Fantasy football strategy, rankings, and podcasts

Welcome back to the Rookie Report! It’s been an explosive first 2 weeks of the NFL season, but for the rookies it’s been a pretty disappointing start. Saquon Barkley has lived up to his considerable hype despite the Giants’ offensive line woes, but beyond him only Phillip Lindsay, Will Dissly, and Sam Darnold have shown consistent production so far. Two of those players are guys you probably hadn’t heard of before week 1, and the another one is a QB2 at best for fantasy purposes, which isn’t that useful for most leagues. There have been flashes from some of the more heralded rookies. Dante Pettis, DJ Moore, and Calvin Ridley have all made big plays, but need more consistent opportunities. Week 3 is yet another week where there aren’t many rookies I trust to start. There will come a point where more of them are productive, but in the meantime I’ll keep trying to identify some good guys to stash or take a shot on in DFS. Let’s dig into what to expect for week 3…

 

Rookies to Start:

 

RB Saquon Barkley, NYG (Wk. 3: @Hou.): Barkley is still an every week starter despite poor o-line play and substandard overall offensive play. He hasn’t been particularly efficient in the run game, but his usage in the passing game is going to make him a PPR star quickly. The Texans haven’t proven to be a matchup to avoid yet, and their pass rush with JJ Watt and Jadaveon Clowney should actually be a boost to Barkley’s upside this week catching dump off passes.

 

Borderline Rookies:

 

RB Phillip Lindsay, DEN (Wk. 3: @Bal.): Lindsay has started his career with 2 consecutive games with 100+ scrimmage yards. He’ll be hard pressed to make it 3 against a formidable Ravens’ defense that has allowed the 2^nd fewest RB points in the league so far, but the success he’s had so far at least has him in the conversation for a flex spot this week in spite of the matchup.

 

RB Royce Freeman, DEN (Wk. 3: @Bal.): His goal line usage gives him value, but his lack of consistent playing time has turned him into a TD-dependent flex option until things change. Freeman was out-snapped by both Devontae Booker and Lindsay last week. Some of that was due to a negative game script, but it’s still a little troubling.

 

WR Antonio Callaway, CLE (Wk. 3: vs. NYJ): Jarvis Landry is questionable and on a short week this week and Josh Gordon has been shipped off to New England. That leaves Callaway as potentially the number 1 receiver this week in Cleveland. He already saw his playing time jump from 17% of the snaps to 81% with Gordon out in week 2. There’s no reason to think that will drop this week. He’s explosive with the ball in his hands, and should be an intriguing flex option this week in deeper leagues. He’s looking at a huge role and reasonable matchup. Bump him up a little if Landry isn’t able to play.

 

TE Will Dissly, SEA (Wk. 3: vs. Dal.): Tight end has been a bit of a wasteland after a few elite options so far this season. Injuries to Delanie Walker and Greg Olsen haven’t helped. One surprising bright spot has been Dissly. He had a huge performance in week 1, and seemed to be following it with a pedestrian performance in week 2 until a late TD catch. Garbage time points still count, and he’ll remain the Seahawks’ leading TE. The Cowboys have allowed the 8^th-most PPR points to tight ends in the league in the first 2 weeks, so the matchup is a decent one. There are worse streamers out there than Dissly for this week.

 

Rookies to Sit:

 

QB Sam Darnold, NYJ (Wk. 3: @Cle.): The Browns’ defense has been pretty solid against 2 pretty solid offenses. Darnold has been better than expected through his first 2 starts, but he’ll be a low-end QB2 this week at best.

 

QB Josh Allen, BUF (Wk. 3: @Min.): Allen was less than stellar in his first pro start, and this week he gets to face another quality defense on the road with his best offensive weapon either out or limited (Shady McCoy). The Vikings have limited two quality QBs, Aaron Rodgers and Jimmy Garoppolo, to an average of 12.5 fantasy points apiece. Allen is much worse than that duo, with much worse talent around him.

 

RB Kerryon Johnson, DET (Wk. 3: vs. NE): The Lions running game woes have continued into this season despite investing offseason resources in Kerryon and LeGarrette Blount. Kerryon has been seeing a respectable number of touches, but the production just hasn’t been there. He needs to start scoring touchdowns to really take off, but that will be tough on this team. Detroit has run 18 plays in the red zone this season. 17 of them were passes. The Lions’ defensive woes are real, and the Patriots will be playing angry after their letdown last weekend. I expect Detroit to be playing from behind again and abandoning the run early. It’s not a great spot to use Johnson.

 

RB Nick Chubb, CLE (Wk. 3: vs. NYJ): Carlos Hyde had an inefficient performance in week 2 despite finding the end zone. He tallied just 43 yards on 16 carries. With a few more performances like that, Chubb’s role is sure to grow, but I don’t see a big shift in the backfield split this week. It also doesn’t help that the Jets are an uninviting matchup for backs. I’d avoid starting Chubb this week.

 

RBs Jordan Wilkins & Nyheim Hines, IND (Wk. 3: @Phi.): The backfield roles are very up in the air after the return of Marlon Mack. Everyone played about the same amount in week 2, and I’d expect Mack to start getting more work going forward. Hines will still get some opportunities in the passing game, and Wilkins will probably still handle some carries this week, but you can’t count on enough usage for either one of them to start them with any confidence. We’ll need to see how things trend with all 3 backs healthy for another week or 2.

