Eric Moody, ESPN
The performances of Jacksonville Jaguars large receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (22.1) New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (20.8) and Las Vegas Raiders tight finish Brock Bowers (19.3) gave fantasy managers an enormous increase of their Week 7 matchups. However issues did not go as easily for different rookies.
So, what statistical tidbits ought to you understand about, and which rookies deserve your consideration transferring ahead?
Quarterbacks
Prime performers
Drake Maye, New England Patriots (13.3% rostered, 0.8% began)
Maye is the primary quarterback in 5 seasons to throw for 200 or extra yards and two or extra touchdowns in his first two begins. He is scored at the least 19 fantasy factors in back-to-back video games. Within the Patriots’ loss to the Jaguars, Maye stood out, exhibiting management of the offense and hinting at a promising downfield passing sport. He is a strong choice to roster as your QB2 or QB3 in superflex codecs. Simply take into account that he faces a tricky matchup towards the Jets’ protection in Week 8.
Hold ’em rostered
Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (54.9% rostered)
The Bears are at present on a bye week. Williams had a season excessive 28.6 fantasy factors towards the Jaguars in Week 6. He additionally accomplished a season excessive 79.3% of his passes towards Jacksonville. From a movie perspective, what stands out is how Williams’ has carried out below strain and on passes of 15-plus air yards in current video games — areas the place he struggled earlier within the season. His roster proportion must be increased. Williams is firmly on the QB1 radar because the Bears head into their Week 8 matchup towards the Commanders. That showdown with fellow rookie Jayden Daniels (if energetic) will probably be a must-watch sport, so get your popcorn prepared.
Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders (98.2% rostered, 88.9% began)
Daniels has scored 20+ factors in 5 of six video games main as much as Sunday’s matchup towards the Panthers, wowing fantasy managers together with his dynamic play. He began sturdy with 5.24 fantasy factors however suffered a rib damage early, forcing Marcus Mariota to take over. Washington nonetheless dismantled Carolina. Fantasy managers exhaled when ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Daniels’ X-ray got here again “good.” The Commanders face the Bears in Week 8, so monitor his standing. He is a high-end QB1 and a must-start if energetic.
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (16.1% rostered, 8.3% began)
Nix has been on the rise, scoring 19 or extra fantasy factors in three of his final 5 video games. Over that stretch, he is accomplished 61.9% of his passes and showcased his mobility, dashing for 47 or extra yards in three video games. Final Thursday evening, he did not have to do a lot because the Broncos took an early lead, permitting Javonte Williams to shine with 26.1 fantasy factors on 17 touches. For Week 8, Nix is price contemplating in superflex codecs towards a Panthers protection that is giving up 17.6 fantasy factors per sport to quarterbacks (heading into Week 7). The Broncos at the moment are 4-3 with Nix below heart, so he is a participant to look at.
Others to look at
Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons (0.6% rostered)
For Penix to see enjoying time, Kirk Cousins would wish to underperform or get injured. After his spectacular 34.3 fantasy factors towards the Buccaneers in Week 5, Cousins scored simply 12.5 factors towards the Panthers in Week 6 and seven.1 factors towards the Seahawks in Week 7. He has nice offensive playmakers similar to Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Kyle Pitts at his disposal however has nonetheless struggled. Cousins will look to bounce again towards the Buccaneers in Week 8, however preserve Penix Jr. in your watch checklist.
Operating backs
Prime performers
Ray Davis, Buffalo Payments (14.7% rostered, 0.8% began)
Davis had an opportunity to shine in Week 6 towards the Jets with James Cook dinner sidelined because of a toe damage, and he took full benefit. He racked up 23 touches and scored 18.2 fantasy factors, showcasing his expertise as each a runner and a receiver. On Sunday towards the Titans, Cook dinner returned and managed 12 dashing makes an attempt for 9.2 fantasy factors. Nevertheless, the Payments pulled away within the second half, permitting Davis to get some late-game touches. He completed with six touches and 11.7 fantasy factors. Davis must be rostered in all leagues. If Cook dinner misses time, Davis may turn out to be a league winner within the high-octane Payments offense.
