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Every NFL season, we see second-year players break out. Those breakout players also become consistent fantasy football options throughout the season, which was certainly the case in 2023. Last year, those players included Kyren Williams, James Cook, Rachaad White, and Jake Ferguson.
All four players broke out in a big way in Year 2 and became reliable fantasy options. Williams, Cook, and White all finished top 12 at the running back position, while Ferguson averaged 10.4 PPR fantasy points per game. Each of those players also became a steal at their preseason ADP in drafts.
With another season ahead, there should be plenty more second-year players who break out. So, let's look at nine players who could break out in Year 2.
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Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson should be a hot target in fantasy drafts this summer. Despite playing in just four games (two full games) in his rookie year due to a shoulder injury, Richardson showed a lot of great things on the field.
Anthony Richardson is the first QB in NFL history to score a rushing TD in each of his first 3 career games.pic.twitter.com/ZUIKwtzMGx
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) October 1, 2023
The former Florida product threw for 577 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 136 yards and four touchdowns. Richardson also scored over 20 points in both of the games he started and finished in 2023. With the 22-year-old now past his shoulder injury, he should be in for a big season due to his rushing upside.
Tyjae Spears, RB, Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears might be my favorite running back to select in the later round of drafts this year. A second-year breakout is certainly possible, especially after a strong rookie campaign. Spears rushed for 453 yards and two touchdowns while also catching 52 passes for 385 yards and one touchdown in 2023.
Many people are avoiding Spears in drafts this year because of the offseason signing of Tony Pollard. But we could see the 22-year-old more involved than fantasy managers think in 2024. He should continue to be a weapon in the receiving game and could top over 1,100 yards from scrimmage in Year 2.
Chase Brown, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown started to get more involved as the season went on in 2023. After seeing just eight offensive snaps in the first 12 weeks, Brown played at least 11 snaps in each of the final six games of the year. In those contests, the 24-year-old totaled at least 50 yards from scrimmage four times.
Quiet winners from the Draft were #Bengals RBs. Cincy had 10 picks, used zero at the position. Appear content with:
1. Zack Moss
2. Chase Brown
3. Trayveon Williams
4. Chris Evans
pic.twitter.com/zQoiOizge4— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) May 6, 2024
Now, entering Year 2, look for Brown to break out. Joe Mixon was traded to the Houston Texans this offseason, and the Bengals only added Zack Moss in free agency. While Moss was the favorite to be the starter all offseason, the young back got most of the RB1 snaps in training camp. Whether he starts for Cincinnati or not, he should be heavily involved in his second NFL season. That should help him produce solid fantasy numbers in 2024.
Jayden Reed, WR, Green Bay Packers
Did Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed break out as a rookie in 2023? Some could say he did after reeling in 64 passes for 793 yards and eight touchdowns. This upcoming season, though, should see Reed finish with even better stats as he enters Year 2.
Reed was a waiver-wire league-winner last season and surprisingly finished as the WR25 in PPR formats. His strong numbers at the end of the year -- where he scored over 15 PPR fantasy points in seven of the final eight games -- surely helped him finish that high. With a bigger role in store in his second year, the 24-year-old could total over 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his short career.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba remains one of the biggest questions marks heading into 2024. He was obviously the most talented wideout in the 2023 draft class but landed in a rough fantasy spot. Being stuck behind both DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett wasn't going to lead to many great fantasy days.
That is exactly what happened in 2023, as Smith-Njigba totaled 63 catches for 628 yards and four touchdowns. However, don't be surprised if the 22-year-old really takes off this season. With a new offensive coordinator in Seattle, the Seahawks could run more three-wide-receiver sets, which would benefit the young wideout. Trust his talent heading into Year 2.
Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks has been hyped up a lot this offseason following a surprising rookie campaign. Wicks finished with 39 catches for 581 yards and four touchdowns. He also really came on at the end of the year and totaled at least 40 receiving yards in six of the final eight games. So, it makes sense why the wideout is getting so much hype entering Year 2.
It remains to be seen if playing time will be a problem for him in 2024, though. With Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Reed also part of Green Bay's wide receiver room, where will Wicks fit in on offense? Nonetheless, plenty of opportunities should find him, especially given Watson's injury history.
Demario Douglas, WR, New England Patriots
New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas was one of the few bright spots in that offense last season. After being drafted in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Douglas exceeded all expectations as a rookie. He finished with a team-leading 561 yards on 49 catches.
Drake Maye ➡️ Pop Douglas pic.twitter.com/vjRK3OX37O
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) June 10, 2024
Those numbers were only a taste of what's to come for the 23-year-old. With a better quarterback situation in 2024, Douglas should see more chances in the receiving game. He could be a sneaky selection later in fantasy drafts because a breakout campaign could be in store.
Dalton Kincaid, TE, Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid has every opportunity to break out in Year 2. After the Bills traded away Stefon Diggs and lost Gabe Davis in free agency, Kincaid could emerge as Josh Allen's top pass-catcher in the receiving game in 2024.
Fantasy managers saw glimpses of Kincaid's potential last season, as he averaged a solid 9.4 PPR fantasy points per game. But the sky is the limit for the 24-year-old on a top offense in 2024. A 1,000-yard campaign is certainly not out of the question for him, especially on a team lacking wide receivers. That makes him a smash pick in the middle round of fantasy drafts.
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