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 a giant increase of their Week 8 matchups. However issues did not go as easily for different rookies.
So, what statistical tidbits ought to you already know about, and which rookies deserve your consideration shifting 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 in opposition to the Panthers on Sunday. He took benefit of a good matchup and have become simply the fourth quarterback in Broncos historical past to document three passing touchdowns and a dashing 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 dashing potential. Props to Sean Payton for setting him up for achievement. Trying forward, Nix has a fantastic matchup in Week 9 in opposition to 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 harm main as much as Sunday’s sport in opposition to the Bears, Daniels delivered for individuals 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 notably vital because it marked his first profession 300-yard passing sport. Additionally, Daniels is 3-of-3 for 174 yards and a landing on go makes an attempt of fifty or extra air yards this season, tying for essentially the most such completions in a season since ESPN started monitoring air yards in 2006. The Commanders face the Giants in Week 9, a group 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 in opposition to 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 in opposition to Washington. Heading into the bye, Williams had been sharp underneath strain, correct, and efficient on deep passes over 15 air yards-but none of that confirmed up Sunday. Notably, he had an off-target share 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 share 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 (getting into Week 8). We’ll see if he can capitalize on the matchup; take into account him extra of a QB2 for Week 9.
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Drake Maye, New England Patriots (13.6% rostered, 2.9% began)
Maye took a tough hit within the second quarter in opposition to 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 displaying off his expertise as each a passer and runner with 11.5 fantasy factors earlier than the harm. Maye had additionally put up 19 or extra fantasy factors in his final two video games earlier than this one. He’ll have to clear the concussion protocol to be prepared for the Titans in Week 9. Maye can proceed to be considered as a stable QB2 or QB3 choice in superflex leagues.
Others to observe
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 in opposition to 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 (getting into Week 8). Preserve Penix Jr. in your watch record.
Working backs
High performers
Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (68.2% rostered, 13.4% began)
Irving had 16 touches and scored 15.4 fantasy factors in opposition to 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 in opposition to the Panthers in Weeks 13 and 17-Irving is wanting like a stable flex choice for the remainder of the season.
Preserve ’em rostered
Ray Davis, Buffalo Payments (16.8% rostered)
Davis completed with six dashing makes an attempt on Sunday in opposition to the Seahawks whereas James Prepare dinner completed with 20 touches and 28.3 fantasy factors. If Prepare dinner misses time, Davis might turn into a league winner within the high-octane Payments offense. Keep in mind again in Week 6 with Prepare 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 in opposition to the Vikings, Payments, and Steelers, however he noticed a lift in opposition to 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 may very well be on the verge of adjustments, too-they’re the one group 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 wise 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 possible share the workload with Emari Demercado if Conner had been to overlook time.
Jonathon Brooks, Carolina Panthers (59.1% rostered)
Brooks started the season on the PUP record and have become eligible to return in Week 5, however the Panthers have not cleared him to follow. With how effectively Chuba Hubbard has performed, there is no 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 sensible 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 observe
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 in opposition to 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 determined by 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 because of an ankle harm. Sadly, he has been coping with accidents all season. So as to add some depth, Inexperienced Bay promoted Chris Brooks from the follow 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 alter 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, maintain Lloyd in your watch record reasonably 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 price. Corum’s fantasy relevance actually is determined by Williams’ availability, so remember to maintain the rookie in your watch record. 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 in opposition to the Saints. He completed with six touches in comparison with Dobbins’ 21. Vidal’s fantasy worth is determined by Dobbins’ well being. The duo faces a Browns protection in Week 9 that’s stingy in opposition to 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 prone to deal with early downs and short-yardage conditions, whereas Perine takes care of third downs. Steele needs to be in your watch record reasonably than your roster.
Huge 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 in opposition to the Dolphins. He had been quiet in each quarter besides the primary this season, so this shift was massive. 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 share took successful from Week 7 to Week 8, however this efficiency ought to reassure his fantasy managers. He is firmly in WR2 territory for Week 9 in opposition to the Bears.
Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (89.6% rostered, 55.9% began)
Thomas has been top-of-the-line gamers offensively for the Jaguars this season. He scored 15.0 fantasy factors on Sunday in opposition to the Packers on simply 4 targets. Thomas had his fifth receiving landing of the season, matching Marvin Harrison Jr. for essentially 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 in opposition to the Packers with a chest harm. Keep watch over his standing shifting ahead. The Jaguars face an Eagles protection in Week 9, so watch his standing — if lively, Thomas is a stable WR2.
Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers (75.2% rostered, 20.5% began)
McConkey made waves in opposition to the Saints on Sunday with six targets and posted a season-high 29.1 fantasy factors. He additionally turned 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. Nevertheless, he faces a more durable problem in Week 9 in opposition to the Browns. He is a stable flex choice to contemplate.
Preserve ’em rostered
Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears (58.0% rostered)
Williams and the Bears’ offense hit some roadblocks in opposition to the Commanders, and Odunze was no exception. It appears like ages since he posted a season-high 11 targets and 23.4 fantasy factors in Week 3 in opposition to 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 less complicated 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 arduous to belief Odunze in beginning lineups proper now. He is nonetheless price holding 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 in opposition to the Seahawks, Coleman showcased his potential, ending with seven targets and a season excessive 18.0 fantasy factors. He even drew a protracted defensive go interference penalty, displaying how aggressive quarterback Josh Allen is in concentrating on him downfield. Coleman led all Payments receivers in air yards on Sunday. With that sort 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)
Will probably be up to date following Monday Night time Soccer.
Xavier Worthy, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (85.6% rostered, 19.1% began)
Worthy had a stable sport in opposition to 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 maintain 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 in opposition to a Buccaneers protection that permits the fifth most fantasy factors per sport to large receivers. Nevertheless, this outlook might shift if JuJu Smith-Schuster returns from his hamstring harm.
Others to observe
Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers (24.0% rostered)
Legette had a stable outing in opposition to the Broncos, catching a landing go from Bryce Younger. He completed with 4 targets and 13.4 fantasy factors, particularly with Diontae Johnson out. Nevertheless, Johnson is producing commerce curiosity, in accordance with ESPN’s Adam Schefter. If Johnson will get traded, it might considerably affect Legette’s fantasy worth for the rest of the season. Whereas Legette is price including to your roster, I would not rush to start out him simply but. He is finest thought of as a flex choice in deeper leagues. The Panthers are set to face the Saints in Week 9, so control 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 in opposition to the Jets because of 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 record, 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 in opposition to 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 record. If any of these three receivers miss time, he may see a slight increase in fantasy worth, although it could possible be minimal given Anthony Richardson’s present struggles.
Luke McCaffrey, Washington Commanders (1.5% rostered)
McCaffrey has simply 13 complete targets this season and 23.1 fantasy factors. He additionally ranks close to the underside of the group in routes run. McCaffrey needs to be in your watch record. He’ll want Terry McLaurin, Noah Brown or Olamide Zaccheaus to overlook time to be able to turn into fantasy related.
Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (41.7% rostered, began 14.4%)
The Bucs had been hit arduous final week, shedding each Chris Godwin and Mike Evans within the sport in opposition to the Ravens. This put McMillan within the highlight Sunday in opposition to 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 was a giant landing. McMillan seems like a flex choice in deeper leagues heading into Week 9 in opposition to the Chiefs.
Tight finish
High performer
Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders (97.4% rostered, 87.3% began)
Bowers is on fireplace, with 4 straight video games of 10+ fantasy factors, and three of these over 16 factors. However this Sunday in opposition to the Chiefs, he noticed simply 5 targets, a drop from his 10+ targets within the earlier three video games. Week 9 brings a fantastic 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 a giant a part of the Raiders’ passing sport. He is a robust TE1 choice.
