Football <\/p>\n
NFL Free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft will completely shake up the fantasy football landscape in the coming months.<\/em><\/p>\n Before the roster movement begins, Justin Boone is identifying one fantasy-relevant player from every team who\u2019s most likely to break out during the 2026 season.<\/em><\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Higgins was unable to achieve full-time status in the Texans offense as a rookie, but he earned playing time immediately while taking the field for 42% of the snaps or more in every game this season.<\/p>\n The second-round pick saw his role grow later in the year, leading to at least 50 yards and\/or a touchdown in six of his last nine games. That included 88 yards and a score during fantasy championship week.<\/p>\n Most importantly, Higgins looked like a player who belonged and could eventually emerge as a quality No. 2 receiver in Houston\u2019s passing attack behind Nico Collins.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Though Higgins\u2019 fantasy ceiling is slightly lower due to Collins\u2019 presence, the 23-year-old still looks like a WR3\/flex option in 2026. If you doubt that, just know that from Week 10 on, Higgins was the WR35 in fantasy points per game.<\/p>\n Fantasy breakout potential<\/strong>: \u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606<\/p>\n Downs is a talented playmaker packaged in a smaller frame at 5-foot-9 and 171 pounds. That might be why the Colts have primarily used him as their third receiver, which has limited his production and fantasy outlook.<\/p>\n Even so, Downs did manage at least 50 yards and\/or a touchdown in 50% of his games this season.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n There\u2019s also the potential for a shakeup in the Colts\u2019 WR room this offseason with Alec Pierce heading to free agency. That\u2019s led some to suggest the team could cut Michael Pittman Jr. in favor of re-signing Pierce. Either way, it appears as though the depth chart will look a little different in 2026.<\/p>\n That could create an opportunity for Downs, who has the skill to be a more impactful player if he gets the chance.<\/p>\n Remember back in 2024 when Joe Flacco replaced Anthony Richardson Sr. in seven games? During those Flacco starts, Downs posted weekly fantasy finishes of WR8, WR25, WR16, WR34, WR21, WR75 and WR18 \u2014 all while averaging 7.1 receptions and 66.4 receiving yards. It\u2019s a small sample size, but a glimpse of what Downs could do in the right setting with competent quarterback play.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Perhaps I\u2019m being a little hopeful for a Downs\u2019 breakout in Year 4, but there\u2019s no doubt in my mind he can perform as a fantasy WR3 with upside in the right environment.<\/p>\n Fantasy breakout potential: \u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2606<\/p>\n Despite being a Day 3 pick, Tuten was highly touted heading into his rookie campaign due to an intriguing prospect profile and the ambiguity in the Jaguars\u2019 backfield. When Tank Bigsby was traded, it only fanned the flames of Tuten eventually carving out a major role and possibly even emerging as the starter.<\/p>\n However, Travis Etienne Jr. had an outstanding season and didn\u2019t leave the door open for his new teammate to emerge.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Tuten\u2019s first season wasn\u2019t a total bust, though. The 23-year-old scored seven touchdowns and made some big plays in the process.<\/p>\n We now enter an offseason where Etienne is set to become a free agent, and if the Jags don\u2019t bring him back, then Tuten would immediately become one of the hottest names in fantasy drafts.<\/p>\nEarly Breakout Candidates<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Houston Texans<\/strong> – Jayden Higgins, WR<\/h3>\n
Indianapolis Colts <\/strong>– Josh Downs, WR<\/h3>\n
Jacksonville Jaguars <\/strong>– Bhayshul Tuten, RB<\/h3>\n