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Welcome back to the Rookie Report! Week one was one of those NFL weeks that reminds us just how little we actually know about this game. Raise your hand if you expected Desmond Ridder and CJ Stroud to have more receptions last weekend than Tee Higgins and Drake London (Put your hands down, no you didn’t). Some things did go as planned, like the Vikings throwing 40+ times and Jordan Addison benefitting as a result, and Zay Flowers being a top target in the Ravens’ passing game, but many of the other top rookies saw smaller week 1 roles than we were hoping for.

Top running backs Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs both looked excellent in their debuts, but both saw lower usage than we’d like. Bijan finished the week as an RB1, but he ceded 15 carries and 2 goal-line TDs to Tyler Allgeier. Gibbs would’ve finished as a fringe RB1 as well if he hadn’t tripped over his own feet on a red zone carry that should’ve gone for a score, but he was on the field for just 19 offensive snaps while David Montgomery played 55.

Other rookie top performers of the week included Puka Nacua and Anthony Richardson. Nacua had a massive debut with 10 catches for 119 yards on 15 targets as the Rams played without Cooper Kupp. The Rams’ strong overall performance was one of the more surprising storylines of the opening weekend. Fantasy players who took the plunge on Anthony Richardson as a QB1 look like they’re going to be handsomely rewarded this season. The Colts let Richardson throw the ball 37 times in week 1 while he also rushed for 40 yards and a TD. It’s hard to lean on the running game when your top back finishes with 14 yards on 13 carries. Richardson is going to be asked to do it all while JT sits out, and in week one that meant high-end QB1 production.

Rookie tight ends Luke Musgrave and Sam LaPorta played well in their openers, but neither cracked double-digit fantasy points. LaPorta was still able to finish as a TE1 for the week as tight end scoring was abysmal league wide.

My biggest tip after week 1 is this – Don’t let a 1-week sample cause you to completely abandon your priors. You should use the info from week 1 to make decisions going forward, but don’t overreact to it. Don’t drop players like Tee Higgins or Drake London after one bad game. There are ebbs and flows in fantasy. There will be better weeks for those guys. This is especially true for the rookies that were quiet in week 1. Rarely do we see rookies dominate right out of the gate, but they’ll often help you a ton in the back half of the season.

A couple of housekeeping notes for the players listed below – All players listed under the same header at the same position are listed in the order that I would play them this week, and all references to fantasy points and points allowed rankings are based on half-PPR scoring unless otherwise noted.

Let’s get into week 2…

Rookies You Already Know You Should Start:

QB Anthony Richardson, IND (Wk. 2: @Hou.): Richardson finished his first NFL week as the fantasy QB4, and there were a lot of numbers beyond that to like as well. Richardson is inexperienced as a passer with fewer than 400 career pass attempts in college, so it’s a great sign that Shane Steichen trusted him to drop back to pass 45 times in week one (including 4 sacks and 4 scrambles). The Colts are going to struggle to run the football without Jonathan Taylor, so passing volume is going to be much higher for this offense than any of us expected coming in. That passing volume paired with huge rushing upside (he handled 27% of the Colts’ designed rushes in week 1) means Richardson could be a top-5 QB all year. He’s an every-week fantasy starter until further notice.

RB Bijan Robinson, ATL (Wk. 2: vs. GB): Bijan didn’t play the dominant workhorse role we were hoping for in week 1. He was on the field for 65% of the offensive snaps but handled just 38% of the rushing attempts as Tyler Allgeier had the bigger rushing workload and scored a pair of short TDs. Luckily for Bijan and for us, he was a focal point in the passing game, earning a 35% target share and scoring a receiving TD en route to a PPR RB7 finish for the week. The TD reception was especially impressive, showing off Bijan’s elusiveness after the catch. This offense is going to be run-heavy enough to make both Robinson and Allgeier viable fantasy starters every week, even if it’s not quite the usage we envisioned for Robinson. In week 2 this backfield takes on a Green Bay defense that allowed the 9^th-most RB points per game in 2022 and allowed the 5^th-most points to the position in week 1. The Bears’ backfield racked up 143 scrimmage yards, 11 receptions, and a TD against the Packers last Sunday. Bijan should be locked into starting lineups again in week 2.

Borderline Rookies I’d Lean Toward Starting:

RB Jahmyr Gibbs, DET (Wk. 2: vs. Sea.): Gibbs usage in week 1 was far from what we were hoping for. He played just 19 snaps compared to 55 for David Montgomery, but he was explosive with his opportunities and should see his role grow as the season goes on. This week’s opponent, the Seahawks, allowed the 4^th-most running back points last season, and coughed up 3 TDs to Cam Akers and Kyren Williams in week 1. The Lions open the week with the 3^rd-highest implied point total in the league, so this is an offense that you want to target for lineups. I’m less confident in Gibbs as an auto-start given his week 1 usage, but Dan Campbell emphatically said on Thursday that Gibbs is going to get more touches going forward, and this is a matchup where he should be able to finish as an RB2 even if that usage doesn’t improve much.

WR Zay Flowers, BAL (Wk. 2: @Cin.): Game one of the Todd Monken era in Baltimore didn’t go according to plan with just 22 passing attempts for Lamar Jackson, but that didn’t stop Flowers from piling up 9-78 on 10 targets. The 50% target share for Flowers isn’t going to continue when Mark Andrews returns (likely this week), but the Ravens will have to throw much more this week to keep pace with the Bengals. Cincy’s passing game was awful last weekend, but they should get back on track against a banged-up Baltimore secondary that will be missing Marcus Williams and probably Marlon Humphrey as well. This game has shootout potential, and I’d look for the Ravens to throw the ball 35+ times this week, and for them to continue to find ways to get the ball into Flowers’ hands. Flowers was Lamar’s first read often last Sunday, and that should continue in week 2. I’d expect something like 8+ targets this weekend and would be firing Flowers up as a PPR WR3.

WR Puka Nacua, LAR (Wk. 2: vs. SF): Nacua started to get some hype late last week when it became apparent that Cooper Kupp would be out for the opener, but I don’t think any of us expected the WR9 finish he posted in a surprising upset win over Seattle. Matt Stafford looked much closer to the guy who led the Rams to a Super Bowl two years ago, and Nacua and teammate Tutu Atwell were big beneficiaries of Stafford’s bounce back. Nacua led the team with a 39% target share and 35% air yardage share, and he seems to be the player who has stepped into Cooper Kupp’s target hog role while the star is on injured reserve. The matchup this week looks much tougher at first glance, but the 49ers allowed the 6^th-most WR points per game in 2022 and the 14^th-most in week 1. I wouldn’t go into this game expecting another top-10 finish for the rookie, but he should be a solid WR3 play.

WR Jordan Addison, MIN (Wk. 2: @Phi.): Addison had a strong NFL debut, posting 4 catches, 61 yards, and a touchdown on 6 targets vs the Bucs last weekend. The 6 targets accounted for just a 13.6% target share, but the Vikings figure to be one of the pass-heaviest teams in the league and Addison should see 6+ targets more weeks than not. The Vikings should be even more inclined to throw than usual this week as 6-point underdogs, and the Eagles will be missing starting corner James Bradberry and just gave up over 300 passing yards to Mac Jones and the Patriots last weekend. This could be a TJ Hockenson week with the Vikings o-line banged up and Kirk Cousins needing to get the ball out quickly, but there should still be plenty of volume for Addison to have a WR3 week.

TE Sam LaPorta, DET (Wk. 2: vs. Sea.): LaPorta didn’t finish with a crooked stat line in week 1, but he was in a route for 72% of the Lions’ dropbacks and still finished the week as the PPR TE8. This week he faces a Seattle defense that was absolutely shredded by tight ends in 2022, allowing a dozen or more PPR points to the position 9 times, including 39.9 points to TJ Hockenson playing in this Lions’ offense. The Seahawks didn’t allow a 12-point scorer in week 1 this year, but they did allow the 2^nd-most TE receiving yards of any team in the opening week, coughing up 70 combined yards to Tyler Higbee and Brycen Hopkins on 14 yards per target. This is a premium matchup for tight ends, and LaPorta should be primed to take advantage of it as the full-time TE1 in Detroit. There are elite TEs who should be back in action this week, but I still like LaPorta’s chances to duplicate his top-8 finish from a week ago.

TE Luke Musgrave, GB (Wk. 2: @Atl.): Musgrave’s preseason usage carried over to week 1 as he logged an 80% route participation rate and a 25% air yard share in week 1 against the Bears. He gets a favorable matchup in week 2 against an Atlanta defense that allowed the 3^rd-most tight end points in the league last year and surrendered a 5-41-1 line to Hayden Hurst last Sunday, good for a TE2 finish on the week. Green Bay’s pass catching group should get a little more crowded this week with the likely return of Christian Watson, but I expect more than the 27 passing attempts we saw from the Packers last week. The TE options after the elite guys remain uninspiring, so give me the freak athlete (Musgrave boasts a 9.78 out of 10 Relative Athletic Score) who has a full-time role and a good matchup. I like Musgrave this week if you’re searching for a streaming tight end.

Borderline Rookies I’d Lean Toward Sitting:

QB CJ Stroud, HOU (Wk. 2: vs. Ind.): Stroud still has some developing to do before he’s a trustworthy weekly option, but the Texans are content to let him drop back and throw the ball a lot. Stroud attempted 44 passes in week 1 and could push for 40 attempts again this week. He could have some extra time to throw this week – the Colts’ defense had the lowest blitz rate and 4^th-lowest pressure rate in week 1 – but their game plan might look a little different facing off with a rookie QB rather than Trevor Lawrence. The high passing volume makes Stroud a viable QB2 option in superflex leagues, but he’s still got a low floor and I’d recommend playing a safer QB2 candidate if you can.

RB Roschon Johnson, CHI (Wk. 2: @TB): Johnson had a busy week 1 if you judge by the stat sheet alone. He led the backfield in snaps, tied for the team lead in targets, and found the end zone in the opener, but the vast majority of that happened in the 4^th quarter when the Bears were down by 3 scores. Roschon’s performance was promising, and his role will increase if he keeps playing well, but you shouldn’t overreact to his week 1 totals. Khalil Herbert remains the Bears’ RB1, and D’Onta Foreman will continue to be involved as well. Johnson remains a part-time player this week facing off with a defense that allowed the 6^th-fewest running back points and 4^th-fewest RB receiving yards in 2022. I’d view him as a dicey RB3 option this week.

RB Kendre Miller, NO (Wk. 2: @Car.): Miller returned to practice on Wednesday after missing week 1 with a hamstring injury, but I’d be inclined to sit him Monday even if he plays. At first glance, it looks like a great spot to fire him up. Alvin Kamara is still suspended, Jamaal Williams was wildly inefficient in week 1 with 18 carries for 45 yards, and this week’s opponent coughed up more running back points than any other team in the league last weekend. This seems like a spot where Miller could seize a significant role in a plus matchup, right? As Lee Corso would say, not so fast my friends. The crooked point total the Falcons RBs put on the Panthers was an aberration. Atlanta added Bijan Robinson to an offense that was already a top-4 rushing offense in the NFL last season. They’re going to make a lot of defenses look bad. The Panthers aren’t an elite run defense, but they aren’t as bad as the Falcons made them look. This was a middling unit last season, allowing the 17^th-most RB points per game, and the Saints were a bottom half rushing offense even with Alvin Kamara. Don’t expect a blowup game from Miller here in a role where he’s sharing the backfield with Williams. He may still finish with a useful fantasy day if he can find his way into the end zone but starting him in a middling matchup when he has injury concerns and an uncertain role doesn’t sound like a good time to me. The fact that the Saints play Monday night is another knock against Miller. If you plan to start him and he winds up inactive, you’ll be scrambling for a replacement.

RB Tank Bigsby, JAX (Wk. 2: vs. KC): Bigsby found the end zone in week one and his week 2 opponent coughed up 116 running back rushing yards to the Lions last week, but Bigsby’s role isn’t big enough to rely on this week. Travis Etienne dominated the Jaguars’ backfield workload in the opener, playing 80% of the snaps, but Bigsby got the two carries when the Jags got in close. There’s a chance that goal line role continues for Tank, so he does have some fringe value since this matchup has the highest Vegas point total of the week, but if Tank doesn’t find the end zone, you’re going to be bummed if you started him.