Hold ’em rostered
Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants (47.5% rostered, 11.3% began)
The Giants have been dismantled by the Eagles, with Saquon Barkley recording 19 touches and 26.7 fantasy factors. New York trailed the complete sport, straying from the working sport regardless of Tracy’s season-high 23 touches and 22.7 fantasy factors towards the Bengals final week. This time, he had solely 9 touches and 6.2 fantasy factors, whereas Devin Singletary managed six touches for 3.1 factors. The Giants totaled simply 18 dashing makes an attempt. Head coach Brian Daboll mentioned earlier this week that Tracy earned extra enjoying time, and he adopted by. Tracy led in snaps and routes run over Singletary. He must be rostered in all leagues and goals to bounce again towards the Steelers in Week 8.
Carson Steele, RB, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (7.8% rostered, 0.7% began)
Steele is at present taking a again seat to Kareem Hunt within the Chiefs’ backfield. Within the final two video games, he is had simply 11 touches and scored 2.9 fantasy factors. In the meantime, Hunt has racked up 52 touches and 41 fantasy factors. Steele is sharing snaps and touches with Samaje Perine. His greatest likelihood for fantasy relevance comes if Hunt misses time. Even then, Steele is prone to deal with early downs and short-yardage conditions, whereas Perine takes care of third downs. Steele must be in your watch checklist somewhat than your roster.
Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (65.9% rostered, 15.4% began)
Will replace following Monday Night time Soccer.
Braelon Allen, New York Jets (28.5% rostered, 2.7% began)
Will likely be up to date following Monday Night time Soccer.
Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals (17.9% rostered, 0.9% began
Will likely be up to date following Monday Night time Soccer.
Jonathon Brooks, Carolina Panthers (59.3% rostered)
Brooks started the season on the PUP checklist and have become eligible to return in Week 5, however the Panthers have not cleared him to observe. With how properly Chuba Hubbard has performed, there isn’t any rush. Hubbard has logged 14+ touches in six of seven video games this season and scored 15+ fantasy factors in 4 of six. Brooks has the expertise to power a timeshare, so he must be rostered in all leagues. For now, it is sensible to attend and see how his position develops. The Panthers face the Broncos in Week 8.
Others to look at
Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins (7.9% rostered)
The Dolphins’ offense has struggled with out Tua Tagovailoa. They’ve scored 15 or fewer factors in 5 straight video games, tying the third-longest streak in franchise historical past. Wright is a stash in deeper codecs, however his fantasy worth relies on the well being of De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert.
MarShawn Lloyd, Inexperienced Bay Packers (7.9% rostered)
The Packers positioned Lloyd on injured reserve in mid-September because of an ankle damage. Sadly, he has been coping with accidents all season. So as to add some depth, Inexperienced Bay promoted Chris Brooks from the observe squad. Head coach Matt LaFleur mentioned final Wednesday that Lloyd is not able to return to observe. Emanuel Wilson is the No. 2 again behind starter Josh Jacobs and that’s unlikely to vary when Lloyd returns. Jacobs has had 17 or extra touches in 5 out of seven video games this season. So, for now, preserve Lloyd in your watch checklist somewhat than in your fantasy roster.
Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams (17.2% rostered)
The Rams’ backfield facilities round Kyren Williams, who has recorded 15 or extra touches in each sport this season. Los Angeles has an offensive line that ranks within the high half of the league in run block win charge. Corum’s fantasy relevance actually relies on Williams’ availability, so make sure to preserve the rookie in your watch checklist. Williams has scored 14 or extra fantasy factors in each sport this season.
Isaac Guerendo, San Francisco 49ers (7.7% rostered)
Jordan Mason did not have an damage designation for Sunday’s sport towards the Chiefs after struggling an AC joint sprain towards the Seahawks again in Week 6. The 49ers rank within the top-eight this season in dashing makes an attempt per sport. Guerendo’s fantasy worth is tied to the well being of Mason. As a reminder, the rookie rushed for 99 yards on 10 carries in Week 6. The rookie is a must-stash in all codecs, particularly deeper leagues.
Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers (7.5% rostered)
Will likely be up to date following Monday Night time Soccer.
