Every fantasy football season delivers a few players who go from “interesting sleeper” to “why didn’t I draft this guy everywhere?” Identifying those breakouts before the rest of your league catches on is one of the easiest ways to gain an edge on draft day.
We asked our Featured Pros to highlight early breakout candidates for 2026, broken down by running backs, wide receivers, and the quarterback/tight end group. Some are trendy names already climbing draft boards. Others might still be flying under the radar… for now.
Here are the players our experts believe could be this year’s “I swear I meant to draft him” stars.
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- NFL Team Needs: 2026 NFL Draft & Free Agency Targets
Early Fantasy Football Breakout Candidates
Running Backs
What RB has the best shot of having a breakout year this season and why?
Bhayshul Tuten (RB – JAC)
“Travis Etienne‘s departure clears the path for a breakout for Jaguars RB Bhayshul Tuten. He was an exciting prospect, excelling in key metrics like yards after contact and missed tackles forced per attempt at Virginia Tech. And he flashed at times as a rookie last year. Most importantly, HC Liam Coen returns to lead Jacksonville’s offense. Over the past two seasons, he’s orchestrated a big rookie season from Bucky Irving in Tampa Bay and then a rebound season from Etienne. Tuten is next in line to benefit from Coen’s top-notch scheme.”
– Jared Smola (Draft Sharks)
“Bhayshul Tuten can have a breakout sophomore campaign. The Saints signed Travis Etienne to a hefty contract, and the Jaguars didn’t add any of the top free agents at the position. Instead, they made the modest addition of Chris Rodriguez, but Tuten is positioned to lead Jacksonville’s backfield. Tuten didn’t light up the NFL in his rookie season, but among 65 running backs with at least 50 rush attempts in the 2025 regular season and playoffs, Tuten was third in success rate (59.8%) and fifth in stuff rate (37.9%), per the Fantasy Points data suite. His short-yardage prowess bodes well for his goal-line and touchdown outlook, and he should see a sizable uptick in rushing work between the 20s after Etienne’s departure.”
– Josh Shepardson (FantasyPros)
“Bhayshul Tuten. The Jaguars let veteran RB Travis Etienne walk in free agency, and while they signed between-the-tackles grinder Chris Rodriguez on Tuesday and might add another RB in the draft, Tuten figures to play a larger role in 2026 after averaging 6.2 touches a game as a rookie. Tuten has 4.32 speed and doesn’t go down easily. He averaged 3.31 yards after contact per attempt last season, which ranked 13th among RBs with at least 70 carries. Liam Coen has been a rainmaker for RBs recently, presiding over a breakout season for Bucky Irving as the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator in 2024 and helping orchestrate a big season for Etienne in 2025. Tuten could be the next RB to pop in Coen’s system.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
“Bhayshul Tuten is one of the running backs with a legitimate breakout path in 2026. Travis Etienne is now in New Orleans, and the only addition to the backfield has been Chris Rodriguez, a physical depth option who profiles more as a complementary runner than a workload threat. Tuten’s rookie efficiency was quietly strong despite heavy short-yardage usage, posting an 81% success rate in those situations while finishing 5th in rushing success rate, 11th in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 17th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasypoints data). We also saw the upside flash in the playoffs when he ripped off consecutive runs of 20, 14, and 13 yards. If his role expands in Year 2, the underlying efficiency profile suggests the explosive production could and should follow.”
– James Emrick-Wilson (The Armchair Sports Corner)
“The easy candidate here is Bhayshul Tuten. Last year, on a per-touch basis, he was amazing, ranking fifth in rushing success rate, 11th in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 17th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). Tuten will have to contend with Chris Rodriguez for early down work, but I still think he will see 60-65% of the opportunities in this backfield. If that happens, he is a top 15 back in 2026 with RB1 upside.”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)
Omarion Hampton (RB – LAC)
“Omarion Hampton was dominant in college and showed flashes throughout an injury-marred rookie season. Now healthy and without Najee Harris in town to steal touches (while still having a solid RB2 in Kimani Vidal to keep him fresh), he should see the lion’s share of touches all year. New OC Mike McDaniel made his name with run-game design, bringing the scheme into the new age. Alec Ingold, Charlie Kolar, and Tyler Biadasz boost the run game massively, bringing competence and more 12 personnel to the front. Hampton has legitimate RB1 potential next to Justin Herbert and Co.!”
