eDraft will run a series of four articles, each one focusing on five NFL players who are set for breakout fantasy seasons in 2013. You will see veterans who have performed well in the past as well as rookie standouts who will likely find themselves as immediate contributors in their first season.
Simply because a veteran performed well in fantasy football four seasons ago, it doesn't mean that he can't be a breakout star this upcoming season. Due to specific situations, some of these players just failed to live up to expectations over the past year or two. We'll go ahead and give you a reason why they'll be more successful in 2013.
As it relates to rookies, that's always a fool's game. While we hit on Doug Martin from last season, no one in their right mind saw Alfred Morris produce like he did with the Washington Redskins. That said, these youngsters represent tremendous upside in both redraft and dynasty leagues.
Let's take a look at the first in a series of articles here at eDraft focusing on breakout fantasy performers.
Vernon Davis, Tight End, San Francisco 49ers
A lack of targets last season really impacted Davis’ ability to make an impact in terms of fantasy football. He averaged barely over a single target per game in Colin Kaepernick’s regular-season starts last year. Despite this, Davis picked it up a great deal in the postseason by catching 12 passes for 254 yards in three games. With Michael Crabtree out until at least November with an Achilles injury, Davis will become Kaepernick’s No. 1 target in the passing game. Reports from camp indicate that that the two have found quite a connection thus far.
T.Y. Hilton, Wide Receiver, Indianapolis Colts
Whether Hilton beats out Darrius Heyward-Bey for the starting gig opposite Reggie Wayne is irrelevant here, he’s going to be one of Andrew Luck’s favorite targets in the passing game. After tallying nearly 900 receiving yards as a rookie last season, there is no reason to believe that Hilton can’t put up 1,100 yards and double-digit scores this year. That makes him a solid under-the-radar WR2 option.
Le’Veon Bell, Running Back, Pittsburgh Steelers
With nearly 400 rush attempts at Michigan State last season, Bell has the capability to shoulder the load. Pittsburgh’s selection of him in the second round of April’s draft is a prime example that it plans on having him do just that. The likes of Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman, who are “competing” for the starting job, don’t really strike fear in the hearts of opponents. As a downhill runner, Bell fits perfectly into what Pittsburgh has built on offense over the past few seasons. If healthy, there is no reason to believe that Bell can’t put up 1,300 rushing yards and double-digit scores as a rookie.
Alshon Jeffery, Wide Receiver, Chicago Bears
I know, a No. 2 receiver for a Jay Cutler-led offense. There is no way he’s going to make a major fantasy impact. That’s utterly foolish and lazy. Jeffery played well as a rookie and has both the size as well as the hands to be a dominating force next to Brandon Marshall. Why not shoot for a WR3 or FLEX who has this much upside? While Jeffery’s value sits more in dynasty leagues, he’s a solid under-the-radar redraft pick up.
Giovani Bernard, Running Back, Cincinnati Bengals
If you read any of my articles leading up to the 2013 NFL draft, you know full well just how high I am on Bernard as a football player. Whether it translates to fantasy football production as a rookie is a completely different story. Bernard still needs to beat out BenJarvus Green-Ellis as the primary ball carrier in Cincinnati.
While the Law Firm leaves a lot to be desired, he did bring some consistency to the Bengals rushing attack last season. It’s still a strong likelihood, based on talent alone, that Bernard is handling a majority of the reps come October. If so, he could be in line for a 1,000-yard, 50-reception, double-digit score season.