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA (Wk. 2: @Det.): As expected, JSN functioned as the clear WR3 for Seattle in week 1. He was in a route on 66% of the team passing dropbacks while DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett were both at 90% or better, and while JSN did tie for a team-high 5 targets, he saw a measly 3% of the team air yards. Smith-Njigba turned those short targets into just 3 catches and 13 yards. You’d like to see more downfield usage from him, but the reality is that the Seahawks’ pass protection just wasn’t very good in the opener, forcing a lot of quick throws from Geno Smith. Smith faced the 8^th-highest pressure rate in week 1 and will be without both of his starting tackles in week 2 due to injury. Part of the plan to replace those tackles was signing 41-year-old free agent Jason Peters off the street. Aidan Hutchinson could have a field day in this game, and JSN should be in line for more short targets. A big game isn’t out of the question as the Seahawks have scored 48 and 51 points in their last two meetings with the Lions, but these aren’t the same Lions. I’d probably keep JSN benched another week unless you’re desperate in a deeper PPR league.

WR Josh Downs, IND (Wk. 2: @Hou.): Week one included a lot of positive takeaways for Josh Downs. He was in a route on 77% of the Colts’ dropbacks and earned 5 targets in an offense that was much more pass-heavy than expected in the opener. The problem for Downs was his 3.4-yard aDOT. It would take a lot of targets or a lot of yards after the catch to compile a solid fantasy day on those kinds of short passes. The Texans allowed the 12^th-fewest wide receiver points last season, but they’re likely to be missing both of their starting safeties. I’d still probably avoid Downs this week in anything but deep PPR leagues. 10 PPR points would be a pleasant surprise.

WR Rashee Rice, KC (Wk. 2: @Jax.): Rice impressed in week 1, tying for a team-high 5 targets and turning it into a 3-29-1 performance on Thursday night. He’s going to earn more opportunities going forward if he keeps making the most of his chances, but his 27% route participation rate in the opener isn’t going to lead to sustainable production, especially with Travis Kelce likely back to hog targets this week. Jacksonville was just a middling WR defense a year ago, but the Chiefs have too many WRs that they’ll try to get involved for you to rely on any of them for fantasy right now. You’d be best served playing the waiting game until we really know what everyone’s role will look like.

WR Jayden Reed, GB (Wk. 2: @Atl.): The final stat line didn’t look pretty for Reed as he turned 5 targets and a rushing attempt into just 6.6 PPR points, but a deeper look shows more positives than the surface level stats. Reed was targeted on 25% of his routes run and had a team-high 32% air yardage share. You’d prefer to see more than 2 catches on 5 targets, but just 3 of those targets were catchable and Jordan Love constantly looked for Reed on the money downs. 40% of Love’s 3^rd and 4^th down targets were intended for the rookie. The unfortunate thing for Reed is the impending return of Christian Watson. Watson is hoping to return this week, and if it happens, he’ll likely cut into Reed’s opportunities a bit. I do expect the Packers to have to throw more this week in a game that shouldn’t be as lopsided, but Reed will be hard to trust if the Packers’ WR1 is healthy. I’d keep Reed benched this week if Watson plays. If Watson sits again, Reed will have a great chance to at least match the 6 opportunities he got in week 1, so keep an eye on the injury report here.

WR Jonathan Mingo, CAR (Wk. 2: vs. NO): Mingo was a full-time player in week one, running a route on 93% of the team’s passing dropbacks and earning 5 targets, but he’s going to have to endure some growing pains from teammate Bryce Young who posted the lowest PFF passing grade of any QB in week 1. Those 5 targets for Mingo turned into 2 catches and 17 yards, and the Saints are a better defense than the Falcons. There’s a chance for improved performance from Young and more production for Mingo this week, but I wouldn’t want to rely on it.

TE Dalton Kincaid, BUF (Wk. 2: vs. LV): Entering the season there was a lingering question about what the snap share would look like between Buffalo’s TE2 Dalton Kincaid and WR3 Deonte Harty, and the week 1 returns overwhelmingly favored Kincaid as he logged a 76% route participation rate compared to just 26% for Harty. Kincaid is close to a full-time player, but a troubling development in week 1 was his lack of downfield usage. Kincaid was targeted 4 times against the Jets, but his average target depth was just a yard and a half downfield. The deeper targets were mostly reserved for Gabe Davis and Stefon Diggs. That could change as the season goes on, but I’d prefer one of the other rookie starting tight ends over Kincaid this week as both have better matchups. The Raiders did allow the 12^th-most TE points last season, but Kincaid is splitting the TE work with Dawson Knox and Las Vegas allowed the 7^th-fewest yards per catch to the position in 2022. If you can live with a ‘5 catches for 30 yards’ type of stat line from your tight end, Kincaid might be up your alley this week, but I’d aim higher in week 2.

Rookies You Already Know You Should Sit:

QB Bryce Young, CAR (Wk. 2: vs. NO): As I mentioned above, no QB earned a lower passing grade from Pro Football Focus in week 1 than Bryce Young. He’s got a learning curve ahead of him and faces what should be a brutal matchup in week 2. The Saints picked off Ryan Tannehill 3 times, sacked him 3 times, and held him to just a 28.8 passer rating in week 1. Expecting a bounce back from Young this week against that defense is just asking for a single-digit point total from your QB spot.

RB Sean Tucker, TB (Wk. 2: vs. Chi.): Tucker took a distant back seat to Rachaad White in the opener, handling just 15% of the snaps, but White looked like the same inefficient back we saw in 2022 as he rushed for just 39 yards on 17 carries. White should continue to get the bulk of the backfield work for now, relegating Tucker to benches in fantasy leagues, but if Rachaad doesn’t start to show signs of improvement, Tucker’s time is coming.

RB Zach Charbonnet, SEA (Wk. 2: @Det.): Two of my biggest misses of week 1 were expecting the Seahawks to beat the Rams without much difficulty and expecting Seattle to ease Kenneth Walker III back into the lineup after his preseason groin injury. Instead, the Seahawks were rolled by the Rams and KW3 dominated the backfield work, playing 65% of the snaps and handling 71% of the team rushing attempts. Charbonnet didn’t even have the rest of the workload to himself, he shared it with DeeJay Dallas. This matchup might look enticing considering that Seattle has scored 51 and 48 points in their two meetings with the Lions in the last 2 years, but these aren’t the same old Lions and Charbonnet won’t see the field enough to be trusted in fantasy lineups.

WR Quentin Johnston, LAC (Wk. 2: @Ten.): Johnston earned more targets than Joshua Palmer in week one, but he ran about half as many routes as his teammate as he operated as the team’s WR4. The Chargers were more run-heavy than we expected in week 1, which limits Johston’s upside even more, but that may change in week 2 with Austin Ekeler banged up and LA facing a much tougher run defense in Tennessee. I’d keep waiting for Johnston’s role to grow before considering him in lineups.

WR Michael Wilson, ARI (Wk. 2: vs. NYG): If you watched Josh Dobbs and the Arizona offense in week 1, you don’t need me to tell you that starting the pass-catchers in that offense isn’t a great idea. There were some promising numbers in Wilson’s debut, including a 91% route participation rate and a 39% air yardage share, but it resulted in just 2 catches for 19 yards. Dobbs is trying to get by with dink & dunk throws (he averaged just 6.3 yards per completion last weekend), and Wilson just isn’t going to produce much if this passing game can’t threaten the intermediate level.

WR Trey Palmer, TB (Wk. 2: vs. Chi.): Palmer scored a TD in week 1, but he totaled just 2 catches for 8 yards on 3 targets. The passing targets in this offense are going to be funneled to Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Palmer is going to battle for scraps with Cade Otton, Deven Thompkins and the running backs each week. He’s no more than a TD dart throw.

WR Marvin Mims Jr., DEN (Wk. 2: vs. Was.): Mims was expected to operate as the Broncos WR2 in the opener with Jerry Jeudy sidelined, and instead he worked as the WR4 behind both Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Brandon Johnson. Russell Wilson spread the targets around in week 1 with 8 different players seeing multiple targets, and nobody seeing more than 6, but 2-3 targets for Mims on limited snaps isn’t going to make him fantasy viable.

WR Jalin Hyatt, NYG (Wk. 2: @Ari.): Hyatt was in a route on 39% of the Giants’ passing dropbacks in week 1, but he saw just 1 target that he didn’t catch. Your hope if you play him is that he catches a deep TD against a bad Arizona defense, but the Cardinals allowed just one completion of 20 or more yards in week 1. Another goose egg is entirely possible here.

TE Darnell Washington, PIT (Wk. 2: vs. Cle.): Pat Freiermuth exited the Steelers’ week 1 game with a chest injury, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that Washington is a sleeper this week. It was Connor Heyward who stepped in and earned 4 second half targets. Washington was in a route on 31% of the team passing dropbacks (compared to just 25% for Heyward), but the ball didn’t come his way at all. Whether Muth plays or not, Washington isn’t much more than a TD dart throw.

Players to sit who are injured or had very limited or non-existent week 1 roles: RB Evan Hull, IND, RB Jaleel McLaughlin, DEN, RB Chase Brown, CIN, RB Israel Abanikanda, NYJ, RB De’Von Achane, MIA, RB Chris Rodriguez, WAS, WR Xavier Hutchinson, HOU, WR Tyler Scott, CHI, WR Cedric Tillman, CLE, WR Tre Tucker, LV, TE Michael Mayer, LV

Deep League Sleepers, Stashes, and Cheap DFS Options:

RB Tyjae Spears, TEN (Wk. 2: vs. LAC): Spears didn’t put up a big fantasy point number in week 1, but his usage is worth taking note of. Spears actually out-snapped Derrick Henry in week 1. Henry still handled 79% of the rushing workload, but Spears was in a route on 50% of the Titans’ passing drop backs and led all running backs in air yards in week 1. Spears isn’t just the passing-down complement to Derrick Henry. The Titans are making an active effort to get him involved in the offense. This might not be the best spot to get him into the lineup as the Chargers allowed fewer than 4 receptions per game to opposing running backs last year, but Spears shouldn’t be a free agent in 12-team PPR leagues. He’s worth a stash if you can make room for him.

WR Tank Dell, HOU (Wk. 2: vs. Ind.): Dell ran a route on just 46% of the Texans’ dropbacks in week 1, but Houston placed starting receiver Noah Brown on IR this week, and John Metchie’s status is still uncertain for week 2. That could mean Dell is in line to play a full complement of snaps, and I already mentioned that this offense may push for 40 pass attempts again this week. Robert Woods and Nico Collins dominated targets last week, but with more playing time we could see Dell reach 6-7 targets, and he has the kind of speed and run-after-catch skills that could turn any reception into a TD. He’s mostly an option for the deepest leagues and DFS lineups this week, but Dell has an intriguing ceiling against the Colts.

WRs Demario Douglas & Kayshon Boutte, NE (Wk. 2: vs. Mia.): With DeVante Parker sidelined in week 1, Boutte was second on the team in routes run and Douglas was tied for second on the team in targets (both behind Kendrick Bourne). Both are worth a stash in deep leagues while the Patriots try to work out their receiver pecking order. JuJu Smith-Schuster is the highest paid WR on the team, but he was standing on the sideline during the Pats comeback effort last weekend. Of the two rookies, I’d prioritize Douglas since he was able to earn targets, but both have the chance to earn a substantial role if they make the most of their opportunities. Boutte was viewed as an elite WR prospect once upon a time, but Douglas had the higher day 3 draft capital of the two.

That’s all I’ve got for this week. Hopefully it helps you sort through your lineup decisions this week. Feel free to hit me up on Twitter (@Shawn_Foss) if you have any questions or want to yell at me about anything written above, and always make sure to apply what’s written in the context of your own league rules and roster. Keep a close eye on the injury report throughout the week if you have any guys who are questionable and do a final pre-game check to make sure you don’t start any inactive players. As always: Good luck, trust your gut and have fun. It’s just a game.

Welcome back to the Rookie Report! Week 2 was a much more fun display than the opening week if you like offensive football. Week 1 featured some putrid passing lines and 9 games where there were fewer than 40 total points scored. In week 2, there were just 2 contests that failed to reach 40 total points, and fantasy points followed. We saw 16 different QBs hit 20 fantasy points last weekend, and also 17 running backs and 32 wide receivers that topped 15 PPR points.

We should see some regression to the mean there this week, so don’t treat last week’s point totals as the new normal moving forward. Most weeks it won’t take 14+ points to climb the ranks of the WR3s. The rookie crop has been performing at a high level already this season, though not all of it has come from the expected sources.

Bijan Robinson, Zay Flowers, and Jordan Addison have been great, but other highly drafted rookies like Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Quentin Johnston, and Zach Charbonnet have been slow to make a fantasy impact. The real surprises have come from the less heralded wide receivers in this class – Puka Nacua, Jayden Reed, Tank Dell, Marvin Mims Jr., Dontayvion Wicks, and Jalin Hyatt all piled up 80+ yards and/or a TD in week 2. Which of those guys can we count on going forward?

