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:
Garrett Wilson, WR, Jets
New York Jets
Garrett Wilson had a strong week 1 to begin his NFL career then followed it up with a fantastic week 2. Wilson was unstoppable with precise route running that made it very easy for Joe Flacco to find him open for chunk gains. Wilson finished his second career game with 8 receptions on 14 targets for 102 yards and 2 touchdowns, including the game winner with just seconds remaining in the Jets improbable comeback win. Wilson was phenomenal and is well on his way to becoming a must start wide receiver. Wilson is showing the world why he was a top 10 pick and he is just getting started.
Other Impressive Rookies:
Drake London, WR, Falcons
Drake London had another stellar week for the Falcons. London was targeted 12 times on Mariota’s 26 attempts (46% target share) and caught 8 passes for 86 yards and 1 touchdown. The staggering 46% target share is a number you typically see alongside established superstars, not rookies in their second game ever. Furthermore, the Falcons are likely to remain a come from behind team, which should keep London seeing a high number of targets, even if Mariota continues to run often. London is putting on a clinic and has already seemingly surpassed Kyle Pitts as the number one receiving option on the team.
Breece Hall, RB, Jets
After an underwhelming season opener for Breece Hall, he bounced back in a big way in the Jets Week 2 matchup against the Browns. Hall totaled 60 yards rushing and receiving scored his first career touchdown. Hall averaged an impressive 7.1 yards per carry, consistenly making defenders miss. Had the Jets not fallen behind so early, Hall could have had an even bigger day on the ground. Look for Hall to continue improving as he becomes a bigger part of the Jets suddenly exciting offense.
Jahan Dotson, WR, Commanders
Jahan Dotson followed up his Week 1 Rookie of the Week performance with another great week. Dotson was on the field for over 90% of the snaps in Week 2 and was targeted five times. He finished with 4 receptions for 59 yards and brought in another touchdown. Dotson has looked very good for the Commanders early in the season, proving his worth as a first round draft pick. Dotson, like Garrett Wilson, is pushing to being a must start fantasy option, especially if Ron Rivera is trusting him with over 90% of the snaps.
Disappointing Rookie of the Week:
Christian Watson, WR, Packers
There were a lot of rookies that played well in Week 2 but Christian Watson was not one of them. The Packers had success running the football against the Bears and they stuck with that game plan since none of the receivers were able to make a statement for the second week in a row. Watson received just 3 targets, catching them all for just 9 total yards. As a second round receiver drafted to make an immediate impact , Watson has had a disappointing start to his career.
Keep An Eye On This Rookie:
Romeo Doubs , WR, Packers
Romeo Doubs was one of the most hyped up rookies heading into the season. After several strong preseason performances, he simply has not produced in the games that matter. While he has yet to make a significant impact, bigger games could be on the horizon. There were a couple plays drawn up to get Doubs the ball in space in the Packers Week 2 matchup against the Bears and the Packers continue to search for an impact pass catcher among their receiving group. If he was dropped in your league, I would suggest adding him to your bench, in case that preseason magic makes an appearance.
On The Decline:
Treylon Burks, WR, Titans
CBS Sports
Treylon Burks has had a mediocre start to his career from a production standpoint. He has totaled seven receptions for 102 yards on 11 targets through his first two games. A lot of this has to do with the Tennessee offense not showing any life in the passing game. The Titans are also not giving Burks a full allotment of snaps just yet, even though he seems to be the only pass catcher who can make a play. His current level of production is not viable for fantasy purposes and the Titans offense continues to look anemic without AJ Brown. Burks’ value is diminishing and it can only turn around if the Titans figure out how to throw the ball.
Nasty Route of The Week:
Garrett Wilson vs Browns
The Rookie of the Week also has the Nasty Route of the Week as Garrett Wilson ran a fade route against Browns CB Martin Emerson Jr. that left him completely in the dust. After a fake inside move, Wilson broke back out towards the back corner of the end zone with yards in between him and the defender. Wilson is looking like a star.
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By Gianluca Martini
For a second straight season, I am betting against Mahomes.