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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Dec 7, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) during warmups prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium. The Steelers won 42-21. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) during warmups prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium. The Steelers won 42-21. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Falcons – WR Mohamed Sanu

Sanu changed teams this offseason, signing a five-year, $32.5 million deal with the Falcons in early March. Though he’s relocated to another city and another NFL franchise, Sanu should actually feel quite at home — he’s in, essentially, the same situation he was in Cincinnati.

The Falcons have a quarterback in Matt Ryan that boasts undeniable talent and has occasionally led the franchise to great moments, but has failed to harness his potential and create sustained success. Sound familiar? Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton certainly fits that criteria. Football is a team game, but fair or not, quarterbacks are judged on win-loss records — Dalton is 0-4 in the postseason, while Ryan is 1-4.

Sanu also played in the shadow of Pro Bowler A.J. Green in Cincinnati, but the shadow is about to get much larger in Atlanta with Julio Jones lining up on the opposite side.

Theoretically, the attention that Jones demands should open up additional opportunities for Sanu. Outside of Jones and Sanu, the Falcons have few proven options in the passing game.

Two years ago, Roddy White finished with 80 receptions for 921 yards and seven touchdowns as a clear No. 2 to Jones. Numbers similar to that are possible for Sanu, who could become a WR3 with upside this season.

Next: Baltimore Ravens

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