Stay tuned and I’ll tell you.

A couple of housekeeping notes for the players listed below – All players listed under the same header at the same position are listed in the order that I would play them this week. All usage rates (snap share, target rate, air yardage share, etc.) are from the MB Fantasy Life Utilization Tool from Dwain McFarland, and all references to fantasy points and points allowed rankings are based on half-PPR scoring unless otherwise noted.

Let’s dig into week 3…

Rookies You Already Know You Should Start:

RB Bijan Robinson, ATL (Wk. 3: @Det.): Robinson has posted back-to-back top-10 fantasy finishes to start his career, and this week faces a Detroit defense that gave up two TDs to Kenneth Walker III last weekend. The Lions have held opposing runners to just 3.6 yards per carry through two weeks, but Bijan is a different type of running back. The Falcons will continue to lean on the running game, and Bijan’s role grew in week 2. Robinson should remain locked into your lineups as an RB1 this week.

WR Puka Nacua, LAR (Wk. 3: @Cin.): I warned against setting the expectations for Nacua too high after his incredible debut in Seattle. I did not expect him to have an even bigger game in week 2. At this point it’s clear the rookie will be holding down the Cooper Kupp role in this offense at least until Kupp returns, and he should continue to see a ton of targets each week. He’s joined in on Matt Stafford and Kupp’s daily breakfast film sessions, and the results of that are showing on the field. Nacua is currently the PPR WR2 in fantasy despite not scoring a touchdown yet. The Bengals have allowed the 10^th-fewest WR points per game so far, but Puka hasn’t really given us much reason to temper our expectations. Another 10+ target game and potential top-12 finish is very possible yet again.

Borderline Rookies I’d Lean Toward Starting:

QB Anthony Richardson, IND (Wk. 3: @Bal.): Keep an eye on the injury report here and make sure Richardson is good to go before plugging him in. The rookie QB is trying to come back from a concussion suffered last Sunday and isn’t practicing as of Thursday. If he’s able to get cleared, I’d view him as a low-end QB1 even in a tough matchup with Baltimore. The Ravens have allowed the 9^th-fewest QB points so far, but the Colts will continue to let Richardson keep running and keep throwing a bunch. The rushing gives him a built-in floor that won’t kill you even if he has a sub-par passing day. This likely won’t be a ceiling day for AR, but he’ll be a passable starter if he’s able to suit up.

QB CJ Stroud, HOU (Wk. 3: @Jax.): If you have Stroud in superflex leagues, this is probably a good week to fire him up as a starter. Stroud has thrown 44+ pass attempts in each of his first two games, and his production caught up to that volume in week 2 with a QB13 finish in a week with a lot of strong QB play. This week he faces Jacksonville, who has allowed both QBs they’ve faced so far (Mahomes and Anthony Richardson) to tally 20+ fantasy points and 2 touchdowns. Stroud doesn’t have the passing ability of Mahomes or the running ability of Richardson, but he should throw enough to push for another top-15 finish.

RB Jahmyr Gibbs, DET (Wk. 3: vs. Atl.): Gibbs’ playing time was on the upswing in week 2 even before David Montgomery got hurt, but Montgomery’s injury opens the door for even more opportunity for the Lions’ rookie back. Craig Reynolds (or possibly Bam Knight) will see some playing time to share the workload with Gibbs, but Gibbs out-snapped Reynolds 17-to-10 after Montgomery was injured last Sunday. I’d expect a similar split this week. The Falcons have been pretty strong against opposing running backs, allowing the 6^th-fewest points per game to the position, but largely that’s due to not giving up any touchdowns. Atlanta has allowed 119 rushing yards per game, and Gibbs is going to get enough work and is explosive enough to take advantage of them. I’d view Gibbs as a mid-range RB2 with upside for more this week. If nothing else, this game should be a great showcase for two excellent rookie running backs.  

WR Zay Flowers, BAL (Wk. 3: vs. Ind.): Flowers’ usage took an expected step back in week 2 with Mark Andrews back in action, but he still turned 5 targets into a double-digit PPR performance. The Ravens got Flowers the ball further downfield against the Bengals with a 12.6-yard aDOT, and the Colts have been shredded by opposing WRs so far this year. Indy has allowed 5 different receivers to hit double-digit fantasy points, and the two team WR1s they faced put up lines up 8-101-1 (Calvin Ridley) and 7-146-1 (Nico Collins). In fairness, Mark Andrews is probably more the WR1 in this offense than Zay Flowers, but this is still a great spot for Flowers to finish as a top-30 fantasy wide receiver.

WR Jordan Addison, MIN (Wk. 3: vs. LAC): Addison still worked behind KJ Osborn as the Vikings’ WR3 last weekend in terms of playing time, but his route participation rate ticked up a little bit and the gap is closing. He continues to see a meaningful workload in a high-volume passing attack, earning 6 and 5 targets in the first two games and a 25% or higher air yardage share in both games. He also found the end zone in both games. This week the Vikings face the Chargers, who have allowed more fantasy points to wide receivers than any other team so far. Much of that damage was done by Tyreek Hill in the opener, but Addison should be in line for a similar workload to what we’ve been seeing in a plus matchup. 60+ yards and another possible TD feels like a realistic expectation.

WR Tank Dell, HOU (Wk. 3: @Jax.): Noah Brown’s trip to injured reserve opened the door a crack for Tank Dell in week 2, and the rookie bulldozed through it, tallying 7-72-1 on 10 targets against the Colts last Sunday. Dell has cemented himself as a full-time receiver in this offense, and while the Jaguars are a better pass defense than the Colts, Jacksonville is favored in this game by more than a touchdown and the Texans should again have high passing volume. Houston has thrown the ball 91 times in their first 2 games, and another 40+ attempts are highly likely here. Despite his diminutive size, Dell has spent the bulk of his snaps lined up on the perimeter, and the Jaguars have allowed the 6^th-most PPR points to perimeter WRs through the first 2 weeks. Dell is pretty close to the borderline for me in this one, but that expected volume says err on the side of getting him into your lineups if it’s a close call for you.

TE Sam LaPorta, DET (Wk. 3: vs. Atl.): LaPorta has finished as the PPR TE8 in each of the first two weeks of the season, and I wouldn’t start fading him now. Sammy Ballgame saw his route participation and target rates both climb slightly in week 2, and this week’s opponent, Atlanta, allowed the 3^rd-most TE points per game last year and the 10^th-most so far this year despite facing just Hunter Henry and Luke Musgrave so far. LaPorta remains a good option this week if you don’t have an elite must-start TE.

Borderline Rookies I’d Lean Toward Sitting:

QB Bryce Young, CAR (Wk. 3: @Sea.): Young, like fellow rookie QBs Richardson & Stroud, gets a favorable matchup this weekend, but like Richardson, he’s not practicing as of Thursday and his status for week 3 is up in the air. The Seahawks have allowed over 320 passing yards in each of the last two weeks, and the absence of Tariq Woolen should make this secondary vulnerable to a big passing day again. Bryce has totaled less than 300 passing yards combined in his first two starts, but Seattle’s defense should look inviting after what he dealt with against the Saints last Monday. Obviously, the poor fantasy performances in the first two weeks would probably give you pause here, but I think this sets up well for Bryce to have his best game to-date in a matchup where the Panthers should be chasing points. If he’s able to suit up, he should be in consideration as a low-end QB2.

RB Roschon Johnson, CHI (Wk. 3: @KC): Roschon got a lot of hype last week after it became known that D’Onta Foreman would be inactive for the Bears’ week 2 contest with the Bucs, but it was Khalil Herbert who saw an increase in snaps and routes run. There is again a buzz around Johnson this week that he’s going to take over as the lead back sooner than later, but even if it happens this week, I don’t love Johnson as a fantasy starter against Kansas City. The Chiefs have allowed the 10^th-fewest running back points and are 12.5-point favorites against the Bears. Chicago might have to abandon the run game early, and Kansas City has allowed just 5 receptions for 29 yards to opposing backs in the passing game. Neither of KC’s first two opponents was ever down by multiple scores, and Roschon did pile up 6 catches in garbage time in week 1, so there is some hope that he sees some similar passing game work late in this game, but I’d look for safer options if you have them.

RB Tyjae Spears, TEN (Wk. 3: @Cle.): Spears posted a top-30 PPR finish in week 2, but his playing time headed in the wrong direction as his snap share dropped from 56% in week 1 down to 35% last weekend. The Browns have allowed the 7^th-fewest RB points per game, and Derrick Henry will continue to get the bulk of the backfield work. Spears’ best hope for fantasy production would be receiving work if the Titans fall behind, but that’s less likely to happen with Nick Chubb sidelined. The Browns are 3.5-point favorites, so it’s possible, but I would treat Spears like an RB4 option in PPR formats.

RB De’Von Achane, MIA (Wk. 3: vs. Den.): Achane has been an afterthought for the Dolphins in the first two weeks, but he enters the conversation for week 3 with Salvon Ahmed battling a groin injury. Assuming Ahmed misses this week, Achane will serve as the backup and change-of-pace back to Raheem Mostert, which likely means about a 25% snap share and a handful of touches. Achane’s 4.3-speed means he could take any one of those touches to the house against a Denver defense that has allowed the 9^th-most running back points, but that limited workload makes him just a desperation play this week.

WR Jayden Reed, GB (Wk. 3: vs. NO): Reed found the end zone twice last weekend and is clearly an integral part of this passing game, but the Packers get a much stiffer test this week against the Saints, and Christian Watson could return and take targets away from Reed. Reed saw a boost in targets in week 2, but many of the looks were shorter manufactured touches like the touch-pass jet sweep that resulted in Reed’s first TD. Those touches will probably remain a part of his game, especially while Aaron Jones is out, but relying on him finding the end zone on those kinds of plays is a losing proposition in a tough matchup like this one. The Saints are a top-5 pass defense, and the return of Watson would ding Reed enough that I’d keep him benched in this one. He’s a WR4 option if Watson winds up inactive again. Watson practiced on Wednesday, but sat on Thursday.

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA (Wk. 3: vs. Car.): Smith-Njigba has continued to work as the WR3 in this offense, running a route on about two-thirds of the team dropbacks, but the more concerning number for the first-round pick is his 2.3-yard aDOT. He’s getting nothing but short targets, and this week faces a Carolina defense that has allowed the 3^rd-fewest WR fantasy points. The Panthers did play a game against the passing-averse Falcons, so that helped keep that WR point total low, but JSN still has a hard path to a useful fantasy day if his usage doesn’t change. If you’re considering firing up Smith-Njigba this week, keep an eye on DK Metcalf’s injury status. If DK sits this week, JSN is an upside WR4 option. If Metcalf plays, I’d keep Jaxon parked on the bench.

WR Jonathan Mingo, CAR (Wk. 3: @Sea.): There are reasons for optimism for Mingo this week, but the Panthers’ passing game has been too big of a mess to rely on him this weekend. Mingo has been a major part of the offense for Carolina, logging a 95% route participation rate and 13 targets in the first two games, but that’s resulted in just 5 catches for 43 yards. This week’s matchup would’ve looked like a brutal one on paper last year. Seattle allowed the 3rd fewest WR points in the league in 2022, but they’ve surrendered the 4^th-most so far in ’23 and will likely be without starting corner ‘Riq Woolen this week. Seattle allowed double-digit points to 5 different receivers in the first two weeks, and Mingo likely would’ve seen a lot of Woolen if he were able to play. There’s risk here, but Mingo has very real double-digit potential this week in a good matchup, even if the QB is Andy Dalton.

WR Michael Wilson, ARI (Wk. 3: vs. Dal.): Wilson’s playing time took a hit in week 2, with his route participation rate dropping from 91% in week 1 down to 56%, but he fielded the same 4 targets, and continues to be targeted downfield with a 20-yard aDOT. Wilson finished week 2 with 3 catches for 56 yards, but I would expect him to take a step backwards this week against an elite Dallas defense. Garrett Wilson broke loose for a 68-yard TD against Dallas last weekend, but aside from that one play, the Cowboys have allowed totals of 9 catches for 85 yards on 27 targets to wide receivers. I don’t trust any Arizona pass catchers to produce against Dallas this week.

WR Rashee Rice, KC (Wk. 3: vs. Chi.): Four different Kansas City receivers saw a higher route participation rate in week 2 than in week 1, and Rice wasn’t one of them. The rookie ran just 6 routes against the Jaguars and earned only 2 targets. This entire WR room feels like it’s going to be an unpredictable mess every week. You can’t rely on Rice in season long leagues.