 

RB Ito Smith, ATL (Wk. 3: vs. NO): Ito may be worth a stash in deeper leagues, but this is a bad week to roll the dice on him in DFS tournaments. The Saints have allowed just 4 running back receptions and the 3^rd-fewest RB points total through 2 weeks. Smith will get some usage behind Tevin Coleman as long as Freeman is out, but I’m not too optimistic for him in week 3.

 

RB Mark Walton, CIN (Wk. 3: @Car.): Walton is a player to keep an eye on this week with Joe Mixon sidelined for a bit, but I’m not ready to buy into him as a stash just yet. He should dress this week after being a healthy scratch in each of the first two weeks, but Gio Bernard saw the vast majority of the work in games Mixon missed last year, and I’d expect the same this year until the team shows me different. They did also sign Thomas Rawls this week, but I wouldn’t expect him to be much of a factor.

 

WR Courtland Sutton, DEN (Wk. 3: @Bal.): Sutton is trending in the right direction in terms of how many snaps he’s playing, but his production has been inconsistent. He’s going to have some weeks where his point totals spike, but as long as Demaryius and Manny Sanders are around he’s going to stay inconsistent. The matchup this week is against the formidable Ravens defense, so I wouldn’t bank on this being one of those spike weeks for Sutton.

 

WR Christian Kirk, ARI (Wk. 3: vs. Chi.): Kirk was used quite a bit more in week 2 than he was in week 1 (5 targets after just 2 in week 1), but it’s hard to even consider using him until the Cardinals’ offense starts playing better. I don’t see that happening until Josh Rosen is under center. If the offense continues to sputter, that could happen sooner than expected.

 

WR Anthony Miller, CHI (Wk. 3: @Ari.): Miller certainly has shown some upside in the first 2 weeks, but to really make good on his promise he’s going to have to pass Taylor Gabriel on the depth chart, and he’s going to need some better play from Mitch Trubisky. As for week 3, the Bears are favored by nearly a touchdown and should lean on Jordan Howard’s running a bit more than they have so far. The passing volume won’t be high enough to take a chance on Miller.

 

Michael Gallup, DAL (Wk. 3: @Sea.): Gallup is dealing with low snap and target counts, and an offense that leans on the rushing attack and slowing down the pace of the game. Until the passing attack starts to play at a higher level and Gallup starts playing more, he needs to be avoided in fantasy lineups.

 

TE Mike Gesicki, MIA (Wk. 3: vs. Oak.): He’s seen just 2 targets in the first 2 weeks, and the Raiders have allowed the 4^th-fewest TE points in the league through 2 weeks.

 

Deep League Sleepers, Stashes and Cheap DFS Options:

 

RB Sony Michel, NE (Wk. 3: @Det.): The Lions have allowed over 170 rushing yards in each of the first 2 weeks. The usage split between Michel and Rex Burkhead is still a bit of a question mark going forward, but I like Michel’s chances of being heavily involved. The matchup is a great one, and he’ll be a sneaky DFS tournament play this week as long as Burkhead doesn’t get workhorse carries.

 

RB Rashaad Penny, SEA (Wk. 3: vs. Dal.): Coach Pete Carroll stated that Chris Carson remains the starter after not playing him at all in the 4^th quarter on Monday night, but it looks like the window is opening for Penny to take on a bigger role. Carroll also expressed a desire to run the ball more this week, so there could be more carries to go around for everyone. Penny is also a better receiver than Carson, and Dallas has allowed a 45-yard receiver in each of the first 2 weeks. There’s a chance for Penny to make a nice impact in the passing game as well. I wouldn’t trust him in season-long leagues, but there is some DFS tournament upside here.

 

WR Calvin Ridley, ATL (Wk. 3: vs. NO): Ridley got much more involved in week 2, seeing 3 more targets than Mohammed Sanu and scoring his first career TD. His increased usage also coincided with the Falcons finally seeming to exorcise some of their red zone demons. New Orleans has allowed the most receiving yards and TDs to wide receivers in the league through 2 weeks. It’s a great week to consider Ridley in DFS tournaments, or to take a shot on him as a flex in deeper leagues.

 

WR Dante Pettis, SF (Wk. 3: @KC): Pettis’s status really depends on whether or not Marquise Goodwin is able to play this week. The matchup is a juicy one. The Chiefs have allowed the 3^rd-most WR points in the league so far, and Pettis will play major snaps if Goodwin sits again. He’ll be a dart throw in DFS if Goodwin plays, but I’d expect 6+ targets if Marquise is out again. Against this defense, that kind of work gives him WR3 upside.

 

WR James Washington, PIT (Wk. 3: @TB): Washington did score his first TD last week, but caught just 1-of-5 targets for 14 yards in the process. That doesn’t sound like a promising performance, but he played 66-of-82 snaps in what is typically one of the more prolific passing offenses in the league. If that snap count repeats itself this week, there’s a ton of upside in a solid matchup against the Bucs. Tampa has allowed the 7^th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers so far. Given his increased role, Washington is a decent low-cost option in DFS tournaments.

 

WR DJ Moore, CAR (Wk. 3: vs. Cin.): Moore is shaping up to be a good buy-low candidate in dynasty leagues and deeper redraft leagues. He’s only played 17 snaps in each of the first two weeks, but head coach Ron Rivera has been saying that they need to use him more moving forward. He managed to post a 51-yard TD catch last week. I wouldn’t take a chance on him this week, but I would consider putting an offer into the Moore owner in your league to see if you can get him at a discount.

