Predicting Every NFL Team's Biggest Breakout Player for Second Half of the Season

A lot can happen over the final eight weeks of the NFL season, and teams with playoff aspirations hope that includes a strong postseason push.

However, even those clubs that are essentially out of the playoff race can look forward to positive developments that can set the stage for 2026 and beyond.

The New England Patriots, for example, won just four games a year ago. However, the growth Drake Maye showed after becoming the starter in Week 6 was the first hint that the team's latest turnaround might unfold quickly.

Every team should find a breakout player in the coming weeks—whether he's helping to spark a playoff run or providing hope for the future.

Let's dive into the likeliest candidates based on past production, player potential, team needs and projected roles.

AFC East

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Joshua Palmer

Buffalo Bills: WR Joshua Palmer

Buffalo Bills wideout Joshua Palmer, who joined the team this offseason after four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, has been out since suffering an ankle injury in Week 6. However, he returned to practice on a limited basis last week.

The 26-year-old has the potential to be the field-stretching receiver the Bills have missed for most of the season. He leads the team with a 16.7 yards-per-catch average and should become a focal point once healthy, as Joe Brady looks to diversify the passing attack.

Miami Dolphins: WR Malik Washington

The Miami Dolphins have been searching for ways to replace Tyreek Hill's production ever since he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 4. Second-year man Malik Washington cannot fill his shoes directly, but he brings another playmaking element to the offense.

The Virginia product already appears to be trending in a positive direction. After mostly making an impact on special teams early in the season, he has played at least 60 percent of the offensive snaps in three of the last four games and has found the end zone twice in that span.

New England Patriots: RB TreVeyon Henderson

For much of the season, it felt like the New England Patriots might have forgotten about rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson. Over the past three weeks, though, he has racked up 277 rushing yards and two touchdowns while flashing elite-level breakaway speed.

Drake Maye, a legitimate MVP candidate, may be driving New England's success this season, but Henderson could be the breakout star who propels them to a deep playoff run.

New York Jets: CB Azareye'h Thomas

The New York Jets are planning for their future, as evidenced by their deadline trades of Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner. With the latter now with the Colts, New York needs someone new to become a difference-maker in the secondary.

Azareye'h Thomas has a chance to be that guy. The rookie out of Florida State has started each of the Jets' past two games and logged a pass deflection in three straight games.

AFC South

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Woody Marks

Houston Texans: RB Woody Marks

Houston Texans rookie running back Woody Marks was in and out of the game plan early in the season, but he has taken over as the team's top back over the last month. He's logged 10-plus carries in four straight games and tallied 254 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns during that span.

The USC product made his first start in Sunday's comeback win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. That might serve as a sign of what's to come from Marks and a 4-5 Texans team trying to salvage its season.

Indianapolis Colts: Edge JT Tuimoloau

The Indianapolis Colts have had instant results from rookie first-round pick Tyler Warren. Now, it's time for second-round pick JT Tuimoloau to step into the limelight.

In his four games since being a healthy Week 6 scratch, the former Ohio State edge-rusher has recorded four quarterback hits. He is still searching for his first NFL sack, but with Sauce Gardner now patrolling the secondary in Indy, he won't be waiting long.

Jacksonville Jaguars: CB Jarrian Jones

Jarrian Jones, a 2024 third-round pick out of Florida State, showed some flashes as a rookie nickelback, but he was benched early this season after struggling on the perimeter.

With both Jourdan Lewis and Travis Hunter out for Week 10, Jones played extensively and fared well, finishing with two passes defended and an interception. He's allowed an opposing passer rating of only 77.1 in coverage this season and should see an expanded role moving forward.

Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward

It's been a rocky rookie season for Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward. However, the Miami product is too talented not to start showing his star potential at some point this season—he was the ninth overall prospect on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's final 2025 draft board.

Tennessee's supporting cast isn't good, but the Week 10 bye and some winnable games down the stretch should give the 23-year-old a chance to end the year with momentum.

AFC North

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Ravens edge Mike Green

Baltimore Ravens: Edge Mike Green

The Baltimore Ravens defense struggled mightily early in the season, but it has played far better in the three games since the bye. So has rookie pass-rusher Mike Green, who has logged 1.5 sacks, two tackles for loss and five quarterback hits in that span.

If Baltimore's defense continues to ascend—and the Ravens climb back into the playoff mix—Green will have a chance to emerge as a defensive star.

Cincinnati Bengals: LB Barrett Carter

The Cincinnati Bengals moved linebacker Logan Wilson at the trade deadline after he requested a trade. His request came, in part, from the team's decision to insert rookie fourth-round pick Barrett Carter into the starting lineup.