TE Dalton Kincaid, BUF (Wk. 3: @Was.): Kincaid’s playing time decreased in week 2, even as his targets and production increased. The Utah product finished with 5-43 on 6 targets last weekend, but he gets a tougher matchup this Sunday. The Commanders allowed the 4^th-fewest TE points last season and have allowed the 7^th-fewest through the first two weeks this year. Washington has given up just 5.2 PPR points to non-in-line tight ends, and Kincaid has spent just 31.4% of his snaps lined up in-line. Dalton is still involved enough that he has upside as a fringe TE1, but the matchup is tougher than I like.

TE Luke Musgrave, GB (Wk. 3: vs. NO): Musgrave has posted an 80% route participation rate or better in each of the first two games, but it’s turned into just 7 total targets so far in what’s been a low-volume passing offense. This week he faces a New Orleans defense that blanked Chig Okonkwo in week 1 and held Hayden Hurst to 3-20 on Monday night. The Saints have allowed the fewest TE points per game in the league through 2 weeks, and Musgrave hasn’t been good enough yet that I’d expect him to overcome that tough matchup.

Rookies You Already Know You Should Sit:

RB Zach Charbonnet, SEA (Wk. 3: vs. Car.): Charbonnet’s role grew slightly in week 2, but he was out-touched by KW3 by a count of 18-to-6. For now, his best hopes for extended playing time would be garbage time in a blowout win, or an injury to KW3 ahead of him. The Seahawks are 5.5-point favorites this week, but that’s not enough for you to bet on garbage time here.

RB Sean Tucker, TB (Wk. 3: vs. Phi.): The Sean Tucker RB1 hopes took a hit in week 2 as Rachaad White had a bounce back game against an awful Chicago defense. White piled up 103 yards and a score on 22 touches last weekend while Tucker put up just 7 yards on 8 carries. Chase Edmonds suffered an MCL sprain in the game, so it’ll just be White and Tucker in this backfield for a few weeks, but White secured his role as the clear-cut RB1 for at least another couple of weeks with his performance last Sunday.

RB Eric Gray, NYG (Wk. 3: @SF): Saquon Barkley has been ruled out for this game, but that doesn’t mean Gray will get much of an opportunity. The Giants will roll with a committee that should see Matt Breida as the lead back, and Gary Brightwell involved as well. That means Gray would be lucky to see more than a handful of touches and faces a daunting 49ers defense. There are other options that you should be looking at this week.

RB Chase McLaughlin, DEN (Wk. 3: @Mia.): McLaughlin has logged just 1 touch in each of the first two games of the season. He found the end zone on that touch in week 2, but counting on a repeat performance would be foolhardy.

WR Marvin Mims Jr., DEN (Wk. 3: @Mia.): Mims had a massive week 2, piling up 113 receiving yards and a touchdown along with 10 rushing yards for good measure, but he was on the field for just 16 offensive snaps and ran just 6 routes all game. Those results are excellent, but there’s just no way it’s sustainable if his playing time doesn’t increase. The Broncos will likely be throwing a lot to keep pace with the Dolphins, but you’re praying for another deep ball or two to connect if you try to start him anywhere.

WR Dontayvion Wicks, GB (Wk. 3: vs. NO): Wicks played a lot more than expected in the first two weeks and put up a line of 2-40-1 last week to finish as the PPR WR40. A repeat performance is unlikely with Christian Watson close to ready to return. The Packers have rotated receivers quite a bit in the first two games, with no one reaching an 80% route participation rate in either game, but Wicks is the WR4 when everyone is healthy. The Saints have allowed just 160 passing yards per game in the first two weeks, and I don’t think there will be enough passing output in this game for Wicks to make an impact as the WR4. If Watson sits again, there is some upside with Wicks as a desperation streamer in deep leagues, but nothing more.

WR Quentin Johnston, LAC (Wk. 3: @Min.): Johnston was in a route on just 9 Justin Herbert dropbacks in week 2 and turned them into 1 catch for 7 yards on 2 targets. This would be a great week for Johnston to get going against a barely there Vikings’ defense in a game with shootout potential, but you can’t count on him with his current usage. The only format where I’d consider him is in a DFS showdown contest. There will come a week where his playing time unexpectedly makes a jump the way Justin Jefferson’s did in week 3 of his rookie year, but your guess is as good as mine as to when that jump will happen for Quentin.

WR Jalin Hyatt, NYG (Wk. 3: @SF): Hyatt had an explosive game in week 2 with 89 yards on just 2 receptions against the Cardinals, but he ran just 12 routes and faces a much tougher matchup this week. Hyatt’s opportunities have come down the field, and the 49ers have allowed just 3 catches of 20+ yards in the first two weeks, and none longer than 31 yards. Hyatt’s catches last week went for 31 and 58 yards. I wouldn’t count on him getting those same deep catches against San Francisco.

WR Trey Palmer, TB (Wk. 3: vs. Phi.): Palmer returned to reality last weekend after scoring a TD in his pro debut. He logged 1 catch for 20 yards on 2 targets last Sunday with just a 38% route participation rate. The Bucs are going to continue to funnel half of their weekly passing targets to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Anything more than a couple catches out of Palmer this week would be a surprise, even in a game where the Bucs figure to have negative game script and be throwing a lot.

WRs Kayshon Boutte & Demario Douglas, NE (Wk. 3: @NYJ): New England’s receiver usage looked drastically different in week 2 with DeVante Parker back in the lineup. Parker was in a route for 100% of the team passing attempts in week 2. Meanwhile, Boutte went from a 74% route participation in week 1 to a healthy scratch in week 2, and Demario Douglas went from 47% down to 9% after fumbling early in the game. You can’t trust either player this week, especially against the Jets’ stingy secondary.

TE Luke Schoonmaker, DAL (Wk. 3: @Ari.): Schoonmaker scored his first TD last Sunday, but he’s run a total of just 6 routes in the first 2 games. There’s no reason to consider him this week.

Rookies to sit who are injured or have had very limited or non-existent roles: QB Clayton Tune, ARI, RB Evan Hull, IND, RB Israel Abanikanda, NYJ, RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., WAS, WR Xavier Hutchinson, HOU, WR Tyler Scott, CHI, WR Cedric Tillman, CLE, TE Michael Mayer, LV, TE Darnell Washington, PIT

Deep League Sleepers, Stashes, and Cheap DFS Options:

RB Kendre Miller, NO (Wk. 3: @GB): If you didn’t throw all of your FAAB budget at Jerome Ford this week, Kendre is an interesting pick up that should be quite a bit more reasonable to acquire. I like Miller better for DFS lineups this upcoming week than in season-long lineups, but there is a chance for a breakout week for Miller in his debut. Reports are that Kendre could’ve played last week if needed, but that HC Dennis Allen didn’t want to get him in after limited practice time for the week. I’d expect Miller to be ready to roll in this one, and to play ahead of Tony Jones while Jamaal Williams is out with a hamstring injury and Alvin Kamara remains suspended for another week. The Green Bay Packers have allowed the 2^nd-most RB scrimmage yards per game through 2 weeks, and Miller should operate as the lead back against that defense. There’s risk here that he splits the work with Tony Jones, and that Taysom Hill snipes some goal-line work, but if you need immediate running back help in deeper leagues, Miller could be a great plug-and-play option this week.

RB Elijah Dotson, LAC (Wk. 3: @Min.): Head Coach Brandon Staley told reporters Monday that there is no timetable for Austin Ekeler’s return, leading us to believe that Ekeler will be unavailable for week 3. That puts Dotson in line for the RB2 role in a game that has shootout potential. Dotson played just 9 snaps last week, but still earned more targets than starter Joshua Kelley. The rookie recorded 70 catches at Northern Colorado last year (the same school Austin Ekeler attended), and he could serve as the lead receiving back until Ekeler returns. There is PPR upside here if you’re desperate in deep leagues, though Joshua Kelley will continue to be the lead back.

RB Tank Bigsby, JAX (Wk. 3: vs. Hou.): Bigsby didn’t handle a single touch last weekend after seeing 7 carries and a target in the opener, but his playing time didn’t really change from week 1. Tank was still on the field for around 20% of the Jaguars’ offensive plays in a defensive struggle with the Chiefs. I expect the offense as a whole to be better this weekend, and Bigsby could get some extended garbage time opportunity with the Jaguars favored by 8.5-points. Houston has allowed 4 running back rushing scores in the first two games of the season, and I think Bigsby has a great chance to get into the end zone in this game. The risk with Bigsby is high. He might not see many touches if the game script doesn’t go the way Vegas expects it to, but 8-10 fantasy points are very possible if it’s lopsided as expected.

RB Deuce Vaughn, DAL (Wk. 3: @Ari.): Vaughn tallied 32 yards on 6 touches last Sunday, and he could see an opportunity for extended run this week in another game the Cowboys should win easily. Dallas opens the week as a 12-point favorite, and if they win by multiple scores as Vegas expects, both Vaughn and Rico Dowdle could find their way to ample garbage time touches. Neither guy is one I would be thrilled about in season-long formats, but both have appeal in limited slate DFS contests.

WR Josh Downs, IND (Wk. 3: @Bal.): Downs has some sneaky upside this week in a matchup where the Colts are a touchdown underdog and should be throwing a bunch. Anthony Richardson might not clear the concussion protocol in time for this game, and Gardner Minshew under center could mean even more passing volume for the Colts. Minshew averaged over 300 passing yards per game in two starts for Shane Steichen’s Eagles offense last year, both in games where they played from behind a fair amount. If Minshew gets the start, Michael Pittman will remain the alpha WR1, but it’s worth noting that the Ravens have allowed the 9^th-most PPR points to WRs lined up in the slot this season. Downs plays the majority of his snaps from the slot. Downs has a low aDOT, but the Ravens have allowed the 5^th-most yards after catch this season. I like Downs’ chances to compile his way to a nice PPR day for deeper leagues assuming Minshew gets the start.

That’s all I’ve got for this week. Hopefully it helps you sort through your lineup decisions and find your way to a win. Feel free to hit me up on Twitter (@Shawn_Foss) if you have any questions or want to yell at me about anything written above, and always make sure to apply what’s written in the context of your own league rules and roster. Keep a close eye on the injury report throughout the week if you have any guys who are questionable and do a final pre-game check to make sure you don’t start any inactive players. As always: Good luck, trust your gut and have fun. It’s just a game.

Welcome back to the Rookie Report! We’re just 3 weeks into the season, and already the rookie crop has been making a massive impact on fantasy leagues. Hopefully you weren’t too busy watching Taylor Swift cheer at the Chiefs game to notice it. De’Von Achane posted arguably the greatest rookie single-game performance we’ve ever seen as the Dolphins rolled the Broncos by 50 points, but he was hardly alone in having a standout performance. Sam LaPorta finished the week as the TE1, Tank Dell finished as the WR6, and CJ Stroud and Marvin Mims put up big games as well.

Injuries have been a rampant problem in the early going, which has helped get some of these rookies extended opportunities, and those injuries don’t show many signs of slowing down after Mike Williams suffered a season-ending knee injury last Sunday. Standout rookies Achane, Dell, Puka Nacua, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Jayden Reed have all benefitted from injuries ahead of them on the depth chart thus far, and following along with the Rookie Report all year will help you know which rookies can step up when an injury happens.

A couple of housekeeping notes for the players listed below – All players listed under the same header at the same position are listed in the order that I would play them this week. All usage rates (snap share, target rate, air yardage share, etc.) are from the MB Fantasy Life Utilization Tool from Dwain McFarland, and all references to fantasy points and points allowed rankings are based on half-PPR scoring unless otherwise noted.

Let’s get into week 4…

Rookies You Already Know You Should Start:

RB Bijan Robinson, ATL (Wk. 4: @Jax.): Robinson is coming off his worst game of his young career and gets a really tough matchup, but you can’t sit your first-round pick in week 4, especially when he finished as a top-10 RB in two of the first 3 weeks. Robinson is more of a contrarian play in DFS lineups this week as he faces a Jacksonville team that ranks 4^th in Aaron Schatz’s run defense DVOA and has allowed the 10^th-fewest running back points per game. He still needs to be in your lineups in season-long leagues.

TE Sam LaPorta, DET (Wk. 4: @GB): LaPorta through three weeks is making the conventional wisdom that rookie tight ends don’t produce in fantasy look silly. The rookie ranks as the current TE2 in total points behind only TJ Hockenson, and he’s logged PPR finishes of TE8, TE8, and TE1. Has he reached the point where you should be starting him over guys like Mark Andrews, Darren Waller or Evan Engram? I wouldn’t go that far, but that doesn’t mean he can’t outscore them. I just wouldn’t count on LaPorta pulling in another 45-yard TD. The Packers are a middling TE defense, allowing the 16^th-most points per game, but the Lions had one of the narrowest target trees last week that I’ve seen. LaPorta, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Kalif Raymond combined for 93% of the Lions total targets in week 3. If that continues going forward, LaPorta should be a safe top-10 PPR TE (at least until Jameson Williams returns).

