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The potential breakout player from all 32 NFL teams
USA Today Images

The potential breakout player from all 32 NFL teams

Every new NFL season brings with it breakout performances, with players hoping to take their team to the next level. These are the top breakout candidates for each team entering the 2024 season.

 
1 of 32

Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR

Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR
Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today Sports Images

The loss of Hollywood Brown creates a clear void in the Arizona offense that Harrison was drafted to replace. The fourth overall draft choice is expected to hit the ground running in his rookie season with immense talent and an NFL pedigree.

 
2 of 32

Atlanta Falcons: Drake London, WR

Atlanta Falcons: Drake London, WR
Brett Davis / USA Today Sports Images

Atlanta's quarterback play has been subpar in London's two seasons, but that's about to change after the team acquired Kirk Cousins. London has had two strong seasons but has yet to reach the 1,000-yard milestone.

 
3 of 32

Baltimore Ravens: Odafe Oweh, OLB

Baltimore Ravens: Odafe Oweh, OLB
Jessica Rapfogel / USA Today Sports Images

Baltimore has been a great place for pass rushers to develop over the years, and Oweh's time has arrived. The former first-round pick has made his name known with 13 sacks over three seasons, but he hasn't had the banner year the team expected. After playing through injury last season, Oweh could be ready for a big season.

 
4 of 32

Buffalo Bills: Khalil Shakir, WR

Buffalo Bills: Khalil Shakir, WR
Mark Konezny / USA Today Sports Images

Shakir took a step forward in his second season with 611 yards but could emerge as Buffalo's No. 1 receiver this year following the losses of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. He's been an excellent deep threat and highly efficient, catching 87% of his targets last season.

 
5 of 32

Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB

Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB
Jim Dedmon / USA Today Sports Images

Young's performance couldn't be much worse than it was in his rookie season, averaging less than 200 yards passing per game and throwing only 11 touchdowns in 16 games. The Panthers have revamped their receiver corps and hired former Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales to get him on the right track.

 
6 of 32

Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB

Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB
David Banks / USA Today Sports Images

The hype and expectations are exorbitant for Williams as the No. 1 overall draft choice and replacement for Justin Fields. Chicago has surrounded him with great talent, including the additions of D'Andre Swift, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze, as well as DJ Moore and Cole Kmet. With a great group of weapons, Williams could hit the ground running.

 
7 of 32

Cincinnati Bengals: Zack Moss, RB

Cincinnati Bengals: Zack Moss, RB
Robert Scheer / USA Today Sports Images

Retaining Joe Burrow's offensive weapons has become more difficult after paying him, and the team saw their first major loss with Joe Mixon this offseason. Moss was added to pair with Chase Brown, and is set to become a lead back for the first time in his career. He's coming off a career year with Indianapolis, accumulating 986 yards from scrimmage and seven scores.

 
8 of 32

Cleveland Browns: Jerry Jeudy, WR

Cleveland Browns: Jerry Jeudy, WR
Stephen R. Sylvanie / USA Today Sports Images

Jeudy has never quite reached stardom in four seasons with the Broncos, between injuries and poor quarterback play. Cleveland apparently believes he can't take the next step after trading for him and agreeing to a massive extension. At the very least, he should get plenty of signal coverage opposite Amari Cooper.

 
9 of 32

Dallas Cowboys: Rico Dowdle, RB

Dallas Cowboys: Rico Dowdle, RB
Jasen Vinlove / USA Today Sports Images

The Cowboys allowed Tony Pollard to walk in free agency. While they brought back Ezekiel Elliott, he's no longer a bellcow back as he approaches 30. Dowdle should see a massive increase in workload after getting 106 touches last season. The Cowboys' offense could depend on his ability to take a leap forward.

 
10 of 32

Denver Broncos: Javonte Williams, RB

Denver Broncos: Javonte Williams, RB
Isaiah J. Downing / USA Today Sports Images

After suffering a major knee injury in 2022, Williams wasn't quite the same last season, with only 3.6 yards per carry. A year removed from the injury should help the former 35th overall draft choice, and he will have a big role as an outlet for rookie quarterback Bo Nix.

 
11 of 32

Detroit Lions: Ifeatu Melifonwu, S

Detroit Lions: Ifeatu Melifonwu, S
Jeffrey Becker / USA Today Sports Images

The Lions have focused on improving their secondary over the last year but could give Melifonwu a sharp uptick in snaps this season. The former third-round pick started six games last season, recording 33 tackles, and will see even more production this season as a likely starter.

 
12 of 32

Green Bay Packers: Luke Musgrave, TE

Green Bay Packers: Luke Musgrave, TE
Tim Heitman / USA Today Sports Images

The Packers have done an excellent job rebuilding their receiving corps over the last two years, including the addition of Musgrave. He missed time to injury in his rookie season, but had an impressive 34 catches for 352 yards in 11 games. Musgrave could take another step forward alongside Jordan Love.