Carter has started each of the last four games. While he's had his issues in coverage, he's played 100 percent of the defensive snaps and racked up 40 tackles during that span.

Cleveland Browns: WR Cedric Tillman

The Cleveland Browns desperately need to find a capable perimeter receiver opposite Jerry Jeudy. After being activated from injured reserve (hamstring) in Week 10, Cedric Tillman might be that receiver.

The 25-year-old started to break out last season with 302 yards and four touchdowns in a four-game span before suffering a season-ending concussion.

A lot will hinge on newly-installed play-caller Tommy Rees and Cleveland's quarterback play, but Tillman has an opportunity.

Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Roman Wilson

The Pittsburgh Steelers are also searching for a dependable second receiver who can complement DK Metcalf and the team's collection of tight ends.

Second-year man Roman Wilson isn't there just yet, but he's been targeted 10 times and has caught two touchdown passes over his last three games.

AFC West

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Broncos WR Troy Franklin

Denver Broncos: WR Troy Franklin

With four touchdown receptions in his last four games, second-year Denver Broncos receiver Troy Franklin has already started to break out a bit, and it's been no accident. Bo Nix's college teammate has been targeted a whopping 37 times in that four-game stretch.

The Oregon product's target share isn't likely to dip over the second half of the season, and he could be the key to unlocking a Broncos offense that has been as inconsistent as any in the NFL this season.

Kansas City Chiefs: OT Josh Simmons

The Kansas City Chiefs announced this week that rookie first-round pick Josh Simmons is set to return after missing time due to a personal matter. He'll have an opportunity to reenter the starting lineup in time to help spark the stretch run.

Jaylon Moore has started the last four games and has played respectably. However, he's also been responsible for three sacks and 12 pressures in fewer than 300 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.

Las Vegas Raiders: WR Dont'e Thornton

The Las Vegas Raiders moved wide receiver Jakobi Meyers at the trade deadline, which will, eventually, open the door for rookie fourth-round pick Dont'e Thornton to make some breakthrough plays.

The Tennessee product has the size (6'5", 205 lbs), skill set and speed (4.3-second 40-yard dash) needed to excel on the perimeter. He saw 39 offensive snaps—his most since Week 3—in Las Vegas' first game after trading Meyers.

Los Angeles Chargers: OT Trevor Penning

The Chargers have dealt with several key injuries already this season; none bigger than losing tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. To help backfill the tackle spot, Los Angeles traded for Trevor Penning at the deadline.

Penning never played up to his draft status as a 2-22 first-round pick with the New Orleans Saints. Under head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive line coach Mike Devlin, he will have a chance to revitalize his career over the next two months—longer, if L.A. can go deep in the postseason.

NFC East

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Cowboys edge Donovan Ezeiruaku

Dallas Cowboys: Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku

Rookie pass-rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku has already made an impact for the Dallas Cowboys. He has two sacks and 10 quarterback pressures.

The Boston College product has had both sacks, three QB hits and three tackles for loss over his last three games, and his production could continue rising over the second half of the season. Dallas added Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline, and he should create regular one-on-one opportunities for the guys playing next to him.

New York Giants: TE Theo Johnson

Second-year tight end Theo Johnson has been a regular part of the New York Giants' offensive plan since last season. However, the team needs him to take on a bigger role with Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo both done for the year.

Johnson, who is coming off a seven-catch, 75-yard performance, has shown he's capable of being a go-to target. Interim coach Mike Kafka should make him an offensive focal point moving forward.

Philadelphia Eagles: Edge Jaelan Phillips

Jaelan Phillips had a strong early career with the Dolphins before injuries cost him most of the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He faced an uncertain future in a contract year with a struggling defense before Miami traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles.

In his first game as an Eagle, the 26-year-old showed his difference-making potential. After recording six tackles, two quarterback hits, one key tackle for loss and a fumble recovery on Monday night, he is poised to become a star in Philly's defense.

Washington Commanders: DT Jer'Zhan Newton

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton showed flashes as a rookie last season, finishing with 44 tackles and two sacks. He's already up to 22 tackles and two sacks this year, and he could be even more productive over the second half of 2025.

The 23-year-old played a season-high 40 percent of the defensive snaps in Week 10, and now head coach Dan Quinn has decided to take over the defensive play-calling. If Quinn can boost the defense, Newton's profile will rise considerably.

NFC South

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Falcons edge Jalon Walker

Atlanta Falcons: Edge Jalon Walker

Atlanta Falcons rookie first-round pick Jalon Walker has missed time with a groin injury, but he returned to the starting lineup in Week 9 and has exploded.

