Top Fantasy Football Breakout Candidates At Each Position: 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

We might still be a couple of months away from fantasy football drafts, but it's never too early to start identifying potential breakout candidates. Last season, those breakout candidates were league winners and helped fantasy managers win a championship.

Players like C.J. Stroud, Kyren Williams, Puka Nacua, and Trey McBride all broke out in 2023. All four players were also key for fantasy managers down the stretch. 

So, which players will fall under that category in 2024 and break out? Let's dive in and find out.

• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings
• Kicker fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Superflex fantasy football rankings
• IDP fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

QB: Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts

If it wasn't for a season-ending shoulder injury, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson had a good chance to break out as a rookie in 2023. Richardson threw for 577 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception while also rushing for 136 yards and four touchdowns in just two-and-a-half games.

#Colts 2nd year quarterback Anthony Richardson has put on some serious muscle.

👀

The rest of the #NFL needs to be on high alert.

(📸@SconnieColt) pic.twitter.com/TRtEGyUDAn

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) May 20, 2024

With Richardson now fully healthy heading into 2024, there is a strong possibility that he will break out this upcoming season. His ability to do it through the air and on the ground will make him a popular draft pick for many fantasy managers. 

RB: Zamir White, Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White showed what he can do as a starter in the NFL last season. In four games without Josh Jacobs, White ran 84 times for 397 yards (4.7 yards per carry) and one touchdown. With Jacobs no longer with the team, look for the former Georgia product to break out in 2024.

He has the starting role in Las Vegas locked up and doesn't face much competition for touches. The Raiders only signed Alexander Mattison in free agency and took Dylan Laube in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. That certainly bodes well for White -- who is in an offense that wants to establish the run early and often.

WR: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks

Some might not agree with Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba being on this list but let's not forget that Smith-Njigba was the consensus WR1 in last year's draft. That's why a potential breakout campaign is surely attainable for the former Ohio State star.

Another day at the office for Jaxon Smith-Njigba:pic.twitter.com/Wh2C1a2Idc

— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) November 24, 2023

Of course, Smith-Njigba will still have to compete with D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett for targets. However, expect the 22-year-old to get more involved in Year 2, especially with a new offensive coordinator in Ryan Grubb. Fantasy managers should bet on the young wideout's talent this upcoming season on a good offense. 

TE: Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills will surely need some of their pass-catchers to step up in 2024 after losing both Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis this offseason. A playmaker like tight end Dalton Kincaid could be that player. Kincaid showed plenty of promise in his rookie campaign, and there's a strong chance he'll take his game to another level in his second year.

Kincaid reeled in 73 passes for 673 yards and two touchdowns last season, which is certainly above-average numbers for a rookie tight end. However, look for him to be more involved on offense this upcoming season with Buffalo lacking in the wide receiver department. A top-five fantasy finish could happen for the former 2023 first-round pick.

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