 

TE Mark Andrews, BAL (Wk. 3: vs. Den.): The Ravens’ tight end split has been a bit frustrating so far. They’ve pretty much split the targets evenly between Nick Boyle, Maxx Williams and Andrews, but this matchup is a good one for the position. Denver has been notorious for being stingy to wide receivers and vulnerable to tight ends. The Broncos allowed the 4^th-most TE points in 2017, and have coughed up the 6^th-most so far this year including a big game from Will Dissly. Andrews already found the end zone once last week and has 3 catches in each game so far. He’s a TD dart throw for DFS tournaments.

 

That’s all I’ve got for this week, hopefully it helps you with some tougher lineup decisions this week. Keep a close eye on the injury report throughout the rest of the week to make sure you aren’t starting any players who end up sitting. As always: Good luck, trust your gut, and have fun. It’s just a game.

Welcome back to the Rookie Report! We’ve made it past the halfway point of the regular season. By now you should have a pretty good idea of where your team stands. Are you a contender? Or are you just hoping to squeak into the playoffs and hope for the best? This is the time of year when unlikely players start to make waves due to injuries and attrition, and a lot of the time those unlikely fantasy heroes are rookies. The Carlos Hyde trade has put another rookie on the map as Nick Chubb becomes the every-week starter in Cleveland. Peyton Barber’s injury may have opened up more playing time for Ronald Jones II. Ted Ginn’s trip to IR could pave the way for Tre’Quan Smith to be a stud down the stretch. I’m sure there will be others as well. Let’s take a look at what to expect from the rookie crop in week 8…

 

Rookies to Start:

RB Saquon Barkley, NYG (Wk. 8: vs. Was.): Of course you’re going to start Barkley in all season-long formats this week. He’s been the number 2 fantasy RB this season (all scoring and rankings referenced are in PPR format), but this may not be the best week to fire him up in DFS tournaments. Saquon did finish as the RB5 in his first game without 100 scrimmage yards, but Washington has allowed the 10^th fewest RB points per game this year and ranks 4^th in Football Outsiders’ pass defense DVOA stat on throws to opposing backs. While Saquon is capable of overcoming a less than tempting matchup, he’s not the chalk DFS play this week.

 

RB Kerryon Johnson, DET (Wk. 8: vs. Sea.): Kerryon put on a show last Sunday in Miami, but until Matt Patricia and the Lions realize that LeGarrette Blount shouldn’t be getting 10 carries per game, Johnson will remain a boom-or-bust RB2 option each week. After the monster rushing game Kerryon posted in week 7, I’m optimistic Detroit will start to unleash him a bit more. He does get a decent matchup against a middling Seattle run defense. The Seahawks rank 15^th at limiting opposing RB points on a per game basis, and rank 12^th in run defense DVOA. It would be hard to sit him after what he did last weekend even if it is a bit of point chasing.

 

RB Phillip Lindsay, DEN (Wk. 8: @KC): Lindsay could be poised for a big game if teammate and fellow rookie Royce Freeman is unable to suit up this week, which seems a likely scenario. The Chiefs allow the 2^nd-most RB points per game and rank dead last in run defense DVOA. Even if Freeman plays, the game script will likely be to Lindsay’s advantage with Kansas City a 10-point favorite. I like Lindsay as a solid RB2 this week, and he has legit RB1 upside if Freeman’s high-ankle sprain keeps him sidelined.

 

Borderline Rookies:

QB Baker Mayfield, CLE (Wk. 8: @Pit.): The Steelers have been playing better pass defense of late, but they still rank just 20^th in pass defense DVOA on the season. Mayfield has been a bit turnover prone since taking the starting gig, but he’s still finished as the QB15, QB21 and QB6 in the past 3 weeks. He’ll be a borderline QB2 in super-flex and 2 quarterback leagues once again in this one.

 

RB Nick Chubb, CLE (Wk. 8: @Pit.): Chubb’s increased role should make him a sure-fire starter in most formats, but the matchup this week is a tough one. The Steelers allow the 2^nd-fewest RB fantasy points per game, and the Steelers are a touchdown favorite. If game-script keeps the Browns throwing, it’ll be Duke Johnson who benefits most in the Cleveland backfield. The Steelers are the only team in the league that hasn’t allowed an opposing backfield to get to 20 PPR points in a game all year.

 

RB Royce Freeman, DEN (Wk. 8: @KC): As mentioned above with Phillip Lindsay, Freeman is nursing an ankle injury that may sideline him in a prime matchup. If he’s able to play, he’ll be an intriguing flex option against the team that ranks 32^nd in run defense DVOA, but game script won’t play in his favor with Denver a heavy underdog. Keep a close eye on the injury updates Sunday to confirm he’s active if you’re considering starting Royce.

 

WR Christian Kirk, ARI (Wk. 8: vs. SF): Kirk remains a decent flex option for deeper leagues this week. He’s averaging 4.6 catches and 66.4 receiving yards per game in his past 5, and he posted 3-85-1 in the first meeting with San Francisco. He’s clearly Josh Rosen’s favorite target in the passing game, and the 49ers rank 23^rd in pass defense DVOA.

 

Rookies to Sit:

QB Josh Rosen, ARI (Wk. 8: vs. SF): Rosen is one of just 2 quarterbacks all year to finish lower than QB13 when facing the 49ers. The matchup is good, and I’m confident Rosen will eventually get things together, but you just can’t bank on a productive game from Rosen in any matchup. He’s no more than a QB2 in a league where you have no other options.

