Three weeks down, 14 more to go. After three weeks we are starting to see which teams’ contenders and which teams are pretenders. Of course, anything can happen over the remaining course of the season, but we are out of the gate getting to and while it may seem like a long time, the end of the season will be here sooner that we think.
With each team hopefully out of their no preseason rust it seems like a good time to look at which players have been breakouts for their respective teams, so that is exactly what we are going to look at.
The rankings will not always be relative to the record so early in the season because there is still rust that has to be shaken off, but with that being said, let’s see where the teams rank and which players have been “breakout”.
Rank Kansas City Chiefs (3-0)
1 Prev. (2 ↑1)
Breakout Player: Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Just because he is a rookie does not mean he can’t be a breakout player. The Chiefs were ecstatic when Edwards-Helaire was still available at the end of round one of the draft and for good reason. This offense was already one of the, if not the best offense in the NFL before the addition of Edwards-Helaire, now after adding the RB, the offense adds a whole additional layer of versatility. Edwards-Helaire is not only a threat in the run game where he has 240 YDS, one TD, and a 4.4 Y/A, but he is also a threat in the receiving game with 11 Rec. for 102 YDS. This offense showed its dominance against the Ravens on Monday and when they play like this, they are unstoppable. Edwards-Helaire is no doubt an early candidate for offensive R.O.Y.
Rank Seattle Seahawks (3-0)
2 Prev. (3 ↑1)
Breakout Player: D.K. Metcalf
While Metcalf had 900 receiving yards last season, it is still fair to consider him a breakout player. Russell Wilson needed a true number one receiver this season and right now he has two in Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Coming out of the 2019 draft, Metcalf was seen as a project by some, the Seahawks knew what he could bring, and he has not disappointed. Metcalf has almost doubled his Y/G with 99.0 this season compared to 56.3 last season and not only is that better, but he is also on a pace for 16 TDs this season compared to last season. There are still things that need to be worked on like catch % which is at 54.5% and fumbles which is already at one, but Metcalf has proven that he will be a huge threat for Wilson this season.
Rank Green Bay Packers (3-0)
3 Prev. (4 ↑1)
Breakout Player: Allen Lazard
For yet another season, the Packers failed to draft a skill position in the first round to help Rodgers out. They were banking on Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling to step up and boy have they. Lazard is in his third season and he has become a reliable starter for Rodgers, already with 13 Rec. for 254 YDS and two touchdowns. Maybe the best part about Lazard though is his reliable hands. Lazard has a catch % of 76.5% and that is exactly the type of receiver that Rodgers needs. Lazard breaking out makes things much easier on the offensive end since now it will not all be relied on Devante Adams. For what seems like the first time in a long time, Rodgers has multiple weapons he can use on the offense now.
Rank Baltimore Ravens (2-1)
4 Prev. (1 ↓3)
Breakout Player: J.K. Dobbins
The Ravens run game was already historic, adding possibly the best running back in the draft made it even better. The Ravens don’t have a true number one back as it tends to switch depending on the situation, but in the times Dobbins has gotten the ball he has shown what type of playmaker he is. Dobbins has touched the ball a total of 15 times and in total he has 127 YDS (76 on the ground, 51 through the air). Dobbins has two touchdowns on the season so far and while he may not be the premier back in this lineup, he definitely adds another threat to go along with Ingram, Edwards, and Jackson.
Rank Buffalo Bills (3-0)
5 Prev. (6 ↑1)
Breakout Player: Josh Allen
Allen was not bad last season but compared to this season he still looked like a rookie. Yes, it was only his season and he wasn’t necessarily supposed to be playing at an MVP level, but this season he has elevated his game to another level. It is only three games into the season and while it may be too early to crown an MVP, it would be silly to say that Allen is not in the early conversation. Allen is still a threat to run the ball, but his passing is night and day compared to last season. Having a true number one receiver helps in Stefon Diggs, but the accuracy is where he has improved the most, going from 58.8% to 71.1%. Again, it may be early, and he may not play like this all season long but this is the improvement that they needed out of Allen this season.
