Finding breakout players will give your fantasy team a major boost. It can mean the difference between competing for a championship or being another also-ran.
Discovering just who those players are is another story. It can be difficult, but there are some traits you can look for.
Here are six second-year running backs who are candidates for a breakout season.
Bijan Robinson, RB/Atlanta Falcons
It’s sad that a running back with so much promise, who was selected with the eighth overall draft pick, was unable to fully achieve breakout status in his rookie year. And it was for no fault of his own. That maddening head coach who shall remain nameless refused to fully utilize his star rookie running back and see him reach his full potential. Well, that boob of a manager is now gone and Robinson has high expectations for the 2024 season. His floor is a Top 6 running back with his ceiling being Christian McCaffrey level greatness.
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB/Detroit Lions
Much like Robinson, Gibbs had a good amount of success in his rookie year but wasn’t expected to shoulder much of a load given the Lions had a very capable back in David Montgomery to split time with him. As Gibbs saw more time as the season unfolded, his breakout potential was on full display. With another season in this system, I can see him taking more of the load away from Montgomery and his capability of hitting Top 5 or Top 3 status shining brightly.
De’Von Achane, RB/Miami Dolphins
I truly believe Achane will be a career committee player, hence I was hesitant to put him on this list. And the only reason I did is because Raheem Mostert staying healthy last year was an anomaly. The dude scored 18 touchdowns and played in 15 games. I just don’t see that happening again and I see Achane and rookie Jaylen Wright splitting the load. The thing is, Achane himself battled injuries, so this whole backfield has the makings of a committee. Tread carefully with Achane and don’t overvalue him, but if healthy he has high upside.
Tyjae Spears, RB/Tennessee Titans
Tony Pollard is of course the sexy name in this Titans backfield, but Pollard is far more suited to be a complementary back than the lead workhorse. So Spears is going to get his touches and he looked impressive with what he handled last year. In order to be a true breakout player, however, he’ll need a much bigger workload. I’m not so sure he’s going to garner the requisite touches to reach that territory.
Kendre Miller, RB/New Orleans Saints
Miller will be the backup to Alvin Kamara for at least one more season, thus his breakout chances remain low at best this point. However, if Kamara is traded or goes down with an injury at some point, Miller’s stock will be on the rise. He’s a good buy-low option and a bench stash just in case fortunes turn his way.
Chase Brown, RB/Cincinnati Bengals
Zack Moss has now joined his third team. He wasn’t very good with his first two, although he showed flashes in a lead role with Indianapolis. If Moss struggles, or if he misses any time with injury as he is wont to do, Brown has the opportunity to seize the reins and really make something of his opportunity in what should be a rejuvenated, high-powered offense.
