A breakout player is different from a fantasy football sleeper in that “sleepers” usually refer to lower tier players that are off the radar… maybe a backup running back that will see additional carries because of an injury to the guy ahead of him (think Felix Jones or James Davis). A breakout player is someone who is a super star or top tier player but just hasn’t quite got it going yet. Maybe their offense as a whole isn’t clicking or the player went up against some tough defenses.

Here are my top 3 breakout players for this week.

Steve Slaton
As a rookie, Steve Slaton was an absolute beast in 2008. He rushed the ball for nearly 1,300 yards (4.8 ypc) and had 377 yards receiving with 10 total touchdowns. His performance through the first two weeks of the 2009 NFL season has been anything but spectacular. He has only 26 attempts for 51 yards (2.0 ypc), 3 fumbles and no touchdowns. He’s been horrible. Lucky for Slaton the Texans are hosting the Jaguars this weekend. The Jags defense is mediocre at best. Look for Slaton to explode for big gains and multiple touchdowns in front of the Battle Red Texan crowd.

Brandon Jacobs
Despite missing time over that past two years, Brandon Jacobs is coming off back-to-back 1,000 rushing yard seasons. Things have started off slow for Brandon in 2009, quite the opposite of his hot start in 2008 where he had 209 yards on 36 carries in the first two games. This year he has the same number of carries through the first two games but has only rushed for 104 yards (3.2 ypc) and zero touchdowns. The Giants travel to Tampa for a game with the Bucs this weekend. The Buccaneers have a young defense that can’t stop the run. Jacobs will have a huge day. I’m thinking 19 carries, 145 yards and two touchdowns.

Anquan Boldin
Boldin has been plagued with injury most of his career. He’s missed 8 games in the last two seasons and almost missed week 1 of 2009. Boldin has started off slow, but caught on last week late against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Through the first two games Boldin has 10 receptions for 88 yards and zero touchdowns. The 10 receptions isn’t bad, but only 88 yards is. Boldin is a strong receiver and knows how to get those yards after catch (YAC). This weekend the Cardinals host the Indianapolis Colts. Two pass happy offenses clashing in the desert. This could be a shootout. I predict Boldin gets back on track with 7 receptions, 120 yards and a touchdown.

Do you agree with my assessments? Comment below.