The upcoming 2024 fantasy football season offers plenty of opportunities for savvy owners to find undervalued wide receiver targets. Let's take a closer look at some potential breakout candidates who could provide great value in fantasy drafts.

First up is Jaxon Smith-Njigba, whose rookie season didn't quite live up to the hype. Hindered by a broken wrist before the season, Smith-Njigba struggled with limited playing time and a usage profile that focused heavily on screen passes. Despite this, when given the opportunity as an outside receiver, he showcased his talent and ranked well in key metrics. With a year of experience under his belt and a potential for increased usage, Smith-Njigba could be a prime breakout candidate in his sophomore season.

Diontae Johnson also presents an intriguing option for fantasy owners. Despite entering his age-28 season in a contract year, Johnson's talent remains evident. In the games where he was healthy last season, Johnson proved to be a reliable target, ranking high in target and air-yard share. With renewed faith in the team's offensive system and the potential for him to regain his target-hog status, Johnson could exceed expectations and provide excellent value in drafts.

Another wide receiver to consider is Christian Kirk, who saw his season derailed by injury in 2023. Prior to getting injured, Kirk was on track for a productive season, recording impressive fantasy points per game and showcasing his skill set. As a potential WR1 for the Jaguars this season, Kirk's low price tag in drafts makes him a tempting option for fantasy owners looking for potential value.

Ricky Pearsall presents an intriguing opportunity as well. Despite being priced as a fourth-tier receiver in startups, Pearsall has the potential to shine in the 49ers' high-powered offense. With first-round draft capital and a skillset reminiscent of Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, Pearsall could carve out a significant role in the offense, especially if Samuel is moved to another team.

Lastly, Jermaine Burton offers tremendous upside at his current draft price. The talented receiver has the opportunity to be part of a dynamic passing attack in Cincinnati alongside Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase. With impressive metrics against single coverage and a promising future, investing in Burton now could prove to be a shrewd move as he climbs up the rankings.

As fantasy football owners prepare for the 2024 season, these undervalued wide receivers provide excellent potential for breakout performances. With their talents and favorable circumstances, these players could be the key to success in fantasy leagues. Stay tuned for more updates on the upcoming season.

Note: All data used in this article is courtesy of FantasyPros, Fantasy Points Data, PFF, and PlayerProfiler.com, unless otherwise specified. Average Draft Position (ADP) data is cited according to DLF May Superflex ADP.