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:
Brock Purdy, QB, 49ers
Cooper Neill/Getty Images
Mr. Irrelevant of the 2022 NFL draft makes his first appearance on the Rookie Report after demolishing the Buccaneers in his first career start. While Purdy only threw for 185 passing yards, he still had 2 passing touchdowns along with a rushing touchdown. He was very effective and efficient, doing what he needed to for the 49ers to win. He spread the ball around effectively and looked in control of the offense. A Purdy good performance.
Other Impressive Rookies:
Zonovan Knight, RB, Jets
Another week as the main guy for the Jets, even with Michael Carter healthy, and Knight delivered with another strong performance. He finished with 77 total yards and a touchdown, out-carrying Michael Carter 17 to 5, while looking much more effective on the ground. Knight has been extremely impressive as the Jets starter and look for him to retain that role the rest of the way.
Isiah Pacheco, RB, Chiefs
Isiah Pacheco took over the Chiefs backfield several weeks ago and has not looked back. He finished with 70 rushing yards and 23 receiving yards in Week 14, averaging a strong 5.4 yards per carry. He is a powerful runner but has also shown enough agility to get around incoming defenders as well. Pacheco’s stock is on the rise heading into the fantasy playoffs.
Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Titans
Rookie TE Chigoziem Okonkwo finished Week 14 with 6 catches for 45 yards and a touchdown. The best game of his young career. He now has three straight games with five or more targets, as his role in the offense continues to grow. In the current TE landscape, Okonkwo is looking like a solid option.
Disappointing Rookie of the Week:
Greg Dulcich, TE, Broncos
Greg Dulcich did not have an abysmal game this week but he could have had a much better one. He caught 3 passes for 42 yards, which is decent for a TE right now, but he was unable to corral several early targets from Russell Wilson that could have resulted in a much better fantasy day.
Honorable Mentions: James Cook, RB, Bills, Skyy Moore, WR, Chiefs
Favorite Moment of the Week:
Jameson Williams TD Catch
Jameson Williams caught his first pass in the NFL in Week 14 and of course it resulted in a 41 yard Touchdown. Williams is a tremendous talent and it is fantastic to see him back on a football field after missing so much time with a knee injury. The Lions are easing him in but it is only a matter of time before Williams shows everyone that he is going to be a star.
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By Gianluca Martini
For a second straight season, I am betting against Mahomes.