Rank San Francisco 49ers (2-1)
6 Prev. (5 ↓1)
Breakout Player: Kerry Hyder
Only three games into the season and Hyder already has the second most sacks in his career in a season (2.0). After losing Bosa and Thomas due to injuries this season, the 49ers needed somebody to step up and while he hasn’t been playing amazing Hyder has done so thus far. Hyder has six QB hits this season to go along with three tackle for losses and while he may not be the player that Bosa was, he has stepped up when it was needed which is all that could be asked.
Rank Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0)
7 Prev. (10 ↑3)
Breakout Player: Chase Claypool
Roethlisberger is starting to look more and more like himself as the weeks go on and he is proving this by getting numerous receivers involved in the passing game. One of his favorite deep targets it looks like is rookie Chase Claypool who is averaging over 25 YDS per catch. While Claypool may only have six receptions on nine targets, he has been reliable in the deep game and that is something that Ben will need as the season progresses. With the receivers that the Steelers have, Claypool should get more looks when he is in the game and he should only progress and get better.
Rank Tennessee Titans (3-0)
8 Prev. (9 ↑1)
Breakout Player: Jonnu Smith
Smith is finally becoming the tight end the Titans were hoping for when they drafted him, in three games this season Smith has three touchdowns which matches his season high. Not only did Smith tie his previous TD mark, but he also is averaging more YDS per Rec. than ever before (13.9) and well as averaging almost double his Rec. per game (4.3). To go along with the receivers of Brown and Davis, Smith has given Tannehill another weapon in the passing game and has shown to be a good blocker for whenever Henry gets the ball. Smith is not near the likes of a Kelce or Kittle, but a good all-around tight end is not easy to find and right now that’s what Smith is.
Rank Los Angeles Rams (2-1)
9 Prev. (7 ↓2)
Breakout Player: Malcolm Brown andDarrell Henderson
After the Rams got rid of Todd Gurley going into the season it seemed as though the run game would be the weak point of the offense. The run game has probably been the best part of the offense though and that is thanks to Malcolm Brown and Darrell Henderson. While it may be cheating a little to choose two players it seems fitting considering they combined make up one of the best two-headed monsters of the season. Both of these players have two TDs on the year while Brown has 145 YDS and Henderson has 201 YDS. These two are not huge threats out of the backfield in the receiving game, but they help open up the passing game for Goff which will continue to be huge this season.
Rank New England Patriots (2-1)
10 Prev. (14 ↑4)
Breakout Player: Chase Winovich
Winovich sis not have a bad rookie campaign last season, but now with more playing time this season he is looking to do even better. Winovich is making the most of his opportunity this season and he is forcing a rush to the QB which is evident by his five QB hits on the year. Not only does he have five QB hits, but he also has one forced fumble, one and a half sacks on the season. He may be not be playing as much of the game as he could, but he is maximizing his productivity when he is in the game. Winovich has turned into a dangerous edge rusher for what should be one of the best defenses in the league.
Rank Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)
11 Prev. (12 ↑1)
Breakout Player: Antoine Winfield Jr.
The defense has been getting better every single week. Now, it could be because the opponents are getting easier, but either way the defense has been great recently. While Devin White leads the team in tackles, Winfield Jr. is coming out of the safety position and he has two sacks, one forced fumble, and two pass deflections on the season. Winfield Jr. is only in his rookie season and he should only get better, but if this is what they are going to get out of one of their safety’s then they will take that. QBs have taken advantage with him being the primary defender in the passing game, but he should only get better at that and he could be one of the best safety’s in the game very soon.