– Joseph Harlow (Fantasy In Frames)
“It’s Omarion Hampton szn in 2026. This is quite possibly the easiest call in fantasy at the moment, and here’s why. First, Mike McDaniel is a run-scheme savant who successfully utilized not only De’Von Achane in Miami but also Ollie Gordon. We know John Harbaugh loves a run-first approach, and the Chargers have leaned into this during free agency, signing a top center in Tyler Biadasz and a guard from Miami in Cole Strange; re-signing swing tackle/guard Trevor Penning; and inking big bodies in TE Charlie Kolar and FB Alec Ingold. The focus is on blocking and the play-action passing game. But for Herbert to see success once again in this system, Hampton will be the focal point in the run game and earn a good portion of checkdown work. While he will split some of the backfield, he’ll be the 1A and goal line back on the offense most likely to bounce back from a year ago.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)
“Omarion Hampton was starting to pick up steam until a serious ankle injury in Week 5 forced him onto the IR for 7 weeks. He was also missing both of his left tackles and had one of the worst offensive lines in the league. The offensive line gets back huge pieces and has added more this offseason. The addition of Mike McDaniel, a fullback and a great blocking tight end. Love Hampton’s outlook for 2026.”
– David Heilman (Dynasty Trade Calculator)
“Omarion Hampton has one of the best chances for a Year 2 breakout with the Chargers. The addition of OC Mike McDaniel’s run scheme and a healthier offensive line could help propel Hampton into superstardom. As a rookie, he flashed efficiency with six double-digit fantasy games in just nine contests. With a larger workload expected, Hampton has a clear path to finishing as an RB1 in 2026.”
– Steven Pintado (QB List)
“Omarion Hampton finished his rookie season as RB16 in PPG in 9 games played, but he suffered from a tough situation. The Chargers were gutted by injuries on their offensive line and to their starting QB. The rookie RB dealt with his own injuries as well. But Hampton flashed enough upside to be worth buying into as a fantasy RB1 breakout behind a healthier/revamped OL in 2026 with Mike McDaniel stepping in as the Chargers’ new offensive coordinator. The former UNC product played four games with a 79% plus snap share, averaging 17.5 PPG. The Bolts RB received bell-cow level usage, averaging 17.3 touches per game (tied for top-12 at the position). Also played four games with five or more catches (7th in receptions per game at 3.6). PFF ranked him as the 8th-best graded rusher, finishing 11th in yards after contact per attempt (3.34).”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
Ashton Jeanty (RB – LV)
“Ashton Jeanty every day of the week, and twice on Sunday. While Jeanty’s 2025 was disappointing, the signs are there that 2026 will be the year Jeanty comes good for Las Vegas. One, Klint Kubiak coming in to lead a new, dynamic offense, will help get Jeanty more opportunities to contribute. Two, the Raiders are addressing the glaring weaknesses of their offensive line this offseason, having spent record dollars to sign C Tyler Linderbaum from Baltimore. Three, the Raiders will be drafting Fernando Mendoza to be their next franchise quarterback, and the Raiders will have to lean on their run game to help get Mendoza comfortable. The combination of improved offensive line and quarterback play will surely give Jeanty the platform required to have a monster second season in 2026.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
Kyle Monangai (RB – CHI)
“Kyle Monangai – The Chicago Bears are yet to make any additions to their running back room this offseason, and the draft seems an unlikely place for them to make a big swing either, with this maligned running back class. Monangi had 783 rushing yards in his rookie year, averaging 4.63 yards per carry and a respectable 4.1 explosive run rate. Last year, he saw 169 attempts, 54 fewer than D’Andre Swift. In his second year, he should have every opportunity to gain a bigger slice of the pie.”