 
13 of 32

Houston Texans: Derek Stingley Jr., CB

Houston Texans: Derek Stingley Jr., CB
Troy Taormina / USA Today Sports Images

The Texans received criticism for selecting Stingley third overall instead of Sauce Gardner in the 2022 draft, and the results have backed up the criticism. Stingley has played only 20 games in two seasons due to injuries, but he did have five interceptions in only 11 games last season. The Texans could have themselves a Pro Bowl corner if Stingley can stay on the field in 2024.

 
14 of 32

Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB

Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson, QB
Mykal McEldowney / USA Today Sports Images

Richardson's rookie season was cut short by a shoulder injury, and he played only four games. The team has focused on improving his supporting cast during the offseason and is optimistic about the potential he showed.

 
15 of 32

Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Thomas Jr., WR

Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Thomas Jr., WR
Bob Self / USA Today Sports Images

The losses of Calvin Ridley and Zay Jones mean a mostly new receiving corps in Jacksonville. The team signed Gabe Davis and drafted Thomas in the first round. He showed superstar upside with elite physical tools and could help the team soon.

 
16 of 32

Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Worthy, WR

Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Worthy, WR
Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports Images

Despite back-to-back Super Bowls, the Chiefs offense has missed a major deep threat since trading Tyreek Hill two years ago. Worthy and Hollywood Brown should solve that problem with elite deep speed. Worthy is particularly intriguing after setting the record for the fastest 40-time ever at the combine.

 
17 of 32

Las Vegas Raiders: Tyree Wilson, DE

Las Vegas Raiders: Tyree Wilson, DE
Mark Konezny / USA Today Sports Images

Wilson was selected seventh overall in last year's draft due to his physical traits, but the team didn't quite see him deliver in his rookie season with only 3.5 sacks. The Raiders trust Wilson with a bigger role this season opposite Maxx Crosby.

 
18 of 32

Los Angeles Chargers: Josh Palmer, WR

Los Angeles Chargers: Josh Palmer, WR
Orlando Ramirez / USA Today Sports Images

New head coach Jim Harbaugh has promised a more conservative offense this season, and the team moved on from the long-time receiver duo of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. While the team likely won't throw as often, someone still has to catch passes and Palmer can step in as Justin Herbert's No. 1 option. He's done well with more playing time over the last two years and could be on the cusp of a 1,000-yard season.

 
19 of 32

Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse, DE

Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse, DE
Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports Images

The Rams have enormous shoes to fill following the retirement of future Hall of Fame pass rusher Aaron Donald. They did well to find Kobie Turner and Byron Young last season, and have a pair of intriguing pass rushers coming in this year with Verse and second-round pick Braden Fiske. Verse was very productive at Florida State with nine sacks in back-to-back seasons.

 
20 of 32

Miami Dolphins: De'Von Achane, RB

Miami Dolphins: De'Von Achane, RB
Jim Rassol / USA Today Sports Images

The Dolphins drafted Achane last season in part due to his world-class speed, which he displayed last season with 7.8 yards per carry. Unfortunately, he played only 11 games during the regular season due to injury, but Achane's role could significantly increase this season.

 
21 of 32

Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, QB

Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, QB
Patrick Breen / USA Today Sports Images

It's hard to imagine a better situation than what McCarthy enters with Minnesota this season. The former Michigan quarterback has excellent receiver weapons with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones, plus an offensive guru head coach in Kevin O'Connell. If it all clicks, McCarthy could be this year's Offensive Rookie of the Year.

 
22 of 32

New England Patriots: Christian Gonzalez, CB

New England Patriots: Christian Gonzalez, CB
Eric Canha / USA Today Sports Images

New England loved what they saw from Gonzalez in his rookie season, but he played only four games due to injury. The former first-round pick should enter the year healthy and ready to contribute to a defense that needs him.

 
23 of 32

New Orleans Saints: Rashid Shaheed, WR

New Orleans Saints: Rashid Shaheed, WR
Dan Powers / USA Today Sports Images

Shaheed was an All-Pro due to his special teams contribution last season, but he was also a formidable deep threat with 15.6 yards per reception and five touchdowns. With a significant role, there's hope Shaheed can take another step forward as a receiver this year.

 
24 of 32

New York Giants: Devin Singletary, RB

New York Giants: Devin Singletary, RB
Troy Taormina / USA Today Sports Images

New York opted to let Saquon Barkley walk and go the cheaper route with Singletary this offseason. He's reached more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of the last three seasons but hasn't seen the full workload that he's likely to receive from the Giants this year.

 
25 of 32

New York Jets: Tyler Conklin, TE

New York Jets: Tyler Conklin, TE
Vincent Carchietta / USA Today Sports Images

The Packers are excited to get Aaron Rodgers back from his Week 1 Achilles injury this year. Their myriad weapons, including the addition of Mike Williams, have been the headliner, but Conklin also figures to take a step forward. The tight end had a career-high 61 catches for 621 yards last season, but has more potential with better quarterback play.

 
26 of 32

Philaldephia Eagles: Nolan Smith, OLB

Philaldephia Eagles: Nolan Smith, OLB
Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports Images

The opportunity awaits for Smith in his second season after the Eagles moved on from multiple pass rushers, including Haason Reddick. Smith was mainly a special teams contributor in his rookie season, but could see his role blossom as a major part of the Eagles pass rush.