 

QB Sam Darnold, NYJ (Wk. 9: @Chi.): Darnold hasn’t shown enough upside consistently to be trusted in any format this week. You could roll the dice in a 2-QB league, but Darnold and the Jets average the 6^th-fewest passing yards and the 4^th-lowest QB rating in the league. The Bears’ defense has been one of the league’s best. Chicago ranks 5^th in pass defense DVOA and have are in the top-10 in the league at limiting QB rating.

 

RB Sony Michel, NE (Wk. 8: @Buf.): This would be a great spot to use Michel if he were fully healthy. The Patriots are a 2-touchdown favorite and the Bills are allowing the 9^th-most RB points per game. Sony seems to have avoided any sort of serious damage despite his injury looking bad when it happened, but I’d still be surprised if he were able to play this week. Even if he does, I’d expect his work to be limited since the Pats probably won’t need him to get a win this week. Michel will play a big role down the stretch, and I don’t think New England wants to risk his health in a game they should win easily.

 

RBs Nyheim Hines & Jordan Wilkins, IND (Wk. 8: @Oak.): With Marlon Mack storming onto the scene over the last two weeks, Hines and Wilkins have taken a back seat. They did see some work late in a blowout win over Jacksonville last week, but Mack appears to be the clear lead back for now. Hines does have some upside in deep PPR leagues, but his pass-catching role has been diminished lately. He averaged nearly 6 catches per game in the first 5 weeks, and has just 3 total receptions in the past 2.

 

RB Ronald Jones II, TB (Wk. 8: @Cin.): Even if Barber does sit the week out, the Buccaneers have struggled mightily to run the ball, and RoJo likely will have to contend with Jacquizz Rodgers for 3^rd-down work. Jones has averaged fewer than 3 yards per carry for the season, and Barber wasn’t much better with less than 3.5 per carry.

 

WR DJ Moore, CAR (Wk. 8: vs. Bal.): Moore is still just a secondary option for the Panthers’ offense, and Baltimore has allowed the 3^rd-fewest WR points per game. DJ has been more involved lately, but this isn’t the best week to roll the dice on a spike in production.

 

WRs Marquez Valdes-Scantling & Equanimeous St. Brown, GB (Wk. 8: @LAR): With Randall Cobb and Geronimo Allison both on track to play this week, the pair of rookie receivers should be relegated to backup duty once again. Valdes-Scantling does have WR3 upside this week if either Cobb or Allison sits again.

 

WR DJ Chark, JAX (Wk. 8: vs. Phi.): Chark got a bit more run last Sunday than we’ve seen from him this year, but that came in a blowout loss to the Colts. It also likely helped Chark that the team turned to fellow second-stringer Cody Kessler at QB during the game. The Eagles are a vulnerable pass defense, but I’d still expect Chark to go back to his normal bench role. DJ is a shoot the moon DFS tournament play at best.

 

TE Dallas Goedert, PHI (Wk. 8: @Jax.): Goedert had a strong showing in week 6 with a 4-43-1 line, but I wouldn’t expect a repeat performance with the Jaguars allowing the 2^nd-fewest TE points per game. With Ertz at the top of the target pecking order, there won’t be enough to go around for Goedert in this one.

 

TE Mike Gesicki, MIA (Wk. 8: @Hou.): Gesicki had a reasonable performance in week 6 with a 3-44 line. He out-produced Nick O’Leary in the game, but played just 16 offensive snaps compared to 39 for O’Leary. Until that changes Gesicki remains an un-startable option.

 

TEs Hayden Hurst & Mark Andrews, BAL (Wk. 8: @Car.): The Ravens’ tight end group has proven to be a muddled mess all season. No TE played even 50% of the week 7 snaps for Baltimore. Andrews played just 38%, and Hurst played an even more paltry 26%. Those aren’t useful snap counts.

 

Rookies on Byes: RB Ito Smith, ATL, WR Calvin Ridley, ATL, WR Michael Gallup, DAL

 

Deep League Sleepers, Stashes, and Cheap DFS Options:

WR Tre’Quan Smith, NO (Wk. 8: @Min.): I’d have a lot more faith in Smith this week if he had a better matchup. The Vikings have allowed the 5^th-fewest WR points per game, which is incredible considering they gave up an astounding 83.9 to the Rams’ receivers. Smith has established himself as the Saints’ WR2 with Ted Ginn on IR, and that’s a fantasy role with lots of upside as long as Drew Brees is under center. He didn’t post a huge game last weekend, but his 6 targets were 6 more than Cam Meredith saw. At the very least, Tre’Quan should be rostered in all formats.

 

WR Anthony Miller, CHI (Wk. 8: vs. NYJ): Miller was targeted 7 times in his 2^nd game back from a shoulder injury, and the Jets allow the 5^th-most WR points per game. I don’t expect Trubisky to throw 50 times again this week, so Miller is more of a DFS dart throw than a season-long option, but the fact that he got more opportunity than Taylor Gabriel last Sunday is a promising sign.

 

WRs Antonio Callaway & Damion Ratley, CLE (Wk. 8: @Pit.): The Steelers are a touchdown favorite, and are allowing the 6^th-most WR points per game. Jarvis Landry isn’t going to score all the fantasy points from this group, which means one of this duo should have a better than expected day. Callaway has been playing more snaps and getting more opportunity, but Ratley has been more efficient with his opportunities. Callaway’s blazing speed gives him the higher level of upside.

 

WR Courtland Sutton, DEN (Wk. 8: @KC): This is a decent opportunity for Sutton to be an intriguing DFS dart throw. Denver will be throwing, and Sutton has been playing nearly as much as Demaryius Thomas lately. The Chiefs are allowing the 13^th-most WR points per game. Sutton is hard to trust in season-long leagues, but you can pick your spots to try him in DFS, and this is one of those spots where he’s worth considering.

