These are the QBs we predicted would breakout in our 2025 Newsletter:
Caleb Williams - Finished as QB5 🔥
J.J. McCarthy - Nightmare Fuel, finished as QB30. Fun fact: He, surprisingly, finished as the QB14 or higher in five out of the eight games he played 100% of snaps
Bryce Young - Finished as QB19
Drake Maye - Finished as the QB2 🔥
🏈 4 QBs with Fantasy Football BREAKOUT Potential in 2026
1. Jaxson Dart (QB - Giants)

Jaxson Dart is one of the easier quarterback breakouts to project. In 12 full games, he put up 8 top-10 weekly finishes and 4 games of 25 or more fantasy points. His rushing upside alone makes him incredibly enticing as a fantasy option.
The Giants are likely going to trail in most matchups, forcing Dart to carry the offense via high passing volume and scrambling, a game script that historically is conducive to fantasy football success.
Walter’s Rank: QB12
Walter's Projected Ceiling: QB8

Dart’s 2026 Weekly Projections
2. Tyler Shough (QB - Saints)

Tyler Shough is a legitimate fantasy threat heading into the 2026 season. In his starts last season, Shough posted 5 top-10 weekly finishes, elite production for a first-year starter. Add Travis Etienne and Jordyn Tyson to the mix, plus a second year in Kellen Moore's offense, and the arrow is pointing straight up.
Walter's Rank: QB15
Walter's Projected Ceiling: QB4
3. Malik Willis (QB - Dolphins)

Malik Willis has legitimate breakout potential as a full-time starter in Miami. In his 3 starts over the last 2 seasons, he scored over 25 fantasy points twice. With improved accuracy since college and elite rushing upside, Willis is more-than-capable of outperforming his late-round draft cost significantly. The biggest red flags are the sample size concerns and his very lackluster supporting cast.
Walter's Rank: QB17
Walter's Projected Ceiling: QB2
4. Cam Ward (QB - Titans)

Cam Ward disappointed as a rookie, but the opportunity for a sophomore breakout is very much there. He has an easier schedule in 2026, an upgraded coaching staff, and a better supporting cast than he had a year ago. He has arm ample talent, but his lack of rushing is going to be one of the primary obstacles facing him if he wants to be a consistent fantasy option. I believe in the talent, and that’s one of the primary reasons I have him listed as a breakout candidate. Walter does too, having him projected a ceiling of QB8.
Walter’s Rank: QB26
Walter's Projected Ceiling: QB8

Ward’s unfathomably difficult rookie season schedule

Ward’s much more advantageous 2026 schedule