– Tom Strachan (NFL Best Ball)
Tyler Allgeier (RB – ARI)
“Tyler Allgeier came into the league with a 1,000-yard season in 2022. Then, Atlanta drafted Bijan Robinson, and for the last three years, Allgeier has been a solid backup to Robinson. There was excitement for him going into free agency after his 8-touchdown season in 2025. Then, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals to play alongside James Connor and Trey Benson. Many owners don’t like this landing spot for him, but he could surprise, as Connor will be 31 years old in season, and Benson has been inconsistent and hurt during his NFL career. Allgeier might take a month or so to take over this role, but by mid-season, it should be his backfield to lead.”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)
Wide Receivers
What WR has the best shot of having a breakout year this season and why?
Luther Burden III (WR – CHI)
“Bears WR Luther Burden isn’t sneaking up on anyone. But I’m not sure fantasy players understand how high his ceiling climbs. Burden never captured enough playing time to be a reliable fantasy option last year. But his per-route efficiency was off the charts. Burden joined Odell Beckham, A.J. Brown, and Justin Jefferson as the only rookie WRs to average 2.6+ yards per route on 50+ targets over the last 20 seasons. Nice company. The departure of WR D.J. Moore, who led Chicago WRs in snaps last year, ensures a full-time role for Burden in 2026. And that gives him WR1 upside in an ascending Bears offense.”
– Jared Smola (Draft Sharks)
“It’s low-hanging fruit, but it’s Luther Burden. Yards per route run among WRS last season via PFF. with a minimum of 40 targets. Puka Nacua 3.71, Jaxon Smith-Njigba 3.62, and Luther Burden 2.69. He had a great finish to the season and was the Bears’ best wide receiver in the second half of the season, by far. D.J. Moore is out of town, and opportunities will only increase for Burden in 2026.”
– David Heilman (Dynasty Trade Calculator)
“Gotta be Luther Burden III for the Chicago Bears. Burden showed out in the second half of his rookie season, and that growth is expected to continue into Year 2 under HC Ben Johnson. Burden finished the season (combined regular and postseason) 7th in Yards per route run (2.34). With DJ Moore jettisoned to Buffalo, Burden is a realistic candidate to lead the Bears in all receiving categories for 2026.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
Rome Odunze (WR – CHI)
“The most popular (and a more than reasonable) WR breakout pick for the Bears will be Luther Burden III now that DJ Moore is out of Chicago. However, Rome Odunze projects to be WR1 for the Bears with his all-around skillset and connection with Caleb Williams. Through 7 games, Odunze was on pace for 75/1150/10. He mostly fell off after this point, battling through injuries. Moore’s vacancy opens up 5 targets/game, many of which can go to Odunze. While not a burner, he has 3-level skills and can become a safety net and contested ball winner for Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson. If healthy, Odunze will look to build off of two solid seasons.”
– Joseph Harlow (Fantasy In Frames)
“Rome Odunze has a strong case to be one of the wide receivers who break out in 2026. Before a foot injury began appearing on the report around Week 9 last season, Odunze was operating as a clear focal point in the Bears’ offense. From Weeks 1-8, he commanded a 23.9% target share with 15.8 expected fantasy points per game and 2.21 Yards per route run, ranking top-20 among wide receivers in each category while averaging 67.6 receiving yards per game. Once the injury surfaced, his efficiency and separation cratered, which dragged down the overall production. With Chicago trading DJ Moore and Odunze now positioned as the primary perimeter option, a fully healthy Year 3 sets up a strong breakout case.”
– James Emrick-Wilson (The Armchair Sports Corner)
“Many may point to other Bears receivers, but Rome Odunze is the one I’m targeting. Odunze has fallen into the “what have you done for me lately” trap, but he was on the verge of a breakout last season. Through his first seven games, Odunze posted double-digit fantasy points in five contests and led the team with 56 targets at the time. If not for a heel injury in Week 9 and another later in the season, he might be the player everyone is hyping up right now.”