 

That’s all I’ve got for this week. Hopefully it helps you with some of your tougher lineup decisions that involve rookies as we get deeper into these pivotal weeks. Keep an eye on the injury report to see what happens with Peyton Barber, Sony Michel and Royce Freeman, and anyone else on your teams that is nicked up right now. Feel free to hit me up on twitter if you have any questions or want to harass me about any of the info above (@Shawn_Foss). As always: Good luck, trust your gut, and have fun. It’s just a game.

 

Welcome back to the Rookie Report! Here’s hoping the first 6 weeks of the season have treated you better than they have Devonta Freeman, Marcus Mariota, and the entire Arizona Cardinals team. Week 6 saw a couple of promising rookies come back to earth a bit as Nyheim Hines, Calvin Ridley, and Keke Coutee all saw dips in production, and both receivers suffered injuries as well. Both are likely to play this week, but it’s a setback nonetheless. We’re getting closer to the part of the season where unexpected rookies start to take on bigger roles. We’re also getting into the serious bye weeks with some high-powered offenses taking week 7 off – Green Bay, Pittsburgh and Seattle. Are there rookies who can help you fill in? Is this the week we finally start to see something from Nick Chubb, Mike Gesicki, or Ronald Jones? Let’s dive into week 7 and discuss…

 

Rookies to Start:

 

 

RB Saquon Barkley, NYG (Wk. 7: @Atl.): Of course Barkley is an every-week starter at this point as the number 3 fantasy running back on the year (all ranks and point totals are in PPR scoring), but he should be worth his lofty price tag in DFS lineups this Sunday. The Falcons have allowed the most RB catches on the year, and the 2^nd-most RB receiving yards. They also allow the 3^rd-most fantasy points to the position. This is probably the best matchup Barkley will get all season.

 

RB Sony Michel, NE (Wk. 7: @Chi.): The matchup is a tough one for Michel this week. The Bears rank 4^th in Football Outsiders’ run defense DVOA stat, and allow the 2^nd-fewest RB points per game, but Sony and the Pats are on too much of a roll to hide from a tough matchup. Sony has averaged 105 rushing yards per game and found the end zone 4 times in the last 3 weeks. Even if he doesn’t match that kind of output this week, he should be a solid RB2 in week 7.

 

RB Phillip Lindsay, DEN (Wk. 7: @Ari.): Arizona has been gouged by opposing backs, allowing the 2^nd-most points to the position per game. Lindsay’s receiving floor makes him the safer and more attractive play between he and fellow rookie Royce Freeman. There is upside there for both guys this week, but I’d lean Lindsay if you have both. With the number of byes this week, you’d have a hard time convincing me Lindsay isn’t a top-20 RB play this week.

 

Borderline Rookies:

 

QB Baker Mayfield, CLE (Wk. 7: @TB): The Bucs haven’t met a QB that they could hold under 330 passing yards yet, and only one that they’ve held below 3 passing scores. They’ve allowed more QB fantasy points per game than any other team and rank dead last in pass defense DVOA. Mayfield has been less efficient than I’d like and has turned the ball over a bunch, but this matchup gives him big upside. I dare you not to start him in a 2-QB league this week.

 

RB Kerryon Johnson, DET (Wk. 7: @Mia.): This is about as good a matchup as Kerryon has had all year. I’d be listing him as a back to start if I had any faith that the Lions would commit to getting him the ball. The Dolphins allow the 5^th-most RB points per game, and the Lions should be in a positive game script as a 3-point road favorite. Miami is vulnerable to receiving backs, so Theo Riddick could be in line for a nice flex-worthy game as well, but Kerryon should be right on the cusp of an RB2 this week assuming the touches are there.

 

RB Royce Freeman, DEN (Wk. 7: @Ari.): As I mentioned with Phillip Lindsay, the Cardinals are bad at defending running backs. The Cardinals have allowed 8 rushing scores on the year and have coughed up 140+ rushing yards to the position in 3 straight weeks. While I like Lindsay a little better this week due to his receiving floor, Freeman has enough upside to be a solid flex play this week.

 

WR Christian Kirk, ARI (Wk. 7: vs. Den.): Kirk is quickly building a rapport with fellow rookie Josh Rosen, but he gets a reasonably tough matchup this week. There’s a low floor for everyone in this passing game, but Kirk has caught for 77+ yards in 3 of the last 4 weeks. That’s at least flex-worthy in a week with some top talent on byes.

 

WR Calvin Ridley, ATL (Wk. 7: vs. NYG): Ridley’s game was cut short last week due to an injury. The TDs have dried up a little bit over the last couple games, but that upside that we’ve seen keeps him in the flex/WR3 discussion this week. Only Jacksonville allows fewer WR points per game than the Giants, but this game has the 2^nd-highest over/under of the week.

 

Rookies to Sit:

 

 

QB Josh Rosen, ARI (Wk. 7: vs. Den.): Only 2 quarterbacks have thrown for multiple TDs against this Broncos’ defense on the year, and Denver ranks 8^th in the league in pass defense DVOA. Rosen is averaging just 10.2 fantasy points per game through 3 starts. This isn’t a good week to count on that improving.

 

RB Nick Chubb, CLE (Wk. 7: @TB): You know the deal here. He just isn’t getting enough opportunity to be useful. He carried just 3 times last week.

 

RB Ronald Jones, TB (Wk. 7: vs. Cle.): Jones is finally starting to see a little bit of playing time and gets a favorable matchup this week, but played just 12 snaps total and saw 4 touches last week. He’s not ready for primetime just yet.

