Sep 14, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

This Sunday in Week 4, several NFL rookies are lined up for breakout performances, and the matchups make these picks especially promising. We already know Cam Skattebo has burst onto the scene and looks primed for big opportunities, and Ebeka Egbuka’s role is secure, while Omarion Hampton made his mark last week. Now, attention shifts to the next wave of rookies set to make noise, with five names standing out as top candidates for breakout games.

Matthew Golden for Green Bay is ready to step into more targets as the Packers contend with injuries to Christian Watson and Jayden Reed. Tucker Kraft might be out as well. Golden has averaged nearly 3 targets per game, but Green Bay’s depleted wide receiver group means he is likely to see a much larger snap share. The Cowboys defense, which gave up the sixth most fantasy points per game to tight ends and wideouts, is not equipped to shut down Golden, making him a buy-low breakout candidate this week.

Jaxson Dart makes his first NFL start for the Giants and is in a favorable spot against a Chargers defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs but has been vulnerable through the air. Dart has strong targets to work with, and while he faces pressure as a rookie quarterback, the Giants’ offensive scheme gives him a chance to surprise and deliver a productive debut.

Tetairoa McMillan, who has already posted a 100-yard receiving game, is due for his first trip into the end zone. The Patriots' secondary is missing top corner Christian Gonzalez and ranks among the worst in the league against downfield passes. McMillan’s average depth of target and large red zone snap share mean this is his breakout week, both for yardage and scoring. Look for Tetairoa to deliver double-digit fantasy points and finally get over the scoring hump.

Colston Loveland, tight end for the Bears, has been quiet so far, but faces a Raiders defense that funnels targets to tight ends. Chicago is looking to build on their recent offensive rhythm, and Loveland could be the beneficiary of more targets and red zone looks this Sunday. Expect his first impact performance in a Bears uniform to come this week.

Ashton Jeanty’s breakout chance arrives against the Bears, who are surrendering 5.5 yards per carry, ranking 31st in the NFL. Jeanty has struggled to get going early, but he’s produced 144 out of 146 rushing yards after contact, indicating he can create his own opportunities. If Chicago continues to have trouble tackling, Jeanty will finally explode for a highlight game and prove why he was a top fantasy pick.

This week, it’s Golden, Dart, McMillan, Loveland, and Jeanty as the five rookies poised to break out, each with a clear matchup advantage and increasing opportunity.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Discover the Breakout Week 4 NFL Rookies You Can't Miss This Week for Fantasy Football

Reporting by Tyler Whitcomb, Touchdown Wire / Touchdown Wire

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