Each year, fantasy managers are always on the hunt for that next big star. What player will be able to put their teams over the top, and deliver that elusive fantasy championship? This year, there are already several candidates that fit that criteria. This list of breakout candidates will cover the select few in line for potentially career-defining seasons. Expert consensus data (ECR) is provided by FantasyPros, and draft position (ADP) data is provided by Fantasy Football Calculator.
Cam Akers (Running Back – Los Angeles Rams)
Akers was able to return from a ruptured Achillies during the Rams Super Bowl triumph at the end of last season, yet did not have the same spark that many predicted. It is fair to assume that Akers was feeling himself out, seeing what he was able and not able to do upon his return. That period however will do wonders for Akers, who now will be able to start the 2022 season with a clean slate and with games already under his belt post-injury.
The Rams possess one of the NFL’s best offenses, and are a threat to score whenever they have the ball. That is good news for Akers, who has 10+ rushing touchdown upside in an offense run by offensive guru Sean McVay. McVay has generally opted to use one feature back in his offenses in the past, and Akers will be his guy. Going back to the 2021 postseason, McVay opted for a less than 100% Akers over both Darrell Henderson (who had his own injury troubles) and Sony Michel.
Where Akers may hurt a bit is the limited upside he has as a receiver. Akers’ ceiling may only be 40-45 receptions, but if he is able to log 250+ carries and be a significant touchdown contributor, the receiving work won’t be as impactful. In my ranks, Akers is my 27th overall player, my RB13, in half-PPR scoring. The consensus puts Akers in at 34th overall, RB18. The general public is even lower on Akers, with Akers being selected 46th overall, RB22. That is way too low, and expect Akers to outperform the ECR and the public draft position by leaps and bounds.
Cam Akers’ Projections: 267 ATTs, 1147 YDs, 8 TDs, 35 RECs, 276 YDS, 1 TD
Trevor Lawrence (Quarterback – Jacksonville Jaguars)
At this time last year, Trevor Lawrence was being dubbed as a generational prospect at the quarterback position that could be as successful as Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning. After year one, many are abandoning ship. But why? Lawrence went into a ticking time bomb a year ago in Jacksonville, with the off-field transgressions of their now ex-head coach Urban Meyer being the talking point. The team was bad, and Lawrence could not mask that.
The Jaguars did a great job this offseason of building the offense around Lawrence. Specifically, Brandon Scherff will beef up an offensive line that was cooked a year ago, and Christian Kirk will give Lawrence a true number one receiver. Say what you want about what he was paid, but the idea the Jaguars have in mind is that Kirk can and will be that number one for Lawrence. Zay Jones was also brought in to add more to their receiving room, and he has been productive in the past. Not to mention, the Jaguars are also getting 2021 first round pick Travis Ettiene back after missing all of last year with a torn ACL.
New Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson has worked wonders with less in the past. He managed to get an MVP-level season out of Carson Wentz, and he won a Super Bowl with Nick Foles. Lawrence is miles above both talentwise, and he should be given time to develop. Lawrence is going in round 12 at this moment in time, and presents fantasy managers with great upside potential late in drafts. For managers that like to stream at the quarterback position, Lawrence should be a prime target. Lawrence comes in as the consensus QB18, my QB19, with top-12 upside.
Trevor Lawrence’s Projections: 4028 YDs, 24 TDs, 11 INTs
Rashod Bateman (Wide Receiver – Baltimore Ravens)
After the Ravens dealt Marquise Brown to the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL Draft, the breakout winds have been swirling around Rashod Bateman. Bateman was selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and was drafted to become the future number one receiver in this Ravens offense. Is the future now?
Bateman brings a skillset to the table that Lamar Jackson has never had before. Bateman is a physical receiver, who dominates when the ball is in the air. Jackson has always had receivers that require the ball being thrown right at their chest, now with Bateman taking on a bigger role in the offense, Jackson will be able to place the ball wherever he likes. Even in a run-first offensive scheme, Bateman will get plenty of opportunities to showcase his talents.
Bateman is currently my WR26, and the consensus’ WR27. The general public currently is taking Bateman in round 9 at WR42. At the current general public price, that is a steal for fantasy managers. The price may rise as drafts get closer in a month or so, and I expect it to. Bateman has top-20, 1,000+ yard, upside in this high powered Ravens offense.
Rashod Bateman’s Projections: 76 RECs, 958 YDs, 7 TDs
Cole Kmet (Tight End – Chicago Bears)
Kmet is the biggest breakout candidate on this list, and with good reason. Since being drafted in 2020, Kmet has had to share duties at the tight end position with Jimmy Graham in the Chicago offense. Now, Graham is still a free agent and Kmet has the job to himself. Also aiding Kmet’s breakout status is the departure of Allen Robinson, clearing the way for Kmet to be the number two option in the Bears passing game behind Darnell Mooney.
2021 was a strange year for Kmet. He was productive, with 60 receptions on 93 targets. Out of those 93 targets, 19 of them were in the red zone, yet Kmet registered zero touchdowns. All of the advanced metrics show Kmet is in line for massive touchdown progression, the question is how much.
Kmet is my TE14, and the consensus’ TE13 at the moment. He is being selected in pure streamer territory, which is fantastic for any managers that prefer to bounce between tight ends. The general public is taking Kmet as the TE16 in round 13, a steal at that current price. A plea to all fantasy managers, get as many shares of Kmet as you possibly can.
Cole Kmet’s Projections: 67 RECs, 703 YDs, 5 TDs