Borderline Rookies I’d Lean Toward Starting:

QB Anthony Richardson, IND (Wk. 4: vs. LAR): Richardson is on track to be back under center this week after returning to a full practice on Wednesday, and he should be treated as a low end QB1 despite a matchup that looks tough at first glance. The Rams have allowed the 5^th-fewest QB points per game so far and held both Geno Smith and Joe Burrow below 10 fantasy points, but the Rams also rank just 20^th in pass defense DVOA. None of the QBs who have faced the Rams offered much in the way of rushing upside, and we know Richardson is a virtual lock to run the ball 8-10 times, giving him a healthy floor. The DVOA ranking tells me that the passing matchup isn’t quite as tough as the points allowed number would indicate. Don’t be afraid to plug Richardson in if he’s been your QB1.

RB De’Von Achane, MIA (Wk. 4: @Buf.): I know, I know…there’s probably no world where you’re considering benching Achane this week if you’ve got him after watching him pile up 4 TDs and over FIFTY(!) PPR points against the Broncos last Sunday, but the sledding will be notably tougher this week. Denver’s barely-there run defense allowed nearly 30 PPR points to Brian Robinson Jr. in week 2 before being incinerated by Achane and Raheem Mostert last weekend. Buffalo, on the other hand, has allowed the 9^th-fewest RB points per game and ranks 6^th in run defense DVOA. On the plus side, Achane’s big game last weekend wasn’t fueled by garbage time. He worked in a committee with Mostert early in the game and was actively involved while the game was still competitive and should remain in at least a timeshare with the veteran Mostert this week. Despite the tough matchup, the Dolphins’ run game has been playing at an incredible level, and you’ll be kicking yourself if he has another blow up game from your bench. You should find a way to fit him in your starting lineup this week if you can.

RB Jahmyr Gibbs, DET (Wk. 4: @GB): Gibbs had a strong performance on Sunday against the Falcons, but his fantasy production didn’t really reflect that. The Lions leaned on Gibbs on the ground with David Montgomery sidelined, and he racked up 80 yards on 17 carries and hauled in a 2-yard catch. He helped the Lions control the game but didn’t help you win your fantasy matchup. This week David Montgomery seems to be on the right side of questionable, but I’m on board with going back to the well here with Gibbs. The Packers have been shredded for about 150 running back scrimmage yards per game, 5^th-most in the NFL. They also rank just 27^th in pass defense DVOA on throws to running backs. No team is allowing more RB catches per game, and only the Broncos and Bears are allowing more RB receiving yards per game. Monty’s return should free up Gibbs to be more involved in the passing game, and I like his chances to produce a strong PPR day in a good matchup. I like Gibbs to finish as a high-end RB2 or better on Thursday night.

RB Roschon Johnson, CHI (Wk. 4: vs. Den.): One of the more interesting games of week 3 will happen when a stoppable force meets a movable object in Chicago on Sunday. The Bears and Broncos have been huge dumpster fires in the league’s first few weeks, but one of them is bound to pick up their first win in week 4. Chicago may finally play a game with neutral or positive game script. The Bears want to be a run-first team, but scoreboard deficits have limited their running backs to just 15 rush attempts per game. A competitive contest this week would be a good thing for both Roschon and Khalil Herbert. Another good thing for that pair is a matchup with a Denver defense that gave up 182 scrimmage yards to the Commanders’ running backs in week 2, and a whopping 441 to Miami’s backs in week 3. Johnson appears to have closed the playing time gap on Khalil Herbert, and the duo essentially took turns playing full drives in Kansas City. Roschon has been the more effective runner of the two, but both backs have high-end RB3 appeal in this very inviting matchup.

WR Puka Nacua, LAR (Wk. 4: @Ind.): Nacua had the worst game of his season on Monday night against the Bengals. He finished that game with 5 catches for 72 yards on 7 targets, good for a PPR WR36 finish for the week. If that’s the floor, you have to feel pretty good about firing him up against an Indy defense that has allowed the 7^th-most WR points per game. Cooper Kupp could be back as soon as week 5, so this could be the last week of Nacua as an auto-start.  

WR Tank Dell, HOU (Wk. 4: vs. Pit.): Dell has logged back-to-back 20-point PPR games and may be emerging as the best wide receiver on the Texans. The 5’10”, 165-pound Dell’s usage has been surprising, as he’s played just 28 snaps from the slot. Dell is doing his damage lined up mostly as a perimeter WR. The Texans should continue to lean on CJ Stroud and their passing game this week, and the Steelers have allowed the 5^th-most WR points per game so far. I’m not saying another 20-point day is a sure thing, but I trust Dell to be a serviceable WR3 this week.

WR Jordan Addison, MIN (Wk. 4: @Car.): Addison logged a season-high 80% route participation rate and earned a season-high 8 targets in week 3, but he posted his lowest fantasy output of the season after failing to find the end zone. Addison still hasn’t overtaken KJ Osborn for the WR2 role, but he’s slowly closing the gap and this offense is going to continue to be pass-heavy enough that he’ll keep seeing 6-8 targets in his current role. Carolina is a tough matchup, allowing the 3^rd-fewest WR points per game, but some of that is due to the Panthers frequently playing from behind and their opponents running the ball a ton. Minnesota isn’t likely to run the ball a ton, and the Panthers rank 20^th in pass defense DVOA on deep throws. Both of Addison’s TDs this year have gone for more than 35 yards. I wouldn’t fault you for sitting Addison this week if you have a WR3 you feel really good about ahead of him, but I’d roll with the Vikings rookie if you don’t.

TE Luke Musgrave, GB (Wk. 4: vs. Det.): Musgrave has posted a route participation rate of 80% or better in each of Green Bay’s first three games, and Detroit’s defense has given up 9+ tight end receptions or a tight end score in all 3 of their games. Packer tight ends not named Musgrave have seen two total targets this season. I wouldn’t treat the 8 targets Musgrave earned last week as the new normal. Green Bay threw more than they would like to after falling behind 17-0 last Sunday. If their passing volume gets back to normal this week, something like 5-6 targets feels likely here, and against Detroit’s defense that has struggled to contain the TE position, that’s probably enough to push for a back-end TE1 finish. Musgrave has higher than normal chances of scoring a TD as well in this plus matchup. I’d rather roll out Musgrave this week than guys like Hunter Henry, Kyle Pitts, Tyler Higbee, or Pat Freiermuth.

Borderline Rookies I’d Lean Toward Sitting:

QB CJ Stroud, HOU (Wk. 4: vs. Pit.): Stroud has been fantastic over the last two weeks, piling up 664 passing yards and 4 TDs with just 1 turnover, but he gets a stiffer defensive test this week. Each of Stroud’s last two opponents have been bad against QBs, coughing up 18+ points to the opposing signal caller in every game they’ve played. The Steelers have allowed 18+ just once, to Jimmy Garoppolo on Sunday night when they couldn’t contain Davante Adams. The Steelers rank 7^th in pass defense DVOA and allow the 13^th-fewest QB points per game. There should still be a good amount of passing volume for Stroud, so he’s a great QB2 option in superflex leagues, but I have a hard time ranking him as a top-12 QB option this week.

RB Tyjae Spears, TEN (Wk. 4: vs. Cin.): Spears’ early season usage has been promising for PPR leagues, but the production just isn’t matching that usage. Spears is playing nearly all of the long down & distance snaps, and he’s consistently drawing targets in the passing game, but this offense looks like a shell of what it was in 2022, especially when it comes to running backs in the passing game. Last season there were 89 different NFL running backs who logged 10 or more targets for the season. Only 8 of them averaged 8 or more yards per target. The Titans’ backfield collectively averaged 8.0 yards per target on 85 total targets. Through 3 games, Tyjae Spears has 10 receiving yards on 10 targets, or just 1 yard per target. That must change for Spears to start returning fantasy value, and it’s unlikely to change this week. The Bengals have allowed just 3 catches and 20 receiving yards per game to opposing backs. I’m holding Spears in deeper PPR leagues still, but this offense needs to turn it around or have a very favorable matchup before I’d consider plugging him into lineups.

RB Kendre Miller, NO (Wk. 4: vs. TB): Miller failed to make the most of his NFL debut, tallying just 34 yards on 10 touches. He faces a middling Bucs’ run defense this week (15^th-fewest RB points allowed and 23^rd in run defense DVOA), but the Saints get Alvin Kamara back this week and he should step immediately into the lead back role. Kendre will split the backup work with Tony Jones, making him a bad option in fantasy lineups.

WR Zay Flowers, BAL (Wk. 4: @Cle.): So far this season the Todd Monken offensive revolution in Baltimore hasn’t quite gone as planned. The Ravens are attempting just 29 passes per game and rank just 14^th in points scored. Zay Flowers has continued to earn a big share of the workload, seeing 20% or more of the team air yards in all 3 games and 10 targets in two of them, but the matchup this week with the Browns is a tough one. Cleveland ranks 1^st in pass defense DVOA and has allowed the fewest WR points per game. 54% of Flowers’ yards this season have come after the catch, and Cleveland has allowed the 6^th-fewest yards after catch in the league. There’s a sliver of hope that the Browns focus more on Mark Andrews as they did last year, when they limited him to just 3 catches for 31 yards in 2 meetings, freeing up Flowers to do more damage, but that feels like hopium. Flowers is the Ravens’ WR1, so he’s certainly a viable WR3 option in your lineups this week, but if you’re having a tough time choosing between him and another player this week, I’d lean away from Flowers.

WRs Jayden Reed & Dontayvion Wicks, GB (Wk. 4: vs. Det.): The Packers will get Christian Watson back for week 4’s tilt with the Lions, and that knocks both Reed and Wicks down a spot in the WR pecking order this week. Watson is expected to be on a snap count, but the Packers are already a lower passing volume team (they rank 21^st in pass rate over expectation so far), and they’ve been spreading their receiver snaps around more than you’d like to see. In week 3, only Romeo Doubs was in a route on more than 72% of Jordan Love’s dropbacks, and 5 different receivers earned multiple targets. Watson’s return further muddies things. If I had to guess, I’d say Wicks is the WR hurt most by Watson’s presence. Wicks has been targeted regularly on play action passes (5 of his 12 targets have come on PA passes). Last season, Watson led the team with 31% of his targets coming from play action. Watson likely pushes Wicks to the bench, and Reed probably loses some routes to Wicks. The Lions have allowed the 10^th-fewest WR points per game, and while both Reed and Wicks have flashed with their opportunities thus far, I can’t recommend starting them here with reduced playing time.

WR Josh Downs, IND (Wk. 4: vs. LAR): Downs made me look smart last week by doing exactly what I predicted and compiling his way to a top-30 PPR finish on 12 targets with Gardner Minshew at QB. It looks like Anthony Richardson is good to go for this game, and I don’t expect quite as much passing volume for the Colts in this one. The Colts are favored by a point and a half, the Rams rank 29^th in run defense DVOA, and Zack Moss is coming off a breakout performance in week 3. I’d expect the Colts to try and lean on Moss and that run game as long as they can Sunday. They may still throw enough for Downs to earn a healthy number of targets, but he turned 12 targets into a line of just 8 catches for 57 yards last weekend. His low aDOT opportunities mean he needs to pile up a lot of catches or yards after the catch to maximize his output, and the Rams have allowed the 2^nd-fewest yards after the catch so far this season. I’d treat Downs as a low-ceiling PPR WR4 option this week.

WR Quentin Johnston, LAC (Wk. 4: vs. LV): The Chargers got the disappointing news after their game last Sunday that starting wide receiver Mike Williams is done for the year with a torn ACL. The injury will mean good things for Johnston’s playing time, but I’d still wait to plug him into any lineups. Johnston has worked behind Josh Palmer on the depth chart, and that should continue in the short term. As the season wears on, I’d expect Johnston to carve out a bigger role. If you’re looking for reasons to plug in Quentin this week, he does have a higher target-per-route-run rate than Palmer, he’ll be on the field in most 3-WR sets, and the Raiders rank 29^th in pass defense DVOA (28^th on deep passes). Just consider yourself forewarned that the floor is lower than you’d like. He’s a boom-or-bust WR4 this week.