 
27 of 32

Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaylen Warren, RB

Pittsburgh Steelers: Jaylen Warren, RB
Mark Konezny / USA Today Sports Images

Former first-round pick Najee Harris has been Pittsburgh's starting running back since he was drafted in 2021, but he's often been outplayed by the undrafted Warren. A new offense could allow Warren an opportunity to take the lead after averaging 5.3 yards per carry last season.

 
28 of 32

San Francisco 49ers: Ji'Ayir Brown, S

San Francisco 49ers: Ji'Ayir Brown, S
Morgan Tencza / USA Today Sports Images

Brown saw his workload increase gradually as a rookie, but he played nearly every snap in San Francisco's final two playoff games. He's expected to start at safety this year, and could be a takeaway machine after contributing 10 picks in his last two years at Penn State.

 
29 of 32

Seattle Seahawks: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR

Seattle Seahawks: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR
Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports Images

Smith-Njigba's snaps were somewhat limited last season as he started to grasp Seattle's offense. He should see more playing time under a new offensive coordinator, playing alongside stars DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Additional attention in the offense could allow the highly talented wideout to reach 1,000 yards.

 
30 of 32

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Logan Hall, DE

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Logan Hall, DE
Kim Klement Neitzel / USA Today Sports Images

The Bucs have seen major turnover in their front seven over the last few years as they've made an effort to get younger. Hall struggled in his second season with only a half-sack in 16 games, but the former second-round pick is expected to have a bigger role in 2024.

 
31 of 32

Tennessee Titans: Tony Pollard, RB

Tennessee Titans: Tony Pollard, RB
Tim Heitman / USA Today Sports Images

Pollard was a disappointment as the Cowboys starting back last season as he worked his way back from a leg injury. He did start to look better late in the year, and will have a similarly large role replacing Derrick Henry in Tennessee. The former Pro Bowl back averaged more than five yards per carry in three of his first four seasons, and the Titans hope he can get back on track.

 
32 of 32

Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB

Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB
Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports Images

Washington hopes to have made the right decision with Daniels as the second overall pick in the draft after seeing Sam Howell struggle last season. Daniels is more athletically gifted as a passer and runner, and will have several impressive weapons with Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Zach Ertz, and Austin Ekeler

Seth Trachtman

Seth Trachtman is a sportswriter, digital marketer, and fantasy sports expert based in St. Louis, Missouri. He’s a two-time winner of the Tout Wars Fantasy Baseball Expert’s League, and his work has appeared in hundreds of fantasy baseball and fantasy football newsstand and online publications

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Why as many as 100 NFL players are facing fines and potential suspension
NFL

Why as many as 100 NFL players are facing fines and potential suspension

There is not a bigger sporting event in North America than the Super Bowl, and tickets are only getting more expensive every year. There is also a ridiculous secondary market for tickets where seats sell for well above the original face value. It is usually fans or ticket resellers going for a quick profit. But as was reported on Friday, sometimes it can be players in the NFL looking to make a profit. According to multiple reports, including the Associated Press and ESPN, more than 100 players are facing fines and potential suspensions for selling their allotment of tickets to this year's Super Bowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs for above face value. Players are reportedly facing fines of one-and-a-half times the face value they originally paid for the tickets, while they are also prevented from purchasing tickets to the Super Bowl for the next seasons. The Associated Press obtained a memo from the NFL detailing the violation and investigation. That memo was as follows: “Our initial investigation has determined that a number of NFL players and coaches, employed by several NFL Clubs, sold Super Bowl tickets for more than the ticket’s face value in violation of the Policy. This long-standing League Policy, which is specifically incorporated into the Collective Bargaining Agreement, prohibits League or Club employees, including players, from selling NFL game tickets acquired from their employer for more than the ticket’s face value or for an amount greater than the employee originally paid for the ticket, whichever is less. We are in the process of completing our investigation into this matter, but the investigation has revealed that club employees and players sold their tickets to a small number of ‘bundlers’ who were working with a ticket reseller to sell the Super Bowl tickets above face value.” If players are not willing to pay the fine, they could be facing suspension from the league. It seems unlikely that any of the players — none of whom have been named, or their teams — would refuse to pay such a fine. It's also one of those moments where you can say, professional athletes — they're still normal people trying to make a quick buck. The most logical answer here is perhaps some of the players caught up in this are younger players who have not yet struck it rich on a big contract or perhaps even practice squad players who are not making top dollar.

Athletics' Nick Kurtz makes MLB history vs. Astros
MLB

Athletics' Nick Kurtz makes MLB history vs. Astros

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Warriors' Stephen Curry believes NBA players are 'underpaid'
NBA

Warriors' Stephen Curry believes NBA players are 'underpaid'

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Phillies' Kyle Schwarber inches closer to franchise history vs. Yankees
MLB

Phillies' Kyle Schwarber inches closer to franchise history vs. Yankees

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