The performances of Arizona Cardinals large receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (28.9), Los Angeles Chargers large receiver Ladd McConkey (29.1) and Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (29.7) gave fantasy managers an enormous enhance of their Week 8 matchups. However issues did not go as easily for different rookies.
So, what statistical tidbits ought to you recognize about, and which rookies deserve your consideration transferring ahead?
Quarterbacks
High performers
Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (36.7% rostered, 22.9% began)
Nix had his finest fantasy day but, racking up 29.7 factors towards the Panthers on Sunday. He took benefit of a good matchup and have become simply the fourth quarterback in Broncos historical past to report three passing touchdowns and a speeding landing in a sport, becoming a member of John Elway, Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler. Nix has scored 20 or extra fantasy factors in three of his final 4 video games, showcasing each his accuracy and speeding capability. Props to Sean Payton for setting him up for fulfillment. Trying forward, Nix has an amazing matchup in Week 9 towards a Ravens protection that is permitting the third-most fantasy factors to quarterbacks.
Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders (97.7% rostered, 33.4% began)
Regardless of a rib damage main as much as Sunday’s sport towards the Bears, Daniels delivered for many who began him, scoring 22.2 fantasy factors. He is now scored 19 or extra fantasy factors in six of his eight video games this season. This efficiency was significantly important because it marked his first profession 300-yard passing sport. Additionally, Daniels is 3-of-3 for 174 yards and a landing on move makes an attempt of fifty or extra air yards this season, tying for probably the most such completions in a season since ESPN started monitoring air yards in 2006. The Commanders face the Giants in Week 9, a staff whose protection permits the eighth-most fantasy factors per sport to quarterbacks. Given all this, Daniels stays a must-start high-end QB1.
Preserve ’em rostered
Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (60.1% rostered, 21.1% began)
Williams and the Bears offense crashed again to Earth towards the Commanders on Sunday. After scoring 23 or extra fantasy factors in two straight video games earlier than Chicago’s bye, he put up simply 9.3 fantasy factors towards Washington. Heading into the bye, Williams had been sharp underneath stress, correct, and efficient on deep passes over 15 air yards-but none of that confirmed up Sunday. Notably, he had an off-target proportion of fifty%, with Williams recording 10 passes that resulted from an overthrow or underthrow. This marks simply the tenth time since 2006 {that a} participant has had at the very least a 50% off-target proportion with a minimal of 10 makes an attempt. The Bears offensive line struggles additionally aren’t serving to the rookie. Now Williams faces a Cardinals protection that is allowed the fifth-most fantasy factors to QBs (coming into Week 8). We’ll see if he can capitalize on the matchup; take into account him extra of a QB2 for Week 9.
Drake Maye, New England Patriots (13.6% rostered, 2.9% began)
Maye took a tough hit within the second quarter towards the Jets and needed to go to the blue tent for an examination. He went to the locker room, Jacoby Brissett stepped in, and Maye was finally dominated out. It is a disgrace as a result of he was already exhibiting off his expertise as each a passer and runner with 11.5 fantasy factors earlier than the damage. Maye had additionally put up 19 or extra fantasy factors in his final two video games earlier than this one. He’ll must clear the concussion protocol to be prepared for the Titans in Week 9. Maye can proceed to be considered as a strong QB2 or QB3 possibility in superflex leagues.
Others to look at
Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons (0.6% rostered)
For Penix to see taking part in time, Kirk Cousins would want to underperform or get injured. The veteran quarterback delivered one other epic efficiency towards the Buccaneers on Sunday. Cousins completed with 28.6 fantasy factors. The Falcons face a Cowboys protection in Week 9 that is allowed the fifth most fantasy factors per sport to quarterbacks (coming into Week 8). Preserve Penix Jr. in your watch listing.
Operating backs
High performers
Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (68.2% rostered, 13.4% began)
Irving had 16 touches and scored 15.4 fantasy factors towards the Falcons on Sunday. Whereas Rachaad White had 11 touches, however because of a receiving landing, he ended up with 15.7 fantasy factors. Sean Tucker solely had three touches, including as much as 2.5 factors. This Buccaneers backfield stays a committee. However with Tampa Bay’s favorable schedule after their Week 11 bye-including two video games towards the Panthers in Weeks 13 and 17-Irving is wanting like a strong flex possibility for the remainder of the season.
Preserve ’em rostered
Ray Davis, Buffalo Payments (16.8% rostered)
Davis completed with six speeding makes an attempt on Sunday towards the Seahawks whereas James Cook dinner completed with 20 touches and 28.3 fantasy factors. If Cook dinner misses time, Davis might turn into a league winner within the high-octane Payments offense. Keep in mind again in Week 6 with Cook dinner inactive Davis completed with 18.2 fantasy factors on 23 touches.
Braelon Allen, New York Jets (24.7% rostered, 1.4% began)
Allen’s function was shaky towards the Vikings, Payments, and Steelers, however he noticed a lift towards the Patriots, with 12 touches and 9.2 fantasy factors. That is progress, particularly contemplating Breece Corridor completed with 17 touches and 9.9 factors. Corridor was on the sector for 42 offensive snaps and Allen was on the sector for 19. The Jets could possibly be on the verge of adjustments, too-they’re the one staff this century to drop 5 straight video games with out being underdogs of at the very least three factors in any of them. For now, Allen’s a sensible bench stash for these needing Corridor insurance coverage.
Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals (16.5% rostered, 0.6% began)
Benson stays the backup to James Conner, who’s been excellent this season. Conner has had 19 or extra touches in six out of eight video games. Benson’s worth hinges on Conner’s well being, although Conner has but to play a full season in his profession. Benson would doubtless share the workload with Emari Demercado if Conner have been to overlook time.
Jonathon Brooks, Carolina Panthers (59.1% rostered)
Brooks started the season on the PUP listing and have become eligible to return in Week 5, however the Panthers have not cleared him to apply. With how effectively Chuba Hubbard has performed, there is not any rush. Hubbard has logged 14+ touches in seven of eight video games this season. Brooks has the expertise to pressure a timeshare, so he needs to be rostered in all leagues. For now, it is good to attend and see how his function develops. The Panthers face the Saints in Week 9.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants (47.5% rostered, 11.3% began)
Will replace after Monday Night time Soccer.
Others to look at
Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins (7.0% rostered)
The Dolphins offense regarded reenergized with Tua Tagovailoa again underneath middle. De’Von Achane led Miami’s backfield with 16 touches and 26.7 fantasy factors on Sunday towards the Cardinals. He has scored 23 or extra fantasy factors in each sport Tagovailoa has performed this season. Mostert completed with 10 touches and 16.0 fantasy factors. Wright is a stash in deeper codecs, however his fantasy worth is dependent upon the well being of Achane and Raheem Mostert.
MarShawn Lloyd, Inexperienced Bay Packers (7.7% rostered)
The Packers positioned Lloyd on injured reserve in mid-September attributable to 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 apply squad. Head coach Matt LaFleur is but to resolve when to take away Lloyd from IR. Emanuel Wilson is the No. 2 again behind starter Josh Jacobs and that’s unlikely to vary when Lloyd returns. Jacobs has had 20 or extra touches in three of his final 4 video games and scored 20 or extra fantasy factors in two of these. For now, preserve Lloyd in your watch listing moderately than in your fantasy roster.
Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams (16.8% rostered)
The Rams’ backfield facilities round Kyren Williams, who has had 20 or extra touches in six out of seven video games this season. Los Angeles has an offensive line that ranks eleventh in run block win fee. Corum’s fantasy relevance actually is dependent upon Williams’ availability, so remember to preserve the rookie in your watch listing. Williams has scored 14 or extra fantasy factors in each sport this season together with three with 20 or extra factors.
Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers (6.6% rostered)
Vidal performed behind J.Ok. Dobbins on Sunday towards the Saints. He completed with six touches in comparison with Dobbins’ 21. Vidal’s fantasy worth is dependent upon Dobbins’ well being. The duo faces a Browns protection in Week 9 that’s stingy towards the run.
Carson Steele, RB, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (6.6% rostered)
Steele is presently taking a again seat to Kareem Hunt within the Chiefs’ backfield. Within the final three video games, he is had simply 14 touches and scored 5.3 fantasy factors. In the meantime, Hunt has had 22 or extra touches in three consecutive video games. Steele is sharing snaps and touches with Samaje Perine. His finest likelihood for fantasy relevance comes if Hunt misses time. Even then, Steele is more likely to deal with early downs and short-yardage conditions, whereas Perine takes care of third downs. Steele needs to be in your watch listing moderately than your roster.
Vast receivers
High performers
Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals (98.0% rostered, 57.4% began)
Harrison lastly got here alive within the second half Sunday, scoring his first profession second-half landing towards the Dolphins. He had been quiet in each quarter besides the primary this season, so this shift was huge. Harrison completed with seven targets, 23.1 fantasy factors, and regarded in sync with Kyler Murray. He is put up 17+ fantasy factors in three of the 4 video games the place he is seen at the very least seven targets. Harrison’s begin proportion took a success from Week 7 to Week 8, however this efficiency ought to reassure his fantasy managers. He is firmly in WR2 territory for Week 9 towards the Bears.
Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (89.6% rostered, 55.9% began)
Thomas has been probably the greatest gamers offensively for the Jaguars this season. He scored 15.0 fantasy factors on Sunday towards the Packers on simply 4 targets. Thomas had his fifth receiving landing of the season, matching Marvin Harrison Jr. for probably the most by any rookie this 12 months. He is scored 15 or extra fantasy factors in 4 of his final 5 video games. However this is a priority: Thomas did depart Sunday’s sport towards the Packers with a chest damage. Control his standing transferring ahead. The Jaguars face an Eagles protection in Week 9, so watch his standing — if lively, Thomas is a strong WR2.
Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers (75.2% rostered, 20.5% began)
McConkey made waves towards the Saints on Sunday with six targets and posted a season-high 29.1 fantasy factors. He additionally grew to become the primary Chargers rookie large receiver to amass 100 receiving yards and rating a landing in a sport since Keenan Allen did it thrice again in 2013. McConkey actually took benefit of a good matchup this week. Nonetheless, he faces a harder problem in Week 9 towards the Browns. He is a strong flex possibility to contemplate.