WR Rashee Rice, KC (Wk. 4: @NYJ): In case you haven’t been paying attention, Rashee Rice has now logged 3 consecutive games with a target-per-route-run rate above 30%, and in week 3 he logged a season-high 51% route participation rate. He finished the game with 5 catches for 59 yards on 7 targets, but it could’ve been a much bigger game as he was tackled at the 1-yard line twice. My biggest concern for Rice is that only 2 of his targets happened before the team was up by more than 20 points. I think the route participation rate may be an outlier caused by garbage time. The matchup this week is dicier against a New York defense that has allowed the 6^th-fewest WR points per game. Rice is worth a stash in most deeper leagues and could emerge as the best wide receiver in this offense, but I wouldn’t trust him to have a big game this week.

WR Michael Wilson, ARI (Wk. 4: @SF): Wilson hasn’t earned big target volume in the first 3 weeks, but he’s functioned as Arizona’s WR2 and his targets have come downfield. His 16.8-yard average target depth ranks 9^th in the NFL among qualified pass catchers, and 6 of his 7 catches have resulted in at least 15-yard gains. That sort of usage isn’t going to lead to much production against the 49ers, who do not allow downfield completions. Opposing teams have attempted 8 passes of 20+ air yards against the 49ers this season. The only two of those attempts that were caught were hauled in by 49er defenders. This is a bad matchup for a WR who specializes in deep balls.

TE Dalton Kincaid, BUF (Wk. 4: vs. Mia.): Kincaid gets a favorable matchup against a Miami defense allowing the 7^th-most TE points per game, but he’s logged back-to-back games with a route participation rate below 70% and hasn’t yet topped 10 fantasy points in a game. His average target depth for the season is below 5 yards, and it’s just going to be hard for him to put up big fantasy days until that changes. He’s still on the field a lot in a high-powered offense and facing a favorable matchup, so there’s still upside here, but I’d treat him like a fringe top-15 TE this week.

Rookies You Already Know You Should Sit:

QB Aidan O’Connell, LV (Wk. 4: @LAC): Jimmy Garoppolo was concussed on Sunday night and is listed as questionable for this week, but it would likely be Brian Hoyer who gets the starting nod if Garoppolo is unable to play. The Chargers have allowed more QB points per game than any other defense so far, but even if O’Connell gets the nod, you’d probably be crazy to start him in his first NFL start. The Raiders would undoubtedly lean on Josh Jacobs in that scenario.

RB Jaleel McLaughlin, DEN (Wk. 4: @Chi.): McLaughlin played a season-high 20% of the offensive snaps in week 3 and posted 5 carries for 15 yards, but most of that work came late in an epic 50-point beatdown at the hands of the Dolphins. This week’s game should be more competitive against the only other team in the league that looks like as big of a mess as the Broncos. Any opportunities against the Bears’ awful defense are good opportunities, but I don’t expect McLaughlin to get many of them this week.

RB Tank Bigsby, JAX (Wk. 4: vs. Atl.): Bigsby has found the end zone in two out of three games this season, but he’s handled just 2 touches on 19 snaps in the last 2 games combined. This is Travis Etienne’s backfield, and while Bigsby will remain a threat to vulture more goal line opportunities, the Falcons are yet to allow a running back score this season and have allowed the 5^th-fewest running back points per game.

RB Sean Tucker, TB (Wk. 4: @NO): Tucker has been largely a disappointment in the first 3 weeks if you’ve stashed him in hopes that he eventually takes more of Rachaad White’s touches. White was back to his inefficient self in week 3, but he played 91% of the offensive snaps in the game and Tucker was even worse with his limited opportunities. Tucker now has 10 carries for 8 yards in the last two weeks. You can still hold him in deeper leagues, but every week that passes with White outplaying him makes it harder for Tucker to be useful without an injury ahead of him.

RB Deuce Vaughn, DAL (Wk. 4: vs. NE): Vaughn tallied 6 touches in each of the first two games of the year as Dallas had a bunch of garbage time in blowout wins. He then played zero offensive snaps in week 3 in a game the Cowboys never led. Dallas is favored by 7 points against the Pats, so if the game goes as expected there may be a chance for a few garbage time touches for Vaughn, but there’s not a lot of ceiling to chase and the floor is zero points if Dallas doesn’t play from ahead.

WR Ronnie Bell, SF (Wk. 4: vs. Ari.): Bell tallied the first two touches of his NFL career last Thursday and turned one of them into a TD with Brandon Aiyuk sidelined. His other catch was hauled in off a deflection on a pass that wasn’t intended for him. Aiyuk appears likely to return this week, but Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings have picked up questionable designations ahead of this game as well. If any of them sit, Bell could be worth a cheap dart throw in showdown DFS contests, but I wouldn’t roll those dice in any other format. Again, with Aiyuk out last week he was truly targeted only once, and the 49ers won’t need to throw much in this game as two-touchdown favorites. If both Deebo and Jennings miss this game, I’d treat Bell as a desperation WR4/5 option.

WR Trey Palmer, TB (Wk. 4: @NO): Palmer was on the field for a season-high 86% of the Bucs’ team passing dropbacks in week 3, but he earned a season-low 1 target as a result. Through 3 weeks, 53% of the Bucs’ team targets have gone to either Mike Evans or Chris Godwin. Just 6 targets have gone to Palmer. The 3^rd receiver in this offense will continue to be a lightly targeted ancillary player.

WRs Kayshon Boutte & Demario Douglas, NE (Wk. 4: @Dal.): Boutte has been a healthy scratch in back-to-back weeks after running 46 routes in week 1, and Douglas has run just 16 routes in the last two weeks. Neither player is worth consideration against a Dallas defense that ranks 3^rd in pass defense DVOA.

TE Luke Schoonmaker, DAL (Wk. 4: vs. NE): Schoonmaker has run just 10 routes total for the season and earned 2 total targets. If you’re looking for 1 target per week (at least for the time being), he’s your man.

Rookies to sit who are injured or have had very limited or non-existent roles: QB Will Levis, TEN, QB Clayton Tune, ARI, RB Chase Brown, CIN, RB Israel Abanikanda, NYJ, RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., WAS, RB Eric Gray, NYG, RB Zach Evans, LAR, WR Xavier Hutchinson, HOU, WR Tyler Scott, CHI, WR Cedric Tillman, CLE, TE Michael Mayer, LV, TE Darnell Washington, PIT

Deep League Sleepers, Stashes, and Cheap DFS Options:

QB Bryce Young, CAR (Wk. 4: vs. Min.): You’re probably scoffing at the idea of using a QB who in his first two games averaged 150 passing yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT, but this is a great opportunity for Young to post a solid fantasy day. A week of watching Andy Dalton throw for 361 yards against a bad pass defense hopefully taught Young some things he can use toward a similar outing against a bad Minnesota secondary. The Vikings have coughed up the 3^rd-most QB points per game and rank 23^rd in pass defense DVOA. They’ve given up 8 total QB touchdowns through 3 games as well. Bryce’s results in the first two games mean he should be viewed as just a low-end QB2 this week, but he’s got some extra upside in a favorable matchup. Don’t be surprised if he throws for comfortably over 200 yards with a pair of scores.

RB Zach Charbonnet, SEA (Wk. 4: @NYG): Charbonnet has quietly been earning more and more playing time in this offense, logging a season-high 44% snap share in week 3. Kenneth Walker is still going to get most of the high-value touches, but we saw Charbonnet produce 46 yards on 9 carries against a bad run defense last weekend, and he’s got another one on the docket this week. The Giants have allowed the 6^th-most RB points per game and rank just 25^th in run defense DVOA. If Charbonnet sees another 10 or so touches this week, he should be a fringe RB3 again like he was last week.

WR Marvin Mims, Jr., DEN (Wk. 4: @Chi.): You might not have noticed it amidst the SEVENTY points that Miami put on the Broncos, but Marvin Mims put up another stellar game on limited opportunities in week 3. Mims has run just 17 routes in the last 2 weeks, but he’s earned 7 targets and turned them into 5 catches for 186 yards and a TD, with 4 of those catches going for 30+ yards. He also added a 45-yard punt return and a 99-yard kick return TD in those games for good measure. At some point the Broncos are going to realize they have to get this kid on the field more often (beat writer Cecil Lammey hinted that will happen as soon as this week), but even if that doesn’t happen this week, he’s got another matchup where he could put up big splash plays. The Bears have been a disheveled defense so far, and rank 30^th in pass defense DVOA on deep throws. Mims is the definition of a boom-or-bust play, but he’s boomed in back-to-back weeks and has a history of being uber efficient. Per Scott Barrett of Fantasy Points: Mims in 2019 put up the most receiving yards in US high school history. In 2020, he posted the 2^nd-best age-adjusted yards per route run that PFF College has ever tracked. And in 2021, he posted the best ever yards per target that PFF College has ever tracked. If your league gives points for return yards, Mims is a great upside play, and he should be rostered in all formats. If you want to live dangerously in more standard formats, roll the dice on Mims making it 3 straight booms weeks.

WR Jonathan Mingo, CAR (Wk. 4: vs. Min.): Mingo still hasn’t quite cleared the concussion protocol, but he’s trending towards being able to play this week against a bad Minnesota defense. Adam Thielen and DJ Chark seemingly cemented themselves as the go-to receivers in this offense last week, but that was with Andy Dalton under center. Mingo still has the highest target share from Bryce Young of any pass catcher on the team, and no team in the NFL has allowed more PPR points to perimeter wide receivers this season than the Vikings. Mingo spends most of his time lined up outside. Obviously, Mingo is a risky play in what has been a shaky passing game with Young at QB, but if Mingo gets cleared, I’d view him as a fringe WR4 with upside for a better game than expected. He’d make a nice contrarian play in showdown DFS contests to counter players chasing the narrative of a resurgent Adam Thielen in a revenge game. Thielen costs $8,600 for showdown contests on DraftKings. Mingo costs $3,000. I expect Mingo to be the better value of the pair this week at those prices.

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA (Wk. 4: @NYG): Obviously a 1^st round NFL draft pick isn’t someone you would think of as a ‘sleeper’, but JSN hasn’t exactly been someone you can use in fantasy lineups so far this year. He’s averaging just 4 yards per target as the Seahawks have used him only on short throws. This week he’s got a matchup where he could put up his best game of the season on those short throws. The Giants rank 30^th in overall pass defense DVOA, 27^th in pass defense DVOA on short throws, and have allowed the 7^th-most yards after catch this season. You still can’t start Smith-Njigba in most formats, but he’s got a little more upside this week than usual in deeper full PPR leagues.

WR Jalin Hyatt, NYG (Wk. 4: vs. Sea.): Hyatt was predictably blanked by the 49ers on Thursday night, but he gets a much more favorable matchup in week 4. The Seahawks have coughed up over 300 passing yards in each of their first 3 games and have given up 17 completions of 20+ yards and 5 of 30+ yards. The Giants should get Hyatt a couple of deep targets in this game, and it would only take one deep connection to make him a worthwhile play in showdown DFS contests.

That’s all I’ve got for this week. Hopefully it helps you sort through your lineup decisions and find your way to a win this weekend. Feel free to hit me up on Twitter (@Shawn_Foss) if you have any questions or want to yell at me about anything written above, and always make sure to apply what’s written in the context of your own league rules and roster. Keep a close eye on the injury report throughout the week if you have any guys who are questionable and do a final pre-game check to make sure you don’t start any inactive players. As always: Good luck, trust your gut and have fun. It’s just a game.

Welcome back to the Rookie Report! Week 4 was one of those weeks that reminds you just how tough this game can be to predict. It wasn’t exactly a banner week here at the Rookie Report, as a lengthy list of players I liked to have solid games – Bryce Young, Jahmyr Gibbs, Roschon Johnson, Zach Charbonnet, JSN, Tank Dell, Jordan Addison, and Luke Musgrave – were huge disappointments. I also didn’t feel great about CJ Stroud or Michael Wilson in week 4, and both turned in top-10 finishes.

Some weeks are going to be like that. Making the right decisions for your lineup isn’t about being perfect every week, and you’ll drive yourself nuts if that’s your goal. All you can do is use the information available to try and give yourself the best chance to win. You can’t kick yourself for not making an irrational decision like starting Michael Wilson over Calvin Ridley, or Jaylen Warren over Jahmyr Gibbs, even though those moves would’ve resulted in more points in your lineup.

I’ll continue to let talent, usage and matchups be my guide in breaking down the outlook for the rookie class each week and following that is going to put you in better position to win more weeks than not.

This week we hit the first of the NFL’s bye weeks, so you may be searching for fill-ins for every week starters like Justin Herbert or Kenneth Walker III, and you might be looking at a rookie as an option to step in and fill the void, so let’s talk about what to expect from the rookies this weekend.