Extensive receivers
Prime performers
Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (86.1% rostered, 41.4% began)
Heading into Week 7, many thought Thomas confronted a tricky matchup. Regardless of this, he delivered for fantasy managers. Despite the fact that 65% of his receiving yards got here from a single play and he had simply 5 targets, Thomas managed to achieve 20 or extra fantasy factors for the fourth time in his final 5 video games. In opposition to the Packers in Week 8, he is firmly on the WR2 radar. In Weeks 9 by 11, Thomas will face the Eagles, Vikings and Lions — all top-eight defenses in fantasy factors allowed to large receivers (coming into Week 7).
Keon Coleman, Buffalo Payments (44.4% rostered, 3.6% began)
The most important winner of the Amari Cooper commerce is surprisingly Coleman. He now has the possibility to study from a veteran and may play with out the defensive consideration of being the highest goal within the Payments’ passing sport. Coleman had seven targets and scored 16.5 fantasy factors on Sunday towards the Titans. His 125 receiving yards have been essentially the most by a Payments rookie since Sammy Watkins in Week 14 of the 2014 season. Now enjoying alongside Cooper, Coleman will profit from extra favorable cornerback matchups. This can enable him to showcase his dimension, tackle-breaking capability, and yards-after-catch expertise whereas catching passes from Josh Allen. Coleman’s a strong flex possibility in deeper leagues towards the Seahawks protection in Week 8. It is best to add him if he is obtainable.
Hold ’em rostered
Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals (99.0% rostered, 85.7% began)
Will likely be up to date following Monday Night time Soccer.
Malik Nabers, New York Giants (99.0% rostered, 85.7% began)
It was nice to see Malik Nabers again on the sector for the Giants, however Sunday was a tricky outing for the offense. He completed with eight targets and simply 8.1 fantasy factors towards the Eagles. New York has scored 31 or fewer whole factors in 4 house video games this season, becoming a member of a choose group of simply six groups within the final 40 years to hit that mark of their first 4 house video games. Nevertheless, it is not all dangerous information for Nabers. He is had two of his best fantasy performances on the highway, showcasing his potential. Consistency has been on his facet, as he is recorded eight or extra targets in 4 out of 5 video games this season and boasts a formidable common of 19.9 fantasy factors per sport. He’ll look to bounce again towards a stout Steelers secondary in Week 8. Nabers stays firmly on the WR1 radar.
Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears (59.6% rostered)
The Bears are at present on a bye week. Odunze posted a season-high 11 targets and 23.4 fantasy factors towards the Colts in Week 3. Since then, he is managed simply 11 targets and 17 fantasy factors mixed. So, what’s gone incorrect? Odunze has run the third-most routes on the group, behind DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, over the previous three weeks. Nevertheless, the hole between the three is not vital. Williams has been spreading the ball round evenly and has averaged simply 27 move makes an attempt in that span. Odunze is price holding on to, particularly in deeper leagues, and may be thought-about as a flex possibility. Simply remember he has boom-or-bust potential, given the character of the Bears’ offense. Odunze faces a Commanders protection in Week 8 that is allowed the fifth most fantasy factors per sport to large receivers (coming into Week 7).
Xavier Worthy, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (88.0% rostered, 26.1% began)
Worthy led the Chiefs with eight targets towards the 49ers however managed simply 5.4 fantasy factors. JuJu Smith-Schuster, who handled a hamstring damage main as much as Sunday, re-aggravated it early within the sport. Whereas Worthy’s stat line was disappointing, Patrick Mahomes struggled too, recording solely 154 passing yards-his second-lowest this season-and throwing three interceptions. As we watch for updates on Smith-Schuster’s damage, Worthy may see a big improve in targets towards the Raiders in Week 8 and will turn out to be a flex possibility to think about.
Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers (75.2% rostered, 24.8% began)
Will likely be up to date following Monday Night time Soccer.
