The rookies are starting to make a lot of noise. Not only are some ‘must starts,’ they’re becoming household names. Here’s where the rookies stack up against each other, heading into Week 6.
1.) Ja’Marr Chase (Previous Rank: 1)
It’s only Week 5, and we’ve already reached the point where there’s chatter of Ja’Marr Chase being the Dynasty WR1. Yeah, he’s very good at football. Chase scored yet another touchdown last week and posted a 6/159/1 line against the Packers. So for the third week in a row, my only advice with Chase: set him & forget him.
Advice: START
2.) Najee Harris (Previous Rank: 2)
If it weren’t for Chase, Najee Harris would easily be number one on this list. Harris had yet another career-day, only this time it was on the ground. Harris rushed for over 100 yards for the first time in his young career and capped it off with a leaping touchdown. Just like Chase, Harris makes our “jobs” easy. Set him and forget him.
Advice: START
3.) DeVonta Smith (Previous Rank: 3)
Could DeVonta Smith become the third rookie ‘must-start every week? It’s possible. Smith has made his case as Philly’s WR1, and even in sluggish games, he’s able to produce. Smith caught seven of eight targets for 77 yards in Week 5. Now, he gets to go against a sub-par Tampa secondary in what is sure to be a contest where Jalen Hurts has to throw a lot.
Advice: START
4.) Kyle Pitts (Previous Rank: On the Bubble)
MY WORD. The ‘Kyle Pitts Breakout’ was even more fun than we imagined. Pitts went OFF in London, reeling in nine catches for 119 yards and his first career touchdown. The Falcons are on a bye this week, but I just had to include Pitts with this outing.
Advice: BYE WEEK
5.) Jaylen Waddle (Previous Rank: 4)
The good: Tua is coming back. The bad: Jaylen Waddle had the worst game of his career last week against the Bucs. Waddle recorded just two catches for 31 yards. Regardless, Tua is coming back soon, and that’s a good thing for Waddle’s managers.
Advice: SIT (if Tua is out)
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6.) Kadarius Toney (Previous Rank: 10)
Speaking of breakouts, Kadarius Toney gave us another ‘Big-stage Breakout’ in Week 5. Toney only played in only 54% of the Giants’ offensive snaps against Dallas, but he was still able to end up with ten catches for 189 yards. If he’s healthy, he’s a starter.
Advice: START
7.) Elijah Mitchell (Previous Rank: 7)
Finally, we have a little more clarity on the 49ers backfield. Elijah Mitchell and Trey Sermon were healthy and on the active roster for the first time this season, and Mitchell got most of the attention. Sermon recorded just one carry on the day, compared to Mitchell’s nine carries. Mitchell appears to be the one to manage in this backfield… for now. It’s still Kyle Shanahan. Week 6 will be a tough one for either back because the Niners are going against a Colts defense that held Baltimore to under 100 yards rushing for the first time in (literally) forever.
Advice: SIT
8.) Javonte Williams (Previous Rank: 8)
It feels like each week, Javonte Williams continues to prove to the Broncos he deserves the rock in his hands. But each week, Denver coaches don’t seem to always listen to their eyes. Williams is starting to create some distance between himself and Melvin Gordon, so it appears we are getting closer and closer to him taking the reins for the Broncos. Williams is noticeably more explosive than Gordon in the rushing and passing game. The rookie’s time will come. If you’re in a pinch at RB, go ahead and plug him in.
Advice: START*
9.) Amon-Ra St. Brown (Previous Rank: Unranked)
Hello Mr. St. Brown! The Detroit Lions’ receiving core is beaten-up, and that’s opened the door for Amon-Ra St. Brown. The rookie has recorded eight targets two weeks in a row and is becoming more and more involved in the offense. He’s a safe WR3/FLEX against the Bengals if you need some WR help.
Advice: START
10.) Rondale Moore (Previous Rank: On the Bubble)
Rondale Moore had a ‘Sunday Fun Day.’ Moore carried the ball three times and hauled in five catches against the 49ers. Any pass catcher on this Arizona offense remains pretty volatile, so I’d caution anyone to start a WR not named Nuke.
Advice: SIT
**On the Bubble**
All Rookie Quarterbacks
When Davis Mills has the best day out of any rookie quarterback, and he did have himself a day, it’s cause to sit and keep observing this young group of slingers.
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