– Steven Pintado (QB List)
Matthew Golden (WR – GB)
“Matthew Golden played often for the Green Bay Packers to start his NFL career, only for his play time to be slashed upon the return of Christian Watson to the Packers offense. Now, with a full year of experience under his belt, Golden should see the field often for the Packers in 2026. Romeo Doubs, who led all of the Packers’ WRs in total snaps in 2025, is now a member of the New England Patriots. Getting Golden ready to take over a large percentage of those snaps will be a priority for Green Bay, which will need him to contribute. Taking a stab at Golden, a young receiver in a good offense with a clear pathway to playing time, should be on every fantasy manager’s to-do list during fantasy draft season.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
Emeka Egbuka (WR – TB)
“From Weeks 1 to 9, Emeka Egbuka was lighting up the league, starting his NFL career hot. Egbuka saw a 23% target share, had 562 receiving yards, five touchdowns, and was averaging the 12th most fantasy points among wide receivers. Unfortunately, Egbuka scored only one more touchdown after that and ranked WR23 the rest of the way, below the likes of Adonai Mitchell and Jerry Jeudy. Egbuka hit the rookie wall, something we used to commonly associate with rookies, but lately, the theories dropped by the wayside. With no Mike Evans and a year more of experience, Egbuka should have every opportunity to ascend to a top-12 wide receiver in 2026.”
– Tom Strachan (NFL Best Ball)
Alec Pierce (WR – IND)
“You can’t make me hate Alec Pierce; $29 million per season is totally deserved given his versatile role and reliability for the Colts over the past 2 seasons. We know Pierce really broke out last season, but in 15 games, he was only the PPR WR28. Part of that, however, was due to an offense in flux due to injuries to Daniel Jones and key members of the defense that saw Indy fall off the playoff map in the second half of the season after leading the league in the first half. And although Philip Rivers was serviceable (and Pierce thrived with him), Daniel Jones is clearly more versatile at this stage. But Pierce has connected with many QBs over his first few seasons in the league. He’s made Anthony Richardson look good (which is hard to do), and he caught Riley Leonard‘s only 2 career TDs in week 18. He’s a gamer with the second-highest average depth of target (aDOT) in the league, who also had the 11th most unrealized air yards in 2025. With more stable QB play likely incoming, a fat contract and an ascending skill base, Pierce could approach backend WR1 production in 2026.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)
Christian Watson (WR – GB)
“Christian Watson was the WR30 in half-PPR points per game (10.3) as a rookie in 2022 and the WR17 in half-PPR points per game (11.5) in 2025. However, he was just the WR42 in half-PPR total points (114.9) in 2025 because he missed Green Bay’s first six games while recovering from reconstructive knee surgery. The speedy wideout should have a true breakout season in 2026. Among 91 wide receivers with at least 250 routes last year, including the playoffs, Watson was 19th in air yards share (33.9%), tied for 23rd in targets per route run (0.23), tied for seventh in Yards per route run (2.45) and ninth in first downs per route run (0.114) on just a 68.6% route participation rate. Watson can see an uptick in route participation with Romeo Doubs joining the Patriots in free agency, and staying healthy and running a few more routes is all Watson needs for a breakout 2026.”
