Welcome to the rookie report series. This will be a recurring series that highlights fantasy relevant rookies, how they performed in the prior weeks, and what that means for the future—all done with fun categories! Let’s dive in!
Rookie of the Week:
Isaiah Likely, TE, Ravens
Christian Petersen - Getty Images
Isaiah Likely took over for the injured Mark Andrews early in Week 8 and did not disappoint, totaling 6 receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown. Likely ended up playing 67% of the snaps and saw 7 targets on the day. Likely was drafted based on his ability as a pass catcher and the Ravens are the perfect team to take advantage of such a player. If Andrews is forced to miss any time, start Isaiah Likely.
Other Impressive Rookies:
Garrett Wilson, WR, Jets
Welcome back Garrett Wilson! After a run of poor and average games, Garrett Wilson returned with a bang by putting up 6 receptions for 115 yards against the division rival New England Patriots. He was electric after the catch and made several chunk gains look easy. Wilson was making everyone miss and was able to use his elite agility to cut through the defense. It was nice to see Wilson put together a big performance once again and I look forward to more of these games as the Jets are forced to pass more.
Greg Dulcich, TE, Broncos
Rookie TE Greg Dulcich has arrived and is absolutely balling out for the Broncos. This past week in London, Ducick saw his highest snap percentage of the year at 80% and totaled 4 receptions for 87 yards. He now has three TE1 performances in three career starts. He is on bye this week so if he is dropped in your fantasy league, make sure you go and grab him before the Broncos promising matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
Romeo Doubs, WR, Packers
Romeo Doubs was the lone bright spot of the Packers offense in Week 8, totaling 62 yards and a touchdown against the Bills stout secondary. He averaged 15.5 yards per catch and was the only Packers WR making any impact plays on the day. He was Rodgers number one target with Lazard out and could remain relevant if he once again gains the trust of Aaron Rodgers.
Disappointing Rookie of the Week:
Malik Willis, QB, Titans
No one expected Malik Willis to go out and light the world on fire in his first career start, however, I am not sure anyone expected him to look as bad as he did either. Willis is clearly not ready as NFL passer and the only question for this game is how bad could it have been for Willis if not for Derrick Henry moving the sticks at will? Willis was especially disappointing on the ground, which is his best attribute, only rushing for 12 yards on 5 attempts. It was a disappointing debut for the rookie, despite the Titans win.
Honorable Mentions: Drake London, WR, Falcons, Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Giants
Keep An Eye On This Rookie:
Jaylen Warren, RB, Steelers
Jaylen Warren was not used a ton in Week 8 but he was more efficient than Najee Harris in both the rushing and receiving game once again. Warren had only 2 less carries than Harris and averaged 8.33 yards per carry compared to 4 yards per carry for Harris. The Steelers clearly want to get Warren involved and if he continues to be more efficient than Harris, he should continue to get the ball more. The Steelers are on a bye this week which is a perfect time for them to continue integrating their rookie running back into the offense. Keep an eye on Warren, especially the first game out of the bye week.
Meme of The Week:
Isaiah Likely, TE, Ravens
With a last name like Likely, you have to know at some point your name will get memed. As soon as he had a good game, Isaiah Likely became a meme with the answer to several questions as “Likely 80” which is of course his last name and his number.
How many points did Christian McCaffrey have this week? Likely 80.
How many interceptions will Zach Wilson throw this week? Likely 80.
You get the gist.
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By: Gianluca Martini
For a second straight season, I am betting against Mahomes.