Preserve ’em rostered
Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears (58.0% rostered)
Williams and the Bears’ offense hit some roadblocks towards the Commanders, and Odunze was no exception. It seems like ages since he posted a season-high 11 targets and 23.4 fantasy factors in Week 3 towards the Colts. Odunze led the Bears in receiving yards Sunday, nevertheless it was irritating to see offensive coordinator Shane Waldron wrestle to get him, DJ Moore and Keenan Allen concerned with easier play calls. Odunze had six targets, Allen noticed seven, and Moore had 4. All three receivers are lively on this offense, however with Williams’ up-and-down performances, it is onerous to belief Odunze in beginning lineups proper now. He is nonetheless value protecting in your roster.
Keon Coleman, Buffalo Payments (57.8% rostered, 12.5% began)
Coleman is making waves for the Payments, particularly with Amari Cooper drawing consideration from defenses. This previous Sunday towards the Seahawks, Coleman showcased his potential, ending with seven targets and a season excessive 18.0 fantasy factors. He even drew an extended defensive move interference penalty, exhibiting how aggressive quarterback Josh Allen is in concentrating on him downfield. Coleman led all Payments receivers in air yards on Sunday. With that type of momentum, he is positively on the flex radar because the Payments gear as much as face the Dolphins in Week 9.
Malik Nabers, New York Giants (99.3% rostered, 89.2% began)
Might be up to date following Monday Night time Soccer.
Xavier Worthy, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (85.6% rostered, 19.1% began)
Worthy had a strong sport towards the Raiders, ending with eight targets and 13.7 fantasy factors. His goal and reception totals rank second on Kansas Metropolis, and his 4 catches mark a profession excessive. Worthy ought to preserve benefiting from favorable matchups, particularly with DeAndre Hopkins and Travis Kelce drawing defensive consideration. He is had eight targets in every of his final two video games, which is promising. Waiting for Week 9, he is on the flex radar towards a Buccaneers protection that enables the fifth most fantasy factors per sport to large receivers. Nonetheless, this outlook might shift if JuJu Smith-Schuster returns from his hamstring damage.
Others to look at
Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers (24.0% rostered)
Legette had a strong outing towards the Broncos, catching a landing move from Bryce Younger. He completed with 4 targets and 13.4 fantasy factors, particularly with Diontae Johnson out. Nonetheless, Johnson is producing commerce curiosity, in keeping with ESPN’s Adam Schefter. If Johnson will get traded, it might considerably influence Legette’s fantasy worth for the rest of the season. Whereas Legette is value including to your roster, I would not rush to start out him simply but. He is finest thought of as a flex possibility in deeper leagues. The Panthers are set to face the Saints in Week 9, so keep watch over how this example develops.
Ja’Lynn Polk, New England Patriots (9.1% 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, zero in Week 7 and Polk was inactive on Sunday towards the Jets attributable to a concussion. Regardless of taking part in a excessive variety of snaps this season, Polk hasn’t discovered chemistry with Maye or Jacoby Brissett, which has restricted his fantasy manufacturing. For now, he needs to be in your watch listing, not your roster.
Adonai Mitchell, Indianapolis Colts (7.9% rostered)
Mitchell noticed 4 targets on Sunday however completed with simply 1.9 fantasy factors within the Colts’ sport towards the Texans. 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. Preserve Mitchell in your watch listing. If any of these three receivers miss time, he would possibly see a slight enhance in fantasy worth, although it could doubtless be minimal given Anthony Richardson’s present struggles.
Luke McCaffrey, Washington Commanders (1.5% rostered)
McCaffrey has simply 13 whole targets this season and 23.1 fantasy factors. He additionally ranks close to the underside of the staff in routes run. McCaffrey needs to be in your watch listing. He’ll want Terry McLaurin, Noah Brown or Olamide Zaccheaus to overlook time as a way to turn into fantasy related.
Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (41.7% rostered, began 14.4%)
The Bucs have been hit onerous final week, shedding each Chris Godwin and Mike Evans within the sport towards the Ravens. This put McMillan within the highlight Sunday towards the Falcons. He noticed seven targets and scored simply 9.2 fantasy factors, however he did not totally ship. There have been clear indicators he and Baker Mayfield weren’t fairly in sync, particularly on a route miscommunication that might’ve changed into an enormous landing. McMillan seems like a flex possibility in deeper leagues heading into Week 9 towards the Chiefs.
Tight finish
High performer
Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders (97.4% rostered, 87.3% began)
Bowers is on hearth, with 4 straight video games of 10+ fantasy factors, and three of these over 16 factors. However this Sunday towards the Chiefs, he noticed simply 5 targets, a drop from his 10+ targets within the earlier three video games. Week 9 brings an amazing matchup, although — he faces the Bengals, who permit the fourth most fantasy factors per sport to tight ends. With Jakobi Meyers again, Bowers ought to nonetheless be an enormous a part of the Raiders’ passing sport. He is a robust TE1 possibility.
