Saints Tight End Is A Fantasy 'Breakout Player' In The NFC South
SI FanNation published its fantasy football "breakout player" of the year predictions. I had trouble deciding between tight end Juwan Johnson and wide receiver Chris Olave but ultimately chose Johnson. Derek Carr plans to adopt offensive strategies similar to those Sean Payton and Drew Brees used in New Orleans.
JUWAN JOHNSON - SAINTS FANTASY BREAKOUT PLAYER
Johnson is evolving into a reliable target that will work well in the Saints' screen game and mid-range passing attack for Carr. Last season he had 42 receptions for 508 yards and seven touchdowns. Expect those numbers to climb to 60-plus receptions, 800 yards, and 10-plus scores for the fourth-year converted tight end’s breakout season.
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson; Credit: USA Today Sports
NFC South Projected Breakout Players
Atlanta Falcons
Fantasy breakout: WR Mack Hollins
The Falcons have a lot of fantasy-relevant names on their offense, including running back Bijan Robinson, receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts, among others … but Hollins has been a clear standout throughout training camp, showing strong chemistry with quarterback Desmond Ridder. Hollins continued to impress in his lone preseason drive, catching two passes from Ridder. He enjoyed a breakout 2022 and, by all accounts, appears poised to keep the momentum going as Atlanta’s No. 2 wideout. – Daniel Flick
Carolina Panthers
Fantasy breakout: TE Hayden Hurst
The Panthers don’t have a true No. 1 receiver and someone must emerge as a security blanket for rookie Bryce Young. Hurst appears to be that guy. He dealt with a groin injury throughout the entire 2022 season, yet still produced 52 receptions for 414 yards and two scores. I expect a significant bump in each of those categories in 2023 in what is a very tight end friendly offense. – Schuyler Callihan
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Fantasy breakout: RB Rachaad White
With Leonard Fournette no longer taking up any of Rachaad White’s snaps, you should expect a heavy use of the second-year running back from Arizona State. White has been impressing throughout training camp and Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales has been prioritizing White during goal-line drills immensely, so expect plenty of touchdowns on Sundays from White to help add some extra fantasy points in your league. -- Logan Robinson