Rank New Orleans Saints (1-2)
12 Prev. (8 ↓4)
Breakout Player: Alvin Kamara
Is it fair to say that one of the best players on the team is also their breakout player, maybe not, but that’s what is happening. To put it bluntly, the offense is not doing well right now, however, that does not include Kamara. Kamara and Latavius Murray make a good combination running the ball, but Murray is nowhere near the receiver that Kamara is. Kamara has 438 all purpose yards (153 rush and 285 receiving) to go along with six TDs. Part of the reason he has to be the leading receiver is because Michael Thomas is injured, but either way, Kamara has been great all season long. Being great and losing games isn’t a great combination but it is not Kamara’s fault they are losing.
Rank Chicago Bears (3-0)
13 Prev. (18 ↑5)
Breakout Player: Jaylon Johnson
Johnson is only a rookie, but so far, he is playing like a true veteran in the secondary. Johnson has been their best secondary player this season and he is holding receivers to under a 50% completion percentage. In 22 targets this season, Johnson has held receivers to 10 receptions and only 6.6 YDS/TGT. To go along with that, Johnson has five pass deflections on the season and the best part of his play, especially as a rookie, is that he has not made any major mistakes that have led to big plays.
Rank Las Vegas Raiders (2-1)
14 Prev. (11 ↓3)
Breakout Player: Jonathan Abram
Abram has played great so far this season and that’s what makes it tough to say that he could end up missing some time after he chipped his collarbone on Sunday. Even though he may end up missing some time, it would be crazy to say he has been anything but great so far. Abram is one of the leading tacklers on the Raiders as well as adding one interception and two pass deflections. This is Abram’s second season and his first full season after last season ended early due to injury, hopefully everything will turn out alright so he can return to the field as soon as possible.
Rank Indianapolis Colts (2-1)
15 Prev. (15 ⏤)
Breakout Player: Mo Alie-Cox
Alie-Cox already has the most receiving yards in a single season than he ever has before (3rd season). He has also been one of Rivers’ security blankets with 10 Rec. on 11 targets for an average of 18.1 YDS/R. If Alie-Cox can keep up this productivity all season long, then that will open the game up for the WRs like we see for the great passing teams in the league. This is the most he has been featured in the offense and it is clear why, not only is he a very good blocker, but he is one of the best catching TEs in the league. Currently he has taken over the starting role and if he continues to play like this then he will remain in that role all season long.
Rank Arizona Cardinals (1-2)
16 Prev. (13 ↓3)
Breakout Player: Kenyan Drake
Drake is really the only thing that is keeping this offense from not becoming one dimensional. Now it is not necessarily one dimensional due to passing all the time, but whenever Murray goes to throw it is either going to be to Hopkins or he is going to run. Murray is a threat running the ball but having another back who can take pressure away on the ground is vital. Drake has been playing very well so far and he is helping shake things up so it’s not all on Murray and Hopkins. Drake will continue to be a vital cog in the machine this season and if he continues then he could potentially get his first 1,000 YD season.
Rank Dallas Cowboys (1-2)
17 Prev. (17 ⏤)
Breakout Player: CeeDee Lamb
The Cowboys offense was already looking good going into the season, but then in the draft they added potentially the best WR in Lamb and now their offense is even more dangerous. And it’s a good thing it is because the defense is not that great. The Cowboys play a three WR set most of the time and that is perfect for Lamb, Cooper, and Gallup. The biggest problem on the offense is that there is only one ball, so not everyone can touch it every play. Elliot is great out of the backfield and he helps open up the passing game that Dak is almost always free to pass. Then in the pass, Cooper, Gallup, and Lamb are all so good that someone is bound to be open. All three of the receivers have over 200 YDS but what makes Lamb stand out is his consistency. Lamb has a 76% catch prate and is only getting better; this is a scary WR core.
Rank Cleveland Browns (2-1)
18 Prev. (19 ↑1)
Breakout Player: Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt
Okay, it’s two players again and neither of these two are “breakout” but it is tough to choose anyone else on the Browns. The defense has been alright, and Myles Garrett is the big man there, Baker Mayfield has been okay, but the run game has been electric. These two combined have just under 500 rushing YDS (Chubb 292, Hunt 204) and the running game is what is driving this offense. In order to open up the field for Baker then the run game has to get going and this could easily be the best 1-2 in the league. If given the opportunity to, don’t be surprised if both of these backs end up with over 1,000 YDS on the season.
