Fantasy football managers know that a player’s sophomore season often reveals the true ceiling of his talent. After a year of adjusting to the speed of the NFL, many second‑year players are primed to take a big step forward in 2026. Below we highlight the most promising breakout candidates across the league.
Quarterback: Shough
Shough earned the starting job from Spencer Rattler in Week 9 and helped a 1‑7 team finish 5‑4 in his first nine starts. He rushed for 186 yards and three touchdowns while showing competence as a passer. With a full offseason as the undisputed starter, Shough will work under offensive coordinator Kellen Moore’s fast‑paced, pass‑first system. The addition of receiver Jordyn Tyson and running back Travis Etienne gives him more weapons, and the proven production of Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson should keep defenses honest. If Tyson stays healthy, Shough’s upside is considerable, putting him squarely on breakout watch.
Tight End: Loveland
Loveland posted 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie, earning the 10th overall pick’s respect. He now competes with Rome Odunze and Luther Burden for targets, but head coach Ben Johnson’s offense is built to support multiple fantasy stars at the tight‑end position. Analysts already rank Loveland as a potential TE3 this season, and his continued development could make him a weekly advantage for fantasy owners.
Wide Receiver: Luther Burden
Burden’s rookie year was limited by veteran DJ Moore, who kept him off the field. With Moore now in Buffalo, Burden is slated for a larger role. A minor groin strain in training camp raised a brief concern, but reports suggest he should be ready by Week 1. He will battle Odunze for the WR1 spot, and many insiders believe Burden is Johnson’s preferred target. If he stays healthy, Burden has the talent to finish among the top ten fantasy receivers.
Running Back: J.C. Croskey‑Merritt
Last season, Croskey‑Merritt rushed for 805 yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt. The Commanders’ offense struggled with injuries to quarterback Jayden Daniels, but the team added Rachaad White from Tampa Bay. White is expected to handle passing‑down duties while Croskey‑Merritt remains the lead back. With a healthier offensive line and a more stable quarterback situation, he could see over 200 rushing attempts and approach double‑digit touchdowns.
Running Back: Tuten (Jaguars)
With Travis Etienne now in New Orleans, second‑year back Tuten is set for a larger role in Jacksonville’s backfield. He still shares snaps with Chris Rodriguez, but his skill set gives him a clear path to become the primary ball carrier as the Jaguars continue to develop under offensive coordinator Liam Coen and quarterback Trevor Lawrence. If the offense clicks, Tuten could become a reliable fantasy RB2 with upside to climb higher.
How to Use These Breakout Candidates
Fantasy managers should consider these players for early‑round picks or as high‑value sleepers in later rounds. Shough’s dual‑threat ability makes him a strong candidate for a mid‑round quarterback slot. Loveland’s size and route‑running give him a safe floor at tight end, while Burden’s big‑play potential could make him a weekly starter at wide receiver. At running back, both Croskey‑Merritt and Tuten offer volume and goal‑line opportunities that can translate into solid points. Monitoring training‑camp reports and injury updates will be crucial as the season approaches.
Final Thoughts
The sophomore surge is a real phenomenon in the NFL, and these players embody that trend. By targeting Shough, Loveland, Burden, Croskey‑Merritt and Tuten, fantasy owners can position themselves for a competitive edge in the 2026 season.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