A couple of housekeeping notes for the players listed below – All players listed under the same header at the same position are listed in the order that I would play them this week. All usage rates (snap share, target rate, air yardage share, etc.) are from the MB Fantasy Life Utilization Tool from Dwain McFarland, and all references to fantasy points and points allowed rankings are based on half-PPR scoring unless otherwise noted.

Let’s dive into week 5:

Rookies You Already Know You Should Start:

QB Anthony Richardson, IND (Wk. 5: vs. Ten.): Richardson returned last Sunday after missing week 3 with a concussion, and he quickly reminded us that he has the potential to break fantasy this season, finishing as the QB2 for the week behind only Josh Allen. Richardson has played just two full games so far, and he logged 10 rushing attempts, multiple total TDs, and over 20 fantasy points in both. He also tallied 17.7 points in just over a quarter against Houston before suffering his concussion. The Titans are just a middling QB defense, allowing the 14^th-fewest QB points per game, but they rank 25^th in Aaron Schatz’s pass defense DVOA. You should be treating Richardson as a top-5 fantasy QB this week.

RB Bijan Robinson, ATL (Wk. 5: vs. Hou.): Robinson had a field day in London, getting back into the RB1 column with his 3^rd top-12 PPR finish in 4 games. He’s now seen at least 5 targets in all 4 games and ranks 3^rd among all running backs in routes run. This week he faces off with a Texans defense that allows the 7^th-most running back points per game and ranks 28^th in run defense DVOA. The Texans also rank 27^th in pass defense DVOA on throws to running backs. All systems are go for Bijan this week. He’s a slam dunk top-10 RB option.

RB De’Von Achane, MIA (Wk. 5: vs. NYG): Achane followed up his 50-point explosion in week 3 with another dynamite performance in week 4, tallying 27 PPR points and finishing the week as the RB5. He was one of the few bright spots for Miami’s offense in a 28-point drubbing at the hands of the Bills. Achane totaled 120 scrimmage yards and 2 TDs on just 11 touches, but what’s more exciting is that he’s seemingly moved ahead of Raheem Mostert on the depth chart. Achane was on the field for 66% of the offensive snaps and in a route on 68% of the team’s passing dropbacks. He also handled the only carries inside the 5-yard line. He’s now the 1A back in this offense, and this week they face a Giants defense that has allowed the 10^th-most RB points per game and ranks 22^nd in run defense DVOA. There’s no reason to sit him in what should be an easier matchup this week. Achane is a top-10 RB play this week.

WR Puka Nacua, LAR (Wk. 5: vs. Phi.): The Rams might get Cooper Kupp back this week, but you can’t sit Nacua with the way he’s been playing. Puka has been playing primarily on the perimeter, and Kupp works mostly from the slot, so there’s room in this offense for both to thrive. Nacua has been rewriting the rookie record books through 4 weeks, averaging nearly 10 catches for 125 yards on 13 targets per game, and the Eagles have allowed the 5^th-most WR points per game. Kupp’s return could put a dent into Puka’s target share, but that likely means he’s more of a WR2 than a surefire WR1 for fantasy lineups. There’s still a chance that Kupp doesn’t return this week as well. Don’t be afraid to start Nacua this week.

Borderline Rookies I’d Lean Toward Starting:

QB CJ Stroud, HOU (Wk. 5: @Atl.): With Justin Herbert and Geno Smith on byes this week, I think it pushes Stroud into the top-12 QBs for the week. He’s been flat out dealing over the last 3 weeks, averaging 323 yards, 2 TDs, and zero INTs per game, and he faces an Atlanta defense that ranks 27^th in pass defense DVOA. Atlanta has also struggled to defend the run, so QBs haven’t piled up a ton of volume against them. No passer has thrown for 250+ yards against Atlanta yet this season, but the Texans are a pass-first team and Stroud should have a great chance to be the first. He’s a back end QB1 option this week.

RB Jahmyr Gibbs, DET (Wk. 5: vs. Car.): Gibbs has continued to look impressive with his touches, but also continued to disappoint fantasy managers over the last month. David Montgomery returned from injury in week 4 and went right back to a 70% snap share and dominating the goal line carries. Montgomery scored 3 touchdowns on Thursday night and is up to 5 scores in 3 games. Gibbs is yet to score his first NFL touchdown. For the time being, we need to readjust our expectations for Gibbs and treat him like a weekly RB3 option rather than the potential RB1 we drafted him to be. With that said, this week Gibbs gets a juicy matchup and should probably be in lineups if you can make room for him. Carolina has allowed the 4^th most RB points per game so far, and they rank dead last in run defense DVOA. Detroit has one of the highest implied point totals of the week at 27 points, so this is an offense to target. Don’t count on a full complement of snaps, but Gibbs should see a dozen or so touches and find his way to an RB2 finish.

RB Jaleel McLaughlin, DEN (Wk. 5: vs. NYJ): This is contingent on Javonte Williams not playing this week, but if the hip injury Williams sustained against the Bears keeps him out on Sunday, I like McLaughlin as a back end RB2 option in a reasonable matchup with the Jets. Samaje Perine would likely lead the Broncos in snaps if Williams sits (Perine out-snapped McLaughlin 22-16 in week 4), but the Broncos made a point last week to get the ball into McLaughlin’s hands. McLaughlin touched the ball on 10 of his 16 snaps and he caught a receiving TD before Williams had even been hurt, and he’s been significantly more explosive than Perine so far this season. McLaughlin has averaged nearly 3 yards per touch and 4.5 yards per rush more than Perine over the last 3 weeks. The Jets have allowed the 11^th-most RB points per game and are one of just 8 teams allowing 6 or more running back receptions per game. There’s room here for another strong performance from the rookie back. Just know that there is some built-in risk since McLaughlin’s production is more a result of efficiency than volume.

WR Jordan Addison, MIN (Wk. 5: vs. KC): Addison put up a frustrating goose egg last week on just 1 target in a game where the Vikings threw the ball just 19 times. The upside case for Addison is that this offense passes at such a high volume that even as Minnesota’s WR3 he’s going to put up useful fantasy stat lines. In weeks where they don’t throw a lot, floor weeks like this are a possibility. Luckily for Addison, the Vikings should throw plenty as 5-point underdogs against the defending champs on Sunday. Look for a bounce back game from the rookie WR against a KC pass defense that struggled to slow down Zach Wilson last Sunday night. I’d treat Addison as a WR3 this week.

WR Zay Flowers, BAL (Wk. 5: @Pit.): Through his first 4 games, Flowers has put up consistent fantasy performances despite some yo-yoing of his target totals. In weeks 1 and 3, Flowers earned 10 targets in each game, but in weeks 2 and 4 he earned just 9 targets total. The Ravens have at least done us the favor of getting him those targets further downfield in the games where the targets haven’t been as plentiful. He’s had an aDOT below 4 yards in both games with 10 targets, and an aDOT above 12 yards in both games with fewer targets, and it’s resulted in Flowers reaching 50 scrimmage yards and 8+ PPR points in all 4 games. There’s a little more risk this week in firing up Flowers with Rashod Bateman and Odell Beckham both likely to return from injury for week 5, but Zay is still the team’s WR1 and faces a promising matchup. The Steelers have allowed the 3^rd-most points per game to opposing wide receivers, and Flowers is still a great upside WR3/4 option this week.

WR Jayden Reed, GB (Wk. 5: @LV): The return of Christian Watson limited Reed to his lowest target share of the season, but he’s still earned 5+ targets in all 4 games and had an aDOT of 14+ yards in 3 of them. Watson’s snap share may increase further in his second game back, but I still like Reed’s chances of posting a strong fantasy day this week. The Raiders rank 28^th in pass defense DVOA, but they’ve allowed the 5^th-fewest PPR points to receivers lined up on the perimeter. Reed functions as the Packers’ primary slot receiver, aligning in the slot for 73% of his snaps. The Raiders allow the 12^th-most PPR points to receivers lined up in the slot. It’s still going to be a bit of a weekly guessing game to figure out which Packer WRs to trust in fantasy, but the matchup suggests that Reed should be in line for a strong outing on Monday. I like him as a WR3/4 option this week and would rank him just ahead of Tank Dell for week 5.

TE Sam LaPorta, DET (Wk. 5: vs. Car.): LaPorta finished outside the top-12 PPR tight ends for the first time in week 4, but he still earned 5 targets for the 4^th consecutive game and topped 50 yards for the third game in a row. His role has been very stable, and while the Panthers have allowed just the 8^th-fewest TE points per game, they’ve struggled to contain the position when it’s actually targeted. Carolina ranks in the bottom-5 in the league with 9 yards per target allowed to opposing tight ends. LaPorta is a fringe TE1 this week, even in a matchup that looks tough at first glance.

Borderline Rookies I’d Lean Toward Sitting:

QB Bryce Young, CAR (Wk. 5: @Det.): I was excited about Bryce’s chances at a big game last week against a porous Viking defense, and while he did play his most efficient game of the season, he finished with just 7 fantasy points and certainly didn’t help you win your matchups if you started him. The increase in efficiency was a good sign. Bryce set season-highs in completion percentage, yards per attempt, and passer rating, but he took too many drive killing sacks and gave away a TD on a fumble that proved to be the difference in the game. Young isn’t throwing for enough yards or TDs to be trustworthy as a QB2 in lineups right now, and his opponent this week is much tougher than the Vikings. Detroit ranks 8^th in pass defense DVOA and should be able to keep Bryce mostly in check. I’d view him as a dicey QB2 option this week.

RB Roschon Johnson, CHI (Wk. 5: @Was.): Roschon’s playing time went in the wrong direction in week 4 as the Bears played mostly from in front against Denver. He was out-snapped by Khalil Herbert 55 to 15. It was really the first chance we’ve had to see the Bears play with a lead, so for now I would assume this is what the RB usage will look like when that happens. Chicago is a 5.5-point underdog this week, so the game script should be Roschon-friendly, but even when that’s been the case in previous weeks, Johnson his split the backfield work with Herbert and averaged just 9 touches per game. He’ll need efficiency to get by, and the Commanders rank 9^th in run defense DVOA. Roschon is in play as a fringe RB3 option, but I’d prefer to look elsewhere this week.

WR Tank Dell, HOU (Wk. 5: @Atl.): Dell followed up back-to-back 20-point PPR games with a 1-catch, 29-scrimmage yard dud in week 4 against the Steelers. Through 4 games, it’s starting to feel like each game is either going to be a Tank Dell game or a Nico Collins game. Robert Woods hasn’t put up big fantasy production, but his role has been stable. He’s been right around a 20% target share every week, and between a 20% and 30% air yardage share in each game. Dell and Collins have seen much bigger weekly fluctuations. Collins had air yardage shares of 64% in week 1 and 42% in week 4, both games where he led the WR room in fantasy points. Dell was at 54% in week 3, when he finished as the PPR WR7. The duo was much closer together in air yards in week 2, when both players produced strong fantasy days. Overall, it’s been Collins who has more consistently seen downfield targets and has out-produced the rookie in 3-of-4 games. For the time being, I’d consider Collins a weekly WR2 option, and Dell a weekly WR3/4 option. The Falcons are not a good pass defense, ranking just 27^th in pass defense DVOA, but they also don’t face a ton of passing volume as they’re a bad run defense too. Atlanta has allowed the 6^th-fewest WR points per game. That likely lower pass volume for the Texans has me leaning towards leaving Dell on the bench this week, but he’s right on the borderline.

WR Michael Wilson, ARI (Wk. 5: vs. Cin.): Wilson posted a monster game in tough matchup with the 49ers last weekend, piling up a line of 7-76-2 on 7 targets, but it wasn’t due to some sort of fundamental change in his usage. Wilson logged a route participation rate of 74% in week 4 (his second-lowest mark of the season), and earned a 17% target share, which was his highest of the season but not by a wide margin. It’s a great sign that Wilson is seeing the ball come his way more often, but last week’s result was likely a bit of an outlier. Wilson has been very efficient this season, catching 89% of his targets and putting up nearly 15 yards per target. The Bengals this season have allowed just a 56.6% completion rate on throws to receivers and 7.8 yards per target. Expecting a top-20 finish out of Wilson this week is probably wishful thinking. You could certainly plug him in as a WR3/WR4 option, especially in deeper leagues, but he should be viewed as more of a floor play this week.