Rank Houston Texans (0-3)
19 Prev. (20 ↑1)
Breakout Player: Vernon Hargreaves III
The Texans have not started well this season, to be fair they played three extremely tough teams, but that makes it tough to choose a breakout player because there really hasn’t been one. Hargreaves III may be the best candidate because the players who were expected to do well have been alright. There has not been a surprise player from this team, but Hargreaves may be the best corner right now. On the season Hargreaves III has two pass deflections and is allowing a 65% completion percentage, not great, but probably the “breakout” of the season for the Texans.
Rank Los Angeles Chargers (1-2)
20 Prev. (16 ↓4)
Breakout Player: Kenneth Murray
This defense is not playing great right now, but luckily, they are getting the type of production they expected out of their first-round pick Murray. Murray hasn’t been anything special, in fact, he is mainly just doing his job well and sometimes that is all you can ask out of a rookie. If there is one weak spot in his game early in his career it is his pass coverage game. While that is not the best area of his game, it is nothing to be concerned about at this young stage. Murray will continue to get even better and should end up making a couple of huge plays this season.
Rank Philadelphia Eagles (0-2-1)
21 Prev. (24 ↑3)
Breakout Player: Miles Sanders
Miles Sanders was very good last season in his rookie year, and he started the season off hot this year. In two games Sanders is almost averaging 100 YPG and he is what will help carry the offense to the next level. Wentz looks extremely uncomfortable at QB right now and a run game would definitely help bring some comfortability back. That doesn’t really seem like the Eagles plan though, Sanders did not play much in the second half of the Eagles game against the Bengals and it’s not very clear why. With a struggling offense, the best player has to be involved more and so far, this season that player has been Sanders, he needs to get more involved.
Rank Miami Dolphins (1-2)
22 Prev. (28 ↑6)
Breakout Player: Jerome Baker
Baker had a good season last year, but he has jumped out the gate this season and is looking like he can do no wrong. Baker leads the team in tackles with 30, he also has one forced fumble, one sack, and one tackle for loss. Baker is the do it all linebacker right now and that is what the Dolphins need on the defensive side. He still has room to grow as a pass defender, but he is a tackling machine right now and should only continue to get better as the main man on the defense.
Rank Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2)
23 Prev. (23 ⏤)
Breakout Player: James Robinson
Losing Leonard Fournette was supposed to be a death sentence for the Jags, instead they found James Robinson who has already helped lead them to a win. Robinson has 210 rushing yards on the year with one touchdown, and 129 receiving yards on the season. Minshew has played well this season, but easily the star if this team has been James Robinson. Robinson has proved that he belongs in the league and he will be what keeps the Jaguars somewhat competitive this season on the offensive end.
Rank Detroit Lions (1-2)
24 Prev. (30 ↑6)
Breakout Player: T.J. Hockenson
Hockenson had flashes last season of being the next great tight end in the league and then a season ending injury occurred. Now he is back, and he is looking very good with 171 YDS and 13 Rec. on the season with one touchdown. Hockenson hasn’t done anything spectacular looking this season, but he has been a reliable target for Stafford, and he leads the team in receiving YDS. He is also a good blocker and he is showing why they drafted him as high as they did, if he can keep this up the TE position in Detroit will be locked up.
Rank Minnesota Vikings (0-3)
25 Prev. (25 ⏤)
Breakout Player: Justin Jefferson
Justin Jefferson is already looking like a number one receiver and he will continue to be the guy for Cousins this season. Losing Diggs seemed like it would hurt early in the season and as a team yes, it has hurt, but from the WR position, Jefferson has filled in nicely. Jefferson has 245 YDS on 12 Rec. with an 80% catch rate. He has easily been the main man of the WR group, and the scary part is that he is only going to get better and look even more dangerous. If they start getting the other receivers involved like this then this could be a great offense.
