Fantasy Football 2012: 5 Quarterback Breakout Candidates

Last year Cam Newton and Matthew Stafford both emerged as Top Five fantasy QBs—each arriving at fantasy stardom from a unique path.

Newton overcame shortened prep time for the season as a rookie and broke two significant NFL records with the most passing yards by a first-year QB (4,051) and the most rushing TDs by any QB (14). Stafford had endured two injury-plagued seasons while showing glimpses of what would come in a full season. Stafford did not disappoint in 2011, becoming only the fourth QB to throw for over 5,000 yards in a season (5,038).

Here’s a look at five QBs (two veterans, two second-year guys and a rookie) that could have the best fantasy production of their careers and reach new levels of fantasy