WR Josh Downs, IND (Wk. 5: vs. Ten.): The matchup is a good one this week for Downs against a Tennessee defense that ranks 25^th in pass defense DVOA and has allowed the 7^th-most PPR points to opposing receivers lined up in the slot, but the overall volume just hasn’t been there for Downs and we don’t know what kind of impact Jonathan Taylor’s return will make on the team’s pass rate going forward. Downs has been held below 40 yards in all 3 games that Anthony Richardson has started, and even if he breaks that streak this week in this good matchup, he’s probably still just barely scratching and clawing his way to double-digit PPR points. Downs is a WR4 option this week in PPR leagues only.

WR Marvin Mims Jr., DEN (Wk. 5: vs. NYJ): Mims came up with his 5^th catch of 30+ yards in the last 3 weeks against the Bears on Sunday, but the Broncos continue to frustratingly limit his playing time. He ran just 12 routes in that game and faces a tougher matchup this week against the Jets. The Jets’ defense has allowed the 4^th-fewest WR points per game and ranks 2^nd in pass defense DVOA on deep throws. I don’t love Mims’ chances of pulling in a deep ball or two in this matchup.

WR Jonathan Mingo, CAR (Wk. 5: @Det.): Mingo will return from his concussion this week, and he’s been he’s been a constant on the field when he’s been healthy, logging route participation rates of 93% and 97% in the first two games of the season. It remains to be seen if he’ll return to that same role since all of Adam Thielen, DJ Chark, and Terrace Marshall Jr. have posted 14+ PPR points in a game since Mingo’s injury. There are volume concerns with the Panthers averaging just 168 passing yards per game in Bryce Young’s starts, and the Lions rank 8^th in pass defense DVOA. If Mingo has a breakout game this week, it would be totally unexpected. I’d keep him parked on the bench.

TE Luke Musgrave, GB (Wk. 5: @LV): Musgrave has cleared the concussion protocol and will return to face the Raiders on Monday night, and I expect his role to pick up where it left off. He’ll still function as the full-time tight end and the Raiders have allowed the 11^th-most TE points per game, so he is a viable starting option in this one. My concerns are that no tight end has caught for big volume against the Raiders (no tight end has reached 45 receiving yards against them this season), and we still haven’t seen if Musgrave’s targets will take a hit at all with Christian Watson back in the lineup since the rookie tight end was injured so early on in week 3. I wouldn’t bank on more than 5 or so targets for Musgrave this week, and that means you’re holding out hope for a touchdown. The Raiders have allowed 2 tight end scores in their first 4 games, so that TD is very much in play. If any of the teams on byes this week had a top-12 tight end, I’d probably be more bullish on Musgrave finishing that high this weekend. Instead, I’ll say that I’d consider him a top-16 option at TE for week 5.

TE Dalton Kincaid, BUF (Wk. 5: vs. Jax.): Kincaid was in a route on nearly 80% of Josh Allen’s dropbacks in week 4, but he logged his 3^rd game this season with fewer than 30 receiving yards. His targets continue to come mostly within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage, which sort of misses out on the biggest advantage of playing with Josh Allen – his arm strength and willingness to take deep shots. Allen ranked 3^rd in the league in deep ball attempts last year, but Kincaid has had just 1 catch go for more than 10 yards this season. He gets a favorable matchup this week as the Jaguars allow the 6^th-most TE points per game, but I can’t recommend starting Kincaid given what his usage has looked like. You could plug him in as a desperation bye week fill in, but there just aren’t any top-flight tight ends on byes this week that you’re in need of replacing.

Rookies You Already Know You Should Sit:

QB Aidan O’Connell, LV (Wk. 5: vs. GB): Jimmy Garoppolo is practicing as of Thursday, but has not yet cleared the NFL concussion protocol, leaving open the possibility that O’Connell will get a second start this week. The 4^th-round pick handled himself well at times in his first start and did a good job of getting the ball to Davante Adams in the 2^nd half, but he also turned the ball over 3 times against a Chargers defense that had been the worst QB defense in the league through 3 weeks and finished as the QB23. With 4 teams on a bye, any starting QB is in consideration in Superflex leagues, but O’Connell would be toward the bottom of the list of starters this week if he starts. He gets a tougher matchup against Green Bay. The Packers have allowed the 15^th-fewest QB points per game. If AOC starts again, he’s nothing more than a desperation plug-in for 2-QB and superflex leagues.

RB Emari Demercado, ARI (Wk. 5: vs. Cin.): Demercado has stepped in as the RB2 in Arizona with Keaontay Ingram battling a neck injury. He played 38% of the offensive snaps against the 49ers last Sunday, but that resulted in just 4 touches for 24 yards. He may get some extra run in weeks when the Cardinals are in catch-up mode as they were last week (Emari played 57% of the two-minute drill snaps in week 4), but this will remain James Conner’s backfield going forward. Demercado shouldn’t be a consideration as anything more than a waiver flyer in deeper dynasty leagues.

RB Kendre Miller, NO (Wk. 5: @NE): Alvin Kamara returned from suspension in week 4 and dominated the Saints backfield. Kamara saw 11 carries and a whopping 14 targets against Tampa, while Miller and Tony Jones combined for just 1 target and 1 carry (both by Miller). Kendre’s opportunity to carve out a bigger role may have passed him by now that Kamara is back. He needs to stay on your bench (or dropped to the waiver wire).

RB Tank Bigsby, JAX (Wk. 5: vs. Buf.): Over the last 3 weeks combined, Bigsby has played 27 snaps and handled 5 carries and 1 target. There’s always a chance that Tank gets a goal line plunge, but if he doesn’t, he might give you less than 1 fantasy point. He’s not start-able for now.  

RB Deuce Vaughn, DAL (Wk. 5: @SF): Vaughn has handled 6+ touches in 3 of Dallas’ 4 games this season, but each of those games was a blowout win for the Cowboys. Dallas is a 4-point underdog on the road against the 49ers this week, and the odds of it being a laugher in the ‘Boys favor by halftime is almost zero. Don’t be surprised if Vaughn isn’t involved at all Sunday night.

WR Demario Douglas, NE (Wk. 5: vs. NO): Douglas tallied a 42-yard catch last Sunday at Dallas, but his playing time continues to be too limited to rely on. He draws targets when he’s on the field, with a 26% target per route run rate, but his route participation rate has been in the 40s in 3 games this season (and at 9% in the other game). That’s just not enough playing time to be useful in fantasy unless the Patriots are throwing the ball 45-50 times per game. They’ve attempted 29 and 30 passes in the last two weeks, and that number is unlikely to climb much this week. The Patriots-Saints tilt is one of just two games this week with a Vegas point total below 40 points.

WR Ronnie Bell, SF (Wk. 5: vs. Dal.): Bell scored a TD in week 3 with Brandon Aiyuk sidelined, but with Jauan Jennings out and Deebo Samuel serving as a decoy in week 4, Bell was limited to just 3 routes run. Bell is the WR5 in this offense behind that trio and Ray-Ray McCloud, which makes him waiver wire fodder in all but deep dynasty leagues.

WR Dontayvion Wicks, GB (Wk. 5: @LV): Wicks logged his lowest route participation rate of the season in week 4 with Christian Watson back in the lineup, but the drop-off in playing time wasn’t as drastic as expected. Wicks was still in a route on 57% of Jordan Love’s dropbacks as Watson played a limited number of snaps. The problem is that Wicks was targeted just once after averaging 5 targets per game in the previous 2 games. It’s only going to get harder for Wicks to earn more targets as Watson gets up to full strength. The Raiders are a terrible defense, and this would be a spot where Wicks would have some extra upside if we knew he was going to get opportunities, but it’s hard to count on that this week. 

TE Josh Whyle, TEN (Wk. 5: @Ind.): Whyle finished last week as a top-12 TE after earning his first 2 targets of the season and hauling in a 24-yard touchdown. Don’t expect that kind of output regularly. He’s run just 11 routes all season.

Rookies on Byes in Week 5: QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, CLE, RB Zach Charbonnet, SEA, RB Sean Tucker, TB, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA, WRs Quentin Johnston & Derius Davis, LAC, WR Trey Palmer, TB, WR Cedric Tillman, CLE

Rookies to sit who are injured or have had very limited or non-existent roles: QB Will Levis, TEN, QB Clayton Tune, ARI, RB Chase Brown, CIN, RB Israel Abanikanda, NYJ, RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., WAS, RB Eric Gray, NYG, RB Zach Evans, LAR, WR Xavier Hutchinson, HOU, WR Tyler Scott, CHI, WR Kayshon Boutte, NE, TE Michael Mayer, LV, TE Luke Schoonmaker, DAL

Deep League Sleepers, Stashes, and Cheap DFS Options:

RB Tyjae Spears, TEN (Wk. 5: @Ind.): Spears hasn’t quite had a breakout game yet, but he’s been much more involved in the Tennessee offense than we could’ve anticipated. He played more than 50% of the offensive snaps and logged a 50% or better route participation rate in 3 of 4 games, including in week 4 when the Titans were rolling the Bengals. Derrick Henry has handled over 70% of the team rushing attempts in all 4 games this year, but it’s a great sign for Spears that he’s still playing that kind of snap share in games with positive game script. I wouldn’t plug in Spears this week – the Colts rank 5^th in pass defense DVOA on throws to running backs, the plays where Spears can do the most damage - but if he’s floating around on the waiver wire in 12-team leagues, he probably shouldn’t be. He’s a dynamic back who is going to have breakthrough games at some point.

WR Rashee Rice, KC (Wk. 5: @Min.): Rice has yet to hit 12 PPR points in a game this season, but it feels like it’s coming soon, possibly as soon as this week. Rashee has seen his playing time go up in the last two weeks at the expense of Skyy Moore and MVS. He’s logged right around a 50% route participation rate in each of the last two games, and he’s drawing targets on an incredible 32% of his routes run. He also leads the team with 6 red zone targets. Kansas City has made a more concerted effort to get the ball into Rice’s hands than any other receiver on the team. This week they face a Minnesota defense that has allowed the most WR fantasy points per game and ranks 20^th in pass defense DVOA. The Chiefs also have the 2^nd-highest implied point total in the league this week (29 points), so there should be some red zone opportunities. Rice is more of a WR4/5 option for this week, but I like his chances of posting his best fantasy day of the season in an inviting matchup.

WR Jalin Hyatt, NYG (Wk. 5: @Mia.): You probably didn’t notice it while the Giants were struggling to muster any offense on Monday night against the Seahawks, but Jalin Hyatt was on the field and in a route for 59% of the Giants’ passing dropbacks. It was the first time this season that he’s eclipsed a 40% route participation rate, and it could be a sign that his playing time is increasing. You can chalk the playing time up to garbage time in a blowout loss if you want to, but this is a New York team that has been competitive just once in 4 games, and Hyatt didn’t see this much playing time in the other two blowouts. I think the Giants are looking for anything to spark this offense, and Hyatt’s deep speed could be an answer. The Dolphins are double-digit favorites in this game, so the Giants should again be playing catch-up, but Miami’s pass defense has had significant struggles this season. They rank 26^th in pass defense DVOA and have allowed the 10^th-most WR points per game. They also allowed 4 completions of 25+ yards to the Broncos in their week 3 blowout win, including 2 to rookie Marvin Mims Jr. We’ve seen Miami’s defense lose focus when playing with a comfortable lead, and with Hyatt’s deep speed, we only need that to happen a couple times for the rookie to have a fruitful game. This is much more of a DFS consideration rather than a recommendation to plug him into season-long lineups, but I like Hyatt’s chances of getting loose for a deep ball or two on Sunday.

TE Darnell Washington, PIT (Wk. 5: vs. Bal.): I’m just mentioning Washington here because the Steelers expect to be without Pat Freiermuth for a couple weeks with a hamstring injury, and that likely means a bigger role is coming for Washington in those games. He’s already played a snap share above 40% in each of the last 3 games, and I’d expect his route participation rate to come up with Muth sidelined. It was third-string tight end Connor Heyward who drew 4 targets in week 1 when Freiermuth was banged up, but Washington has a lot more size than Heyward and could be an attractive red zone target. I wouldn’t plug Washington into lineups this week against Baltimore (the Ravens allow the 2^nd-fewest TE points per game), but he’s worth a flyer in deep TE premium leagues in case he takes a true lead tight end role ahead of Heyward. The Steelers face a bottom-10 TE defense in week 7, and Freiermuth might not be back yet for that game.

That’s all I’ve got for this week. Hopefully it helps you sort through your lineup decisions and find your way to a win this weekend. Feel free to hit me up on Twitter (@Shawn_Foss) if you have any questions or want to yell at me about anything written above, and always make sure to apply what’s written in the context of your own league rules and roster. Keep a close eye on the injury report throughout the week if you have any guys who are questionable and do a final pre-game check to make sure you don’t start any inactive players. As always: Good luck, trust your gut and have fun. It’s just a game.