Fansided

32 breakout fantasy football players for the 2016-17 NFL season

By Andrew C. Lovell

May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs drills during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs drills during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Albert Wilson (12) during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Albert Wilson (12) during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Kansas City Chiefs – WR Albert Wilson

To be clear, the Chiefs aren’t going to suddenly turn into a high-flying passing offense. The team is built around its running game and defense. But Wilson showed signs last season that he could become a regular contributor in 2016.

Wilson was remarkably consistent in 2015, even if it didn’t equate to fantasy relevance. He played in 14 of the Chiefs’ 16 regular-season games, and had either three or four receptions in 10 of them. His end-of-season totals of 35 receptions for 451 yards and two touchdowns, however, were uninspiring.

Wilson showed down the stretch, with 87 yards and a touchdown against San Diego in mid-December, and 57 yards and a touchdown against New England in the Divisional round of the playoffs, that he can be productive when given the chance.

Again, quarterback Alex Smith isn’t suddenly going to become a gunslinger, but the Chiefs will want to lighten the loads on wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce.

The third year can often be the breakout season for wide receivers, at least so suggests the historical narrative of the position. That makes Wilson an interesting, under-the-radar name to keep an eye on as the preseason moves forward.

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