 

WR Courtland Sutton, DEN (Wk. 7: @Ari.): If Patrick Peterson would just follow Emmanuel Sanders into the slot, there might be some legit opportunity for Sutton this week. Instead, Peterson will likely be blanketing Demaryius Thomas while the Cards let Sanders have his way in the slot. Sutton remains just a DFS dart throw.

 

WR Keke Coutee, HOU (Wk. 7: @Jax.): Coutee is working through a hamstring injury, which saps his biggest asset – his speed. Deshaun Watson is also a bit banged up and they face a Jaguars’ defense that allows the fewest points in the league to opposing WRs. I’d expect a performance closer to last week from Coutee (3-33) rather than the 17 catches he put up the 2 weeks before.

 

WR Anthony Miller, CHI (Wk. 7: vs. NE): The Bears’ passing attack has broken out a bit over the past couple weeks, but Miller is yet to top 35 yards or 5 targets in a game. He’s no more than a DFS tournament punt play for the time being.

 

TE Dallas Goedert, PHI (Wk. 7: vs. Car.): Goedert gets a decent matchup this week, but as I’ve noted in this column in previous weeks, his role is nearly non-existent with Alshon Jeffery back. Two targets a week isn’t going to result in usable stat lines.

 

TEs Mark Andrews & Hayden Hurst, BAL (Wk. 7: vs. NO): The tight end position is heavily utilized in the Ravens’ offense, but there are too many guys involved to trust any of them. Andrews seems to have the most receiving upside of the quartet, but he and Hurst each played 20 snaps or less last weekend. Until someone really separates himself, there isn’t much use for these guys.

 

TE Mike Gesicki, MIA (Wk. 7: vs. Det.): Gesicki has seemingly been passed on the depth chart by Nick O’Leary. Yikes.

 

Rookies on Byes: RB Rashaad Penny, SEA, WRs Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown, GB, WR James Washington, PIT

 

Deep League Sleepers, Stashes, and Cheap DFS Options:

 

 

QB Sam Darnold, NYJ (Wk. 7: vs. Min.): Darnold has actually been a top-15 QB in each of the past 2 weeks, and the Vikings have quietly been struggling to defend the pass. Minnesota ranks just 25^th in pass defense DVOA, and has allowed the 8^th-most QB points per game. You could do worse than Darnold as a QB2 this week or as a cheap DFS tournament option at QB in a week with no Big Ben, Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers.

 

RB Ito Smith, ATL (Wk. 7: vs. NYG): Devonta Freeman was placed on IR this week, and Ito actually out-touched Tevin Coleman last week. The Giants rank just 22^nd in run defense DVOA, and Atlanta is a 5.5-point favorite this week. I like Ito as a flex play in deep leagues where you’re looking for a replacement option. He’s found the end zone in 3 straight. That streak will eventually end, but he’s got nice upside for week 7.

 

RB Nyheim Hines, IND (Wk. 7: vs. Buf.): Hines’s snap count saw a pretty big dip with Marlon Mack back in the lineup last weekend, but he still played more snaps than the aforementioned Mack. The Bills have been solid at defending RBs, but they rank 22^nd in pass defense DVOA on throws to opposing backs. Hines is the best receiving RB on the team. He might see his production bounce back a bit this week in PPR leagues.

 

WR DJ Moore, CAR (Wk. 7: @Phi.): Moore has now seen solid production in back-to-back weeks (minus the 2 fumbles last week). He’s posted 4-49 with an 18-yard run, and 4-59 with an 18-yard run in the past 2 contests. The Eagles allow the 7^th-most WR points per game. Moore hasn’t been consistent enough this year to warrant more than a flex play in the deepest of leagues or in DFS tournaments, but if he continues to progress you’ll be using him in normal 12-team leagues before you know it.

 

WR Antonio Callaway, CLE (Wk. 7: @TB): Callaway saw his snaps and targets return last week, but still without the production. He turned 72 offensive snaps and 10 targets into just 2 catches for 9 yards. If he’s ever going to get it going now is the time. The Bucs allow the 2^nd-most WR points per game and rank dead last in pass defense DVOA. He’s no more than a cheap DFS tournament play, but this could be the week where he finally puts something together.

 

WR Tre’Quan Smith, NO (Wk. 7: @Bal.): Smith’s Monday night outburst before the team’s bye may have seemed like a one-time fluke, but it looks like Ted Ginn may be out again this week. He isn’t practicing as of Wednesday. Smith played about two-thirds of the offensive snaps with Ginn sidelined in week 5. If that repeats itself here, Tre’Quan is an intriguing DFS tournament play against a Ravens’ defense that has hardly been a shutdown unit against competent passing attacks.

 

That’s all I’ve got for this week. Hopefully it helps you with some of your tougher rookie lineup decisions this week. Keep an eye on the injury report this week. There are plenty of rookies dealing with their own injuries, and a few others who could be impacted by injuries to teammates like Tre’Quan and Ito Smith. Feel free to hit me up on twitter if you have any specific questions or want to yell at me about anything written above (@Shawn_Foss). As always: Good luck, trust your gut, and have fun. It’s just a game.