– Josh Shepardson (FantasyPros)
“The oft-injured Christian Watson hasn’t produced more than 620 receiving yards in any of his four NFL seasons, but if Watson’s body cooperates, he could have the sort of breakout season that George Pickens had in 2025. After tearing his ACL in Week 18 of the 2024 season, Watson made a surprisingly hasty return in Week 8 of 2025 and was impactful upon his return, with 35 catches for 611 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games. Watson is 6-foot-4, 208 pounds, and has 4.36 speed. He averaged 17.5 yards per catch, 11.1 yards per target and 2.28 Yards per route run last season — impressive numbers. Watson has averaged 10.0 yards per target and 2.06 Yards per route run for his career. He’s paired with a high-quality QB in Jordan Love, and the Packers just let WR Romeo Doubs walk in free agency. Watson is poised for a big year in 2026, health permitting.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Tank Dell (WR – HOU)
“Tank Dell, remember him? He had a gruesome injury at the end of 2024 and wasn’t seen all of 2025. He is expected to be ready for off-season training in Houston. Dell was handpicked by C.J. Stroud to join the Texans and began his career as a top option for Stroud, along with Nico Collins. He returns to a crowded wide receiver room with Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins, and Jaylin Noel, but he should work his way back to the top of the wide receiver corps due to his speed (which looks great in a video online where he is sprinting in sand!), and rapport with Stroud. Look for Dell to be back on the fantasy radar as the season progresses.”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)
Quarterbacks/Tight Ends
What QB or TE has the best shot of having a breakout year this season and why?
Dalton Kincaid (TE – BUF)
“Bills TE Dalton Kincaid has frustrated fantasy owners more often than not over the past two seasons. But he remains a tantalizing talent with elite per-route metrics. In fact, Kincaid led all 41 qualifying TEs in both targets per route and yards per route last year. His 2.79 yards per route were the best from a TE with 40+ targets since George Kittle‘s 2.84 in 2020. Durability remains a concern here. But I’ll gladly take the injury discount on a guy with top-5 upside.”
– Jared Smola (Draft Sharks)
Isaiah Likely (TE – NYG)
“Isaiah Likely just signed a deal with the New York Giants that puts him in the top 6 for highest-paid tight ends in the NFL. Based on that alone, it would suggest his usage will be increased. Now add in the fact that his old head coach, John Harbaugh, decided to bring Likely with him from his days in Baltimore, and there is a recipe for a huge year from Likely. While Malik Nabers is, and will remain, the number one option for Jaxson Dart, Likely has the opportunity to quickly become the number two, depending on what the Giants do with that 5th overall pick in April’s draft. For right now, Likely is a great target for drafters who are looking for a breakout at the position.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
“Last year was a massive disappointment for Isaiah Likely, who broke a bone in his foot during training camp and struggled to find a footing in the Ravens offense when he returned. That, however, didn’t stop him from being rewarded with the highest tight end contract in free agency. John Harbaugh reunited with Likely because he knows how good he can be off-script, how good he can be helping the quarterback when plays break down. That’s a handy recipe to have when Jaxson Dart is your quarterback.”
– Tom Strachan (NFL Best Ball)
“Isaiah Likely has had flashes, but he has been stuck behind Mark Andrews for the majority of his career. He finally gets his shot as a starting tight end and lands in a great spot with the New York Giants. We want our fantasy football tight ends to be No. 1 or No. 2 in targets on their teams. Malik Nabers will obviously be the No. 1, and Isaiah Likely is a strong candidate to be the No. 2 target in New York.”
– David Heilman (Dynasty Trade Calculator)
“Isaiah Likely is another player who could break out in 2026, joining his former head coach, John Harbaugh, in New York. Likely should have a strong chance to earn the starting role over Theo Johnson, and could see around 350 routes this season. He’s the more athletic tight end, and with limited weapons outside of Malik Nabers, there should be plenty of opportunity. If Likely plays all 17 games, he has a real shot at a breakout season.”
