Top Five Fantasy Football Breakout Players in 2006

Both Jackson and Brown will be their respective team's featured backs for the first time this season. Both have also averaged over 4.0 yards per carry in their young careers. This is the season that both will get to show what they can do on a full-time basis in the offense. Just because they won't crack the top 3 doesn't mean they can't be a breakout player. It just means we're predicting for their stats to take a big leap from their previous year(s) trends. Sort of like how LaMont Jordan came onto the scene last year and rushed for over 1,000 yards and caught 70 balls. It wasn't like he was a top 3 back, but he produced at a level that he had never come close to achieving before.

I am just thinking in terms that they are already first round talent. I guess I am blurring the line between sleeper and breakout.

Yeah and seeing as how I have three of these guys on one of my teams, I'm not pleased with that possibility.

I know what ya mean Manny, but who can predict injuries?? If I had a crystal ball and do that, I'd be living in Vegas raking in the dough!

my crystal ball broke =( - and no I didn't see it coming (still have my tarot cards though) -no one that LIVES in Vegas rakes in the dough, that town sucks the rake right outta your hand

He's RIGHT behind these guys, believe me. I like him this season too. He showed some flashes last season and will probably be the No. 1 option in the offense. If this was a top 6 list, he would be No. 6.

I'd take him over Matt Jones for sure. Mostly because of the sheer number of opportunities he'll get in the Philly offense.

Absolutely. Just look at what he did last year when he practically had no clue as to how play WR. He and Leftwich developed some nice chemistry, especially in the red-zone. His stats took a hit when Leftwich got hurt and David Garrard locked in on Jimmy Smith. If I had to rank the Jags WRs, it would go like this:

1.) Matt Jones 2.) Ernest Wilford 3.) Reggie Williams 4.) Troy Edwards

5.) Randy Hymes

Whoops...Sorry Huddlegeeks, I didn't see your reply to Enbyo. After reading your reply, that makes sense. Sorry about that, keep up the good work.

He caught 36 balls last year but scored 5 TD's while playing the slot position. With Jimmy Smith off of the team, he should easily catch 60-70 balls and he could reach double digit TD's. Let's not forget, this guy was playing QB less than a year before lining up as WR in the NFL. That's a pretty big jump for a player to make. He also has very impressive size (6'6"), speed (clocked at 4.37 in the 40-yard dash) and hands.

The problem with the statement that Matt Jones should easily catch 60-70 balls and double-digit TDs is that not everyone does as well outside of the slot. Bobby Engram, who is a fantastic slot receiver, does horribly as a #2. I suspect Kevin Curtis would do the same at a #2 even though he is great in the slot. The fact that a player does well in the slot doesn't mean that they will do well elsewhere.

No offense, but how can you say picking a TE that has only played TWO games in two seasons and had two major surgeries is not a risk? We're into making good, sound decisions, not just throwing out names to get people's attention. OK, here's a name you probably haven't heard much of: Zach Hilton TE Saints. He could be a late round sleeper since he's in Sean Payton's offense that favors the TE and will have a QB in Drew Brees that is used to throwing to his TE alot(see Antonio Gates).

Martin is still the guy for the Jets, so that won't be this year. However, in two to three years, that could be.

Ooops, didn't sign in on that one, my bad.

Forgot to add that he's a nightmare for linebackers and some safeties and can be used in the H-back role which means he will be used more in the offense, a huge plus.