 

Welcome back to the Rookie Report! We've made it about halfway through the NFL season, so it's time to kick your playoff push for the fantasy playoffs into high gear. This week is going to challenge many fantasy teams with SIX NFL teams on a bye, and among them several peak fantasy performers. With that in mind, there are going to be some unexpected rookies who are going to push themselves into the usable range in shallower leagues. There were also some trades this week that may have opened up new opportunities for a couple rookies. Before I dive into the week 9 breakdown, I did want to mention one rookie who is sitting out this week on bye. Eagles' rookie Josh Adams is well worth a pickup after providing a solid rushing effort last week in a wide open backfield. He has a chance to be a top-30 back down the stretch if his performance continues. Now let's look at the outlook for the rest of the rooks...

 

Rookies to Start:

 

RB Phillip Lindsay, DEN (Wk. 9: vs. Hou.): Royce Freeman is likely going to be sidelined this week and Lindsay has done well to establish himself as a weekly RB2 even with Freeman healthy. The Texans aren't an inviting matchup, ranking 1st in the league in Football Outsiders' run defense DVOA stat, but there's no reason to sit Lindsay in a week with so many top options on byes.

 

RB Nick Chubb, CLE (Wk. 9: vs. KC): Chubb also will likely be a beneficiary of all of the byes this week. Saquon, Marlon Mack, Joe Mixon and David Johnson are all off this week, and Kansas City allows more RB fantasy points per game than any other team in the league. The Browns' offense has been sputtering lately, and things are in flux with the coaching changes, but Chubb should be a solid RB2 in a plus matchup this week. The only fear is that game script may get away from him with the Browns a 10-point underdog.

 

Borderline Rookies:

 

QB Baker Mayfield, CLE (Wk. 9: vs. KC): KC's been sharp against the pass in the last 2 weeks, but they've still allowed the 7th-most fantasy points per game to opposing QBs. Mayfield has been less than stellar over the past couple weeks, but he's recorded at least 1 touchdown in every start he's made this year, and the coaching changes may provide a boost to Mayfield and the offense. With 6 QBs out this week, Mayfield makes for a reasonable QB2 option.

 

QB Sam Darnold, NYJ (Wk. 9: @Mia.): In 2-QB leagues, just about everyone is in play this week. Darnold strikes me as more of a desperation option, but there is some reason for optimism. His yardage totals have been low (more than 210 passing yards just twice in 8 games), but the Dolphins have coughed up multiple TDs in 4 of the past 5 contests, and have given up 14 total passing TDs in those weeks. They also rank just 26th in pass defense DVOA. There are worse fill-in options this week for 2-QB formats.

 

RB Kerryon Johnson, DET (Wk. 9: @Min.): You're almost certainly going to play Kerryon if you have him given how he's played lately, especially with the byes and with the Lions likely to employ a more balanced approach with Golden Tate shipped off to Philly. The issue for Kerryon this week is the matchup, and the possible return of Theo Riddick. Minnesota has allowed just one team's RB group to top 60 rushing yards in the past 4 weeks, and they rank 10th in run defense DVOA. Theo may cut into his passing game work. This makes Johnson a risky RB2 for week 9.

 

RB Sony Michel, NE (Wk. 9: vs. GB): Keep a close eye on the injury report with Michel. He got in a limited practice on Saturday before not playing on Monday night, so there is a decent chance he plays this week. It's a solid matchup if he's able to suit up with Green Bay ranking 24th in run defense DVOA. He's a worthy flex or RB2 option if he's able to play. The Pats are unlikely to hold him back if they played Cordarrelle Patterson in his stead on Monday.

 

WR Calvin Ridley, ATL (Wk. 9: @Was.): Ridley may even be in play for you as a WR2 if you're hard up due to byes. He's been quiet lately after his early season TD barrage, being held to under 50 receiving yards in each of the past 3 contests with zero scores, but he was the 2nd-most targeted Falcon last week after Julio Jones. This week is a good opportunity for him to get back on track against a middling Washington WR defense. There's risk here that he continues to stay in the 3-40-0 range, but I like his chances for a bounceback game.

 

WR DJ Moore, CAR (Wk.9: vs. TB): This will be as good a week as any to take a risk on DJ Moore. The Bucs allow the 2nd most WR points per game, and rank dead last in pass defense DVOA. Moore's role has been rapidly increasing. Over the past 4 games he's tallied 18 catches for 237 yards, and 4 rushes for 75, and he set a season-high with 129 scrimmage yards in week 8. There's a chance he duplicates that feat in a great matchup.

 

WR Courtland Sutton, DEN (Wk. 9: vs. Hou.): With Demaryius Thomas gone, the WR2 role in Denver is wide open for Sutton to take over. That role didn't exactly work out well for DT, but the Texans rank 30th in pass defense DVOA on throws to the number 2 WR. He's more of an upside play than a safe option this week, but the drop off in target competition should give him a higher floor moving forward.

 

Rookies to Sit:

 

RB Royce Freeman, DEN (Wk. 9: vs. KC): If Freeman manages to play, he'll likely take a back seat to Phillip Lindsay and be eased back into action. Since the Texans rank 1st in run defense DVOA, this probably isn't the best spot to take a chance on a limited Freeman.

 

RB Ito Smith, ATL (Wk. 9: @Was.): Ito has upside as long as Devonta Freeman is out, but this isn't a great matchup. Washington has allowed just 90 total rushing yards and zero total TDs to running backs in the past 3 weeks, and they faced Zeke, Saquon, and McCaffrey in that stretch. Ito isn't on that level. I'd look elsewhere for RB help this week.

 

RB Justin Jackson, LAC (Wk.9: @Sea.): Ok, so you weren't actually considering playing Jackson this week, but he's definitely worth watching for those of you playing in dynasty leagues if Melvin Gordon is out again. Rookie scouting guru Matt Waldman compared Jackson with Jamaal Charles in this year's Rookie Scouting Portfolio, and this may be the first real look we get at him. He was ultra-productive in college at Northwestern. If he impresses, he may be worth a stash in deeper dynasty formats.

