Breakout performances were aplenty across the NFL in Week 1 as we were treated to an exciting opening week of football. Rookies like Ja’Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddle all put together productive outings in their debuts in the NFL. On the other hand, there were players who had duds in Week 1 despite having favorable matchups.
But for the time being, we’ll focus on the breakout performances that we could see entering the second week of the regular season. Listing big-name players on here would be lazy so I avoided doing so as there are other guys who could make a name for themselves this week.
With that in mind, here are five NFL players who are primed to have a breakout performance in Week 2.
Mike Williams, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Mike Williams isn’t a rookie wide receiver and he isn’t an inexperienced wide receiver either. While he’s had productive seasons in his career, he’s been unable to stay healthy enough to be a consistent contributor for the Los Angeles Chargers. But after watching Williams play in Week 1, this may finally be the season where he officially makes his presence felt. Williams caught eight passes for 82 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets to begin the season.
Following a tough matchup against the Washington Football Team, Williams will have a much favorable one in Week 2 versus the Dallas Cowboys.
Marquez Callaway, WR, New Orleans Saints
Many people expected Marquez Callaway to be Jameis Winston’s favorite target in Week 1 versus the Green Bay Packers. However, Callaway was covered by Jaire Alexander for the majority of the game, preventing him from contributing much through the air. Callaway finished with just one reception for 14 yards as the New Orleans Saints routed the Packers.
The good news for Callaway is that he’ll have a chance to be more involved in the offense when New Orleans faces the Carolina Panthers in Week 2.
Javonte Williams, RB, Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos traded up to select Javonte Williams in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite their plans for Williams, it was Melvin Gordon who finished as the best running back for the Broncos in Week 1 versus the New York Giants. That being said, I believe Williams will garner the starting job sooner rather than later this season.
Williams could proceed to earn the starting job as soon as Week 2 against a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that just allowed the Houston Texans to rush for 160 yards in Week 1.
Jakobi Meyers, WR, New England Patriots
Whenever the New England Patriots chose Mac Jones to be the starter instead of Cam Newton, many expected the pass-catchers in New England to receive a boost. For the most part, it looked to be true in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins as Jones had a solid debut in the NFL. After facing a talented defense in the Dolphins, the wide receivers of the Patriots get to face the New York Jets in Week 2.
Jakobi Meyers led the team with nine targets to begin the season and he could be in for a notable performance against an unproven secondary of the Jets.
Chase Edmonds, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Chase Edmonds had to spend some time behind Kenyan Drake in recent years despite being the superior talent. But with Drake gone this offseason, Edmonds will have an opportunity to prove he’s starting material for the Arizona Cardinals. Edmonds had a decent start to the season with 106 yards from scrimmage on 16 touches as the Cardinals easily defeated the Tennessee Titans.
Following his Week 1 showing, Edmonds could be in store for an even bigger performance in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings.
