The term “breakout” has different meanings for different people in the world of fantasy football. Some folks believe it’s simply a player who will outperform his draft position. Others think it’s an established player who emerges into a regular fantasy starter after never having reached that sort of status in the past.
In my opinion, both definitions are true but with a caveat. I don’t see a player as a breakout candidate if he’s already reached his “statistical ceiling” during his career. For example, Justin Herbert or Najee Harris aren’t “breakout players” to me. Are both coming off down seasons? Yes. But they’ve already reached an elite level and are looking to rebound. I’d call them “comeback players” in drafts.
To help you in your quest to build a dominant squad, here’s a fantasy team (starters and reserves) that’s composed only of my favorite breakout candidates. To me, all of these players could be top-12 at their respective positions this season.
