The NFL season is still months away, but it's never too early to start thinking about fantasy football. This year there are a number of players that should be in situations where they can break out and be productive players for fantasy owners.
Whether it's a player getting a chance to start after moving in free agency, or someone who will get to step up because another player left for another team, there are plenty of situations to keep an eye on. There are sleeper players around the league at various positions, including names like Brock Osweiler, Marvin Jones, Jay Ajayi, Matt Jones, Ladarius Green and Jeremy Langford.
Fantasy owners would be wise to keep an eye on these players through the summer once team drafts get closer. Here is a look at some sleepers and breakout players for the 2016 season:
Travis Benjamin, San Diego Chargers
Benjamin had a breakout season last year with the Browns, but he could do even more with the Chargers after signing as a free agent. Benjamin had a career-best 68 catches for 966 yards and five TDs last season, and he did that with subpar quarterbacks throwing him the ball. Now Benjamin gets to play with Philip Rivers in San Diego, and he also will be lined up alongside Keenan Allen, one of the most productive receivers in football. Expect big things from Benjamin in 2016.
Ladarius Green, Pittsburgh Steelers
Green had been stuck behind Antonio Gates for years in San Diego, and now the tight end has the chance to be the starter in Pittsburgh. Green did not put up great numbers with the Chargers despite getting chances to play, but he should fit perfectly with Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers' offense. Big Ben loves hitting the tight end, and with players like Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell on the team, defenses may leave Green some open space.
Matt Forte, New York Jets
Although Forte is getting up there in age, his skills should be well-suited for the Jets' offense. The team doesn't have an answer yet about who will be quarterback in 2016, but it doesn't make a difference for Forte. The Jets likely will use Forte as an every-down back, and his skills as a receiver make him valuable for fantasy owners. Forte had the worst performance of his career last season in Chicago, but he has the chance to bounce back this season. Forte has had more than 200 combined receptions the past three seasons, and the Jets will use him out of the backfield quite a bit.
Jay Ajayi, Miami Dolphins
Even if the Dolphins add another running back in free agency or the draft this offseason, Ajayi is in good position to be a breakout candidate. The Dolphins are comfortable letting Ajayi take over as the starter with Lamar Miller gone, and he should be the No. 1 running back even if another player is added to the roster. Ajayi showed some breakout potential last season while rushing for 187 yards in nine games, and this year he should significantly increase his production under new head coach Adam Gase.
Honorable mentions:
Keep an eye on these guys for 2016:
Brock Osweiler, Houston Texans
Marvin Jones, Detroit Lions
Matt Jones, Washington Redskins
Jeremy Langford, Chicago Bears