Rank Carolina Panthers (1-2)
26 Prev. (29 ↑3)
Breakout Player: Teddy Bridgewater
Bridgewater was brought in to help the offense that was revolved around Christian McCaffrey, so far, he has done a good job. Sure, the Panthers may only be 1-2, but Bridgewater has looked good. If there is one concern for Bridgewater this season it would be that he is not finding the endzone as often as he would like as he only has two TDs on the season. While he may not be finding the endzone as often as he would like, he is still doing enough to keep the teams in games. In two out of their three games they were within one score, there is nothing more that a QB who was brought in can do with the defense this team has.
Rank Cincinnati Bengals (0-2-1)
27 Prev. (27 ⏤)
Breakout Player: Joe Burrow
Of course, it was going to be Burrow, yes, there are things he still has to work on, but he is playing very well for a number one overall pick three games in. Burrow has 821 YDS and five TDs on the season and while this is a very heavy pass offense, he only has one interception. For Burrow, with the line he has, he has done very well and should only continue to grow. Tyler Boyd and A.J. Green have been his favorite targets and once he starts throwing down the field more he will become a bigger threat.
Rank Washington Football Team (1-2)
28 Prev. (21 ↓9)
Breakout Player: Chase Young
Young has the most sacks (2.5) on the defense that leads the league in sacks, that sounds pretty good for a rookie. When Washington drafted him, they expected the best pass rusher from the draft and so far, that is exactly what they have gotten. Young still has room to grow and currently he is dealing with an injury, but if he becomes an all-around end, as in run stopper too, to go along with his pass rush ability then he has the chance to become the next big defensive end.
Rank Atlanta Falcons (0-3)
29 Prev. (27 ↓2)
Breakout Player: Calvin Ridley
Ridley has been pretty darn good in his two seasons in the league so far, but this season he is on a completely different level. Ridley is averaging 116 YDS/G and currently has 349 YDS with four touchdowns. This is the WR we expected coming out of college and that is now what we are getting. Ridley is the leading receiver on the team, and he is taking pressure away from Julio Jones, once these two are both on the field again this season then they will be the most dangerous 1-2 WR combination in the league. A 60% catch rate isn’t great but if he can improve that then he will be the best WR in the entire NFL.
Rank Denver Broncos (0-3)
30 Prev. (22 ↓8)
Breakout Player: Noah Fant
Fant started coming alive at the end of last season and he is starting the same way he ended it last year. Fant is the security blanket on the team and whenever they need a catch, he is the guy to go to. Fant sits just under 200 YDS receiving on the season to go along with two TDS. Since Sutton went down, Fant has been the guy and now it looks like Jerry Jeudy is starting to come alive so this offense could be very dangerous sooner than later, but they need to keep taking advantage over the middle with Fant.
Rank New York Giants (0-3)
31 Prev. (31 ⏤)
Breakout Player: Julian Love
No one on the Giants is playing well, so choosing a breakout player was tough, but I went with Love. Love has not been playing great like most everyone else, but his second season has seen a massive improvement over his rookie season. He is still getting beat far too often when he is the main guy in coverage, but otherwise he is doing pretty well. In three games, live has 19 tackles, one pass deflection, and one interception. The Giants overall need people to step up and Julian Love is attempting to, if he can improve his one on one ability then he will help that defense immensely.
Rank New York Jets (0-3)
32 Prev. (32 ⏤)
Breakout Player: Marcus Maye
Almost everything with the Jets this season has been bad, Marcus Maye for the most part has been an exception to this. Maye has been a bright spot for a team that does not have many positives going for them. Maye has two sacks on the season to go along with one forced fumble, two tackles for losses, and three pass deflections. This season will not be a pretty one for the Jets, but they at least have something to look forward to in the play of Maye.