Others to look at
Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers (29.0% rostered)
In Week 6 towards the Falcons, Legette had his second fantasy sport of the season, recording 4 targets and scoring 11.3 fantasy factors. With Adam Thielen sidelined by a hamstring damage, Legette was anticipated to see extra targets alongside Diontae Johnson, particularly in a positive matchup towards the Commanders. Nevertheless, the Panthers struggled, ending with simply 85 passing yards. Legette ended the sport with three targets and solely 2.9 fantasy factors. Whereas he is price conserving in your roster, it is best to not rush to begin him, particularly towards the Broncos’ secondary in Week 8.
Ja’Lynn Polk, New England Patriots (10.8% rostered)
The Patriots’ offense has improved with Maye at quarterback, however Polk hasn’t but taken benefit. He scored simply 1.4 fantasy factors in Week 6 towards the Texans and 0.0 towards the Jaguars on Sunday. Regardless of enjoying a excessive variety of snaps this season, he hasn’t discovered chemistry with Maye or Jacoby Brissett, which has restricted his fantasy manufacturing. To make issues worse, Polk suffered a head damage late within the sport towards the Jaguars. For now, he must be in your watch checklist, not your roster.
Adonai Mitchell, Indianapolis Colts (8.6% rostered)
Mitchell noticed three targets on Sunday however completed with solely 5.0 fantasy factors within the Colts’ sport towards the Dolphins. Indianapolis’ receiver rotation continues to revolve round Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce and Josh Downs. This trio continues to dominate offensive snaps and routes run. Hold Mitchell in your watch checklist. If any of these three receivers miss time, he may see an uptick in fantasy worth.
Bub Means, New Orleans Saints (5.4% rostered)
Heading into Thursday evening, Means was anticipated to play an even bigger position with Chris Olave in concussion protocol and Rashid Shaheed out for the season with a knee damage. That is precisely what occurred for the fifth-round rookie. Means ended the evening with 5 targets and 6.7 fantasy factors, although a lot of his manufacturing got here with the Saints down by three touchdowns. He additionally led all Saints ability gamers in snaps and routes run, though the offense leaned closely on two tight finish units. It is price noting that Means crammed Olave’s position within the offense. Hold him in your watch checklist for now.
Mason Tipton, New Orleans Saints (0.2% rostered)
Tipton took full benefit of his alternative and was proper behind Means in each snaps performed and routes run. He had 9 targets and completed with 10.5 fantasy factors. Tipton stepped into the position left by Shaheed, lining up in comparable spots towards the Broncos. With Shaheed out for the season, Tipton is now a first-rate waiver wire goal in deeper codecs. This efficiency could possibly be an indication of issues to return for the rookie.
Luke McCaffrey, Washington Commanders (1.7% rostered)
McCaffrey has simply 11 whole targets this season and 21.2 fantasy factors. On Sunday towards the Panthers, he ran the sixth-most routes on the group however did not obtain a single goal. McCaffrey must be in your watch checklist. He’ll want an damage to Terry McLaurin, Noah Brown or Olamide Zaccheaus to be fantasy related.
Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1.4% rostered)
Will replace following Monday Night time Soccer.
Tight finish
Prime performer
Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders (97.1% rostered, 87.5% began)
Bowers’ sizzling streak continues with three straight video games of 10+ targets and 16+ fantasy factors. He led the Raiders in targets after Jakobi Meyers was dominated out with an ankle damage. Even when Meyers returns, Bowers ought to stay a key piece of the offense following Davante Adams’ commerce to the Jets. He is hit double-digit fantasy factors in each sport with eight or extra targets. On Sunday towards the Rams, Bowers made historical past, recording essentially the most receptions by a good finish of their first seven profession video games since 2000. Bowers is a strong TE1 heading into Week 8 towards the Chiefs.
Others to look at
Ben Sinnott, Washington Commanders (0.9% rostered)
Sinnott’s first NFL goal and reception resulted in a landing. He is spent most of his time blocking this season, so it was good to see him get an opportunity as a receiver. He completed with 8.6 fantasy factors, but it surely’s necessary to notice this was with Mariota below heart — not Daniels — and in a blowout. Sinnott performed 27 snaps in comparison with Zach Ertz’s 36 and ran seven routes to Ertz’s 18. Whereas this efficiency was encouraging, Sinnott is extra of a participant to look at than so as to add to your roster proper now.
