The term 'breakout' is as overused in fantasy football as 'sleepers.' These are not guys who are coming out of nowhere, but are the guys who should significantly improve on their 2007 numbers and outperform their Average Draft Position.

Matt Schaub, QB, Texans

Schaub's numbers in his first season as the Texans' quarterback were dampened as he missed five full games and parts of three others due to injury. Schaub's stud wideout, Andre Johnson, was also out of the lineup for half of the eight full games that Schaub did play. When the duo was together, however, they were in sync, with seven of Schaub’s nine touchdowns coming in those four games, as Schaub averaged a little over 200 yards per game. For the season, he topped 250 yards per tilt on average with a healthy Johnson in the lineup. With the Texans focusing on the offensive line this past off-season and the hiring of OL-guru Alex Gibb, Schaub should get better protection. Add in a running game that's still suspect and Schaub becomes a QB with nice upside in 2008.

Jay Cutler, QB, Broncos

Cutler finished strong, with multi-touchdown performances in four of Denver's last seven games. Nearly all of Cutler's best games were at Invesco Field at Mile High, which means added maturity should help him elevate his play at even the toughest road environments in seasons to come. Brandon Marshall has emerged in his own right as a big-player receiver (although watch for a possible Marshall suspension) and tight end Tony Scheffler also has demonstrated his abilities as a solid receiver. New assumed starter at RB Selvin Young also has a lot of value catching the ball out of the backfield. If one of Darrell Jackson, Keary Colbert or Samie Parker can hold their own as a WR2, Cutler will have a nice group of receivers to spread the field. Lastly, the diagnosis of Cutler's Type 1 diabetes is very important as Cutler lost about 30 pounds during the second half of last season and claims he felt sluggish. The identification and maintenance of his illness will help Cutler going forward. Cutler stands a good chance to join the top-10 QB's in 2008.

Thomas Jones, RB, Jets

There's no two ways about it; Jones was terrible in his first year with the Jets. Jones didn’t score his first touchdown until Week 13 and by the time he added another in Week 17 it was far too little, far too late. However, let's not forget what Jones did prior to 2007: 22 touchdowns and 4,007 yards from scrimmage across three seasons with the Bears. Working in Jones’ favor is a revamped offensive line that still features two of the brighter young talents in the league in Nick Mangold and D’Brickashaw Ferguson, as well as free agent acquisitions Alan Faneca and Damien Woody. The explosive Leon Washington may see some third-down work but not enough for you to be afraid to draft Jones. This offense produced 15 rushing scores in 2006 so you know the possibility is there, and Jones will make a fine RB3 for you this season, at worst.

Ryan Grant, RB, Packers

Many will think that Grant's 2007 campaign was a bit flukish and the loss of Brett Favre will put more pressure on the young back, but his monster finish to the 2007 fantasy season, on top of some flashes of greatness in the playoffs, suggests this kid is the real deal. He is strong, quick and pounds the hole. The Packers offensive attack and blocking scheme are perfect for Grant’s strengths and style of play. Grant will give you Top 5 RB numbers this season, so don't hesitate to make him your RB1 this season.

Michael Turner, RB, Falcons

Turner, an unrestricted free agent this off-season, lands in Atlanta and finally gets the opportunity to be the big dog. In a backup role with the Chargers, Turner averaged 5.2 YPC, with last year being the exception at 4.5 YPC. With an uncertain quarterback situation coming into the season, new HC Mike Smith will ride Turner a lot. Expect 1,200 yards with 6 touchdowns.

Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars

Jones-Drew definitely had a disappointing 2007 fantasy season in the yardage department, but he did manage to rush for nine scores. Jones-Drew has been a TD machine, having scored 24 times in his first two seasons. With Fred Taylor turning 32, expect Jones-Drew to take over in 2008 and rush for about 1,100 yards and 10+ TDs. His career 5.1 yards-per-carry average demonstrates that he should have tremendous success once he gets those starter-type carries. The guess here is he will get his upgraded workload this coming season.

Robert Meachem, WR, Saints

Over the past two seasons, the Saints’ passing game has produced 9,049 yards and 55 touchdowns. While Marques Colston gets a lot of that action and Reggie Bush gets his fair share of receptions out of the backfield, there is plenty of room for other receivers to put up good numbers. Meachem was the team’s first-round pick in 2007 but lost the bulk of his rookie campaign to a knee injury. With pre-season reports signaling Meachem has been 100% at mini-camps, he has impressed the coaching staff and could very easily be the WR2 by the time September rolls around. In this explosive offense, Meachem could emerge and you won't need to draft him before the 10th round.

Santonio Holmes, WR, Steelers

Holmes comes into 2008 with a lot of things going his way. He fits the third-year breakout mold and with Hines Ward entering his 11th NFL season, the transition appears to be in motion. Ward will still be a factor but Holmes will be Big Ben's money receiver in 2008. Look for 80+ catches for 1,250 receiving yards ands 10 touchdowns.

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