In his last two games, the 21-year-old has tallied 11 tackles, three tackles for loss, three sacks, one batted pass and two forced fumbles. He has arrived and could make a second-half run at Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Carolina Panthers: Edge Nic Scourton

The Carolina Panthers have their own promising rookie pass-rusher in Nic Scourton. He has been on the field all season but has really started to ascend over the past month.

The Texas A&M product has recorded three sacks over his last four games and has played over 50 percent of the snaps in back-to-back weeks.

New Orleans Saints: QB Tyler Shough

New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has only made two starts this season, as the team decided to roll with second-year Spencer Rattler to start the campaign.

Shough looked like a legitimate difference-maker in his second game, which came against an underrated Carolina defense. The Louisville product showed a ton of growth from his first start to his second, and if he can stay on an upward trajectory, he'll be fun to watch over the next eight weeks.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: S Tykee Smith

If you haven't watched much of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season, you may be unaware of second-year safety Tykee Smith. However, Bucs fans know he's quickly becoming one of the top young defensive backs in the game.

The 24-year-old has allowed an opposing passer rating of only 73.3 in coverage this season, and with 29 tackles, a sack and an interception over his last three outings, he's beginning to generate considerable buzz.

NFC North

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Bears TE Colston Loveland

Chicago Bears: TE Colston Loveland

Colston Loveland had his breakout a couple of weeks ago, following an injury to fellow tight end Cole Kmet. Against the Bengals, the rookie grabbed six passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns—including the game-winner.

The Chicago Bears will find it hard to keep Lovelend out of the game plan moving forward. Expect him to fully justify his selection at No. 10 overall during the next two months.

Detroit Lions: WR Jameson Williams

It might seem strange to point to fourth-year receiver Jameson Williams as a breakout candidate since he had a 1,000-yard campaign just last season. However, he's been underutilized for most of the 2025 campaign.

Last week, though, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties and made a concerted effort to get Williams the ball. The result? A season-high 119 yards and a touchdown on six receptions. The 24-year-old is poised to explode over the second half of the season.

Green Bay Packers: TE Luke Musgrave

Luke Musgrave had a solid 352 receiving yards as a rookie in 2023. However, he largely fell out of the Green Bay Packers passing plan after that, as Tucker Kraft became the go-to tight end.

With Kraft out for the season—and receivers such as Matthew Golden and Romeo Doubs injured—expect Musgrave to remind fans of why he was a coveted draft prospect and a second-round pick.

Minnesota Vikings: QB J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season following knee surgery. He's also missed time this year with an ankle injury.

In all, the 22-year-old has made just four starts with a 2-2 record and a 65.8 passer rating. As he gets more accustomed to playing—and develops more chemistry with his talented receiving corps—he could be one of the league's more exciting young passers by season's end.

NFC West

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Rams RB Blake Corum

Arizona Cardinals: DL Walter Nolen III

Arizona Cardinals rookie first-round pick Walter Nolen III suffered a calf injury during the summer and landed on injured reserve. In his two games since returning, though, he's recorded a sack, two tackles for loss and two quarterback hits.

The 22-year-old exited Week 10 with a leg injury, but the injury is reportedly considered minor. As long as Nolen can stay on the field, he's likely to shine.

Los Angeles Rams: RB Blake Corum

Blake Corum didn't get a lot of run as a rookie, as the Los Angeles Rams leaned heavily on starter Kyren Williams. However, L.A. has started to work the 2024 third-round pick into the game plan recently with impressive results.

Corum has logged double-digit carries in three straight games and has added 157 scrimmage yards in that span. Don't be surprised if he helps form the sort of two-back attack that can carry the Rams deep into the postseason.

San Francisco 49ers: Edge Keion White

Edge-rusher Keion White had fallen out of favor with the Patriots this season and was traded to the San Francisco 49ers ahead of the deadline. In San Francisco, he's being challenged to help replace injured pass-rushers Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams.

So far, White has impressed. He logged a tackle, a half-sack and a quarterback hit in his second game as a 49er, and he should continue to make his presence felt moving forward.

Seattle Seahawks: LB Tyrice Knight

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight started late in his rookie season and played well, but a knee issue slowed him during the offseason. He lost his starting job after three games but regained a large role when Ernest Jones IV suffered a Week 9 knee injury.

Knight racked up 10 tackles in Week 9 before recording two strip-sacks that were returned for touchdowns in Week 10. He's earned more opportunities and should continue making splash plays in November and beyond.

*Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.