Rookies are often 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 for Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season.
1.) Trevor Lawrence (JAX @ HOU)
So glad Trevor Lawrence won that intense “QB Battle” in Jacksonville *sarcasm.* Now that he’s officially the Week 1 starter, 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). Lawrence could come out of the gate white-hot.
2.) Najee Harris (PIT @ BUF)
The Bills aren’t an ideal matchup for the rookie running back, but he’s the undisputed RB1 in Pittsburgh, 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 TD’s in 2020.
3.) Kyle Pitts (ATL v PHI)
Julio Jones is out, and Kyle Pitts’ stock keeps rising. Reports have him lining up all over the field, so he could very likely become Matt Ryan’s second option behind Calvin Ridley. Pitts’ Week 1 matchup against the Eagles could quickly become a shootout, giving him an excellent chance to find the endzone for his first career touchdown in his first NFL game.
4.) Javonte Williams (DEN @ NYG)
Javonte Williams has made the case to be the 1B to Melvin Gordon’s 1A to start the season. Williams has looked phenomenal all preseason. Now, Williams gets the Giants for his NFL debut, and they have a good defensive unit. But thanks to his preseason performance, Williams could and should see plenty of opportunities from the jump. Watch for him to climb these rankings quickly this season.
5.) Ja’Marr Chase (MIN @ CIN)
The preseason has not been ideal for Ja’Marr Chase. Good thing these games don’t count. Chase gets a “fresh start” against Minnesota in Week 1. Chase also plays on an offense that could be throwing A LOT. Joe Burrow averaged 40.4 pass attempts/game in 2020. At that rate, he would’ve finished first in attempts and set a rookie record.
6.) 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 breaks out as Jalen Hurts’ top target, this game and season could be fun for Smith’s managers.
7.) 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. But Zach Wilson looked good in the preseason and seemed ready to go as the Jets’ franchise QB.
8.) Trey Sermon (SF @ DET)
Trey Sermon has made his case to be the #2 back in San Francisco. That’s the position he was in when he entered the preseason, and that’s where he’s stayed. It’s a timeshare for the rookie, but it’s the 49ers. Sermon should get a healthy workload in his pro debut against Detroit.
9.) Elijah Moore (NYJ @ CAR)
Embed from Getty ImagesUnfortunately, we missed the Zach Wilson-Elijah Moore connection this preseason because of an injury, but week one is almost here. Moore is now healthy and ready to go. He has looked great all through camp, so his debut is going to be one to watch.
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10.) Terrace Marshall Jr. (CAR vs. NYJ)
There’s talk that it’s officially ‘Terrace Marshall SZN,’ and for a good reason. The rookie from LSU had arguably the best preseason out of his fellow rookies on this list. In his final game, he finished with three receptions, 43 yards, and one touchdown. This game is also a revenge game for Sam Darnold, so be looking for Darnold to put in a career performance.
**On the Bubble**
Michael Carter (NYJ @ CAR)
Jets’ rookie running back Michael Carter has had some work with the first-team in training camp and this preseason, but this backfield is still a big question mark. If Carter can fend off the others to stay near the top of the depth chart, I like his chances of climbing into the top 10.
Jaylen Waddle (MIA @ NE)
Jaylen Waddle will begin his NFL career with a tough Week 1 matchup. The Dolphins are traveling to New England to take on the Patriots and their elite defense. Waddle will likely have a ‘trial by fire’ for his pro debut.
Be sure to check back each week throughout the NFL season for updated power rankings!
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