Expect big things from Finley

BREAKOUTS

Back by popular demand is our list of "Top 20s." These lists will include sleepers, busts, breakouts and rookies. We will unveil a new Top 20 list every week for the next month.

Our third list is breakouts, a look at some guys that are ready to have a breakout season. Some of these guys have underperformed to date while others are just getting their feet wet and ready to show their worth. So here is our list of the Top 20 Breakouts for the coming season.

1. Shonn Greene, RB, Jets. There is a reason the Jets let Thomas Jones go during the offseason. They are sold on Greene as their No. 1 back. He ran very well the end of the last season and in the playoffs. He will be the workhorse back in the Jets run-heavy offense.
2. Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants. Nicks finished strong last season and should start from day one this season. He is a big receiver with big-play ability and red-zone potential. It wouldn't surprise to see Nicks top 1,000 yards and near double-digit scores his second season in the league.
3. Jerimichael Finley, TE, Packers. Finley was arguably the top target in the Packers offense late last season. He has a lot of ability and should continue to see his role increase in the Packers pass-heavy offense. Finley can produce top No. 1 fantasy tight end numbers.
4. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos. His hamstring injury is a concern, but Moreno should be ready for the start of the season. And Moreno is going to be used often in the Broncos offense as a runner and receiver. He has a ton of total yardage potential, especially if you consider coach Josh McDaniels continues to gush over him.
5. Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles. Maclin became a starter in Philadelphia his rookie season, which is hard to do in a complicated offense. He should be even more comfortable this season and seems likely to top 1,000 yards and near double-digit scores. He almost has as much big-play potential as fellow starter DeSean Jackson.
6. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Giants. Bradshaw is running first atop the depth chart at running back right now, moving ahead of Brandon Jacobs. Bradshaw has some past success, but his numbers could reach a new level if he gets an increased workload and starts in a good Giants offense.
7. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers. Mendenhall really had his coming out party last season, but still didn't post eye-popping numbers. He can improve on last season, getting a chance to start from Week 1 and playing in a Steelers offense that wants to utilize the run more.
8. Chad Henne, QB, Dolphins. Henne, like some others on this list, played well to finish last season. He topped the 300-yard mark several times to end the season. And he did this with a suspect receiving unit. This year, he gets Brandon Marshall as a legit No. 1, which is only going to help his numbers.
9. Chris Wells, RB, Cardinals. Wells still hasn't unseated Tim Hightower as the starter just yet, but it only seems a matter of time. Wells got most of the big carries late last season and had a good offseason of work. He can produce big numbers in what should be a more run-heavy Cardinals offense.
10. Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers. Despite missing all of training camp and the early part of last season, Crabtree still produced once he got on the field his rookie season. He displayed big-time potential. He'll start in an improving offense with some talent around him at the passing game, making him a threat to top 1,000 yards for the first time in his career.
11. Robert Meachem, WR, Saints. Meachem finally lived up to some of his potential last season, but was still a bit inconsistent. He should benefit from more playing time early in the season and continue to be a top red-zone target in a great offense. It wouldn't surprise to see Meachem vault past Marques Colston to be the No. 1 receiver in New Orleans. He has that kind of talent.
12. LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles. McCoy becomes the Eagles starter at running back this season. He has the perfect skill set for the Eagles offense. He is a small back, but has plus hands and great moves. He has a lot of total yardage potential and could be a fantasy force in PPR leagues.
13. Marcedes Lewis, TE, Jaguars. Lewis had a great offseason of work and is apparently is just tremendous shape. The Jaguars don't have a ton of top options in the passing game, so don't be surprise dif Lewis sees an increased in targets. He has a chance to be a low-end No. 1 fantasy tight end.
14. Vince Young, QB, Titans. Young has played pretty well in the past, but he showed a lot last season. He was accurate throwing the ball and made better decisions. If he continues to make strides, he can do some damage for fantasy teams, especially if you consider how well he runs with the ball.
15. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs. Bowe has done well in the past, but fallen a bit on hard times the last few seasons. But he has a lot to prove this season and we think he can get it going. He gets offensive guru Charlie Weis to work with and his quarterback (Matt Cassel) should be better his second year as the Chiefs starter.
16. Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets. Sanchez is likely to be a erratic once again this season, but he has a lot more talent to work with in the passing game, which should lead to some big games. He should really improve his numbers from his rookie season, making him worth some spot starts for fantasy teams.
17. Devin Thomas, WR, Redskins. Thomas seems setup to start in Washington, which is a good thing. He should play in a much improved passing attack. And Donovan McNabb has a history of making receivers better, meaning Thomas could do big things from day one this season.
18. Donald Brown, RB, Colts. We just aren't sold on Joseph Addai this season. His numbers just weren't impressive last season. And while Brown hasn't lived up to his draft status just yet, he has the time and talent to turn it around. If he starts getting chances, he can do a lot of damage in this offense.
19. Mike Wallace, WR, Steelers. Wallace was a bit of a surprise last season, but won't surprise anyone this year. He can build on last year, getting a chance to start in a Steelers offense that isn't afraid to throw. Wallace can top 1,000 yards for the first time in his career after nearing the mark last season as the Steelers No. 3.
20. Steve Breaston, WR, Cardinals. Breaston moves into a starting role with Anquan Boldin out of the picture. Breaston has big-play ability and pretty sure hands. His value would be getter with Kurt Warner around, but he can still produce solid numbers with Larry Fitzgerald drawing a ton of attention at the other starting spot.

If you have any questions or comments, please email Jeff Paur at jeff@rtsports.com