 

WR Keke Coutee, HOU (Wk. 9: @Den.): Keke's status is still up in the air this week as he works his way back from a hamstring injury, and his overall outlook took a hit with the trade for Demaryius Thomas. Coutee will still have WR3 upside when healthy, but I'd probably steer clear this week. The Broncos' best corner Chris Harris Jr patrols the slot, and the Broncos rank 2nd in pass defense DVOA on throws to WRs who aren't their team's #1 or 2.

 

WR Michael Gallup, DAL (Wk.9: vs. Ten.): Gallup seemed to be making strides when he posted his best game of the year before the bye (3-81-1)...then thee Cowboys went out and traded for Amari Cooper. Cooper's role as the team's WR1 should be obvious after the team spent a first round pick to acquire him. The rest of the WR group already was tough to figure out, and now there are less snaps and targets to divvy up between them. Keep Gallup parked on the bench until we see him emerge with Amari around.

 

WR Damion Ratley, CLE (Wk. 9: vs. KC): Ratley had just one catch in week 8, and it's likely that Rashard Higgins will return this week and push Ratley back to the bench.

 

TEs Hayden Hurst & Mark Andrews, BAL (Wk. 9: @Pit.): Andrews continues to be the most involved TE in the Ravens' passing game, but it isn't resulting in fantasy success. Hurst did post his first career TD last Sunday after head coach John Harbaugh talked about getting him more involved, but it came in garbage time with Lamar Jackson at QB. Neither player is doing enough to trust this week.

 

TE Jordan Thomas, HOU (Wk. 9: @Den.): Don't be fooled by the 2 touchdowns from last week, tight ends don't get featured in this offense. Thomas had just 4 catches all season prior to week 8, and in his 'breakout' 2-TD game he was asked to block on nearly two-thirds of the snaps he played. I wouldn't expect a repeat performance.

 

Rookies on Bye: QB Josh Rosen, ARI, RB Saquon Barkley, NYG, RB Josh Adams, PHI, RBs Nyheim Hines & Jordan Wilkins, IND, RB Chase Edmonds, ARI, RB Mark Walton, CIN, WR Christian Kirk, ARI, WR DJ Chark, JAX, TE Dallas Goedert, PHI

 

Deep League Sleepers, Stashes, and Cheap DFS Options:

 

RB Trenton Cannon, NYJ (Wk. 9: @Mia.): The Dolphins are favored to win this game, and they've allowed the 9th-most RB receiving yards on the year. Cannon wasn't overly productive last week, but he will continue to play the 3rd-down role at least until Eli McGuire returns from IR. He's only an option in deep PPR leagues this week. Make sure that McGuire isn't returning this week before pulling the trigger.

 

WR Tre'Quan Smith, NO (Wk. 9: vs. LAR): I'm still on the Tre'Quan train despite limited results over the past 2 weeks. Drew Brees likely won't be limited to 120 passing yards again in a game with the highest over/under of the week, and Smith is running as the Saints' WR2. He'll be hard to trust in anything but deeper leagues and DFS tournaments, but there is still big upside here.

 

WR Anthony Miller, CHI (Wk. 9: @Buf.): Miller has been targeted 7 times in each of the last 2 weeks, and it seems there's a good chance A-Rob misses another game this week. The rookie has caught just 5 of those 14 targets for 72 yards and a score, but he's likely to avoid the coverage of Tre'Davious White since White rarely goes into the slot. Miller is a better option than teammate Taylor Gabriel this week.

 

WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, GB (Wk.9: @NE): Despite the return to action of Randall Cobb and Geronimo Allison in week 8, Valdes-Scantling still played ahead of them. It may just be the Packers easing the injured guys back in, but if it continues here MVS has some decent upside. This tilt has shootout potential with the 2nd-highest O/U of the week.

 

WR Antonio Callaway, CLE (Wk. 9: vs. KC): Callaway finally had a game where he caught more than half of his targets, pulling in 5-of-6 opportunities and finding the end zonein week 8. The yardage was limited, but it was still a good sign to see his efficiency improve. The Browns will likely be throwing a lot this week, and the Chiefs are a good matchup for WRs. I'm not ready to fully trust Callaway, but he's an interesting upside play this week, especially as a cheap DFS tournament option.

 

WR DaeSean Hamilton, DEN (Wk. 9: vs. Hou.): We haven't seen much of Hamilton yet, but with Demaryius shipped off to Houston he should step into the WR3 role that resulted in a few productive weeks for Courtland Sutton. DaeSean is an intriguing stash for deeper dynasty leagues to see how his role shakes out without DT.

 

TE Chris Herndon, NYJ (Wk. 9: @Mia.): There isn't a lot of yardage upside with Herndon, but he's a better than average TD dart throw this week. The rookie tight end has scored a touchdown in 3 straight games, and the Dolphins have allowed 5 scores to the position in the last 3 contests.

 

That's all I've got for this week. Hopefully it helps you with some of your toughest lineup decisions this week that involve rookies. It could be a messy week with so many byes, so make sure to keep an extra close eye on the injury report this week to make sure all of your players suit up, and to look for unexpected opportunity that can benefit your team. Feel free to reach out on twitter if you have any questions or want to yell at me about anything written above (@Shawn_Foss). As always: Good luck, trust your gut, and have fun. It's just a game.