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Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew should post career numbers for fantasy football owners in 2009.

Success in the world of fantasy football is all about the numbers. If your fantasy players exceed their statistical expectations, chances are you'll be in the mix for that ultimate goal -- a league championship. Just ask anyone who drafted Drew Brees, DeAngelo Williams or Andre Johnson in 2008.

That talented trio each put up the best numbers of their NFL careers in what turned out to be breakout seasons. Brees threw for an amazing 5,069 yards and 34 touchdowns, while Williams scored 20 total touchdowns despite the presence of rookie Jonathan Stewart. Johnson finished with career bests in receptions (115) and yards (1,575).

So which players have the best chance to follow in their footsteps and take their game to the next statistical level and produce monster numbers in 2009?

Let's take a look at 10 breakout candidates to target in drafts.

Team	Player	Analysis
Kansas City Chiefs	Dwayne Bowe, WR	Bowe has shown flashes of brilliance in his first two NFL seasons, but 2009 should be his best in terms of statistical achievements. He's the top option in what will be a pass-laden offense under new coach Todd Haley, who has helped wideouts like Keyshawn Johnson and Marty Booker put up career numbers. Tony Gonzalez is out of the offensive picture, so Bowe should put up No. 1 fantasy wideout totals.

Team	Player	Analysis
Miami Dolphins	Ronnie Brown, RB	Brown was on his way to a breakout season in 2007, but a torn ACL forced him to miss the final nine games and put a stop to his rise to fantasy stardom. He now has one full season under his belt since the reconstructive procedure on his knee, though, so Brown should be set to play a much greater role in the Dolphins' offense. He'll be a high-end No. 2 fantasy back with the potential to be more in 2009.

Team	Player	Analysis
Jacksonville Jaguars	Maurice Jones-Drew, RB	There might not be a bigger breakout candidate in fantasy football this season than Jones-Drew, who will take on a featured role with the Jaguars now that Fred Taylor is out of the mix. He's been a touchdown machine at the NFL level, and now his reception and yardage totals should rise with more looks and behind an improved offensive line. Jones-Drew is certain to be a top-five pick in most fantasy drafts.

Team	Player	Analysis
Oakland Raiders	Darren McFadden, RB	McFadden was a major disappointment last season, as injuries and the presence of Justin Fargas and Michael Bush limited his rookie numbers. However, the explosive back out of Arkansas is now 100 percent and should be the favorite to start for coach Tom Cable. While no one player for the Raiders is a safe fantasy pick, McFadden has the best chance to break out and put up career totals across the board.

Team	Player	Analysis
Chicago Bears	Greg Olsen, TE	Olsen ended last season on fire, catching 20 passes with three touchdowns in his final four games. With Jay Cutler under center after an offseason trade, Olsen should see even more opportunities as one of the more reliable options in the Bears' pass attack. In fact, it wouldn't be a shock to see Olsen post career bests across the board. He could be a legitimate top-five fantasy tight end by season's end.

Team	Player	Analysis
Atlanta Falcons	Matt Ryan, QB	Ryan looked less like a rookie and more like a veteran last season in leading the once hapless Falcons into the postseason. With one season of NFL experience and an arsenal of weapons that includes Michael Turner, Roddy White and future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez, Ryan should take a huge statistical step forward in 2009. There's no reason to think he won't develop into a No. 1 fantasy quarterback.

Team	Player	Analysis
Houston Texans	Matt Schaub, QB	Schaub posted 3,043 yards and scored 17 total touchdowns in just 11 starts last season. Project those numbers over a full 16 games, and he would have finished with over 4,400 yards and 25 total touchdowns. Of course, Schaub needs to avoid injuries (which has been his problem) to reach that level of production, but it's pretty evident that the potential is there for him to find a lot of success.

Team	Player	Analysis
Detroit Lions	Kevin Smith, RB	Smith endured an up and down rookie season, but he finished strong with 291 rushing yards and three touchdowns in his final three games. Now the unquestioned starter, Smith will look to roll that success into a more consistent and productive sophomore season. With coordinator Scott Linehan at the helm, Smith will see more than his share of carries and could become a solid No. 2 fantasy back.

Team	Player	Analysis
New Orleans Saints	Pierre Thomas, RB	Thomas, a preseason sleeper on NFL.com last season, fulfilled that label and helped owners take home a title with an impressive stretch run. Now the favorite to start in coach Sean Payton's backfield, Thomas should have every chance to reach his statistical potential. He'll share the workload with Reggie Bush, but Thomas will still see enough touches to be considered a No. 2 fantasy runner in 2009.

Team	Player	Analysis
Dallas Cowboys	Roy E. Williams, WR	Williams was a major disappointment for fantasy leaguers last season, but his value and production should be on the rise after the offseason release of Terrell Owens. He'll now be the top wide receiver in the offense for Tony Romo and will look to silence the critics who say he isn't a true No. 1 option at the NFL level. If he can avoid injuries, Williams should very easily post his best numbers since 2006.

Have a burning question for Michael Fabiano on anything fantasy football related? Leave it in our comments section below or send it to AskFabiano@nfl.com, and the best questions will be answered throughout the season right here on NFL.com!