– Steven Pintado (QB List)
Brock Purdy (QB – SF)
“I’m calling for the re-breakout of Brock Purdy in 2026. I get it. George Kittle will likely start the year on the PUP. Jauan Jennings, Brandon Aiyuk, and Trent Williams may all leave town. The Rams and Seahawks are the best teams and also defenses in the league, and they lurk in the 49ers division. It’s not an easy row to hoe. But consider that Robert Saleh is also out of town and no longer manning an aging and oft-injured defense. Mike Evans is a supreme red zone threat, just recently signed. And a healthy CMC and motivated Kyle Shanahan are poised to run it back. If Purdy stays healthy, he could easily see a repeat performance of his 2023 QB6 finish. Last year’s QB24 was actually 5th in the league in points per game, so a healthy season, with a defense in decline and a full-strength complement of weapons for a good portion of the season, makes the perfect recipe for another top-6 finish. He’ll be a steal in both dynasty and redraft leagues based on the fact that he’s underperformed solely due to injury over the past two seasons.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)
Colston Loveland (TE – CHI)
“Colston Loveland is the low-hanging fruit for the tight end with the best shot of having a breakout year, but he’s also the correct answer. Loveland was a monster to close out his rookie campaign. In Chicago’s final four games (Week 17 through the Divisional Round) of last season, Loveland had a 75.4% route participation rate, 35.5% air yards share, 28.5% target share, 0.35 TPRR, 47 targets (11.8 per game), 35.8% first-read rate, 28 receptions (7.0 per game), 378 receiving yards (94.5 per game), 2.80 Y/RR, 0.126 first downs per route run, two touchdowns, 16.5 half-PPR points per game and 19.5 expected half-PPR points per game. No one is sleeping on Loveland. Still, he’s the most likely player to breakout at tight end and a viable draft target as early as the end of the third round in 12-team leagues.”
– Josh Shepardson (FantasyPros)
Chig Okonkwo (TE – WAS)
“Originally, I was going to say Greg Dulcich, who I still think is a sleeper, but then the Washington Commanders signed Chig Okonkwo. He is a very athletic tight end who was being wasted in Tennessee. During his time there, flashes were seen, and now he can be unlocked by Jayden Daniels. He is replacing a late-career Zach Ertz, who was targeted 72 times last year, with Daniels in and out of the lineup due to injuries. With a healthy Daniels and higher octane offense, Chig should finally turn into the TE1 many of us hoped he would the last few years.”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)
“Chig Okonkwo has had 50-plus catches in three straight seasons. And now the super underrated tight end has Jayden Daniels throwing him the ball after he signed a deal with the Washington Commanders in free agency. Okonkwo’s YAC-ability and potential to be the No. 2 target in the nation’s capital are teeing him up to break out in 2026. The YAC metric for tight ends was one of the reasons that drew me to Tucker Kraft over the last 2 years. Chigoziem Okonkwo: 3rd in YAC/reception in 2025 (6.2) & 1st in YAC/reception as a rookie (7.8).”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
Malik Willis (QB – MIA)
“It has to be Malik Willis, whose rushing ability gives him a high floor and a high ceiling. In six career starts, Willis has averaged 44.8 rushing yards per game and has run for four touchdowns. He’s averaged about 8.5 fantasy points per game just with his legs. And Love made huge strides as a passer while spending two years as Jordan Love‘s backup in Green Bay. When Jordan Love sustained a concussion midway through the second quarter of the Packers’ Week 16 game against the Bears, Willis came in and completed 9-of-11 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown in two and a half quarters. The next week against the Ravens, Willis started, played the whole game and completed 18-of-21 passes for 288 yards and one touchdown. In those two games, he completed 84.4% of his passes and averaged 12.8 yards per attempt. Willis isn’t going to put up huge passing numbers as Miami’s starting quarterback in 2026, but as well as he runs, he doesn’t need to. Willis is going to be drafted in QB2 range, but his rushing ability gives him a chance to be a top-10 fantasy quarterback.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
“Malik Willis has a real chance to emerge as the breakout quarterback in 2026. Since 2014, there have been 34 quarterbacks with 100+ rushing attempts in a season, and 31 of them (91%) finished top-12 in fantasy points per game, underscoring how powerful that rushing profile can be for fantasy production. In the three games Willis started across 2024 and 2025, he averaged 23.3 fantasy points per game while producing nearly 60 rushing yards per game and a rushing touchdown in each start. The passing profile still has limitations, but he posted a 90.8 PFF passing grade with an 85.7% completion rate in 2025 while leading the league in passer rating during that stretch. Now the unquestioned starter in Miami, the rushing floor alone gives Willis a clear path to QB1 fantasy production.”
– James Emrick-Wilson (The Armchair Sports Corner)
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