Rookies are an essential piece of every fantasy football team’s pie, and this year is no different. So to help with which rookies could be most vital to your success, here are the top 10 heading into the preseason with a focus on their Week 1 regular-season matchups. Remember, a lot can change in the next four weeks so check back with us before the season.
1.) QB Trevor Lawrence (JAX @ HOU)
The number one overall pick will make his NFL debut against the Houston Texans. The Houston defense ranked in the bottom 10 in giving up the most points (6th), total yards (3rd), passing yards (9th), and passing touchdowns (10th). Trevor Lawrence could come out of the gate white-hot.
2.) RB Najee Harris (PIT @ BUF)
The Bills aren’t an ideal matchup for the rookie running back, but he’s the only undisputed RB1 in this draft class, so he gets a bump. He’s a first-round pick who will be used “all over the place” this season, which means he’ll get opportunities from the start. Buffalo was middle-of-the-pack in rush-yards allowed but did surrender the 6th most rushing TDs in 2020.
3.) TE Kyle Pitts (ATL v PHI)
Julio Jones is out, and Kyle Pitts’ stock keeps rising. Pitts has a good chance to become Matt Ryan’s second option behind Calvin Ridley. If Pitts becomes a favorite in the preseason – his Week 1 matchup against the Eagles could be a shootout, giving him an excellent chance to find the endzone for his first career touchdown in his first NFL game.
4.) RB Travis Etienne (JAX @ HOU)
Scroll back up and check out Trevor Lawrence’s write-up. There only needs to be two things added here: Houston also gave up the most rushing yards and the 2nd most rushing TDs in 2020. Travis Etienne could be eatin’ in Week 1.
5.) WR DeVonta Smith (PHI @ ATL)
As mentioned in Pitts’ section, this matchup has the makings of a shootout. Atlanta gave up the most pass yards and third-most passing touchdowns in 2020. If DeVonta Smith comes out of the preseason healthy and as Jalen Hurts’ top target, this game and season could be fun for Smith’s managers.
6.) WR Ja’Marr Chase (MIN @ CIN)
The Vikings spent the offseason upgrading their defensive unit, so this matchup for Jamarr Chase is not ideal. But he’s Ja’Marr Chase and plays on an offense that could be throwing A LOT. Joe Burrow averaged 40.4 pass attempts/game in 2020. At that rate Burrow would’ve finished first in the league in attempts and would’ve set a rookie record. I’m taking my chances on Chase.
7.) WR Rashod Bateman (BAL @ LV)
The Raiders will finally be debuting their Death Star with fans in the stands on Monday Night Football, and Baltimore will be looking to play spoiler. Thankfully for Rashod Bateman managers, the Las Vegas secondary was not good in 2020, and it could be the same in 2021. The unit gave up the 7th most pass yards and 6th most net yards per attempt while only recording 10 interceptions. With Hollywood Brown out, Bateman will be looking to make sure everyone knows he’s the alpha wideout in Baltimore.
8.) RB Javonte Williams (DEN @ NYG)
A preseason ‘must watch’ is the Broncos backfield. There appears to be a ‘depth chart battle’ brewing in Denver, and that’s good news for Javonte Williams managers. Anytime a rookie running back makes a case for RB1, it’s a good sign of things to come. The Giants have a good defensive unit, but if Williams keeps closing the gap with Melvin Gordon, he could see plenty of opportunities.
9.) QB Zach Wilson (NYJ @ CAR)
The 2nd overall pick has a fine matchup in Week 1 against Carolina. The Panthers were in the middle of the pack in 2020 in total pass defense and ranked 31st with just seven interceptions. The big reason why Zach Wilson finds himself on this list is that he’s the only other rookie QB who’s a Week 1 starter, which makes him (possibly) relevant in super-flex formats.
10.) WR Elijah Moore (NYJ @ CAR)
Elijah Moore’s camp hype is just too good. Moore has been on my watch list since the draft, and he’s off to a fast start. No pun intended. He’s already climbed the “depth chart” and is running with the first-team offense in camp. Don’t blink, Moore could quickly climb these rankings and become the WR1 in New York.
** On the Bubble **
WR Jaylen Waddle (MIA @ NE)
Jaylen Waddle could find himself fantasy relevant in 2021, but it’ll be hard in Week 1. The Dolphins are traveling to New England to take on the Patriots and their elite defense.
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RB Trey Sermon (SF @ DET)
Detroit had a busy offseason. The Lions were atrocious on defense in 2020, so they did a ton of work to their defensive front through trades and the draft. Plus, Trey Sermon plays for the 49ers, and a timeshare is likely.
RB Michael Carter (NYJ @ CAR)
Jets’ rookie running back Michael Carter gets the edge here for his work with the first-team offense in training camp. If Carter stays at the top of the depth chart, I like his chances of becoming fantasy relevant in Week 1 and this season.
RB Javian Hawkins (ATL v PHI)
I like him.
As mentioned, a lot can change in the next four weeks. Keep an eye out for our next Top 10 ahead of Week 1 and every week after that. We’ll be providing rookie power rankings all season long!
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