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:
Christian Watson, WR, Packers
InForum
Welcome to the NFL Christian Watson! Christian Watson had the best game of his young career and finds himself as the Rookie of the Week for the first time with his 3 touchdown performance against the Cowboys. He finished with 107 yards and 3 touchdowns on four receptions and eight targets. He was instrumental in the Packers comeback victory with two impressive fourth quarter touchdowns. What a performance from Watson. I hope this is the beginning of his breakout and we see his name a few more times this season in this section.
Other Impressive Rookies:
Rachaad White, RB, Buccaneers
Rachaad White handled the majority of backfield touches this week for the Buccanneers and looked good doing it. He finished with an impressive rushing line of 22 carries for 105 yards. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry and got more comfortable as the game went on. We know how good White can be as a pass catcher, so it was surprising to see him not see a single target, however he made up for it with his impressive rushing work. If the Bucs decide to make him the lead back after their bye, he could be strong RB2 option rest of season with league winner in his range of outcomes.
Jaylen Warren, RB, Steelers
Jaylen Warren was utilized more in Week 10 after the Pittsburgh bye week. He finished with 37 rushing yards, averaging 4.1 yards per carry, and impressed in the receiving game finishing with the second most receiving yards on the Steelers, totaling 40 yards on three catches. He can be an effective pass catcher and should be useful in PPR leagues in desperate times but do not expect him to take over for Najee Harris, who was equally impressive in Week 10.
George Pickens, WR, Steelers
It was not the best week for rookies, so Pickens was able to squeeze in here with 55 total yards and a touchdown in a Steelers win. He was used as a receiver and as a runner making plays all over the field. Pickens is likely to see more valuable touches as the season progresses.
Disappointing Rookie of the Week:
Greg Dulcich, TE, Broncos
Greg Dulcich had been playing very well since he made his debut and was looked at as a strong TE option this week against the Titans, a top 10 matchup for tight ends. He finished this week with only 1 catch for 11 yards, a very disappointing line. Dulcich can still be a strong streaming option and there is hope that he bounces back in Week 11 but he is just another example of the barren and untrustworthy TE landscape.
Honorable Mentions: Alec Pierce, WR, Colts, Chris Olave, WR, Saints
Keep An Eye On This Rookie:
Treylon Burks, WR, Titans
First round pick Treylon Burks could be a helpful fantasy asset down the stretch. In his first game back from injury he saw six targets and was able to corral three of them. As he returns to full health he should get more involved in the offense. Betting on a first round WR talent is a good bet to make, esepcially if it is free.
Why are we Just Seeing This Now of the Week:
Ken Walker as a Pass Catcher
Ken Walker was used as the primary pass catching back for the first time in Week 10, completely taking over the backfield to himself. This every down role is likely to continue upon the Seahawks return from bye as Walker impressed. Walker has huge upside rest of season.
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By Gianluca Martini
For a second straight season, I am betting against Mahomes.