Panthers' coaching staff, led by Dave Canales, is enthusiastic about Brooks' potential, comparing his versatility to that of top running backs. Given his college production and the Panthers' need for a lead back, Brooks could quickly become a fantasy football asset.

Wide Receiver: Drake London

Drake London of the Atlanta Falcons has shown promise but has yet to fully break out. London's high target share in his rookie season was hampered by the Falcons' run-heavy offense and inconsistent quarterback play. With the departure of head coach Arthur Smith and the arrival of new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson from the Los Angeles Rams, London's situation improves significantly.

The addition of quarterback Kirk Cousins, known for his accuracy, and first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. should provide London with more catchable targets. London's potential for a breakout season is high, making him a valuable pick, albeit with a higher ADP.

Wide Receiver: Jayden Reed

Jayden Reed of the Green Bay Packers had a solid rookie season but still has room to grow. Despite being the third in snap share among Packers receivers, Reed led the team in yards per route run and targets per route. His efficiency suggests he could command a larger role in his second season.

With the Packers' offensive scheme likely to evolve and Reed's demonstrated ability to make plays, he could see increased playing time and targets, positioning him as a breakout candidate.

Tight End: Dalton Kincaid

Dalton Kincaid of the Buffalo Bills is set for a significant role in his second season. With the departure of wide receivers Gabe Davis and Stefon Diggs, Kincaid becomes a primary target for quarterback Josh Allen. Kincaid's rookie season saw him finish with the fourth-most receptions for a rookie tight end, and his target share increased significantly after the Bills' mid-season offensive coordinator change.

Kincaid's increased average depth of target and the Bills' need for reliable pass catchers make him a top-3 PPR (Points Per Reception) tight end candidate. His current top-5 ADP reflects his potential, but the upside makes him worth the investment.

Running Back: James Cook

James Cook of the Buffalo Bills is set for a significant breakout season in 2024. As the younger brother of established star Dalvin Cook, James has demonstrated his potential in flashes. With the departure of Devin Singletary and Stefon Diggs in the passing game, Cook now has a clear path to becoming the primary running back in Buffalo's offense. Known for his versatility, Cook excels in both rushing and receiving roles, making him particularly valuable in PPR (Points Per Reception) leagues. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield enhances the appeal, providing fantasy managers with a dual-threat asset capable of producing consistent fantasy points. Cook's combination of talent, opportunity, and offensive environment positions him as a must-watch player this season.

Wide Receiver: Jahan Dotson

Jahan Dotson of the Washington Commanders had a promising rookie season, and with the dynamic Jayden Daniels now at quarterback, Dotson’s prospects look even brighter for 2024. Dotson has displayed exceptional route-running skills and a natural knack for finding the end zone. As the Commanders' offense stabilizes with more consistent quarterback play, Dotson is poised to see an increase in targets and production. This increased opportunity positions him as a potential WR2 with significant upside, making him a valuable pick for fantasy managers looking for a breakout wide receiver.

Running Back: Rachaad White

Rachaad White of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers steps into the lead running back role and brings a dual-threat capability as both a rusher and receiver. His versatility makes him particularly appealing in PPR formats, where his ability to catch passes out of the backfield will add to his fantasy value. With the Buccaneers' offense likely to lean on his skills, White is set for ample opportunity to shine and become a key contributor in fantasy football.

Tight End: Greg Dulcich

Greg Dulcich of the Denver Broncos is set for a breakout year under head coach Sean Payton. Dulcich displayed promise as a rookie, showing his athleticism and ability to stretch the field. Payton, known for effectively utilizing tight ends, is expected to expand Dulcich's role in the offense. This increased involvement, coupled with Dulcich's natural talent, positions him as a high-upside pick at a position that often lacks depth. Fantasy managers looking for a breakout tight end should keep a close eye on Dulcich this season.

Conclusion

The 2024 NFL season promises exciting opportunities for fantasy football managers. All these guys possess the potential to exceed expectations and become key contributors to fantasy teams. Their respective situations, combined with their talent and opportunity, make them breakout candidates worth considering in your drafts at some point.

Investing in these players could provide the edge needed to secure a championship and that is the goal after all. As always, keeping an eye on preseason developments and adjusting your draft strategy accordingly will be crucial. Happy drafting!