NFL Fantasy Breakouts, Sleepers and Busts for 2023

With the NFL season less than a week away, it’s time to look at the breakout players, sleepers, and potential busts for fantasy football.

Breakout players are the ones who will improve the most, the sleepers are those who will overperform where they are often drafted and the busts are the players who will underperform.

Here are the best breakout, sleeper and bust candidates for the 2023 fantasy football season.

Breakouts

Chris Olave, Wide Receiver, New Orleans Saints

Olave had a terrific rookie season with the Saints, finishing with over 1,000 receiving yards in 15 games.

This year should see even more production as the Saints upgraded at quarterback by signing Derek Carr this offseason to a four-year contract.

Additionally, New Orleans has the easiest strength of schedule for this season according to Pro Football Focus, which should provide Olave with plenty of opportunities this season.

Samaje Perine, Running Back, Denver Broncos

Perine has been viewed as a handcuff running back the past few seasons, but this may be the year Perine bursts onto the fantasy football scene in a real way.

The Broncos have Javonte Williams as their lead running back, but there is significant injury concern there as he missed the majority of last season after tearing his ACL, LCL and PLC.

If Williams has a slow start to the season, Perine would be first in line to produce as the lead rusher.

Even if Williams does play, Coach Sean Payton’s offenses in the past have been able to fuel two rushers in the backfield, giving Perine value either way.

Sleepers

Kenny Pickett, Quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers

Pickett had a solid rookie season, taking over the quarterback duties in Week 4 and showing promise.

The Steelers’ offense has numerous weapons at Pickett’s disposal, including running back Najee Harris, wide receivers George Pickens, Diontae Johnson and Allen Robinson Ⅱ and tight end Pat Freiermuth.

Considering how low Pickett is going in most drafts, he can be a steal as a low-end starting quarterback, or a great backup at the very least.

Tyler Higbee, TE, Los Angeles Rams

Tight ends can be hard to draft in the later rounds, but Higbee has a real chance to contribute to fantasy teams.

The Rams were a major disappointment last season following their Super Bowl victory, and this season might not be much better for the team.

However, with the team’s defense declining, the Rams may get into more offensive duels, allowing more passing attempts for the offense.

Also, with Kupp already dealing with a hamstring injury, Higbee could see his targets go up, which could make him one of the top players at the coveted position.

Busts

Josh Jacobs, RB, Los Vegas Raiders

Jacobs had the definition of a breakout season in 2022, leading the league in rushing yards.

However, Jacobs is now being drafted as a top back, but it is unlikely he’ll be able to produce at such a high level again.

There are also more questions about the offense this year, as Carr is out and Jimmy Garoppolo is in at quarterback.

Jacobs will most likely still be a solid fantasy option, but he won’t produce at the level that he is being drafted.

Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Evans’ season totals were great, but his game-to-game production was hit or miss.

He scored six touchdowns in three games but left much to be desired in other weeks.

It’s also crucial to mention that those stats were with Tom Brady as the quarterback.

Now, the Buccaneers will look to Baker Mayfield to replace Brady, which will most likely be a downgrade for Mike Evans.

Evans can still have a great game occasionally, but it looks like his games of consistent production are coming to an end.

Christopher Reynolds is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email him at clr5971@psu.edu.